Bushwalking

Whether you live in the city or the country, going for a walk with nature can be an exhilarating and enjoyable experience. If you are sick of socialising in cafes or popping over to friend's places, try getting outdoors and into the bush. The thought of bush walking to many of you may sound boring and too much hard work. But have you ever stopped to think of it as a social activity that can actually be lots of fun (along with burning heaps of calories)? It doesn't matter what time of the year, as the bush has much to offer all year round. During summer, although you need to keep an eye out for snakes, it's an opportune time to make your walking destination to somewhere you can swim and cool off in. If it's during winter, with the worry of snakes gone, you can find some incredible waterfalls flowing.

Convincing your friends

You need to work on one or more friends. If they are hard to persuade, then you need a good approach. When you suggest your idea, ensure you make bushwalking appear different and exciting. You could make it a 'couple's' day, or a girl's thing. Take a backpack and bring a picnic. Make sure the place you suggest have some great walking tracks and site seeing areas. And don't forget to tell the girls that it's a social activity that is great for fitness and toning up. One other thing, don't go taking them on some 12km walk, because if you ever want to go again, I'm sure you'll find yourself having to convince another group of people to go with you. Keep the walk around 4-8km (return). This kind of walk is then suitable for the fit and unfit, without wearing anyone out, as its only 1-2 hours of walking. Plan it so the destination will be where you stop and have lunch. And if you want, you can make it a real luxury lunch, where you can kickback, eat great food and socialise while you are immersed in beautiful surroundings.

What you need:

First and foremost, each and every one of you going needs comfortable and appropriate footwear. Almost everything after this is secondary. If you start getting blisters, your whole day will be wrecked. And while we are on the subject, make sure someone packs super-strength Band-Aids in case one of you decides to be silly and try out new hiking boots.

What you decide to wear will depend on the season. It's always a good idea to take a jacket of some kind in your backpack; you never know when it's going to rain. Even if it's summer, it's good to cover your ankles with thick socks; this helps to avoid scratches on your legs as well as some protection from snakes. For those afraid of snakes, they're really not a problem. If you stay on the track, and don't hunt them down, they'll stay out of your way (they can hear the vibrations from your feet as you walk, so they're usually well and truly gone as you get close).

Snakebite is rare, but if you are ever in the bush it is important to carry a bandage in case the worst happens (or if someone slips etc), they can be handy to have. Carrying a small first aid kit is a good idea. It's not that bushwalking is dangerous, but you are a fair walk to civilisation, so it's a good idea to pack a bandage, Band-Aids, paracetamol, oh and don't forget tampons, as it's times like this when you may really need them. And then there are the tissues; these can be used to double as toilet paper. Insect repellent is also a good idea if it's summer; you'll kick yourself for not packing it by lunchtime.

Now it's a good idea if there's a few of you, who take a couple of backpacks and take turns in carrying them, especially if you're planning a picnic. You need about 1 litre of water for each person; you can get really thirsty bushwalking. Then there's the choice of food...that's up to you. But be practical, you don't want to take something like ice cream. Potato salad and chicken is always good (just make sure it hasn't been in the sun for hours). And don't forget the picnic blanket. Taking the camera is a must, you'll never know what interesting animals you'll stumble upon, have it ready at all times, especially at creek crossings (someone's bound to fall in). Remember girls don't forget to protect your skin with sunscreen.

The most important thing to do before you leave is to tell someone where you are going (and I mean someone who isn't going with you), show him or her on a map (and take the map with you).

- Louise Ganey