Novie Bushwalker

[Cameron D]

Hey all, names Cameron and im a bit of a novice bushwalker but i really wanna get into it more. Was just wondering if anyone could suggest some good walks to do. stay over night and head back the next day for someone in my shoes.

Cheers guys

Cameron

[Drifting]

Depends on your fitness level, but I'd say Lee's Paddocks or Lady Lake would be a good first overnighter. Do you have all of your gear together?

[Cameron D]

Ive got got a pack, sleeping bag, tent. going to pick up a small gas stove for boiling water and some thermals, a fleece jacket and probably a sleeping mat and i think i should be right then.

[Drifting]

You'll need a rainshell- I'd go cheap to start with, and upgrade. I'd avoid mid-level products though- if you're buying cheap, buy rainbird or something like that, if you're buying dear, go for something in goretex or similar fabric, that'll cost you a couple of hundred bucks on sale. IMHO the stuff in the middle ranges tends to fall apart as quickly as the cheap stuff.

You'll want a mat of some form. The el cheapo blue closed-cell foam pads are better than nothing. Also, a trowel to bury poo. I'd stay in the lower altitudes or on the more heavily travelled tracks for your first few hikes, especially as you'll be breaking in your new gear and getting a feel for both your capacity and the capacity of your equipment. Lee's Paddocks would be my choice, followed by Wineglass Bay (you'll need to take water).

Don't forget map/maps, a compass, some spare socks, a basic first aid kit, salt or DEET for leeches, and to let someone know when/where you'll be going and when you'll be back.

IMHO you'd be best to hook up with someone experienced on here, or through a local hiking club, for your first couple of hikes. Hiking alone without experience is a recipe for disaster in my experience (not first hand experience though....lol)

[tazz]

If you want a nice afternoon walk try mount Arthur,some steep grades and rock hopping but nothing too taxing, plus some wonderful views at the end of it. only a 25 minute drive from Launceston.

[Cameron D]

yeah sweet thanks for all the help guys. went and picked up a mat this arvo, also a knife cause i couldnt help myself haha. Just gotta get a few more bits and ill be ready for my first hike

[Drifting]

Before you go, I'd suggest compiling a list of what you plan to take, and posting it on the site for folks to review for you. Having the proper gear, and not too little or to much for that matter, can make a huge difference in the enjoyability of your trip.

[stepbystep]

Good info here http://bushwalk.com/wiki/index.php?titl ... _Resources
or this viewtopic.php?f=15&t=31
or just browse this viewforum.php?f=15

should keep you busy The only thing I've learnt, is you NEVER have enough gear

[Cameron D]

haha righto well heres a list i did up, let me know what ya'll think


tent
sleeping bag
mat
first aid kit
trangia
metho
pot
cutlery
food
thermals
fleece jacket
Leg cover things (not sure what there called)
beanie
gloves
other clothes
water bottle
knife
Bog roll
Head torch
rain shell
toothbrush

[Drifting]

You need to add:

wind/waterproof matches or two different lighters
compass
map
whistle (always a must on ANY hike)
a bit of thin rope or cord (just for emergency)
trowel for digging a cat hole

possibly think about taking some kind of sugary drink mix for hypothermia/shock, and at least one compression bandage for snake or spider bite.

Sounds like you're close to getting there!

[Cameron D]

Thanks heaps. just updated my list so i can make sure i get them

Me and my friend have decided to do wineglass bay pretty soon. From what i remember when i did it a long time ago it wasnt that long of a walk. Can anyone give me an idea on how long it does take? I want to do Lee's Paddocks personally.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Wineglass bay takes about 30-40 minutes. It barely qualifies as a bushwalk....Make it more interesting by doing the Freycinet circuit. It's a good place for a new walker to see what they think of it and see how they cope. it's a VERY easy walk with very few hills. and a very good track exists the entire way. Also there will be lots of other people around in case you get into any trouble. The only trouble you may have is finding water. I'd carry quite a few litres.

[Drifting]

Wineglass bay takes about 30-40 minutes. It barely qualifies as a bushwalk....Make it more interesting by doing the Freycinet circuit. It's a good place for a new walker to see what they think of it and see how they cope. it's a VERY easy walk with very few hills. and a very good track exists the entire way. Also there will be lots of other people around in case you get into any trouble. The only trouble you may have is finding water. I'd carry quite a few litres.

I'd respectfully disagree on that one- the first trip ought to be basic- a "shakedown" if you will. Having to add water to the considerations makes that trip more complex than I'd advise for a first time. But just my opinion.

[Cameron D]

righto, so like, the lees paddocks, is there water pretty readily available on that walk? and how long does it generally take?

[ILUVSWTAS]

I'd suggest getting a hold of a couple of books and doing some research ( i know thats what your doing here, but it's easier when the book is in front of you to find a walk that will suit you) and going from there.
Lee's Paddock might not be the best option for a first walk. Gotta start somewhere though! Just be smart and go for it!!

[tasadam]

righto, so like, the lees paddocks, is there water pretty readily available on that walk? and how long does it generally take?

G'day!
I'd strongly recommend getting this book by John Chapman. It will answer many of your questions, and for places like Lees Paddock where a good track exists, the maps are probably adequate enough to get you started. Personally I prefer carrying 1:25000 maps on most walks, I get them laminated and roll them up, it means I can navigate around if I decide to explore a bit.

Lees Paddock is an easy day walk, in to Lees Hut and back to the car in a day, and it's pretty flat. There are sections where you may find a bit of mud but it shouldn't be anything to worry about, also some sections where the track passes through areas of thick ferns, and snakes like ferns, though I haven't seen any there it's something to be aware of.
Also I would recommend taking some Bushman's DEET, the lime green tube, great for discouraging leeches.
Why do they call it LEEcheS PADDOCK?

Water - you cross a suspension bridge not far from the start of the walk, also follow the creek initially. Then at the paddock you come to an area where you can see the creek again. If you get desperate for water along the way, divert to Oxley Falls, though this will only be necessary if you are not carrying enough.
There's another creek which is crossed on a log bridge (or anywhere really) not far from Lees Hut.

[Cameron D]

Thanks guys. Well im going to pick up some new boots, thermals, fleece and a rain shell today. still trying to decide what walk we want to do but all your input has really helped alot

[Drifting]

If money's not an issue, you could consider walking from the Lake St Clair visitor's centre to Narcissus Hut to Pine Valley Hut and then back out to Narcissus Hut, taking the ferry from there back to the visitor's centre, or walking back.

Also, you could try Lady Lake- there's a hut and all there, though it's not the longest walk. That's on the Western Tiers, about an hour (?) from Launceston.

You might want to try to hook up with these folks too: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3277 Walk in with them, set up camp, and then walk out when you're ready.