Bushwalking and Bushcraft Courses

[Moel Hebog]

Hi Folks,

I'm emigrating to NSW in September and as an enthusiastic hill walker I'm keen to find out more about Bushwalking here in Australia. I've had a look on the internet and seen a couple of bushwalking clubs close to where I'm going to be living in NSW and intend to look them up. However, what I'm really interested to find out is what bushwalking qualifications (if any at all) you need to take groups of walkers on trips.

I hold a Mountain Leader (Summer) walking qualification from the Mountain Leader Training Board in the UK which qualifies me to lead parties of up to 6 walkers in mountainous areas up to 1000m or below the snowline, whichever is the greater. Is there an equivalent body or qualification in Australia? From what I've seen so far, the only requirement is to have a valid first aid qualification.

I'm also interested in doing a bushcraft course to get familiar with the environment I'm going to be walking in. I'm soon to retire from the RAF Regiment and have done numerous bushcraft and survival courses including a Fundamental Bushcraft Course taught by Ray Mears.

I'd also appreciate any book recommendations on Australian Bushwalking Skills as well.

Thanks for your help.

[ninjapuppet]

The guys over at UTSOAC are running a series of bushcraft weekends. best of all its free:

http://www.utsoac.org.au/Activities.asp#1832

There are a few commercial operators but In Australia, environmental degradation is a real concern. Many other bushwalking clubs will scorn at you if you arrive at camp thinking you'll be making a make-shift shelter. One dude was kicked out of our club for this after a repeat offence, which I still thought was abit harsh. Shows you some people take this issue pretty seriously.

September is spring time here so it'll be a really pleasant time to come and enjoy the bush.

[Maelgwn]

There is a national standard/curriculum for bushwalking leadership courses however I think the training changes state by state.

I suspect most clubs will let you run trips without formal qualification, just some experience with how the club operates and a first aid qualification.

Is this for personal development or employment?

[Moel Hebog]

Hi folks,

Thanks for your replies. On the bushcraft side it is definitely more about the flora and fauna, the environment I'll be walking in and being able to talk about the land as I walk with a party. The bush walking qualification is a bit of personal development and maybe employment too. I have done some contract work in UK for companies that run walking holidays. I got my expenses covered and earned some spare cash for new gear in the bargain.

How would I find out what the qualification requirements are for NSW?