Chapter Five

Walking in the Natural Areas of the Way

The Kai'mia Code for Walkers

Stay on the track even if it is rough and muddy. Walking on track edges and cutting corners on steep 'zigzag' tracks increases damage, erosion and visual scarring, as well as causing confusion about which is the right track. Cutting new tracks is illegal and marking tracks with cairns, tape or other materials is unsightly and can confuse other walkers.
Avoid sensitive vegetation. Both fresh and salt-water wetlands, heath and forest understorey - eg. vegetation are easily destroyed by trampling. Stay on rocks and hard ground whenever possible.

Respect all flora and fauna. Do not remove any Aboriginal artefact.
Walk softly. Choose appropriate footwear for the terrain. Solid but lightweight walking boots are best. Sandshoes can be used on most tracks in summer. Wear sandshoes around bush campsites.
Leave only your footprints and take your litter home with you.

Let someone know before you go bushwalking. Tell them about your party, your route, when you plan to return and the equipment the party is carrying. Remember to contact them when you return.
Keep your party small (ideally 3-8). Large parties (of more than eight people) have more environmental impact and can adversely affect the experience of other visitors.
Weather changes very rapidly. So be prepared.
In remote country where there are no toilet facilities, minimise your impact by taking a hand trowel for burying toilet wastes. Bury at least 100 metres away from watercourse.
Carry enough drinking water for your trip.


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