Attending Your First Walk

Once you become a new Prospective Member, you’ll receive the current club’s program and can book your first walk straight away. There are around 4 to 6 day walks, overnighters and other activities that you can choose from every weekend and for retirees, there are some mid-week walks too.

What To Expect - Times & Choosing the Right Level of Walk for You

At Sydney Bush Walkers, a 'Day Walk' means that you will be gone all day, with most walks starting at 8am-9am and not returning to the cars until at least 4pm, and often later in Summer. Please note that due to the nature of many of our walks, it is not possible to leave a trip half way through. As such, please familiarise yourself with the Walks Grading chart at the beginning of the Walks Program and pick an easier walk to begin with to gauge the level of walks before progressing to more advanced ones.

Group limits for each walk is generally around 12 people for safety and to be manageable for leaders. It is also a good size for getting to know those who are on a walk with you without feeling like there are too many people.

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How to Book & Prepare

To book, simply email or call the trip leader listed on the Walks Program and inform that you are wanting to join their walk. Also, mention that you are new to the club and ask about the food and water that you will need to bring, what footwear would be best (e.g. runners, boots, Volleys, waterproof shoes, etc) as well as any special gear you will need. Please also refer to the first page of the Walks Program under 'Walker Guidelines' for general information about what to do and expect with 'Preparation for an Activity' and 'During an Activity'. 

Leaders may also ask you questions. Because safety and everyone’s enjoyment of the walk is paramount in our volunteer Leaders’ minds, expect the “third degree” for your first couple of walks.

The purpose of these questions is to determine as best as possible whether the walk that you are considering is the right sort of walk for you in this stage of your bushwalking career. The safety and enjoyment for you and other members of the party depends on you being open and honest in your answers.

Some questions you may be asked include:

• Are you a Member or a New Member?
• What bushwalks have you done in the last month or two?
• Which other club leader(s) have you walked with before?
• Your phone number?
• In which suburb do you live?
• Will you be driving or taking public transport?
• Would you be willing to carpool? If driving, how many passengers can you take?

Depending on your answers to these or other questions, the leader will then give you information about the walk. Please keep in mind that leaders are volunteers who give their time, energy and expertise so others can share the enjoyment of bush walking. So if you feel like you are getting the 'third degree' from a leader initially, please think about the leader’s responsibility to you and other party members, and try to assist by giving accurate information in the spirit of cooperation.