Into the Wild - Bushwalking & Navigation skills (Spring 2024)

Do you want to spend more time in nature? Perhaps get off the beaten track, away from the crowds? During this course you'll gain the skills and knowledge to allow yourself to confidently venture INTO THE WILD

Taking place over 2 full days, you'll learn a broad range of skills that assist with ensuring your time in nature is a safe and rewarding experience.

​If you're just starting your bush walking journey or are an experienced hiker looking to go that little bit further, you're be sure to gain new knowledge and skills that will help achieve your goals.

Perhaps you're wanting to get into bushwalking but are unsure on how to start, what gear do you need? Is it safe? Maybe you're looking to step it up a bit, going on an overnight or multiday hike but are unsure on how to make that transition. You could be thinking of stepping off the path well trodden and trying some off track adventures. Well this course may just give you what's required fulfil you're dreams.

Essential skills for the Outdoors
Day 1 is all about getting you ready and geared up with all the right equipment and knowledge to make your journey outdoors safe and enjoyable.

In addition to getting you prepped for the outdoors the afternoon will be spent starting our journey into Wilderness navigation. 

• Planning your adventures, a focus on tailoring your trips to suit your ability.
• Route planning and research
• Trip intention forms
• Equipment essentials for short, medium and long day hikes.
• Preparing for overnight & multiday hikes
• Shelter options, pro's and cons
• Hiking Nutrition and cooking options
• Risk management in the wilderness
• 1st Aid kits
• Snake bite mitigation, treatment and response
• Emergency response and PLB's
• Water filtration methods
• Emergency fire lighting techniques
• Emergency shelters
• Basic navigation essentials
• Understanding Topographical maps​
• Land features
• Understanding the compass 




Wilderness Navigation

Day 2 Wilderness navigation and map reading should be an essential part of every outdoorsy persons skill set.

More often than not we tend to rely on our phones gps and inbuilt maps for navigation purposes. Although these tools are incredibly useful at times they should not be solely relied upon. Todays focus on some good old fashioned (and reliable) Map and Compass navigation adding to the basic understanding learnt on the previous day.

• Navigation essentials
• Map types, pros and cons
• Navigation resources, Online and hard copy
• Topographical maps and features
• Route planning for terrain, distance and time
• Grid references
• Compass types and use
• Taking a bearing
• Pacing and estimating distance
• Navigating through untracked terrain
• Trip planning
• plus more......

  Optional - FREE -  ​Waterfall hike 7-8km 3-4 hrs 

Monday 21st October

​Visit one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Tweed/Byron region

​Soooo.... You've just learnt all these new skills so lets put them to the test. 

 We'll head off early Monday morning. We won't be following the regular track to the top of the falls, we'll head off track and approach the falls from the creek below. This is a great opportunity to lock in that knowledge and explore some ancient beautiful Gondawana Rainforest. 

Please note...This walk ventures off track and includes rockhopping and a very steep exposed scramble. Please consider this before choosing this option.

When, Where and How Much?

 When: 
26thth & 27th October 2024

Daily from 9am-4pm
Optional free waterfall hike-Monday 28th 7.00am to 11.00am 

Where: In the beautiful Tweed Valley, Northern NSW

3034 Kyogle Rd, Kunghur, NSW

​2 hrs - Brisbane City

1 hr - Burleigh Heads

50 mins - Byron Bay 

How Much:
$320 for both days.  (plus booking fee)
$170 for one day. 

$50 Youth one day (Under 16yrs, must be accompanied by a paying adult)

$100 Youth both days (Under 16yrs, must be accompanied by a paying adult)

Each day can stand alone so you can come for one day on Saturday or Sunday.

*Limited positions available. Bookings are essential.

​Camping onsite included - We have an onsite camping area with basic camp kitchen, incl gas cooker, sink and untreated water, compost toilet and hot rainforest shower.
**Camping Saturday night is free with ticket purchase

Optional camping available on Sunday night $20pp pn

****Book for two or more people (in the same order and receive 10% off your booking ..use the booking code "bringafriend")

What to bring?

• Camping gear tent, mattress, torch etc (or sleep in your van etc)
• Notebook and pen
• Food and drinks for the duration
• Drinking water
• Camp chair
• Towel and swimmers (we have 1.5km of the upper Tweed river on our property)
• Coffee..... don't forget your coffee
  
  The camping area has a camp kitchen with gas cooktop, sink, solar light, composting toilet and hot water outdoor shower.
  Please bring your own plate, mug and cutlery.

Note: no power available at the campground

Uki is the nearest town - 14min drive - Small supermarket, cafes, pie shop, pub, petrol, Bastion Lane espresso bar and the best Mountain Bike park in the region. 

About Me: Scott

Somewhat obsessed with all things adventure and the outdoors. Enthusiastic peak bagger, adventure racer, mountain biker and trail runner, a self diagnosed gear freak with a nack of being prepared for all eventualities. 

19 years experience as a professional outdoor educator, survival instructor, white water guide + more. Former program coordinator and senior instructor for Outward Bound Australia. 

Passionate hiker including 350+kms solo through the Himalaya. 

Proud father of a my 4 kids with a deep love of the natural world.