Gatekeeping the Outdoors: We Asked Our Writers Their Thoughts on Keeping the Outdoors a Secret

We all want more people to go outside, just not where we are. So how do we balance inspiring people to enjoy nature without overrunning beautiful places? To gatekeep or not to gatekeep? That is the question we asked the We Are Explorers writers. Here’s what they said.

 

Gatekeeping in the outdoors means keeping quiet about a place so other people don’t go there and (possibly) ruin it.

But the definition of ‘ruin’ is vague. For some, it means trashing the place, like Explorer Brooke Nolan has observed far too many times in the Blue Mountains.

Read more: I Moved to the Blue Mountains for the Nature, Not the Litter

For others, it refers to maintaining the peace and tranquillity. That lookout you visit for some quiet contemplation is far less of a respite when you’re being jostled by others attempting to get the perfect selfie.

Ruin can also refer to environmental degradation and ecosystem upset. Such as when increased foot traffic leads to paths encroaching on protected habitat, or people flouting the rules and bringing dogs into national parks, disturbing the natural order of things.

As a publication that exists to spread the stoke of the outdoors and encourage people to find beauty in nature, it’s a tough line to walk. We’re all for inclusivity in the outdoors, but we also want to ensure there’s an outdoors for everyone to enjoy long into the future.

Photo by Max Van Biene

So, should we be spreading awareness of special wild places or keeping quiet about them to ensure they remain protected? In the endless haze of grey, we decided to throw it out to our contributors, those who regularly write about the outdoors, to see what they think.

To Share or Not to Share?

Eva Davis-Boermans reckons we should be open to sharing our favourite spots, and gave us her view as a surfer: 

‘Gatekeeping of waves is a super touchy subject for surfers. Some people aggressively safeguard local breaks while others want to share the surfing love with anyone who’ll listen. I understand both sides.

While I agree that it can be frustrating to paddle up into a lineup, I also love being able to share the joy of the ocean and surfing with more people! It’s given me so much joy, confidence, and many friends, so why would I want to deny anyone that opportunity?’

Read more: Gatekeeping 101: How to Keep the Outdoors All to Yourself

Photo by Ben Dawson

Roz Glazebrook has faced criticism for writing about locations others would rather keep quiet, and also doesn’t believe that we should hide them: 

‘Sometimes I only give vague directions to other people’s special places, but I want to encourage others to enjoy the bush, and I think it’s a bit selfish sometimes for people who want to keep places just for themselves.’

Mat Young shared his experience about being asked to write about a tough, remote, and mostly unknown trail in Tasmania that ultimately turned him into a gatekeeper: 

‘Ultimately, I decided that the things that drew me to the trail in the first place would be irrevocably altered if this trail started to gain more popularity. The trail would become more pronounced (easier to follow), parks would have to implement infrastructure like toilets and camping platforms, hikers would no longer be able to go out there and experience the complete and utter solitude that inspired me.’

Opening the Gate is a Responsibility

Ben Dawson points out that with great love for nature comes great responsibility:

‘We are all the gatekeepers of the wild – the custodians of adventure for the next generation of Explorers. With every step we take into nature, we inherit a responsibility to ensure these landscapes remain pristine, protected, and ready for those who follow in our footsteps.

Rather than asking, ’Are we blowing out locations?’ we should be asking, ‘Are we doing our part to responsibly educate future Explorers on how to preserve them?’.

Exploration isn’t just about discovery; it’s about stewardship. If we neglect our role in protecting these places, how can we expect future generations to rise as their guardians?

Photo by Ben Dawson

Josh West agrees that we should be leaving the gate open, but not without education and infrastructure in place:

‘The gatekeeping debate shouldn’t focus on locking people out – it’s about making sure today’s adventures don’t cost us the wild places we’ll need tomorrow.

As with everything, change comes with education and awareness (and *cough* funding *cough*). Until infrastructure and our actions can support less-explored environments, conservation should come first.’

Who decides who gets to open the gate?

Ever thoughtful, Emily Scott, questions who gets to be the authority on gatekeeping and why, particularly on Aboriginal land. 

‘Who gets to gatekeep? Who’s allowed access and who isn’t and why? Who makes these decisions and how? Is it people in positions of power and privilege? What about First Nations people whose land this actually belongs to?’

Photo by Kirsty Howey

Kat Barber was interviewing a surf shop owner for an article when she came face to face with gatekeeping: 

‘I asked him about the best local surf spots, and he flat out refused to answer. I think especially locals are very prone to secret keeping from tourists. Understandably, they want to keep something for themselves.’

Josh West reckons we need to be at peace with occasionally meeting a closed gate:

‘In theory, I believe Australia’s outdoor spaces should be enjoyed by all, even the closely guarded spots. We’re a nation of sun-chasers, and with more of us lacing up our boots, we need to spread the load (and the love) across our favourite sites. The challenge lies in balancing our privileged expectation of access with preservation and respect.’

A Closed Gate Isn’t Personal, It’s About Protecting What’s Precious

Editor Amy Fairall emphasises that fragile ecosystems are more important than fragile egos: 

Josh West agrees:

‘The truth is, in the wild, many don’t fully consider the impact we have on our environment. Driving off marked roads can crush delicate habitats that take decades to recover. Tossing bread to ducks disrupts their natural diet. Even buzzing drones through national parks can panic vulnerable bird species, potentially leading them to abandon their young.

Our love for nature is a beautiful thing, but it comes with responsibility. If we want future generations to marvel at the same beaches, forests, and remarkable wildlife, we need to get serious about sustainable exploration.’

If You Open the Gate, Do it Properly

Dave Barnes emphasises the importance of communicating risk to ensure casual visitors who don’t do their research aren’t caught off guard:

‘Too many pieces show nothing but sparkles, while in reality, the thing invites misadventure. Writers have a responsibility to measure risk and write of the darkness, not just to light up dangers like a disco.’

Lipei Teoh used to believe some spots were best kept secret, but now believes it comes down to the way we share our experiences: 

‘The whole reason I write and share photos of my adventures is to ‘share’ – to inspire, inform, and connect. What matters more than simply tagging a location is the value we bring to it.’

Editor Amy Fairall agrees:

‘Sharing inspo but not info can send people on a wild goose chase without knowledge of the skill level and gear needed to safely explore there.’

It’s About Balance

Ultimately, the gatekeeping debate comes down to balance. The more people we invite into wild places, the more effort we need to put into preservation, education, and infrastructure to protect them.

We Are Explorers puts a lot of effort into ensuring we provide education about Leave No Trace principles, skills and safety, conservation, and discussion of issues just like this – but like everyone, we can always do more, and we welcome your feedback whenever you see an opportunity for us to do so. The responsibility of our wild places belongs to all of us, whether we’re sharing a location or enjoying spending time in it.

@evadavisboermans

When it comes to the question of whether the gate should stay open or closed, or who has the right to close the gate, and on what exact grounds, the jury is still out – and frankly, probably always will be.

I’ll leave you with this gem of wisdom from Ben Dawson:

Share Your Thoughts

Where do you stand on the issue of gatekeeping in the outdoors? Do you believe some places are best kept secret, or do you want to know ALL the hidden gems? Let us know in the comments.

Feature photo by Saphira Bloom-Quinn

Ponder a Little Longer…

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