Did you know every year over 100 search and rescue responses happen in the Blue Mountains National Park alone! Sheesh! Don’t let your adventure become a statistic. Best to Think Before You TREK.

 

With Aussies heading into the outdoors now more than ever, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has teamed up with NSW Police to make sure all your remote adventures and multi-day hikes are as successful and safe as possible, (and don’t end with a search and rescue mission). 

Think Before You TREK is their bush safety initiative to help everyone, from experienced Explorers to nature novices, prepare before heading into the outdoors. 

Take enough water, food, equipment and first aid supplies

Register your trip – Use the online Trip Intention Form on the NPWS website to record where you’re going, who you’re with and when you expect to return

Emergency Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) – Consider taking a PLB from one of six locations at Kosciuszko and Blue Mountains National Parks 

Keep to your planned route – Get the free NSW National Parks app to download park maps at home and access them when you’re in a national park without mobile reception

 

Read more: Our Favourite Outdoor and Adventure Apps

 

 

We all know that before every adventure we should leave the details of our trip with someone we trust. But filling out a Trip Intention Form is also a great back up.

You don’t need to check back in with National Parks on your return, but if your emergency contact alerts the police that you haven’t returned home when you said you would, National Parks have all the details of your trip on hand and can begin a search and rescue response. 

 

 

Heading into a remote location with limited phone reception? Consider grabbing a PLB.

Read more: What Happens if I Activate my Distress Beacon?

They’re free to hire from Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Katoomba Police Station, Springwood Police Station, Snowy Regions Visitor Centre, Tumut Visitor Centre and Perisher Visitor Office, so now there’s really no excuse.

 

Feature photo by @robmulally