PLANNING OFF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

5.1. Bushwalking
Scope
Low level day walks
Day walks in remote area or at higher altitudes
Overnight and multi-day walks
Winter bushwalking
Safety
All students must be briefed about the nature of the activity, safety issues and procedures, and the
standards of behaviour required.
Fires should only be lit in approved areas using existing fire places. Wherever possible, fuel stoves
should be used instead of lighting fires even if an existing fireplace is available.
Hand held Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are a powerful and useful navigation tool. In remote
areas or in the mountains an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) must be carried
and should be considered for all other walks.
Winter bushwalking is strenuous, requiring a high level of fitness for all participants. Participants on
winter bushwalks should be experienced in walking and pack carrying.
Areas that receive high usage during the summer months may be prone to water-borne gastrointestinal
infections including Giardia – drinking water should be boiled or treated with water
purification filters or tablets.
Approval
Other than obtaining the approval of the relevant land manager (usually the Parks and Wildlife
Service) , there are no specific requirements beyond the Planning Requirements For All Off Campus
Activities described at the beginning of these procedures, and those determined by the school’s or
college’s risk management plan for the off campus activity.
Park Entry fee exemption can be obtained by completing a National Parks Educational Exemption
Application / Approval Form where applicable.
Group activities in national parks and on reserved lands may require the approval of the Parks and
Wildlife Service (PWS). PWS approval may be subject to agreed compliance with various regulations
or procedures, such as group size recommendations, particularly in sensitive areas (see 5.1.8).
Variations to the recommended group sizes for reserved land (see 5.1.8) may be considered on a
case-by-case basis; contact the PWS at an early stage of planning.
Supervision
No specific requirements beyond the Planning Requirements For All Off Campus Activities described
at the beginning of these procedures, and those determined by the school’s or college’s risk
management plan for the off campus activity.
Please refer to the online copy of this document (TASED-4-1765), located on the Tasmanian Department
of Education’s website to ensure this version is the most recent. P a g e | 42