Advice for newbie

[jackmcgilligan]

Hey everyone!

I am looking at getting into the world of hiking! I've been thinking about it for a while now, but I'm deciding to finally bite the bullet and give it a go.

I'm looking for advice on a location to hike at, given my lack of experience. Here's some info that I think is pertinent, though feel free to ask any questions

– I am currently located in Ballarat and happy to travel to most places within Victoria. The nearer the better, though.
– I am fit and healthy, so happy to give anything a crack! I do bouldering as well, so keen to work that in if possible.
– I'm looking to do a multi-day hike (3-5 days, approx. Give or take).
– If possible (not set in stone), I would absolutely love to bring my dog along. He's well-trained and obedient.

I'm currently in the "research" phase and so by locking in a location, I can begin to make some more concrete plans! Thank you all in advance for your help!!

Many thanks,
Jack

[Joris]

Hi Jack - welcome! I am sure there will be oodles of (much) better advice to follow my brief addition but here a few pointers:

Without any hiking experience (even if otherwise fit / healthy / sporty) I would recommend starting on a 1-2 nights effort - get a feel for things irt logistics / pack weight / daily rhythm.

You are probably aware of this, but bringing your dog means that any National Park is off the table - you will have to focus on State Forests in particular and those can vary wildly in terms of 'walkability' both in terms of available (walking only) trails and the fact that you will often have to share these spaces with 4WDs and trail bikes. Not to say you can't have a great couple of days bushwalking in a state forest, but definitely something to be aware of.

If you are choosing to go for a few days only it is worthwhile to minimise travel - areas with walking opportunities near Ballarat include Lerderderg, Brisbane Ranges and Beeripmo (no dogs allowed in any of those though). I have not been to any of these personally but see plenty of people on the forum talking enthusiastically about bushwalking there.

I notice you are not referring to equipment - presumably you have what you need?

[ChrisJHC]

In addition to what Joris has said, if you haven’t camped before, I’d suggest doing a couple of overnight car camps to get your gear sorted.

When you’re ready for longer trips, a great first hike for you would be the Great Dividing Trail which goes through Ballarat.

You could do the Ballarat to Creswick section then catch the train back to Ballarat.

[jackmcgilligan]

Both are great pieces of advice! Thanks, both!

1-2 nights is probably a good starting point, great point!
I have done a lot of research into equipment and have yet to make any purchases but I feel relatively confident in that space for the time being.

Concerning my camping experience, I've done many group and solo camping trips – from Lake Eildon to Warrnambool and everywhere in between. I have plenty of camping gear but from my research, it seems that camping gear differs from hiking gear - which needs to be smaller and lighter than your average camping equipment. Is this correct?

Thanks )

[ChrisJHC]

Both are great pieces of advice! Thanks, both!

1-2 nights is probably a good starting point, great point!
I have done a lot of research into equipment and have yet to make any purchases but I feel relatively confident in that space for the time being.

Concerning my camping experience, I've done many group and solo camping trips – from Lake Eildon to Warrnambool and everywhere in between. I have plenty of camping gear but from my research, it seems that camping gear differs from hiking gear - which needs to be smaller and lighter than your average camping equipment. Is this correct?

Thanks )

Most people when starting out carry both too much and too heavy equipment.
This is often due to the phenomenon known as “packing your fears” where you think “if X happens, I’ll need Y kit to deal with it.
Multiply that by a few scenarios and you quickly end up overladen.
Then your gear - particularly if acquired for car camping where weight doesn’t matter - will be typically over-engineered and heavy.

Over time you’ll learn to take items that cover a number of functions and then learn that normally the lighter gear costs exponentially more.

As an example, some people start with a separate kettle, saucepan, bowl and mug then progress to one cooking container and one eating container.
You can then go to the extremes that I have where all my cooking and eating needs are met by one titanium mug ($$$).

Hence the suggestions to start with short, easy walks as you refine your gear.
Also, try to find another, more experienced hiker to go through your gear list then go away with you for a weekender.
This forum is a great place to see if anyone is prepared to help you out.

[wilco318]

I was going to suggest Wilsons Prom as a good place to start, until I read that you would like to take your dog. As others have said try a couple of overnight hikes until you get your gear dialled in, then progress to longer hikes, this will allow you to work out what you do and don't need. When you purchase your gear, stay with well known brands, but there's no need to go over the top at first. Most of all Enjoy the great outdoors.

[AyKay86]

If you're happy to leave your dog behind, I'd takle a section of Grampians peaks trail. It's not far from you and you can start in halls gap and do a 2-3 night. You can book via parks vic however, you'll need to organise transfers back to halls gap which is easily done.

Taking the right gear is essential. You don't necessarily have to spend big, but it will require some planning. This is the most important thing.

Go on a couple of practice hikes carrying your gear, or equivalent weight. Lerdederg is my usual training ground as it's moderately challenging and also not far from you. No dogs allowed here either I'm afraid.

Good luck with it. Let us know how you go.

[Warin]

Dogs ...
National Parks don't want them ..

You could be best in a State Forest ... Not a Victorian so cannot help you there .. but a google turned up https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/__data/asset ... o_Walk.pdf .. might be a good starter with the dog?

[bernieq]

Hi Jack, some good local ideas above. I'd also suggest Beeripmo Track as a good 2-day (more like 1.5 day) that is close to Ballarat.

I know a young couple who got into bushwalking recently; started building their skills by camping not too far from their car (walked in & back to camp a few km from the car) - just in case You could do something similar (with the dog) in the Woowookarung State Forest (previously the Canadian, just on the east of Ballarat) or in the bush between Ballarat & Creswick (the Great Dividing Trail as mentioned above).

The Beeripmo doesn't need much in the way of navigation but, with the Wooky & GDT, there are tracks & footpads going everywhere so a map is useful (phone is good enough).

[Eremophila]

If you're happy to leave your dog behind, I'd takle a section of Grampians peaks trail. It's not far from you and you can start in halls gap and do a 2-3 night. You can book via parks vic however, you'll need to organise transfers back to halls gap which is easily done.

I’d second this - I recently took someone who is wanting to get back into bushwalking. We started at Gar Trailhead(?), first night’s camp at Gar, second night at Werdug, finishing back in Halls Gap. 2 1/2 days of 7.5km, 14km and 13km. Beautiful landscape and breathtaking views.

Each campsite has an enclosed shelter where you can sit and prepare meals, hang out and chat with other walkers. This chat, or just observing, is useful to learn what equipment/setup/food others are using. If you’re having problems people are always willing to assist.

Good luck and enjoy.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

State Forests and Historical parks are where dogs are permitted. Mount Wills, Mount Skene ,
Mount Torbreck and The Howqua Hills historic area all come under those catagories. IIRC Grant historical area also is NOT a National Park.
You can get a 2 WD from Dargo to Grant( in the warmer Daylight savings time of the year )
. From there you can park and walk down to Talbotville and camp on the river flats by the Crooked River. Talbotville May well
be in the Nat. Park so no doggies are allowed there.

Check with Parks Vic.. If Talbotville is still in Part of The Grant Historic area then doggies will be allowed down there.
In the area you can access parts of MacMillan's walking track. That is not a beginner hike IMHO but just trekking down to Talbotville , camping out and waking back up the hill would test your legs and equipment.
The MacMillan's walking Track guide book will have more information about that area.
Do not cut corners or be a tight fisted life form when it comes to essential gear such as quality good fitting hiking boots , a decent back pack with room for all your gear and 3-4 days worth of food, plus a quality sleeping bag that will keep you warm in minus 7 degrees or something like that , a proper sleeping mat, a proper Goretex knee length water proof and wind proof jacket .
The debate over whether to get a one person tent or two person tent continues for solo hikers as well as whether to get a gas stove or stick with a Methylated spirits stove etc . etc. etc..
I wished I had have got walking poles from the outset . Keep your balance and Save your knees!.
Many people myself included started with el cheapo rubbish and upgraded as the need arose. Plus rubbish gear inspires you to go and get the top shelf lighter kit and not be cold/ uncomfortable/ wet etc.. next time
Those foam yoga mats are no better than a newspaper for sleeping on.
K Mart 50 dollar tents last about 50 hours if you are lucky .
Talk to specialist shops such as Bogong Equipment .
If you are able to you can rent from them and try before you buy then that can be handy. Plus second hand items appear on the Ski dot com dot au gear page as well as other online markets such as GUMTREE.
Joining a Bushwalking Club such as The Border Bushwalkers is a useful way to get started and the experienced walkers in the clubs can share their knowledge with you.
I started my overnight hiking life at The Prom. and later became hooked on the Australian Alps.
That led to snow shoe trekking, overnight winter mountaineering, Classic Cross Country skiing, Surfing and finally Resort Telemark skiing and Back Country Ski touring( multi night trips with a heavy pack on my back)..

Dinner ideas are easy to obtain on the WWW. I can recommend Cous Cous for easy dinner/ meals. It is easy to prepare and it doesn't take much to make it palatable.Add Some salt, Dried chilli, Ghee and some dehydrated veggies from the Vietnamese grocery shop. That will work.Powdered milk is useful.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to- ... mping-area

Yes Talbotville is okay for doggies.