Australian equivalent of NZ Outdoor Intentions Form?

[NathanaelB]

I found this useful when tramping in New Zealand while living there … I always filled one in, my partner knew what it looked like, where to keep it safe, what to do (same with my backup emergency contacts).

http://www.adventuresmart.org.nz/outdoo ... e-pdfs.asp

There's no reason to not use the NZ form in Australia, but if we have our own then please share!

Cheers,

[johnw]

We do, for some (all?) states but not a nationally uniform one as far as I know:

NSW

VIC

SA

[neilmny]

Nice links John. Thanks.

[GPSGuided]

Thanks John! Another level of safety on top of PLB's records.

[icefest]

I’d personally add several topics including:
Backup emergency plans and escape routes
Spare food
What the worst conditions are that you will be comfortable with.
Police also like to know car make and plates and where you plan on parking.
Any medical conditions and allergies of any bushwalkers walking with you (this is useful for you during the walk too, if your parent has asthma, you need to know where their puffer is)

[GBW]

I let my partner, her Mum and Dad, my Mum and Dad and my sister know exactly where I'm going and my plan of attack, I print them out a map, but always give a them 1-2 day time frame for my return if it's a 5+ day adventure. You need some flexibility and I don't want to trigger a search unnecessarily. If I'm 3 days late they'd probably hit the worried button, but hopefully my Spot device will let them know all's well.

[jjoz58]

I like those links John.

I leave a detailed plan and route with the other half showing where I intend to stop, rest days etc, usually on garmin basecamp. Since I use a Inreach device instead of a PBL, I turn on the breadcrumbs and she can look up where I have travelled, ping me to find me exactly and send me a text if I vary it or make a long unscheduled stop. Just another layer of safety when you solo walk.

[johnw]

Thanks all. My research only revealed those three ( I already knew the NSW one). If anyone has links for the other states and territories please feel free to add them, or PM to me and I'm happy to add them in a forum friendly format.

[mikethepike]

A few years ago I was setting off alone from Wilpena on what I consider to be some of the more rugged off-track walking in the area and I offered to leave my itinerary with the ranger but was told that it wasn't their job but instead to give/tell it to a reliable personal contact. As I set off, I came to a small shelter with an intentions sheet book (one line per entry) and saw a statement that it was not referred to except if someone reported a party missing (and which might be days later) and that it then gave them some idea of where to look but I didn't bother to fill it in. The new intention sheets would now seem to place the first initiative with the authorities. I'm surprised at this turnaround by SA National Parks but I still believe that a family member is the best fall-back person to have if anything should go seriously wrong.

[jjoz58]

I still believe that a family member is the best fall-back person to have if anything should go seriously wrong.

Totally agree, leave it someone that actually cares about you!

[NathanaelB]

Thanks, the Victoria Police one looks to be the best of the three … you'd need a 0.1mm pen to fill out the SA one!

[Earwig]

I leave a map on the fridge with location of proposed camps and dates and so on and text my wife when I can as to how things are travelling as I go. Hopefully that keeps her up to date - just in case something goes wrong.