Think Before You TREK

Bushwalkers in Wollemi National Park. Daniel Tran/DPIE

Flat lay of some basic items to pack in your backpack on a bushwalk. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE

Walker holding a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Photo: John Spencer/DPIE

The Emergency+ app. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE

Bushwalker holding a compass and map. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE

Hikers in Kosciuszko National Park. Rob Mulally/DPIE

Person pulling a first aid kit out of a backpack. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE

View photo in full screen

View full screen Pause Play

Going bushwalking? Stay safe by planning your trip for all conditions and telling someone about it. Think Before You TREK is a bush safety initiative between NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Police.

Every year around 130 bushwalkers get lost or need rescuing in Blue Mountains National Park. Most people are found within 24 hours, but occasionally a weekend adventure can turn to tragedy.

National parks are natural, unpredictable environments. Think before you TREK helps you plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable bushwalking experience or remote adventure.

Take enough water, food, equipment and first aid supplies

At least 2L of water per person
Waterproof and windproof clothing to keep you warm
Plenty of food and snacks
Hat and sunscreen
Topographic map and compass (know how to use them) plus download the NSW National Parks app.
Matches and a torch
First aid kit
Insect repellent
Your mobile phone or a satellite phone. Download the Emergency Plus app before you go.
A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) to use as a last resort

These are just the basics for a day walk or hike. Depending on your type of adventure, you can find more information about alpine safety and outback safety.

Register your trip

Fill in an online trip intention form to tell your family or friends where you're going, when you expect to return and who is with you.

Submitting a trip intention form does not guarantee an automatic search and rescue operation. It's your responsibility to ensure that your emergency contact (friend or family) can notify NSW Police if you don't return on time.

Find out how the trip intention form works and what information you need.

Emergency Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

If you're going to Kosciuszko or Blue Mountains national parks, you can loan a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at one of these 6 locations.

If you're going to any other national park in NSW, it's a good idea to buy or hire your own PLB and bring it with you in case of emergency.

Keep to your planned route

Walking tracks in NSW national parks are not always signposted or maintained, so please take care.

Get the free NSW National Parks app which lets you download park maps at home and then access them when you're in a national park without mobile reception.