The Darwin Bushwalking Club promotes safe walking to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all members. DBC organises many multi-day walks in remote areas, often where there is no access to phones or assistance. Walkers need to be well prepared before starting a walk (right level of fitness, appropriate equipment, etc) so that problems can be avoided. In the event of an incident, they must be prepared to effectively support the leader or group in dealing with a situation.
Download the full policy here
“Social media” in this policy refers to a variety of online communities like blogs, social networks, chat rooms and forums. This policy covers usage of those communities by persons representing the Darwin Bushwalking Club (DBC).
Download the full policy here
Transport Cost Sharing Policy
Darwin Bushwalking Club supports vehicle pooling to reduce environmental impact and costs, when appropriate. Cost sharing is designed to reimburse drivers for fuel expenses, with a contribution to other vehicle running expenses.
ii. Participant costs are determined using the club reimbursement rates per vehicle, currently 40c/km for 2WD vehicles and 50c/km for 4WD vehicles.
iii. When car pooling, generally the leader will calculate the reimbursement for the trip using the total kilometres travelled, multiplied by the km rate, multiplied by the number of vehicles. This is then divided by the total number of participants (including drivers).
iv. There may be trips where the leader determines an alternative cost sharing arrangement is applicable. If a higher rate is to be applied, they will discuss and advise participants in the planning stages.
v. There are a wide variety of conditions, distances and costs involved in transport to and from DBC walks. It could be 10kms around Darwin, or 1600km to Keep River return. Fuel costs change and can be higher in remote locations. An electric vehicle might be used.
The club vehicle reimbursement rates provide guidance for most situations.
Guidelines for Use of Emergency Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) and Emergency Evacuation
The Club encourages walkers in remote areas to carry one of the Club’s PLBs for emergency use (and a copy of these guidelines).
Download the full guidelines here
HANDBOOK FOR WALKERS
This handbook contains information for participants in Darwin Bushwalking Club activities, who are expected to by familiar with the material. The Club regards the Handbook as an introduction to some of the basics of enjoyable bushwalking, and in no way suggests that it is the ultimate guide. It strongly recommends anyone interested in bushwalking fully educate themselves about the risks involved.
Download the full handbook here
HANDBOOK FOR LEADERS
This handbook contains information primarily for active and potential leaders of Darwin Bushwalking Club activities – and is a useful extension of the DBC’s Handbook for Walkers.
DBC leaders are expected to be familiar with the material. However, it is not an ultimate guide and it is strongly recommended that all bushwalkers fully inform themselves about the risks involved, and learn as much as possible about how those risks can be minimised and managed.
Download the full handbook here
Topographic Map down loads
Did you know you can download, free, from Geoscience Australia, 1:50,000 topographic maps that cover much of northern and central Australia? How:
Browse all GA topographic maps:
Browse all GA 1:50,000 topographic maps:
https://geoscience-au.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/b5deb336a04f456da5eb904f3e146f0d
Choose you map and download the .tif file- for example 5071-4 Tolmer Falls
https://ecat.ga.gov.au/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/56698
Once you have your map/s some possibilities are:
· Browse a map at leisure on your computer, plan your next trip’s walking route.
· Cut and print the required section – A3 colour costs only a few retail dollars to print.
· Load the .tif/s to your mobile device – to discuss or use anytime.
· Carry all the maps you might need.
· Georeference your map.
Questions?- members may contact Rick 0421639702.