There are many thousands of great hiking tracks and walking tracks located all across the world, and the ability to choose the perfect one can seem overwhelming. Fear not! We have a 5 point guide to assist you in choosing a hiking track that suits you and will make the whole outdoor bushwalking experience as comfortable and fun as possible.

Step One: The first step is to assess the fitness and capabilities of you and your chosen walking companions. It is often said that a group walks as fast as its slowest member, so it is important to consider the fitness of not only yourself but all members of your group. Your fitness level is an important consideration, as there are so many hiking tracks out there that there will be a whole range of hikes that suit your physical fitness. As you browse the lists of possible tracks, exclude those which are too hard or difficult for the members of your group (and their physical abilities). Remember no one likes to be pushed too hard, so ensure the hiking track chosen is not too strenuous or the hike may not be appreciated as much as you would have liked.

Step Two: Assess and consider the experience of your group. If your group contains mostly novices, then pick an easier bushwalk. If your group contains many seasoned walkers and hikers, then you should be fine in picking a route that is more challenging that normal (one that may involve steep climbs, rock scrambling or long distances). Alpine hikes during winter should be left to people who have substantial walking experience and proper gear for cold climates. If your hiking track is not well defined, consider that some members of your group should be knowledgeable in navigation skills. Furthermore if the potential hiking track requires technical ability, such as rock climbing, abseiling or canyoning, ensure that there are several experts in your group, and factor in extra time to teach novices these skills.

Step Three: Make a shortlist of the activities you wish to do on your hike, apart from walking. These may include swimming at a beach, sightseeing at lookouts, or kayaking/canoeing – this is only a short list of the wide range of activities available on hikes. Choose hiking tracks that will include opportunities for your shortlisted activities, as well as having enough time to carry them out.

Step Four: Filter your list of potential hiking tracks by distance/duration. You should have an idea of the ideal duration of your hike based upon the factors considered in steps one and two. The distance covered in the hiking track should be a reasonable considering your chosen duration, and should suit your planned activities and the fitness of your group.

Step Five: Take a look at the topographic map of your hiking track, and ensure the terrain is not too difficult, as well as there being opportunities for getting water and places to camp along the way (if required). You should also note any river crossings, as wet weather may preclude you from conducting the hike as the river may become swollen and impossible to cross. Also see how to access the start and end points of the track.

Final step: Find a way to get transport to and from the start and end of the hike. This can be done via public transport for many hiking tracks (especially those near the cities), but a car shuffle may have to be arranged. Choose hiking tracks which allow easy access to the trackheads, and transport can be easily arranged or obtained.

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to enjoying your hiking.
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