Safety information
Emergency number
In an emergency Dial 000 for police and ambulance
Mobile phone - Coverage throughout all regional Victoria can be intermittent and inconsistent depending to a large extent on your phone provider's network. Before commencing the walk check the level of cover with your provider.
Water - Carry enough water for your daily requirements. In the more populated areas in Sections 1 and 2 it MAY be possible to obtain water along the way, but don't count on it in Sections 3 and 4.
Road traffic - The majority of the walk utilizes walking or cycling paths but there are some sections where it will be necessary to walk on roads carrying traffic which may include cars, trucks and on some smaller roads logging trucks. Ensure you can be seen by wearing high visibility clothing, walk to face on-coming traffic when safe to do so, and stay in single file.
Snakes - Be aware there are venomous snakes in the region. Long pants and boots are recommended. This information may be helpful https://australianhiker.com.au/advice/snakes-on-the-trail/
Fire - Bush fires are a common occurrence in many parts of Australia so before departing, be sure to obtain information about fire danger for the area to which you are heading. Look at the broader region, not just the walking trail. https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/home
Solo travellers - Solo hiking is not recommended, by various authorities, for obvious reasons such as safety and survival. However, deciding to hike solo or not is completely your decision to make and a decision you should not take lightly. Safety must be your first priority. Be realistic about your skills, pain threshold and endurance. Leave detailed instructions with family or friends including information of the route and anticipated time of return. Advise your accommodation of your anticipated time of arrival and let them know you are on foot.
PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)
In a perfect world walkers shouldn’t undertake activities that exceed their skill levels but we all know it happens. What we have no control over is accidents, being bitten by a snake, or unexpected medical conditions. These unpredictable events can occur at any time no matter what your skill level.
A good rule of thumb for considering the use of a PLB:
Emergency number
In an emergency Dial 000 for police and ambulance
Mobile phone - Coverage throughout all regional Victoria can be intermittent and inconsistent depending to a large extent on your phone provider's network. Before commencing the walk check the level of cover with your provider.
Water - Carry enough water for your daily requirements. In the more populated areas in Sections 1 and 2 it MAY be possible to obtain water along the way, but don't count on it in Sections 3 and 4.
Road traffic - The majority of the walk utilizes walking or cycling paths but there are some sections where it will be necessary to walk on roads carrying traffic which may include cars, trucks and on some smaller roads logging trucks. Ensure you can be seen by wearing high visibility clothing, walk to face on-coming traffic when safe to do so, and stay in single file.
Snakes - Be aware there are venomous snakes in the region. Long pants and boots are recommended. This information may be helpful https://australianhiker.com.au/advice/snakes-on-the-trail/
Fire - Bush fires are a common occurrence in many parts of Australia so before departing, be sure to obtain information about fire danger for the area to which you are heading. Look at the broader region, not just the walking trail. https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/home
Solo travellers - Solo hiking is not recommended, by various authorities, for obvious reasons such as safety and survival. However, deciding to hike solo or not is completely your decision to make and a decision you should not take lightly. Safety must be your first priority. Be realistic about your skills, pain threshold and endurance. Leave detailed instructions with family or friends including information of the route and anticipated time of return. Advise your accommodation of your anticipated time of arrival and let them know you are on foot.
PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)
In a perfect world walkers shouldn’t undertake activities that exceed their skill levels but we all know it happens. What we have no control over is accidents, being bitten by a snake, or unexpected medical conditions. These unpredictable events can occur at any time no matter what your skill level.
A good rule of thumb for considering the use of a PLB:
- On hikes, where mobile phone access is not available
- On solo hikes outside of urban areas even when phone access is available