Bushwalking

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Guideline review date: 24 September 2025

This guideline is provided to support schools in implementing the managing risks in school curriculum activities procedure.

The CARA planner (DOCX, 232KB) must be used for the specific school context in conjunction with this guideline considering additional risks, hazards and controls and including environmental, facility, equipment and student considerations.

For activities beyond the scope of this guideline, complete a CARA record using the CARA generic template (DOCX, 98KB).

Activity scope

This guideline demonstrates the minimum safety standard for student participation in bushwalking in mainly natural areas during daylight hours as an activity to support curriculum delivery.

The Department of Education is committed to ensuring that curriculum activities are planned for and managed in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld), to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of students, staff and others.

When bushwalking on unclassified tracks, schools use the CARA planner (DOCX, 232KB) (including the CARA risk matrix) in conjunction with the track class descriptions to inform the risk level of the activity.

Depending on the scope of this activity, other risk assessments may be required when planning. Curriculum activities encompassing more than 1 CARA guideline (e.g. bushwalking while camping) must comply with the requirements of all CARA guidelines appropriate to the activity.

Schools should consider conducting this activity at a Department of Education Outdoor and Environmental Education Centre (OEEC) and consult with OEEC centre staff for risk assessment requirements.

For activities conducted at a non-Department of Education venue, and/or when engaging external expertise, request written risk assessment advice and attach it to this CARA record.

For activities conducted off-site, schools must comply with the school excursions procedure.

Risk level

Medium risk level
Bushwalking activities in controlled areas up to and including class 3 tracks as defined in the Australian Standards 2156.1-2001: walking tracks—classification and signage (PDF, 485KB).

Class 1

Tracks provide opportunities for a large number of visitors, including those with reduced mobility, to traverse the natural environment easily. They provide high level of interpretation and facilities. Steps allowed only with ramp access. Users need no previous experience and are expected to exercise normal care regarding their personal safety.

Class 2

Tracks provide opportunities for large numbers of visitors to walk easily in natural environments. They provide moderate to high level interpretation and facilities. They are generally on low gradients. Users need no previous experience and are expected to exercise normal care regarding their personal safety.

Class 3

Tracks provide opportunities for visitors to walk in slightly modified natural environments requiring a moderate level of fitness. They provide low level of interpretation and facilities. Users need no bush walking experience and a minimum level of specialised skills. Users may encounter natural hazards such as steps and slopes, unstable surfaces and minor water crossings. They are responsible for their own safety.

High risk level
Bushwalking activities in intermediate areas and uncontrolled areas—class 4 to class 6 tracks as defined in the Australian Standard 2156.1-2001: walking tracks—classification and signage (PDF, 485KB).

Class 4

Tracks provide opportunities for visitors to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments along defined and distinct tracks with minimal (if any) facilities. They provide minimal interpretation and facilities. Users can expect opportunities for solitude and few encounters with others. Users require a moderate level of specialised skills such as navigation skills. Users may require maps and navigation equipment to successfully complete the track. Users need to be self-reliant, particularly in regard to emergency first aid and possible weather hazards.

Class 5

Tracks provide opportunities for visitors with outdoor skills to discover the natural environment. Visitors require a higher degree of specialised skills such as navigation skills. Users may require maps and navigation equipment to successfully complete the track. Users need to be self-reliant, particularly in regard to emergency first aid and possible weather hazards.

Class 6

Users require previous experience in the outdoors and a high level of specialised skills such as navigational skills. Users will generally require a map and navigation equipment to complete the track or route, which are usually mountainous or in remote areas. Users need to be self-reliant, particularly in regard to emergency first aid and possible weather hazards.

Activity requirements

If any requirement cannot be met, the activity must not occur.

A registered teacher must be appointed to maintain overall responsibility for the activity.

Teachers, in collaboration with other adult supervisors of the planned activity, determine additional risks, hazards and control measures relevant to the activity and the specific school/group circumstances in order to lift the safety standard above the minimum identified in the CARA guideline.

Consult review comments from previous CARA records to improve safety standards based on the advice from the previous supervisors of the activity at the school.

Prior consultation and collaboration with local expertise (e.g. Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation—for track closures and Queensland Fire Department) is required for local advice, emergency support mechanisms and additional supervision requirements to ensure participant and public safety.

Permission/permits are required to be obtained from land managers (e.g. Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation—permits and fees, local councils or private landholders), if applicable.

Reference to Australian adventure activity standard and bushwalking Australian adventure activity good practice guide (PDF, 485KB) is required when planning this activity.

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Students

Emergency and first-aid

Induction and instruction

Consent

Supervision

Principals, in consultation with the qualified adults, make final supervision decisions for the activity that considers the local context.

Appropriate adult supervision must be provided to manage the activity safely (i.e. prevent an incident from occurring and manage an incident if one were to occur, including managing emergency situations). The principal must give active consideration to the minimum standards set in the CARA guideline for the activity, the CARA planner and the risk assessment when determining the appropriate level of supervision.

The bushwalking Australian adventure activity good practice guide (PDF, 485KB) should be consulted for supervision ratios.

See number of adult supervisors below.

Participants must adhere to all rules and advice communicated by the facility operator/owner and any safety signage at the facility/location.

Before the activity, all adult supervisors:

must be familiar with the contents of the CARA record, including the emergency and supervision plans.

During the activity, all adult supervisors:

must provide active and direct supervision—be constantly vigilant, attentive and rescue ready
must comply with control measures from the CARA record and adapt as hazards arise.

The activity must be suspended if the conditions become unfavourable (e.g. poor visibility, extreme temperatures, thunderstorms).

Number of adult supervisors

Principals, in consultation with the qualified adults of the activity, determine the final number of supervisors to fulfil instructional, emergency and supervision roles for the local context that consider the bushwalking Australian adventure activity good practice guide (PDF, 485KB), the nature of the activity, students' ages, abilities and specialised learning, access and/or health needs. In some instances, the final supervision ratio may be 1:1.

If the minimum safety standard cannot be met, modify the activity (or elements of it) and/or identify and use the hierarchy of controls to implement alternative control measures to meet or exceed the minimum safety standard (e.g. reduce the number of students participating at any one time).

See frequently asked questions (FAQs) for further support.

Supervisor qualifications

Qualifications support the minimum safety standard for this activity. Principals make final decisions* in determining supervisor capability (competence, relevance and currency) and whether the activity leader meets an appropriate teaching standard.

*See FAQs for further support.

All adult supervisors must comply with the working with children authority—blue cards procedure.

Qualified adults for the activity

Recovery/emergency—CPR, first aid, rescue

An adult with current emergency qualifications is required to be quickly accessible to the activity area.

Supervisors must have CPR and first aid qualifications relevant to the activity. Emergency qualifications may include:

Medium risk activities

At least 1 adult supervisor is either:

a registered teacher with competence (knowledge and skills) in teaching bushwalking activities
an adult supervisor, working under the direct supervision of a registered teacher, with qualifications relevant to bushwalking activities from the sport, fitness and recreation training package or similar.

Refer to the competencies outlined in the bushwalking Australian adventure activity good practice guide (PDF, 485KB) for guidance.

High risk activities

At least 1 adult supervisor is either:

a registered teacher with qualifications relevant bushwalking activities from the sport, fitness and recreation training package or similar (or equivalent demonstrated capability)
an adult supervisor, working under the direct supervision of a registered teacher, with Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership or Certificate III in Sport and Recreation, similar or higher.

Refer to the competencies outlined in the bushwalking Australian adventure activity good practice guide (PDF, 485KB) for guidance.

See FAQs for further support.

Facilities and equipment

The qualified adult supervisor of the activity, in consultation with the principal, determines the requirements for facilities and equipment appropriate to the local context.

Personal equipment for all participants required including, but not limited to:

individual drinking containers with each participant carrying 2–3 litres of water for each day
personal food supplies in excess of the requirements of the planned walk, including emergency rations for 24 hours more than the initial planned duration
insect repellent, sunscreen and personal hygiene items as necessary
toileting equipment (if applicable)
a bag for rubbish
waterproof containers for all equipment that can be damaged by water.

All equipment must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

A process for checking for damage for all equipment used in the activity must be established and employed.

A retirement schedule must be developed to replace equipment by manufacturers' nominated expiry date or when significant wear causes a hazard.

Common hazards and controls

Further to those listed, include any additional hazards and control measures considering the local context of the activity.

Environmental hazards	Control measures
Animal bites/diseases Stings, poisoning, infection	Observe wildlife from a safe distance. Instruct students not to feed wildlife and how to respond to approaching wildlife. Adhere to established practices regarding the use of insect repellent, outlined in insect viruses and allergies
Environmental conditions Weather, sun, humidity	Assess weather conditions and obtain accurate information on tides, depths, currents and other expected water conditions (if applicable) and conditions of the terrain prior to undertaking the activity, inspecting the intended location in order to identify variable risks, hazards and potential dangers (e.g. fire or flash flooding susceptibility and potential flying items during strong winds). Follow the school's sun safety policy, including appropriate clothing (e.g. long sleeved shirts), sun protection (e.g. sunscreen) and shade facilities when outside. Follow the managing excessive heat in schools guidelines when participating in very hot or extreme heat conditions. Brief all participants on the potential hazards (e.g. thorned flora, steep slopes). Constantly monitor surroundings for weather, terrain and wildlife hazards during the bushwalk. Participants must wear personal protective equipment as relevant (e.g. long-sleeved shirt and pants for all weather extremes, wind and rain jacket and suitable enclosed footwear)
Facilities and equipment	Control measures
Activity location	Location must be suitable for the activity being undertaken. Undertake a reconnaissance of new or infrequently used locations to ascertain suitability. Consider the geography when planning the route, to avoid walking along cliff edges (slipping hazard) and below cliff faces (falling rocks). Plan alternative routes in case of emergency situations (e.g. bushfire, thunderstorm, extreme temperature, king tide)
Student considerations	Control measures
Injury	Students aware of the location of emergency and first-aid equipment
Physical exertion Exhaustion and fatigue	Conduct appropriate warm-up/cool-down activities. Participants able to easily carry the overall backpack weight. Establish rest stops, considering the age and fitness level of students. Continually monitor participants for signs of fatigue and exhaustion. Adopt system of signals to clearly communicate the need for assistance if in difficulty. Ensure drink breaks occur regularly. Make water available for individual participants between drink breaks
Student issues Separation from the group, high risk behaviours	Maintain contact between all group members through regular checks on group numbers. Implement procedures (e.g. buddy system, roll marking mechanisms) to account for all participants before, during and after the activity. Appoint designated group roles (e.g. leader, group member, tail end). Monitor participants for cold related illness (e.g. hypothermia) in cold weather conditions
Visibility	Have students wear easily identifiable clothing (e.g. high visibility rash vest). Ensure staff can easily recognise those students with health support needs and are familiar with their needs

Additional links

Disclaimer

This information is developed and distributed on this website by the State of Queensland for use by Queensland state schools only.

Use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this information by persons or organisations other than the State of Queensland is at their sole risk. All users who use, adapt or rely on this information are responsible for ensuring by independent verification its accuracy, currency and appropriateness to their particular circumstances. The State of Queensland makes no representations, either express or implied, as to the suitability of this information to a user's particular circumstances.

To the full extent permitted by law, the State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility and liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs arising from the use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this information.

Links to external websites are for convenience only and the State of Queensland has not independently verified the information on the linked websites. It is the responsibility of users to make their own decisions about the accuracy, currency, reliability and correctness of the information at these external websites.

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