Respect the Bush: Your Essential Guide to Leaving No Trace in Australia
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the laugh of a kookaburra or the scent of eucalyptus after a midnight rain. Whether you’re pitching a tent in the High Country, beach camping on the coast we are incredibly lucky to have access to such diverse landscapes.
But our unique ecosystems are fragile. With more Aussies heading off the beaten track than ever before, the Leave No Trace principles are our best tool to ensure the bush stays wild. Here is how to apply the seven core principles to our unique Australian environment:
Plan Ahead and Prepare
In Australia, "being prepared" can be a matter of life and death, not just convenience. Check for Total Fire Bans: Before you leave, check the local CFA, RFS, or relevant state fire authority website. On Total Fire Ban days, you cannot light a fire—even in a designated grate.
Water is Gold: Many Australian campsites don't have potable water. Always carry more than you think you’ll need (at least 3-4 litres per person, per day). Download Offline Maps: Don't rely on 4G in the scrub. Use apps like Wikiloc or AllTrails with offline maps downloaded. National Parks often require bookings. Check for closures due to floods or bushfire recovery.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Our native flora can take years to recover from being trampled. Stick to the Track: Avoid taking "shortcuts" on switchbacks, which causes massive erosion during heavy rains. Check the Ground: Avoid pitching your tent on delicate wildflowers or saltbush. Aim for hard-packed ground, sand, or rock. Don't Create New Sites: If a spot looks untouched, leave it that way. Use established campsites to keep the "human footprint" contained.
Dispose of Waste Properly
"Pack it in, pack it out" includes everything—including your organic scraps. The Banana Peel Myth: Throwing a banana peel into the bush isn't "composting." It takes ages to break down in our dry climate and encourages native animals to scavenge for "human" food. Dealing with "Business": If there are no long-drops (compost toilets) available, dig a hole at least 15-20cm deep and 100m away from water sources. Use a trowel and bury it properly.
Leave What You Find
Australia’s history is etched into the landscape. Respect Cultural Heritage: You may come across Indigenous rock art, middens, or scarred trees. Never touch or disturb these. They are sacred and protected. No Souvenirs: That cool piece of driftwood or unique desert stone belongs to the ecosystem, not your bookshelf. Avoid hammering nails into gum trees or carving your initials. It introduces disease to the tree.
Minimise Campfire Impacts
Fire is a powerful part of the Australian landscape, but it must be respected. Use the Fire Ring: If the campsite has a steel ring, use it. Never build a new fire circle with rocks. The "Wrist Rule": Only collect fallen dead wood that is smaller than your wrist. Don't strip branches from standing trees. Drown, Don't Bury: Sand or dirt doesn't always put out a fire; it can insulate the coals and keep them hot for days (posing a risk to the next camper). Drown it with water until the coals are cool to the touch.
Respect Wildlife
Australia has some of the world’s most unique—and vulnerable—creatures. Keep Your Distance: Don't try to get a "kangaroo selfie." If the animal changes its behavior because of you, you're too close. No Handouts: Feeding magpies, possums, or kookaburras makes them aggressive and dependent. It also makes them sick. Check for Stowaways: Before heading home, check your gear for invasive seeds or bugs to avoid spreading them to new areas.
Be Considerate of Others
The "Bush Spirit" is all about community and respect. The Sound of Silence: Not everyone wants to hear your Bluetooth speaker. Keep the volume down and enjoy the natural soundscape. Yield on the Track: Generally, the hiker going uphill has the right of way. Say a friendly "G'day" as you pass! Greywater: If you’re in a caravan or camper, ensure your greywater isn't draining directly into a creek or onto a neighbor's site.
Why It Matters Our bushland is a part of our national identity. By following these principles, we ensure that the "Great Outdoors" stays great for the next generation of explorers.