Walk safely
Walk only between April and September to avoid wet and dry weather extremes. Be prepared for track closures during periods of high fire danger.
Preparing for your walk
General safety guidelines
- Mobile phone coverage is limited - help can be many hours away.
- Carry water, food and a first-aid kit. Pack extra supplies in case your walk takes longer than expected.
- Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Bring supplies of any prescription medicines needed during the walk.
- Wear sturdy, enclosed boots or shoes suitable for wet conditions.
- Take warm clothes and raincoats - weather can change suddenly.
- Pack a hat, long-sleeved tops and trousers to minimise scratches, stings, bites and sunburn.
- Be prepared for wildlife and know how to respond.
On the track
- Always carry enough water for one day and evening. Refill containers from water tanks at camping areas. Treat all water from creeks and tanks before drinking.
- Use insect repellent regularly to keep mosquitoes and scrub mites away.
- Plan to complete your walk well before dark.
- Wear boots suitable for wet conditions.
In an emergency
Mobile phone coverage
on the Great Walk
is unreliable
- Know your location at all times.
- Carry a mobile phone and call 112 in an emergency, or send the two fittest members of your party to get help, leaving someone behind to care for the injured walker.
- Do not rely on mobile phones. There is only occasional mobile phone coverage from the ridgelines.
Fire safety
- Check this website and www.qld.gov.au/camping for updates on fire danger and planned burning before you go.
- Observe all signs. In extreme conditions, the walking track may be closed for your personal safety.
- If you see a fire, please alert a ranger or the police as soon as possible.
Wildlife safety
- Do not leave food for native birds and animals.
- Animals such as goannas, possums, kookaburras and butcherbirds have caused serious injuries because people have fed them or encouraged their attention.
- Native birds and animals need their natural diet to survive. Eating processed foods can cause them to become sick or die.
Last updated: 05 May 2006