Principles of Leave No Trace

When visiting an area, there are a number of important factors to consider:

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit
• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies
• Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6
• Repackage food to minimise waste
• Use a map and a compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging

• Durable surfaces include established tracks and campsites, rock, gravel, and dry grasses
•  Protect water sources by camping at least 100 metres from lakes and streams
• Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary

• Always walk on the track (even when wet or muddy) and walk wide of the centre to stop compaction and erosion
• Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent

• Spread out use to prevent the creation of campsites and tracks
• Avoid places where impacts are just beginning

• Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for rubbish or spilled foods.
• Deposit solid human waste in cat-holes dug 20-25cm deep; at least 100m from water, camp, and tracks. Cover and disguise the hole when finished
• Pack toilet paper and hygiene products
• To wash yourself, or your dishes, carry water 100 metres away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater

• Respect indigenous art and other sites of cultural significance. Always get appropriate permission
•  Preserve the past. Examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artefacts
•  Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you found them
•  Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species
• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches

• Campfires can cause devastating impacts to the bush. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light
• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires
• Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand
•  Burn all wood and coals to ash. Put out fire completely

•  Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them
• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviour, and exposes them to predators and other dangers
• Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and rubbish securely
• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter

• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience
•  Be courteous. Give way to other users on the track
• Take breaks and camp away from tracks and other visitors
• Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises