Bushwalking, a term for hiking, originated in Australia and is popular in New Zealand and other regions. It refers to walking in dense wilderness areas and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Bushwalkers often travel in groups and are committed to low-impact enjoyment of nature.
Bushwalking is a term for hiking that is often used by English speakers in Australia and New Zealand, although it has gained popularity in other regions as well. In some areas it can refer to any type of walking, both on and off trail, although in other regions where its use is potentially less common, it is often reserved for backcountry hiking only. Bushwalking is a somewhat common practice by many people around the world, generally those seeking a sense of solace and quiet repose away from the noise and crowds of big cities.
Sometimes simply referred to as “walking”, bushwalking appears to have originated in Australia and was probably coined by a group of hikers formed in the early 20th century. Members of the group called themselves the “Bush Walkers” and later became the “Sydney Bush Walkers”. The term “bush” generally refers to dense areas of wilderness where passage can be difficult and may require some effort or clearing to get through. Specifically, the term “shrub” is used to refer to the particular mix of vegetation found throughout Australia, often a combination of woodland and scrub that can be quite dense.
In other regions, trekking has been used to refer to walking on trails through this type of dense vegetation, although in Australia it can also mean walking on paths and trails. There are various walking societies and groups in Australia and New Zealand, often dedicated to promoting exploration and enjoyment of the environment. These groups and many independent walkers are often committed to low-impact enjoyment of nature, typically striving to ensure that the natural beauty is not disturbed by cleaning up or littering. Many of these groups are against the pioneers, preferring to allow those who follow to explore and discover an area just as they did.
A lot of walking in Australia’s national parks and state forests, just like most walking in the United States, takes place in similar regions. Almost anyone can enjoy this type of outdoor activity, from babies to people in their 90s, and truly committed walkers will enjoy nature year-round, from the heat of summer to the snows of winter. Bushwalkers often travel in groups of at least two, as solo exploration can be potentially dangerous.
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