Different cultures around the world have wildly different customs to others, and sometimes when people go travelling outside their own culture, they can go into cultural shock, a feeling of total confusion about how to behave. Some actions viewed as quite rude in Australia are highly complementary in another country. For example, in Japan it’s standard practice to slurp when eating a bowl of noodles, whereas it’s considered as pretty crude behaviour in Australia. This example highlights different cultural norms around the world.

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Sub-cultures have customs, rituals and expectations that form the expected etiquette of that community and can vary in place and time. They are often ingrained and followed unconsciously. Etiquette guidelines strongly reflect their culture, and meeting these unspoken expectations may make a big difference to how easy it is to feel accepted by that community.

The Australian bushwalking community is a good example of an Australian sub-culture with its own unique etiquette. While bushwalking core etiquette ideas are similar, clubs and states have their own expectations and unique cultures. The point of this etiquette article is not to dictate a set of rules, but rather to provide guidelines. Etiquette isn’t about being right or wrong, but rather it’s about knowing what the expectations of that community are so that if people stray from the norm, they do so knowingly.

Bushwalking etiquette is broadly similar to the etiquette expected in other parts of Australian society where we meet new people, take part in a shared activity and, in doing so, maybe experience new challenges. Consideration, kindness and respect are shared across cultures, time and space, and the bushwalking community is no different. Bushwalking etiquette involves being considerate to others before, during and after the walk and includes people within the group as well as others on the track. Bushwalking etiquette is all about respecting how other people want to experience natural places and taking care of each other on the track.

While a walk is usually organised by a leader or a co-leader partnership, the success of the walk depends on every group member being well prepared, turning up with the right expectations and equipment, and being an inclusive, respectful and courteous participant. These ideas all highlight the point that an individual's actions may dramatically impact upon others, and this is the focus of this etiquette article.

Pre-walk etiquetteBushwalking etiquette starts from the moment you begin choosing a trip right through until you’re back home again. Here are some things to watch out for before starting the trip.

Choose a suitable tripUnderstand the context of the trip (is it a long distance fast paced trip, or one with regular breaks). Some trips require a certain level of fitness and skill set too: make sure your expectations of yourself are realistic.

Introduce yourself to your leader beforehandBushwalking clubs are often run by volunteers who rely on their leaders to organise bushwalks. An introductory email or phone call can go a long way in forming a good relationship with your leader, who can keep a track of the sort of group they are leading. During that introduction, tell your leader your level of experience, skills and fitness, and alert them to any relevant medical conditions you have.

Keep the group smallIt can be tempting to invite just one more person on trip, but the group size can easily get out of hand. Groups larger than 8-10 people are harder to manage and can quickly crowd the track. As a general rule, groups of up to eight people are preferred for wilderness areas, however, national parks may have different rules on group sizes, which varies with the region. Check with your leader before inviting another person.

PackingConsider sharing group items such as first aid kits or tents to keep pack weight down. It can be nice to carry something yummy like a cake or pack of lollies to share on the track with others in the group. On longer walks or if it's likely that you will get wet or dirty, bring a spare change of clothes for the return journey home. At the very least, have a change of footwear. Carry enough money to contribute towards petrol costs.

Be on timeDon’t keep your group waiting!

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On-track etiquetteOn-track etiquette extends beyond just those in your group and includes others that use the track and land managers.

Respect others in your group Everyone has the right to enjoy a bushwalk just the way they like, and respecting other people’s needs makes the trip enjoyable for everyone. A solid team of walkers not only makes it to the end of the track safely but also has an enjoyable and fun time. A group that trusts and respects each other are also in a better position to cope with the unexpected. Stick together, respect other's opinions, and work as a team.

Respect other usersOn a narrow track it’s courteous to step aside to let another bushwalking party going uphill through. Wait for a wider part of the track before overtaking slower parties going in the same direction. Bushwalkers often share tracks with vehicles, horses, mountain bike riders, families, campers, 4WD etc. Respect and make way for other users. If the track is wide, it's best not to have too many people walking beside each other.

PhotographyCameras are a great way of collecting memories along the track, but before snapping shots of others in the group, make sure to ask permission. Back home, obtain permission from all people in the pictures before posting on the internet. It may be an idea to ask about this when taking the picture.

SmokingIn all NSW national parks smoking is now banned and offenders are subject to on-the-spot fines. Smoking bans also apply to many other outdoor areas under the Smoke-Free Environment Act 2000. For example, within 10 metres of public children’s play equipment or within a commercial eating area. Check the rules before lighting up.

The main thing with bushwalking etiquette is to respect others, be considerate of the needs of people in your group and other track users, and to have fun out there. Happy walking!