2019 Kakadu NP Visitor SurveyIf you visited Kakadu in 2019, it's very important for that you fill in the 2019 Kakadu National Park Visitor Survey. It should take about ten minutes, a bit longer if you give detailed answers. Management doesn't get much bushwalking feedback so the more they have the more likely it is that we'll be able to continue the wonderful walks we do there.

Lauch of Great West WalkA 65-kilometre walking trail from Parramatta to Penrith is now open. It's the longest continuous route through western Sydney, passing through protected woodlands, bush corridors, local river systems and regional parks. More information about the walk at greatwestwalk.com.au/.

Spirit of Adventure Award 2019In August 2019 edition of BWA we had an article about the blind Nick Gleeson who walked across Island Lagoon. In November Nick and his dog Unity received the Spirit of Adventure Award given by Australian Geographic for the second time. You can check his interview on Weekend Breakfast ABC News.

The faster you walk, the better your brain worksResearchers at the University of Queensland found a corelation between the speed of your walking and your brain performance. " Slower walkers were shown to have 'accelerated aging' and their lungs, teeth and immune systems tended to be in worse shape."

World Heritage Areas open to turismThe Tasmanian Liberal Government's plan to open up the state's World Heritage Area and national parks to more tourism developments has always been contentious. The auditor-general will investigate the controversial Expression of Interest process, which conservationists have long argued lacks transparency and proper scrutiny. ABC News and The Advocate report this. See the article on Lake Malbena.

Fastest known time AAWT- a new recordAt 6 am on Friday 15 November 2019 John Riley, Kylie Salm and Phil Robinson left Walhalla on John's second attempt to break the AAWT Fastest Known Time record of 11 days and 18 hours. They zoomed through the very rugged and slow Victorian sections, continuing to move quickly in NSW and ACT. They reached the end at Tharwa at 3 pm on Tuesday 26 November taking 11 days and 9 hours, an average of 58 kilometres a day, beating the record. There's a topic on this on Bushwalk.com forum.

Sydney Coastrek - get ready for a new route and a new challengeThe Coastrek on 27 March 2020 is filling fast with the event already at a record 70% full. Don't miss out on this life-changing adventure! Organise your team of four and register now for the 60km, 30km or 15km route along the majestic Sydney - Northern Beaches.

New Overland Track app out in DecemberIf you're planning on walking the Overland Track, make sure you keep an eye out for the new app that is coming out in December. Check Google Play Store or App Store to find it.

In the News