Oxfam Trailwalker Australia

Your safety

By registering for Oxfam Trailwalker, you have accepted responsibility for your own conduct and for the risks inherent in such a demanding endurance event. All Oxfam Trailwalker participants have a responsibility to act safely at all times, taking reasonable care to protect their own health and safety as well as that of their fellow participants.

Adequate training

Oxfam trailwalker is a tough event and requires an appropriate and committed training program. Much of the trail covers difficult terrain and you will be out in open country for many hours. It is important that you plan and train for the event well in advance. During training, please take precautions and exercise due diligence with regards to safety. Oxfam Australia takes no responsibility for risks associated with your training. Your team is obliged to research and plan your training events adequately with consideration for local conditions in the area.

Health insurance and ambulance cover

In addition to taking special care while training, we recommend all participants have adequate personal injury insurance and ambulance cover.

Slips, trips and falls

Oxfam Trailwalker is a tough event. Much of the trail covers difficult terrain with tricky footing. Numerous hazards such as small rocks, fallen branches and tree roots are realities of the trail. It is easy to slip, trip and fall, so take care at all times.

Night walking

Walking at night requires special vigilance on the part of all team members to reduce the risk of injury. All team members should carry a torch with extra batteries. If any member of your team feels uncomfortable about walking for long periods at night, your team should not attempt the event.

First aid

First aiders will be stationed at each checkpoint during the event. However, each team is advised to carry a first aid kit for use between checkpoints. The first aid kit should include pressure bandages to treat injuries such as sprains, blisters, cuts and snake or spider bites, and a thermal blanket for each team member. All participants are encouraged to learn the most up-to-date basic first aid techniques.

Tiredness

You should ensure you take adequate rest stops during the event. The desire to finish the event should never override the need for personal safety. To prevent exhaustion, your team’s pace should be guided by the fitness of the least-fit team member.

Road crossings

The trail crosses numerous roads throughout the route. Oxfam Trailwalker endeavours to provide marshals at all road crossings during the event. However, we ask participants to take special care at all road crossings and to obey pedestrian lights when they are in place.

Flash flooding

Certain sections of the trail may be subject to flash flooding. Should heavy rain occur during the event, checkpoints will be advised of current situations and you will then be advised of the latest trail conditions.
You should exercise extreme caution when crossing creeks as water levels can rise rapidly. You should not attempt to cross any swollen or rapidly flowing waterways.

Bushfire prevention

To avoid any potential risk of bushfire, participants are required to adhere to bushfire regulations as if it were bushfire season, including not smoking or lighting fires.  If bushfire affects the trail during the event, participants will be notified either at the nearest checkpoint, via mobile phone or by trail safety crews. When planning your training walks always check the latest bushfire safety information and advice from the relevant state authorities before you head out.

Wind storms

National parks are renowned for their natural flora which includes many species of trees, a number of which are prone to dropping their limbs in high winds. As the trails pass through these areas, please be extremely cautious during gusting or gale-force wind days, as the chances of falling limbs are very real. The parks may close during extreme high winds as a safety precaution, so please keep this in mind when planning your training days.

Snakes and spiders

Watch your every step during training and the event to avoid stepping on snakes. Snakes can be aggressive when provoked. Keep your distance if you encounter a snake and do not attempt to capture or handle it. You should also be wary of spiders along the trail. For example, gear left lying around should be checked for stowaways! Make sure you know the most up-to-date first aid techniques for handling snake and spider bites and always carry appropriate first aid supplies.