Before you go – your safety

Before you go

• Ensure you have appropriate shoes and clothing, warm layers and rain gear.  For adventure motorcyclists, remember ATTGATT (all the gear all the time) and don’t be a SQUID (Stupidly quick underdressed imminently dead). 

• Carry a first aid kit, water and food. Know how to avoid and respond to dangers in the bush, such as snakes and stinging trees. 

• Mobile coverage is limited or non existent in many bush areas and on remote roads around Coffs. Carry a printed map and download GPX tracks and topographical maps onto your phone or GPS device before you leave home.  Notify someone of your trip intentions and return time. A PLB (personal locator beacon) is advised on remote walks, we use a Garmin InReach mini. 

• Check the weather forecast, tides (coastal) and river heights. Weather conditions may make many trails too slippery to use safely. Tides and river heights may make some areas inaccessible.

• Check fire danger ratings and any active bush fire alerts. Stay out of parks and forest if there is a fire ban, or if there is an active fire.

• Check national park alerts or forest service alerts. Do not enter closed areas as fines apply, hazards may make it unsafe for you and your insurance policies will be voided, and ecologically you may be making the situation for the environment worse.

• Check for closed roads using LiveTraffic and MyRoadInfo. 

Dogs

• For all trails, check if dogs are allowed with councils and observe signage as rules change and information on this site may not be accurate.  Dogs are allowed in NSW State Forests under control, but not in National Parks or nature reserves. Walks labelled dog-friendly on this website require dogs to be on-leash. Some walks may have beach sections that are off-leash. Where a dog is not permitted on a short section of a walk, adjust your route – for example walk around Jetty beach.

• Take water and a bowl for your dog, and bags to pick up after them. 

• Look out for notices for wild dog and fox baiting.  

• Keep your dog on leash and under close supervision when walking in the bush or on the beach. Do not let your dog disturb wildlife or chase shorebirds. Be mindful of other users of trails when you have a dog with you, including children, mountain bike and motorcycle riders, 4WDs, and horse riders.