The golden rules of solo bushwalking

I've done a few daywalks on my own and I want to progres to a solo overnight bushwalk in Spring. What are the factors I need to consider when planning this trip?
Monique Downs
Bondi, NSW

Although bushwalking books often caution against undertaking walks on your own, sometimes bushwalking buddies can be hard to come by and with the right precautions many walks can be safely done on your own - and it can be a liberating and exhelerating experience.

However before you set foot on the trail by yourself consider these:

If you haven’t walked by yourself before, an overnight walk is probably not the best introduction. Try some shorter walks first, to see if you like it or not, then move to full day walks, before undertaking an overnight walk.

Walking alone takes a bit more organisation and courage than walking with others, but the rewards are a real immersion in your surroundings and more sightings of animals provided you don’t make a lot of noise.

Safety must be your first priority. If available, use the logbook to sign in and sign out when you return. Leave detailed instructions with family or friends of the route you’re intending to take, ideally with a copy of the map, intended camping spots, and anticipated time of return including a “call the authorities if you haven’t heard from me by then” time.

Stick to the route you say you’re going to take. Take a Personal Locator Beacon such as GME's MT410 or AMI's FastFind.

If you don't have one many outdoor stores will rent out PLBs, they’re light and if you do twist an ankle or worse, their signal reduces the search area for search parties, meaning you will be found sooner rather than later.

There is no one to share your load so make sure that what you take with you are the pure essentials and nothing less. Essentials should include first aid kit, tent, sleeping bag, mat, stove and fuel, food and rain gear.