Hiking in Bushfire-Prone Areas

The Basics of Hiking in Bushfire-Prone Areas

In New South Wales, we’re lucky to have some of the most beautiful trails in the world — from lush gullies and ancient canyons to sweeping ridgelines with endless views. But with all that beauty comes risk — especially during bushfire season.

If you’re planning to hike during warmer months (typically from October through March), it’s important to understand the basics of bushfire safety. Even if you’re not hiking during a fire, conditions can change fast. Being prepared and aware can help keep you, your family, and other trail users safe.

Here’s what we always consider before heading out on the trail in bushfire-prone areas.

1. Check the Fire Danger Rating

Before you lace up your boots or fill your pack, check the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Fire Danger Rating for the day. The system was updated in 2022 to make it clearer and easier to understand.

The ratings are:

• Moderate: Plan and prepare
  
  
• High: Be ready to act
  
  
• Extreme: Take action now to protect life and property
  
  
• Catastrophic: For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas

If the rating is Extreme or Catastrophic, don’t go. It’s not worth the risk, even on a short walk. Fires in these conditions can start and spread incredibly quickly.

Check the latest ratings at: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

2. Avoid Hiking on Total Fire Ban Days

A Total Fire Ban means no fires can be lit in the open — including campfires, gas cookers, and BBQs. But it’s also a warning sign that the risk of fire is very high.

We recommend avoiding hikes through dry bushland, ridgelines, or remote areas on these days. Even if you’re not lighting a fire yourself, the environment is so dry that just a spark from a car, cigarette, or lightning strike could start something dangerous.

3. Plan Your Route with an Exit Strategy

When hiking in bushfire-prone areas, always plan your walk with an exit plan in mind. That means:

• Knowing multiple ways in and out of your hike, if possible
  
  
• Staying on well-marked trails
  
  
• Letting someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back

In remote areas, phone reception can be patchy — so don’t rely solely on your phone for updates. Download offline maps or carry a paper version as a backup.

4. Avoid Hiking in the Hottest Part of the Day

If you’re hiking during summer, aim to start early and finish early. Temperatures tend to peak in the early afternoon, and dry, windy conditions often arrive around the same time — exactly when fire risk increases.

Not only is it safer, but hiking in the cooler hours is far more pleasant (especially if you’ve got kids along).

5. Pay Attention to the Landscape

Some trails in NSW pass through areas that have burned before — or are recovering from recent fires. That doesn’t mean they’re unsafe, but it’s worth noting:

• Scorched trees can fall unexpectedly, especially in windy weather
  
  
• Track markers may be missing or hard to spot
  
  
• Regrowth can be dense and disorienting, especially off-track

Always check for any park alerts or track closures on the NSW National Parks website before you go.

6. Know the Signs of Fire Nearby

Even if there’s no alert when you leave, conditions can change quickly. Stay alert for:

• The smell of smoke or haze in the air
  
  
• Sudden changes in wind direction
  
  
• Ash or embers falling from the sky
  
  
• A distant orange glow or visible smoke column

If you see any of these signs, don’t wait — leave immediately. Head back to your car or the nearest safe area, and avoid high ground where fires travel fastest.

7. Pack for Safety

Even on a short hike, it’s a good idea to carry:

• Plenty of water
  
  
• A fully charged phone and backup battery
  
  
• A P2 mask or cloth to cover your nose and mouth if caught in smoke
  
  
• A small emergency blanket (can be used for warmth or signalling)
  
  
• Offline maps or printed trail info
  

For remote hikes, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is worth its weight in gold.

8. Consider Timing Your Hikes Outside Fire Season

Some of NSW’s best hikes — like those in the Blue Mountains, Wollemi, and Morton National Park — are even better in autumn or early spring, when fire risk is lower and temperatures are milder.

If you're hiking with kids or new to overnight treks, it’s often safer (and more comfortable) to plan your trips for April through September.

Final Thoughts

Hiking in bushfire-prone areas doesn’t mean you need to avoid the bush altogether—but it does mean hiking smarter. With the right planning, awareness, and a little flexibility, you can still enjoy beautiful trails safely during warmer months.

Always check the fire rating, plan ahead, and trust your instincts — if in doubt, don’t go out.