Hiking Terminology
Hiking Terminology
Planning a hike but don’t understand the lingo in all the guides? We’ve all been there. This guide will walk you through some common hiking terms so you can follow along without having to secretly Google things on the trail.
Types of Hiking
Hiking is hiking, right? It’s bushwalking, trekking, tramping, or just walking in nature. Sure, a lot of terms mean roughly the same thing — but there are differences. Knowing what they are means you won’t get roped into a week-long hike when you thought you were just doing a lap around the local reserve.
Hiking
Let’s start with the obvious one. Hiking is the umbrella term for walking in nature, typically on unpaved ground. It’s often long-distance — but not always (depending on your idea of “long”).
Bushwalking
The Aussie term for hiking. You’re literally walking through the bush. We mostly use “hiking” on our blog and socials, partly because “bushwalking” tends to conjure up images of slow-moving retirees in khaki socks — and that’s not who we are (yet).
Urban Hiking
An American term that’s made its way into Aussie outdoors culture. It just means walking through urban areas — either on pavement or along bush tracks near the city. Think national park pockets and nature reserves around metro areas.
Thru-Hiking
This one’s for the serious hikers. Thru-hiking means completing an entire long-distance trail from one end to the other in a single, continuous journey. It usually takes weeks or months. In Australia, examples include the Bibbulmun Track, the Heysen Trail, and the Australian Alps Walking Track.
Section Hiking
Tackling a long-distance trail in smaller chunks over time. Maybe you only do one part of the trail each season, or fit in a few days here and there — that’s section hiking.
Multi-Day Hiking
Hiking and camping over several days, typically on a single trail or across connected shorter tracks. It's not a thru-hike, but you’ll still be living out of your pack for a while.
Solo Hiking
Just you and the bush. You might pass people on the trail, but you’re not travelling with anyone. Some find it peaceful, others find it a bit unnerving — either way, it’s hiking on your own terms.
Trail Terms
So what’s the difference between a track and a trail? Not much. Aussies usually say “track,” Americans say “trail,” but they’re mostly interchangeable.
Fire Trail (or Fire Track)
A wide, often unsealed road through bushland. Originally built to give emergency vehicles access during bushfires, they’re also used for park maintenance, planned burns, and occasionally by 4WDs.
Link Track
A smaller track that connects two main trails. These can be overgrown, unmaintained, or just a bit rough — sometimes you’ll see old tyre marks suggesting they were once part of a fire trail.
Foot Track (or Footpad)
A narrow path formed by repeated foot traffic. The soil is compacted by the weight of people following the foot-track, making it difficult for plant life to grow there, so even if the track isn’t officially maintained, it can stick around for years.
Goat Track
A steep, narrow track where you’d be forgiven for thinking you need four legs and hooves to manage it. Not always official, not always wise — but definitely a workout.
Bushbashing
Forcing your way through untracked or heavily overgrown terrain. It takes experience to do it safely (and without causing damage). Expect to emerge scratched, sweaty, and slightly triumphant.
Ridgeline
The narrow, elevated edge of a hill or mountain. Overseas, ridgelines can be dramatic “knife edges” with steep drops either side — here in Australia, they’re often more subtle but still offer great views.
Switchbacks
A zig-zagging trail over a steep slope. They make the hike longer but ease the incline, saving your legs (and lungs). We’ll take a switchback over a brutal stair climb any day.
Out-and-Back
Exactly what it sounds like — you hike out to a spot, then turn around and walk back the same way.
Circuit
A loop trail that brings you back to where you started, without retracing your steps. Very satisfying.
Trailhead
Where the track officially starts (or ends). Often marked by an info board or signage — but sometimes it’s just a break in the scrub with a parking bay nearby.
Scree
Loose, rocky debris that makes footing tricky — like trying to walk on ground covered in marbles. Kanangra National Park is notorious for it.
Cairn
A stack of rocks placed to mark a route. They can be helpful in rocky areas where the track’s not obvious, but they’re also a bit controversial — some hikers remove them due to environmental concerns.
Alpine Start
Waking up very early to hit the trail before dawn — usually so you can catch a sunrise or beat the heat. Or both.
Benighted
Getting caught on a hike after dark without meaning to. Not a romantic term — more of a warning. It’s a good reminder to always pack a torch, even on short walks. It happens to the best of us.
Scrambling
Using both your hands and feet to climb up rocky or steep sections — no ropes needed, but definitely more than just walking.
Rock Hopping
Crossing rocks (usually over water) by stepping from one to the next. There’s no actual hopping involved… I mean you could if you wanted to I guess but you’ll likely end up slipping and falling in a creek…
Handlines
Fixed ropes to help you climb or descend sketchy bits of trail. You’ll see these on harder Blue Mountains tracks — or in canyon access routes.
Hiking Gear
Day Pack
A smaller backpack with just the essentials: snacks, water, first-aid, maybe a rain jacket. No tent. No stove. Just enough for a day out.
Baseweight
The total weight of your pack excluding consumables — so no food, water, or fuel included. Useful for ultralight hikers trying to keep things minimal.
PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)
An emergency beacon used to call for help when things go really wrong. Push the button, and emergency services will come find you. Often referred to as the “helicopter button” — half-jokingly.
Hiking Poles
Trekking poles to help with balance and reduce strain on knees — especially useful on steep ascents and descents.
Gaiters
Fabric covers that go over your boots and lower legs to stop stones, dirt, or prickles getting in. Some gaiters offer snake protection — but not all do, so check the rating if that’s what you’re after.
Bladder (or CamelBak)
A water reservoir that’s carried inside your pack, with a hose so you can sip while walking. Keeps your hands free and hydration easy.
Got a hiking term you’ve heard and aren’t sure about? Let us know — we’re always adding to the list.
All images generated by AI