Bushwalking in Australia - Most bushwalkers belong to a club. Most bushwalking clubs belong to a state body called a Federation or Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs. This umbrella organization provides a number of benefits to each club including cheap insurance (public liability, personal sports injury), a unified voice on matters involving bushwalking at a state level (having discussions with government authorities, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Water Boards, state rescue associations, etc), help with training and subsequent dissemination of information to all affiliated clubs. Elected delegates from each club become members of the state federation and elect a committee to run the Federation for the benefit of all club bushwalkers.

Most clubs are incorporated which means that :

1. The club has public liability insurance (usually $10,000,000) to cover it from claims made by members of the public who may suffer injury or property damage, usually accidentally caused, by a member of the club whilst out on a club activity.

2. Members of the club cannot sue other members of the club

3. The club has a constitution which sets out how it is to be managed - with rules and by-laws. A committee is elected and makes most decisions. Regular general meetings are held when all financial members can attend to provide an input into the running of the club and hear the latest news.

Bushwalking in Australia