Leave No Trace is not just an ethical position. In Australian bush conditions, the practical case for it is strong. Native vegetation takes decades to recover from damage. Campfire scars in granite country persist for generations. Introduced plant species spread from seeds carried on clothing and footwear. The cumulative impact of poor practice by many visitors adds up to real, lasting damage.

Walk on Durable Surfaces

Stay on formed tracks where they exist. Where tracks do not exist, walk on rock, gravel, dry grass, or snow rather than on vegetation. In heavily visited areas, spreading out to avoid track widening makes the impact worse, not better. Walking single file on an existing track concentrates the impact on ground that is already disturbed.

Campsite Selection

In National Parks, camp at designated campsites where they exist. Where dispersed camping is permitted, camp on previously used sites where possible, at least 50m from water sources, and away from tracks and other users. Australian parks are not well-resourced for track maintenance and drainage. Camping on saturated ground near water creates lasting damage.

Waste Management

Pack out all rubbish including food scraps, fruit peels, and teabags. These take longer to decompose in Australian conditions than most people assume and they attract wildlife. For human waste where no toilet facilities exist, dig a cat hole 15cm deep at least 50m from water and tracks. Pack out toilet paper or burn it in a contained fire if fires are permitted.

Campfires

The risk from campfires in Australian bush is real and serious. Most national parks restrict or prohibit fires. Where fires are permitted, use established rings, keep fires small, and ensure they are fully extinguished before you leave. Dousing with water, stirring, and dousing again until the ash is cold to the touch is the correct method. A fire that looks out can reignite in dry conditions.

Wildlife

Feeding wildlife disrupts natural foraging behaviour and creates animals that are habituated to human food. Secure all food in your tent or pack. In areas with possums, wombats, and other foragers, hanging food off the ground is worth the effort. Store food away from sleeping areas. The connection between habituated wildlife and aggressive incidents is well documented in popular camping areas.