The Ways of the Bushwalker : On foot in Australia

by Melissa Harper

Australians have always loved to step out in nature, whether off-track or along a marked route. Bushwalking – an organised long-distance walk in rugged terrain that requires maps and camping equipment, or a family day out – is one of our most popular pastimes. This landmark book, now updated, was the first to delve into its rich and sometimes quirky history. From the earliest days of European settlement, colonists found pleasure in leisurely strolls through the bush, collecting flowers, sketching, bird watching and picnicking. Yet over time, walking for the sake of walking became the dominant motive. Walking clubs proliferated, railways organised mystery hikes attended by thousands, and Paddy Pallin established his equipment business. Bushwalking – serious walking – was invented. Whether you are inclined to put on your walking boots and pack your sleeping bag, or would rather stay in a luxury hut, this surefooted and witty book reveals how the ordinary act of walking can become extraordinary. 'As stimulating to the mind as a good walk in the bush.' — Bill Garner 'An absorbing exploration of the story of bushwalking in Australia. It's a well researched history, not just of walking, but of our changing relationship to the natural environment, of coming to know its unique beauty and its power to both inspire and restore the body and spirit. A compelling read for anyone who loves the Australian bush.' — Patti Miller '...a splendid social history, one so entertaining and revealing that you wonder why it hasn't been done before.' — Amanda Lohrey 'Slip this book in your swag – and step into adventure.' — Tom Griffiths

Genres: Nonfiction

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2020

Reviews

[Brenda Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bushwalking is difficult to define, but in Australia largely appears to be of the domain of the societal British elite, at least in it's early inception, when young men travelled large distances for a range of reasons. As Aboriginal tracks were transformed to roads, travel by horse then train laid the foundations for guest homes which then became a base for walkers. But it wasn't until 1910 or so that the Australian identity, modelled on the swagman, saw bush walking become a more casual affair (no tie needed) and part of middle income Australia. Women occasionally took part, eventually in mixed groups, then in female groups, but were excluded from clubs. All of the places common to tourism today are described, showing how we still walk the paths of those before us, and how the love of bushwalking lead to environmental protection. There is a lot of academic contemplation about bushwalker motivation and how that differs between people and is based on their cultural upbringing. Then, as population increased, the tracks and facilities increased and the experience sanitised and monetized. The importance of exploration in the development of the male psyche is briefly highlighted, however as tracks became popular, this opportunity was quickly lost, making me wonder how young Australian men develop identity today. The way of the bushwalker is as varied as the people who undertake it, but we've all lost something special about it along the way.

[Norrie Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a history from colonial days until the present. Due acknowledgement is made of the ancient pathways of indigenous people, but the bulk of the content is decidedly European in outlook. The first nine chapters take us to the mid-20th century, by which time much of the bushwalking fabric - clubs, tracks and equipment - was already woven. Later developments are covered in the final few chapters, including food, environmental impacts and commercialisation.
Along the way, Melissa Harper canvasses controversial themes that have been with us for a long time, including - self-reliance versus comfort; hiking versus bushwalking; track versus off track; wilderness and landscape; solo versus group, and men versus women.
Other countries have their tramps, hikes and rambles, but the Aussie bushwalk evokes something a little bit different. The Ways of the Bushwalker is a fascinating exploration of how this came to be.
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[Lee Belbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comprehensive update on the history of Australian bushwalking that includes the new strategy of Tasmania’s Three Capes (two capes) Track. A little too much back and forth over such things as the terms bushwalking vs hiking etc. I would have liked to see some coverage of popular columns written by people such as John Cannon of Hobart for the Mercury as this reflects the evolution of the pastime.