BNT NATIONAL PARKS

Below are listed the National Parks that I travelled through while riding the BNT. As I have detoured in some places I have missed some that are on the BNT and experienced some which are not.

VICTORIA

Yarra Ranges N.P., Alpine N.P.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Namagi N.P.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Kosciuszko N.P., Alpine N.P., Kanangra Boyd N.P., Blue Mountains N.P., Sydney Harbour N.P., Gardens of Stone N.P., Wollemi N.P., Oxley Wild Rivers N.P., Werrikimbie N.P., Willi Willi N.P., Cunnawarra N.P.. New England N.P., Cathedral Rock N.P., Guy Fawkes River N.P., Capoompeta N.P., Boonoo Boonoo Falls N.P., Bald Rock .N.P.

QUEENSLAND

Queen Mary Falls N.P., Main Range N.P., Chinghee N.P.

VISITING INFORMATION

(Sources : N.P. rangers, brochures and

information boards and the BNT guidebooks.)

More information specific to each park can be obtained from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Many publications are free in the offices and they enable you to enjoy and learn more about the national parks as you experience them.

A variety of areas not tilted 'national parks' are also available to be visited and experienced. Keep an eye out on you maps for nature reserves, state recreation areas, regional parks, marine parks, aboriginal areas, historic sites, wilderness areas and World Heritage-listed areas.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE PARKS IS ALWAYS WORTH REPEATING:

Facilities

Specified at location, on pamphlets, or contact the local NPWS. Includes pit toilets, fire places, picnic tables, information boards, track signs, boarded walkways, safety fences, visitors books, water and wheelchair access.

Park protection

Plants, animals, historic and Aboriginal sites and artifacts and geological formations are protected. The flora, fauna and features of the parks are unique on this planet. Some of the parks are World Heritage Listed. Hefty penalties apply for damages and misuse.

Vehicles

2WD access to high usage areas but otherwise a 4WD is required to transverse the more isolated tracks. 4WD access is restricted in some areas and tracks may be seasonally closed. Motorbikes are generally not permitted. Horse back riding is permitted in some less sensitive areas, and where the BNT passes through a national park. Mountain bike access to many areas except walking tracks. All vehicles must stay on the tracks provided. Drive carefully and preparedly.

Fires

Fuels stoves are recommended. Fire wood can be collected in moderation for small fires. Do not construct 'fire rings' of stones. Keep fires to a minimum size where permitted and clear at least 1m around the fire before lighting. Fire bans do occur - take note of the Fire Danger signs in towns and at the entrances to some National Parks. Take care with cigarettes and matches.

Human Impact

As a general rule 'Take only memories and photographs, and leave only footprints'. Stay on the marked paths. Don't feed the animals as it interferes with their natural behaviour and diet. Do not disturb sites of interest. Remove all of your rubbish and then any other rubbish you might find. Do not bury rubbish as animals dig it up. No pets, firearms, spearguns, generators, or chainsaws.

Your Safety

'Be prepared ' is the Scouts' motto. Doing this could save your life. Take ample food, water and warm and waterproof clothing. Notify someone responsible of your agenda. For longer trips take a compass, topological map, first aid kit, and if possible a GPS and water purifier tablets. Know how to use your camping and navigational equipment and the limits that they have. Unless experienced, stay on the marked tracks. Use your common sense at all times.

Pre Trip

For greater enjoyment read up on the history and significance of the area. Purchase topographical maps or obtain maps from the NPWS. Ask for local advice on your arrival or in the nearest town, and always notify someone responsible of your agenda.

Camping

Minimal impact camping is recommended. Do not create new campsites by clearing an area. Fuel stoves are preferred to camp fires. Bury human waste 15cm deep at least 100m from any natural water course. Pitch your tent in a sheltered area away from vehicle tracks and not under trees with fallen branches.

Passes / Fees

A variety of annual passes for vehicles can be obtained from the NPWS. Contact them or visit one of their offices. Some camp sites require booking and incur a fee, especially during school holidays and peak time. Fees apply at all times for the more facility advanced camp grounds. It is best to make your booking a week in advance at least.

GONDWANA

Gondwana is the name of the super-continent which Australia was once a part, and it is also the title of the NSW national parks supporters program.

If you wish to support the work of national parks you can do so through the 'Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife'. It is a registered charity that raises money through memberships, donations and sponsorships etc. The work in national parks is not only management but also includes : scientific research; establishing and maintaining new tracks, visitor centres, displays and facilities; identifying regions that add to the diversity of the current areas; and promoting conservation.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PARKS INFORMATION

The following are the websites for the other state national park management bodies.

Australian Capital Territory Parks and Conservation Service

http://www.act.gov.au/environ

Parks and Wildlife Comission of the Northern Territory

http://www.nt.gov.au/paw

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

http://www.env.qld.gov.au

South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service

http://www.dehaa.sa.gov.au

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au

Parks Victoria

http://www.parks.vic.gov.au

Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management

http://www.calm.wa.gov.au

THINGS TO REMEMBER

Take only memories and photos, leave only footprints.

Exit with more rubbish than what you created.

Act like you want your descendants to see what you saw.

Leave the lid down.