Membership
The Adelaide Bushwalkers (ABW) is a walking club whose primary objective is to promote overnight pack carrying walking tours, particularly weekend and extended trips and to foster allied outdoor activities. There are also occasional kayaking trips and day walks organised. Walks are led by volunteer walk leaders and take in some of the most beautiful parts of our state and further afield.
Membership is open to persons aged 18 or over.
Most walks take place in the bush, remote areas and are sometimes off-track. In addition, we might be out of telephone coverage and a couple of days walk away from access roads. Consequently, our safety is of paramount importance. Hence our qualifying process discussed below.
The club organises ‘New Member’ weekends and there are always moderate walks that are suitable for people still getting used to carrying their gear for the full day. These are clearly defined in the Walk Activity Program which is our calendar of upcoming walks. They are often designated as ‘Qualifying Walks’ and are open to new members. There is also a grading system that gives you an indication of how demanding the walk will be.
We require new members to attend a meeting at which a briefing is provided on the Club’s operation and activities. New members should also speak to the leader of the walk or activity that has taken their interest. This is the best way of making sure it is right for you. The volunteer walk leaders have all completed our leadership endorsement process and are well placed to assess the suitability of the walk for you.
Qualifying
New members join as ‘Prospective Members’. To become a full member you must complete three overnight, pack-carrying walks within twelve months. Qualification is not demanding but ensures new members are able to participate comfortably and safely in basic overnight walks. Prospective membership can be extended upon request.In your pack you will carry your tent, clothing, food and water and so it will weigh around 18 kg for a weekend walk. This can be quite arduous when walking up and down in hilly country for 6-7 hours in a day.
Full membership is obtained after completing three, overnight, qualifying walks. Qualifying walks are indicated on the program with a ‘Q’.
If you are interested in any walk or other activity you can talk to the leader of the activity to make sure that both you and the leader are satisfied that you have the fitness and experience to safely participate in that activity.
Membership Fees
| Membership Type | Full-time Student Fee | Normal Fee | Valid | Who |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual Participant | $15.00 | $15.00 | 1 trip | For interstate visitors or, for people from other bushwalking clubs who are already experienced overnight walkers or, people who are friends of existing ABW members. |
| Prospective Member | $40.00 | $75.00 | 12 months | Ideal for new members. New members join as a Prospective Member and complete three qualifying walks before becoming a Full Member (any paid membership time may be transferred over to Full Membership pro-rata). Can be extended upon request. |
| Full Member | $40.00 | $75.00 | 1 Apr to 31 Mar | Annual fee payable between 1 April to 31 March each year. |
| Associate Member | $15.00 | $15.00 | 1 Apr to 31 Mar | Ideal for a partner who only wants to attend social events with their partner, who is a Full or Prospective Member. |
Quick Start Guide
This guide will give you some important information about full pack-carrying hiking that will help make your walking experience with Adelaide Bushwalkers (ABW) both safe and enjoyable.
Club Magazine
Our quarterly membership magazine can be viewed online. A print copy can be mailed to you for an additional $10.