Safety for Coastal Hiking

On this page are a few tips that help you stay safe and have fun while hiking the coast.

The coast can be a dangerous place. Seaweeds are slippery. It is easy to have an accident when crossing difficult terrain.

Do This:

DO watch out for the incoming tide. The number one rule for rockpooling is to not get stranded, so check the tide times before you set off.

DO wear high visibilty clothing at keeps you warm, even when wet. Windbreakers over fleece base layer work well. Dress for immersion. You may get wet once in a while.

DO wear shoes with a good grip. Robust clothes provide sun protection, and avoid cuts or bruises if you fall into a rock pool.

DO take a quick dip every now and then. There may be excellent swimming holes along the beach. This is also the perfect opportunity to stop and eat lunch.

DO be ready for uneven roads and stretches of pothole-filled dirt. It can be done in a standard car, but 4WD and off-road tires would be a good idea.

DO your research on the trail. Know where you plan on camping and when you plan to leave each campground to beat high tide.

DO camp in sheltered places. Wind can come up at short notice. Be ready, keep low, but no so low that you could get flooded.

Don't Do This:

DON'T camp on exposed ridges, even if the view is spectacular. The winds can be very strong, especially in the late afternoon. There maybe no good place to set up camp with shelter from the winds.

DON'T try to continue through the ‘impassable zones’ at high tide. The water may run all the way to the rocks, leaving no room for hikers, no matter how confident or skilled you may be.

DON'T wear shorts, no matter the weather. A pair of weather-resistant, lightweight hiking pants will keep you dry while protecting your legs from insects and sections of thick flora.

DON'T leave trash at the campsites or clean your cookware in the creeks. There is a lot of wildlife on the trail and retaining the natural condition is up to us. Be a good steward and practice Leave No Trace every time you’re outdoors.