In mid-2016, my wife and I enjoyed a driving holiday to Uluru, camping along the way.

One of the images that stays with me from that trip is a striking illustration of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board of Management. Part of the painting showed footprints and bootprints to indicate the contribution of indigenous and non-indigenous rangers, respectively.

The differences between bare feet and boots reflects some of the differences in philosophy and connection to country. The nelipots amongst us have reduced barriers between them and the land, when compared to those who avoid direct contact with the earth. When walking barefoot, there is a tendency to slow ourselves down and tread lightly.

The official naming of K’gari (Fraser Island) National Park made the news recently. “K’gari” means “paradise”, and this is a wonderful step forward for a place where being barefoot is almost compulsory.

I look forward to the day when visiting tourists tell us about the wonderful outdoor experiences they had on K’gari.

Also on the topic of walking, the draft Australian Adventure Activity Standard for bushwalking and camping will be released very soon. I encourage all of you to read that and provide input. A great deal of work has gone into the Australian AAS project, but further contributions from our community are needed to ensure the documents are worthwhile – please remember that positive feedback is just as welcome as critical comments. We will let you know once that is released.

I suspect the Australian AAS will mention selecting suitable footwear for any bushwalk, but perhaps we should consider the barefoot option from time to time, and embrace our inner nelipot.

Yours in the outdoors,
Dom

Dom Courtney, Executive Officer

Visioning the Outdoors

Visioning the Outdoors Film & Photo Competition 2017 is CLOSING SOON.

So get in your entries in for a chance to win and a chance to have your images helping promote, support and protect the outdoors in Queensland.

Fraser Island renamed K’gari

The national park that spans almost all of Queensland’s Fraser Island has been renamed “K’gari”, a partial victory for traditional owners who are campaigning to rename the whole island ...  read more

Active Transport Linked to Health Benefits

Many studies have shown that cycling and walking are linked with health benefits, but there is still debate about these associations ... read more

30 minutes in charge of bikes

I had a dream the other night ... I was made Australian Minister for Bike Riding and given sweeping powers. I could change anything I liked – whether at a federal, state or local level ... read more

Upgraded Tracks Now Open

Atherton locals and visitors are benefitting from the new and improved Yabi Mountain and Mount Baldy walking tracks ... read more

Coming Events

Events coming up in the next month or so - National Volunteer Week starts May 8; on April 1, Race 1 of the MoreTon Bay MTB Series is on May 12/13; the Australian National Trail Running Conference is on in the Blue Mountains, NSW on May 17/18 and the Parks and Leisure QLD, Active Places, Active Connections conference is on in Mackay on May 30/June 1.

Do you host events? Our resources page on Event Management might have what you need! Find out!

Passchendaele V2 Bouldering Festival

Do you support rock climbing and bouldering? Become a sponsor of the 2017 Passchendaele V2 Bouldering Festival developed and run by QORF Green Circle member Pinnacle Sports. Watch the highlights video from 2016

World’s Biggest Dinner

The World’s Biggest Dinner on Saturday 4th November is a fundraising initiative for cancer research. Take part, enjoy great food and great company, while raising awareness and vital funds! Register to host a dinner, bbq or party – Just have plenty of fun! ... read more

Changes at Kindilan

PGL Adventure Camps has joined forces with Girl Guides Queensland to take over the running of the popular Kindilan Camp. British company PGL already operate two great camps in Victoria and plan to continue to deliver inspiring outdoor experiences ... read more

Draft QLD Tourism & Transport Strategy

A draft Queensland Tourism and Transport Strategy (QTTS) has been released for feedback to support the growth of the state’s tourism industry ... read more

What's On

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New on the Website

New in Places to Go: QLD Driving Holidays, QLD Travel Blogs and touring guide updates in Go See Oz; and updates to the QORF Green Circle Members eNewsletters page.

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New Members

Welcome aboard to new QORF Green Circle Members: Welcome aboard to new QORF Green Circle Members: Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Mt Binga Outdoor Education Centre and Samford Valley Steiner School.

Go to the Membership section to become a QORF Green Circle Member today. New members will be acknowledged here, on the QORF home page and on Facebook.