There are so many wonderful ways that you can be active in nature, it can be challenging to know where to begin. And if you do have an activity in mind, when you are ready to start, you'll need to consider where you might go, what equipment you may need, and who you want to do the activity with. These considerations can make getting started feel daunting, but everyone is a beginner sometime. The key decision is to choose an activity and give it a try.
Photograph by Steven Rowland, provided by Outdoors Queensland
Options galore
Outdoor activities are almost limited only by our imagination. The Outdoors Queensland website has an alphabetical list of over 80 different outdoor activities from Abseiling and Archery through to Wildlife Watching and Windsurfing.
Many outdoor activities can be conducted in very different types of settings. For example:
- You can walk in your neighbourhood, in your local park, in a national park, or at a beach.
- Canoeing and kayaking can take place on the sea, a lake, a river or your local creek.
- Camping can happen in your backyard, at a camping friendly property, at a caravan park, or in a national park.
- Skygazing can be done wherever the night sky is visible – although it is best to be well away from bright lights which diminish the wonders of our night skies.
Some outdoor activities require specific conditions or places (activities like skiing and snowboarding are difficult without snow), but outdoors people tend to be resourceful and often find ways to modify activities to suit local conditions (for example developing artificial surf lakes in locations that do not have natural surf breaks).
One of the best things about outdoor activities is that they are typically non-competitive. This means that people with different levels of skills and experience can participate side by side, regardless of age or fitness levels. Most outdoor people want to share the activities they love with people who are just starting out.
Where to once you've chosen your activity?
Getting started
Consider the activities that you’ve seen or heard about in your local area. Ask yourself a few questions about the activity you’ve chosen:
- Have you seen information about the activity on social media or traditional media?
- Where or when does a particular activity regularly happen?
- Do you know someone who already does the activity?
Online
There are online resources to help with getting started outdoors. A quick internet search will generate all sorts of tips on how to get started. Search results can be location-specific, so it can be a good idea to refine your search through inserting your location or region to get better information.
The Discover section of the Outdoors Queensland website allows you search for outdoor providers, and filter by activity, type of provider and/or by region.
Come and try days
You could start with a come and try day, which might be hosted by a club, a community organisation like Guides or Scouts, or maybe your local council. Come and try days are often free or low-cost options. There might be a business in your area that offers the outdoor experience you’d like to try.
Join a club
You could choose to join a club to become part of a community of other people who enjoy your chosen activity. You don’t have to join a club, but it can be a good way to learn new skills and meet people with shared interests.
Don't forget the gear!
Some outdoor activities require specialised equipment, however you don’t need to spend big when you are getting started. You may be able to hire or even borrow equipment, especially as part of an introductory program with a club.
You might have friends who would be more than happy to loan you some of their outdoor gear, as long as you promise to return it to them in the same condition. Many outdoor people will be eager to help beginners get started, just don’t expect them to willingly share any secret fishing spots*.
Hiring gear costs more, but it comes with the added benefit of the expertise and knowledge of the person providing the equipment. They may also have a variety of sizes or styles of equipment that could mean you have a better experience than you might get with borrowed gear that may not suit you.
Buying second-hand equipment is an option that can save money when you are getting started. As with anything, you need to be careful when buying used equipment – it is always worth asking the seller why they are selling the gear.
Practical considerations
Because outdoor activities are so varied, there is no one list of all things you need to consider when you are getting started. However, there are some things that are almost universal:
Be sun smart
In the Australian environment, sun-safety almost goes without saying, but still needs to be said – appropriate sun-safe clothing and equipment makes outdoor activities safer and more enjoyable.
Fuel up
Have plenty of water and nutritional food to hydrate and refuel your body.
Share your plans
Let someone trustworthy know what you are doing, where you are going and when you plan to be back.
Be aware
Check weather conditions and forecasts, including warnings issued for conditions like severe weather or bushfire.
Know before you go
Understand if the place you are going has particular plants or animals that you should know about.
Stay connected
Check whether the location has phone service or whether you could need a different way to communicate.
Respect local knowledge
Always check signage and notifications provided by the owner or manager of the place you are visiting, and follow the rules.
Remember, everyone was a beginner at some point! As a beginner you can experience wonderful activities with welcoming and supportive people, whose goal is to ensure you enjoy yourself. And if you love it, maybe one day you’ll be able to return the favour for someone else.
Resources to help you get active outdoors
Outdoors Queensland
The peak body and information hub for all things outdoors in Queensland.
Outdoor Activities
Explore more than 80 ways to be active outdoors!
Find a Provider
Search for outdoor activity providers in Queensland by activity, type and region.
Be active in nature
Discover nature-based physical activities and resources in Queensland.
*The author is unable to share secret fishing spots because by definition those are secret.
About the Author
Dom Courtney has been Executive Officer of Outdoors Queensland since September 2015.
Dom has served on multiple boards and advisory panels relating to outdoor activities and physical activity including Outdoor Council of Australia, Active Queenslanders Industry Alliance, SEQ Catchments Members Association and government advisory groups.
Dom enjoys camping, bushwalking, has been dabbling with paddling, and enjoys taking on the role of 4wd support for some adventures. Way back in 2003, Dom managed to carve out some serious leisure time by embarking on a solo motorbike trip around Australia – an amazing experience that allowed him to try outdoor activities right around the country.
This article is part of the Step into Nature Project which is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through the ActiveKIT Super Round
