WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Outings usually start at 8.20am for an 8.30am start and go until lunchtime or early afternoon

• Some outings may start earlier or later depending on the location or season, so check the Outings page for details

• There is no need to stay until the very end and some people choose to leave at lunch time

• Transport to most outings is by car although occasionally there are bus trips

• Morning tea and lunch sites are near the cars and have toilet facilities unless specifically stated otherwise

• Outings proceed irrespective of the weather, except for locations at risk during high fire danger or extreme heat (refer to Bushfire and Extreme Heat policies below).  If in doubt, phone the leader

• On our outings, the welfare of the birds is the highest priority, so please ensure that you have read the club's
  Ethical Birding Guidelines which apply to all members and visitors on all outings

• If you can no longer attend an outing that you have booked on, please email the Activities Officer  on outings@cboc.org.au, or if within 48hours of the outing, please contact the leader by text.

WHAT TO BRING

• Leader's mobile number

• Binoculars

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Insect Repellent

• Drinking water

• Morning tea and lunch

• Folding chair or picnic rug

• Basic first aid kit

• A small backpack can be useful, especially if morning tea or lunch is some distance from the cars

• Earphones if planning to use an app to identify bird calls

GRADE OF OUTINGS

Grades are based on the Australian Walking Track Grading system.  The Grade will normally relate to the type of track, as the distances covered on outings are generally not very long.

Grade 1

• Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections.  Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them.   Walks no greater than 5kms.​

Grade 2

• The track is hardened or compact surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps.  Walks not greater than 10kms. 

Grade 3

• Tracks may have short step hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.  Walks no more than 20kms.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Please ensure you are wearing appropriate clothing and suitable footwear

• Wet weather gear is recommended in inclement weather

• Please sign the attendance sheet when you arrive

• If you leave the outings early please let the leader know before you go

• Participants attend at their own risk and should refrain from any behaviour that might put themselves or others at risk

• Participants need to ensure that they have an appropriate level of fitness for the advertised outings; if in doubt contact the outing leader beforehand

• Refer below for more information on our Bushfire and Extreme Heat policies

WET WEATHER POLICY

The club seeks to ensure that outings are conducted in a safe manner.  Normally, outings will proceed even if rain is forecast as often the rain is lighter than expected and doesn't significantly impact the outing or the birds that are seen.  However, in the event of extreme wet weather where it is unsafe to be driving to the outing destination, then the outing will be cancelled.  In addition, the Leader may, at their discretion, choose to cancel the outing if they determine that the expected rainfall will be heavy enough to significantly impact the outing.  These assessments will generally be made in the couple of days prior to the outing.

If bookings are required for the outing, then the Activities Officer will advise those that have booked on the outing of the cancellation, otherwise an email will be sent to all members.   In the case of a late cancellation, booked attendees will be contacted by text message. 

If you choose to pull out of an outing due to the forecast of rain, then if the outing is more than two days away, please advise the Activities Officer by email on outings@cboc.org.au.  If within 2 days, please contact the Leader directly by text message.

BUSHFIRE POLICY

The Club will not endanger the lives of our members by allowing outings to go ahead if the fire risk is too high.  If the Rural Fire Service deem the area in which the outing will be conducted has a Fire Risk Rating of Severe, Extreme or Catastrophic, then the outing will be cancelled.  If there is sufficient warning, a new location may be selected by the Leader if appropriate. 

If bookings are required for an outing, then the Activities Officer will advise those that have booked on the outing, otherwise an email will be sent to all members. 

The fire rating for an area is determined by referring to the RFS website as per: http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans. 

EXTREME HEAT POLICY

​The Club seeks to ensure that outings are conducted in such a matter that hot weather does not pose a serious health risk to its members.  If the forecast temperature for the day is set to exceed 35 degrees, then the outing will be cancelled. 

If the forecast temperature for the day is set to exceed 30 degrees, the Leader may, at their discretion, choose an earlier start time for the outing or conclude the outing at an earlier time. 

The forecast will be determined based on the forecast available two days before the outing at 6pm. 

If bookings are required for the outing, then the Activities Officer will advise those that have booked on the outing of the change in plan, otherwise an email will be sent to all members. 

Attendees should also ensure that they have adequate water for the duration of the outing and apply common sense with regards to wearing a hat, using sunscreen and keeping out of the sun as much as possible.