Bush Orienteering Events

2010 State Series

Entries

Pre-entry for many bush events can be found at this online entry page.

Information on Bush Orienteering

The Events Calendar will give you details for every fixtured event, together with directions on how to get there.

Bush orienteering events take place in forested areas, generally in central Victoria (Ballarat, Castlemaine, Bendigo) or northeast Victoria, as well as in areas within 1 hour of Melbourne to the north and west (eg Macedon). Events take place most weekends from March to early November.

Bush orienteering involves using a map and compass to navigate to a series of checkpoints ("controls") in the forest. Difficulty varies from Easy - where controls are located on or close to marked tracks; Moderate - where there is usually an option to use a track or take a direct cross country route; or Hard - where navigation is almost all cross country, using contours and other features to find your way.

It will generally take 1 to 2 hours to complete a course, although some events last 3 hours or more. Most courses are LINE format, where you must locate all the controls on your course in a set order, in the fastest possible time. Others are SCORE format, where you can visit controls in any order, but you must return to the finish within a certain time.

For Line events, you can generally choose your own start time, typically between 10am and 12 noon. For Score events there is usually a pre-designated mass start time. Check the Event Calendar for details or contact the organising club.

TYPES OF EVENTS

LOCAL (or CLUB) events are run in Ballarat, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, and near Melbourne. These events are ideal for newcomers. They offer a choice of 4 or 5 courses of varying length and difficulty, and you can choose whichever course suits your ability. You can enter these on the day. Check the Events Calendar under "Ballarat Series", "Bendigo Series", Albury-Wodonga" and "Sunday Specials" (near Melbourne). For more information, go to the Clubs page and phone or email the appropriate club contact person.

STATE SERIES events are age-group based events, where competitors earn points towards the Orienteer of the Year awards. Although these are our highest level of competition, newcomers are very welcome and there are always Easy and Moderate courses available, together with equipment hire and coaching. Age groups cater for everyone from the under-10s to the over-80s. These events often require pre-entry (details are in the Event Calendar) and use an electronic timing system.

ADVENTURE SERIES events are longer distance but moderate level navigation. They are designed to test fitness and provide experience in reading a map and using a compass, and are ideal for adventure racers and other endurance athletes wanting to improve their navigation skills. Many Adventure Series events are suitable for teams.

WHAT TO BRING

You will need:

a compass (these can be hired at the event);
comfortable sturdy shoes with good grip on the sole (eg "trail" shoes);
long pants or gaiters;
food and water - for before and after the event. You can also take a hydration pack to use during your course, although water is usually available;
an "SI Card" or "e-stick" for events with electronic timing. You can hire a "stick" at the event for a small fee.

The "O-Gear" shop operates at most State Series events and you can purchase orienteering clothing, shoes, gaiters, compasses and so on.

Catering is available at most State Series events; many competitors bring their own picnic for lunch after the event.

AT THE EVENT

Please park as directed, then make your way to the Registration area. If this is your first event, tell the registration people and they will assign someone to assist you with choosing a course and filling in the entry form. They will also organise any instruction you may require to get you under way. After completing registration, you will make your way to the Start, and follow the Starter's instructions. At some events you will be asked to copy your course from a master map onto your own map; at other events you will receive a pre-marked map.

After completing your course, your results will be displayed. We encourage you to talk to others about what you did; orienteers are always happy to give advice and encouragement.

MORE INFORMATION

Check the Event information to find the organising club. Then click here for club contact details. Phone or email the club contact in the week before the event and they will answer any questions you may have.