Great Outdoors November 2022

FOR the Threlfall family, there is no better way to spend quality time with family or friends than out in the wild outdoors with a reel, rod or firearm, and a drink perfectly chilled in a YETI tumbler.

“We call it ‘family therapy’, going bush for new perspective and to make memories together,” said Steve ‘Trelly’ Threlfall, owner of Trelly’s Outdoors.

“Many are hanging out to hit the road, and we’re seeing people invest in equipment and products that help them to feel comfortable and get the most from their trip.”

Trelly’s Outdoors is Australia’s oldest and largest independent pro-fishing, hunting and camping retailer. Stocking leading brands like Daiwa, Winchester, Buck and Browning, Trelly’s has the full range of Bushman Plus repellent, as well as zappers for “hunting mozzies,” and a “wow,” range of outdoor clothing, hats and protective wear.

“We are the big boys toy shop, but we’re also the family toy shop,” said Steve.

In-store, find everything from kids rods and reels, to

professional fishing attire, all your firearms needs and camp gear, including the popular YETI range, not available anywhere else in Shepparton CBD. Gift cards are a great option for the adventurer who has it all.

Remember, it’s not the thought that counts but the countless memories you make. Feel right at home in the bush by investing in yours and your family’s comfort.

Trelly’s Outdoors are located at 209 Corio Street, Shepparton with parking and expert advice available when you head instore.

When the open road calls

By Deanne Jeffers

The Great Outdoors lift out, brought to you by The Shepparton Adviser, celebrates everything that is great about travel within our exceptional region and the local businesses that help make adventure possible.

While recent weather events have impacted local areas where campers, fishers and four-wheel-drivers may frequent, the open road is as long and wild as you are

prepared to travel.

Taking note of cautionary advice from official bodies like VicEmergency and VicRoads, particularly concerning road closures, when planning your next adventure is paramount. So is ensuring that your vehicle and gear are up-to-standard. That means investing in equipment and supplies that protect you from the elements, such a quality mosquito repellent and shelter for sudden changes in weather.

With an abundance of wineries to choose from, local trails open to the public, and bushwalks throughout Dookie and Murrindindi Shire and the High Country, all only a stone's throw away from Greater Shepparton, the avid adventurer will be well-catered for this summer.

Warmer weather is on our doorstep, if you have a thirst to journey into nature to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, now is the time to plan for your next big adventure.

GATHER THE GANG... With people keen to get back outdoors, Steve Threlfall, owner of Trelly's Outdoors and pictured far left with his family on the banks of the Goulburn River, has seen locals investing in theirs and their family's comfort.

Trelly's Outdoors has heaps of stock to help you get the best from your next trip. Photos: Ross Threlfall

By Natasha Fujimoto

CAMPING in nature is a bona fide tonic for all the stresses of modern life, however, planning your first camping trip can be daunting.

With glorious rivers, beaches, lakes and mountain peaks to choose from, booking the right campsite ahead of time is best done via the Parks Victoria website at parks.vic. gov.au.

With October to April being the most ideal months to camp, the Parks Victoria website provides campers with specific site information detailing available facilities.

Once your site is booked, it is prudent to discuss your camp requirements with your local outdoor retailer to ensure you take the gear required to enjoy every moment of your trip.

Camp essentials will include a tent, tarp for underneath, camp mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows.

Seasonal clothing as well as ample sunscreen and insect repellent are key as well as making provision for four litres of drinking water per day for each person on camp.

Cooking basics include a camp stove, esky, plates and cutlery as well as a tub for washing up.

To ensure a smooth camp set up, remember to practice setting up and

packing away your tent several times before leaving home.

Finally, remember that the flattest spoton site is the best place to set up your tent, away from other campers and free from any overhead, hanging branches.

Reversing your set up exactly when packing up is a good start for your next trip and remember to always leave your campsite the way you found it, beautiful and rubbish free.

PROUDLY DESIGNED IN THE LAND OF OZ

I T’S always a good idea to protect your pride and joy with a great quality bull bar. Not only do they serve their purpose of protecting your vehicle from mishaps and during off-road adventures, but they also allow you to mount winches and attach accessories such as sand flags if you partake in a little dune driving on a beach adventure.

Tip ‘n’ Go Trailers are proud stockists of Jungle 4x4 bull bars, developed by Trek, which are designed and tested in Australia.

All Jungle bull bars are airbag compatible, and ADR approved. They fit bull bars on-

site in their workshop, rendering them a one-stop-shop from point of purchase to installation.

The friendly team will be at the Shepparton Great Outdoor and 4x4 Expo, so you can view their range of products and ask any questions.

Caravan and camping accessories are also stocked in store, ensuring you're able to grab a myCOOLMAN fridge to keep your drinks cool during camping expeditions.

Call into Tip ‘n’ Go Trailers located at 8018 Goulburn Valley Hwy Kialla or contact them on 5823 1066.

ON TREK... Trek Hardware 4x4 Superstore Shepparton are proud stockists of Jungle 4x4 bull bars, which are designed and developed by Trek. Store owner, Michelle McQualter. Photo: Kelly Lucas

ONE of the most critical ways of ensuring that your 4x4 can handle the toughest of terrain is to make sure you have tyres that are up for any challenge.

Central Tyre Service has an extensive range of tyres for all types of 4x4 vehicles. Whether you require tyres for all terrain driving or for some serious off-roading action, the friendly and expert team have what you need for any type of outdoor adventure.

Stocking a wide range of Goodyear products suitable for all your 4x4 needs, the Goodyear Wrangler range includes ‘Wrangler AT SilentTrac’ to ensure off-road performance while maintaining a quiet and comfortable ride, ‘Wrangler AT Adventure’ with added strength and sidewall protection and

SIMPLY put, Solar City Marine and Caravans know how to equip you and your family, whether you be adventurers, quiet nature lovers or fishing enthusiasts.

A strong family business with over 25 years of experience and a huge show room stocked to the brim with quality outdoor products, Solar City Marine and Caravans offer boating and caravanning packages to suit all needs and budgets.

Winning dealership of the year for NOVA caravans and nominated for Retail Business of the Year in 2021 for the Business Excellence Awards, Solar City Marine and Caravans have been congratulated by one of

the robust ‘Wrangler DuraTrac’ for serious four-wheel drive enthusiasts.

The Goodyear Wrangler MTR, signature mud tyre, is made in the USA and features three-ply sidewalls with an innovative asymmetric tread design. This supports intense off-road traction whilst maintaining enhanced handling in all situations.

Goodyear’s range of 4x4 tyres offer increased puncture resistance for confident off-road driving, ensuring piece of mind on your outdoor expedition.

Central Tyre Services Shepparton is located at 117 Welsford St, Shepparton and can be contacted on 5821 9555 for a free quote.

Australia’s most iconic fishing boat brands, Quintrex.

With a huge 1,000 square metre showroom and housing Victoria’s largest stock list of Adventure King outdoor and camping products, Solar City Marine and Caravans have been the proud vender of Quintrex boating for over 20 years.

With super-friendly and well qualified staff, Solar City Marine and Caravans truly are your one stop shop when you want to head off to the great outdoors, because if there’s one thing they know, it’s always fish o’clock!

Solar City Marine and Caravans are located at 195 Numurkah Road, Shepparton.

FAVOURITE

YEARS...No

THE FISH-

knows

explore your great outdoors in the goulburn + Murray Valleys

PROUDLY SELLING

ERMAN'S

FOR 20

one

Quintrex boating better than Solar City Marine and Caravans. Providing exceptional service and knowledge, James Edmunds (left) and Kyle Hanna are ready to assist you with all your boating needs.

Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

UP FOR ANY CHALLENGE... Central Tyre Service Shepparton has a massive range for 4WD. Pictured are owners and business partners Timothy Webb and Rod Poliness with their rugged Goodyear Ford Raptor. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

BANG FOR BUCK BEST QUALITY AND OFF-ROAD RANGE

WHEN it comes to off-road safety and adventure, Shepparton 4x4 Off-Road Centre is your one-stop shop for fitting out your vehicle with all the accessories and upgrades you need. The expert team can even deck out your new vehicle at the dealers before you take delivery.

The home of Ironman 4x4 and the largest local stockist of Australian-made Dobinsons range, including suspension kits, advice on the best vehicle upgrades is a just a visit away, regardless of whether you intend to tow a trailer or a caravan.

Following the floods and with wildlife on the roads, safety options come first at 4x4 Off-Road Centre with its offering of the STEDI led light range, while Ironman 4x4 and ECB bull bars are the brand leaders currently being fitted at the workshop.

If you are looking to accessorise your vehicle with high-

calibre, Australian-made equipment such as CB radios and tyre pressure monitoring systems then the Oricon range is for you, while Carbon Off-Road winches are your lightweight option for pulling up to 12K pounds without dragging your vehicle down.

For outdoor canvas protection while out adventuring, look no further than Ironman 4x4’s 270°awning. With built-in legs and easily installed, the UPF50+ coverage is idea for shade, outdoor cooking and camping.

Not sure where to start? The team at Shepparton 4x4 OffRoad Centre can provide expert advice for your safety and off-road needs.

Shepparton 4x4 Off-Road Centre is located at Solar City Tyres at 126-136 New Dookie Road, with all fitting of accessories done on site.

Are we there yet?

By Stephanie Holliday

NAME a question more annoying than “Are we there yet?”, I’ll wait. While camping with kids can be painful with packing everything under the sun, spending the car trip as a human vending machine and hearing that

aforementioned question, the memories you’ll make are well worth it.

Here are some basic tips for camping with kids, whether it be on a weekend trip or a three-month adventure:

• Plan ahead! Learn the area where you’re camping via google so you can work out where to get food if needed, what to pack and what activities/sites there are close by. Check the weather and make a checklist so you don’t forget anything vital.

• Prepare meals earlier where possible, like spaghetti bolognese or a curry, meals that are easy to heat up when you arrive. Also think about meals that are easy to cook once at the campsite.

• We do live in Victoria, so weather isn’t always predictable. Make sure you pack indoor games to keep the kids entertained. Some Lego, colouring books, puzzles, reading books and magnetic tiles will all do the trick.

• Kids can get smelly, right? Consider how you’ll keep them clean, most likely without running water. Load up on baby wipes and sanitiser as you might be skipping a shower if there aren’t any facilities. Alternatively, look into a handy, lightweight camp shower. They’re easy to use and everyone will go to bed nice and clean.

• Children have a knack for needing the toilet at super convenient times, like at 3am. If you’re camping in the bush or at the beach with no toileting facilities, a kid’s portaloo is an essential item to bring.

Remember to take deep breaths, take in the serenity and make wonderful memories with your family, even if you’re tired from being woken up at 3am for a bush wee.

HEADING OFF TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS STARTS WITH EXPERT ADVICE...Shepparton 4x4 Off-Road Centre manager Jake Strawhorn (right) and Jackson North provide all the suspension and vehicle advice you need to ensure a safe and carefree adventure.

Photo: Kelly Carmody

dreadful

IT’S A

JUNGLE

OUT THERE

A BNORMALLY wet conditions this past spring may have contributed to excessive growth and an abundance of weeds. Cut through the vines and get your garden ready for the silly season with the right tools to do the job.

Corded tools provide plenty of power, but it is the batteryoperated ranges that have garnered a lot of attention. Not only can you work untethered in the yard, but with cordless tools you can take your equipment on the road when you go camping as well.

Ultimate Fasteners stock a huge range of battery-powered and corded power tools from leading brands like Milwaukee and Kincrome.

By Stephanie Holliday

AS temperatures soar in the coming weeks, and flood water recede, our cold-blooded reptile friends are becoming more active and a lot more visible.

Snakes are typically found in cool, dark, protected areas such as under buildings and near sheds, around rubble and stored materials, in electrical switch boxes and long grass. It’s also not uncommon for

Kincrome’s Katana range of battery-powered blowers, chainsaws, lawn mowers and brush cutters pack a serious amount of punch. While Milwaukee has built a reputation of being reliable and high quality for almost 100 years.

Ultimate Fasteners have both leading brands and a large

selection of equipment on display. Their expert and friendly team can help advise on the best products for your needs.

Make sure you throw a can of Bushmans Plus bug repellent when you call into Ultimate Fasteners at 17A Mitchell Street, Shepparton to explore their impressive selection of power tools and equipment.

snakes to enter unattended open vehicles.

"As we go into summer, it's the season to brush up on your snakebite first aid knowledge and ensure all Australians are doing what they can to coexist with our slithery friends," Australian Reptile Park head of reptiles, Daniel Rumsey said.

About 3,000 people are bitten by snakes every year, with about 300 of them receiving antivenom and one or two bites,

on average, proving fatal.

If untreated immediately, a person can die within 30 minutes depending on the amount of venom injected and the species of snake.

Bite victims must be kept calm and still and have their whole injured limb pressure bandaged.

Please remember:

If you see a snake, stay calm and move

yourself and anyone with you (including pets) away from the area

Don’t attempt to capture or harm snakes. Instead call DELWP on 136 186 for further advice, or call a licensed snake catcher

Undertake first aid training and ensure your first aid kit contains several compression bandages, and if someone is bitten, call 000 immediately. Keep a snake specific safety kit on hand.

explore your great outdoors in the goulburn + Murray Valleys

POWER UP... Cordless tools are a fantastic choice for unrestricted yard work and camping adventures alike. Ultimate Fasteners stock a huge range of battery-powered stock from leading brands. Pictured (from left) are Dean Jones, Anthony Clarke, Jordy Geisler, Kyle Mcleod and Grant Casey.

Photo: Deanne Jeffers

Y OU don’t have to travel far from home to get a taste of the great outdoors.

Here are some of the best outdoor spots to be explored right here in Greater Shepparton while our region recovers from recent floods. Make sure you have your mosquito deterrent on and head out and make the most of the warmer weather.

1MT MAJOR, DOOKIE

Mount Major is a popular destination for both walkers and mountain bike enthusiasts. Mulana nin iyoga (Yorta Yorta for 'Spirit of the Stone') is a 4.6km (return) walking trail

has a great network of mountain bike trails. Fantastic views of the surrounding countryside can be seen from the summit.

2

CUSSEN PARK, TATURA

Cussen Park is a bushland style park encompassing 33 hectares of wetlands, woodlands and open space on the outskirts of Tatura. It is host to an array of wildlife, birdlife and mammals and provides ample opportunity for walking and bird watching with well-made paths and bird hides.

DOOKIE RAIL TRAIL, DOOKIE

than 4.7km (9.4kms return) of the Goulburn Valley’s most fertile farm land. The recently opened extension adds another 3.1km (6.2km return) to the trail, making for a great family day out.

4

TALLIS WINE CELLAR DOOR, DOOKIE

Tallis Wine cellar door is tucked away in the rich red Dookie Hills on the north eastern edge of Central Victoria. Discover an impressive range of single vineyard handcrafted red, white, sparkling and fortified wines. You'll discover warm hospitality at their relaxed cellar door perched above an everchanging landscape. Be guided through a wine tasting, share

HIDDEN ON OPEN WATER HAZARDS

I SOLATED waterways, such as rivers and creeks, increase the risk of downing due to changeable conditions and often geographical remoteness. Risk taking behaviour and poor decision making, such as consuming alcohol, not wearing a lifejacket and swimming alone, all compound this risk. Rivers and creeks claim more lives each year than any other waterway in Australia. According to Royal Life Saving Australia, 37 percent of deaths in creeks/rivers involved alcohol, with men and those aged 18-45 years overly represented in the data. The large majority (72 percent) lived within 100km of where they drowned.

As we have seen with flooding events, you never know what could be below the surface. Conditions in rivers change rapidly – sandbanks move and weather can adversely affect water conditions suddenly. Inland waterways are not patrolled by lifeguards, and should you get into trouble on the water, there may be no one around to help.

Whether swimming, boating or just relaxing on the bank, you should be aware of hidden dangers:

• Strong currents and fast-flowing water. Check the current by throwing a leaf into the water to judge its speed. If you get caught in a current, float on your back feet first and go with the current. Don’t panic.

• Submerged objects like rocks, snags and tree branches. Check the depth of the water and look for submerged objects using a stick. Do not jump or dive into water, enter slowly with feet first.

• Slippery banks and uneven surfaces. Unintentional falls are a major risk around water. Floodwater and changing

seasonal patterns. Check the weather forecast and water conditions before venturing out. Never drive through flood waters.

For more safety advice around water, visit royallifesaving.com.au

DUTCH oven camp recipe is simple and delicious

There is nothing like a ravenous appetite gained from enjoying the great outdoors, so when it comes to making a quick and hearty camp meal you can’t go wrong with a deliciously easy Bacon and Cheese Pullapart.

Ingredients

• 14 dinner rolls (thawed, still cold)

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 8 strips of cooked bacon (break into small pieces)

• 2 cups cheddar cheese (grated)

A WHOLE STACK OF

HISTORICALLY, piles of rocks known as cairns were used as geographical markers. Rock stacking or stone balancing has become a trend with its own hashtag and following in recent years, with piles of rocks appearing in pristine areas including parks, rivers, forests and coastal areas around Australia and the world.

Ecologists and environmental groups are urging people not to jump on the bandwagon and to leave rocks alone. Lizards, snakes, frogs and other critical

organisms use rocks for shelter, and when these are tampered with, you can harm the habitat of some of our most threatened species, including the critically endangered Guthega Skink.

Damaging, disturbing or destroying wildlife habitat is a serious offence that carries a maximum penalty of over $8,000.

Anyone with information about disturbances or destruction of wildlife habitat should report it by phoning 136 186.

Method

• Cut thawed, but cold rolls in half. Pour melted butter into 12-inch Dutch oven.

• Roll the dinner rolls in the butter, giving them a nice coating and arrange inside the oven.

• Sprinkle the tops of the rolls with bacon and cheese, using as little or as much as you like.

• Cover the Dutch over with the lid and allow the rolls to rise, doubling in size.

• Once the rolls have risen bake them for 20-25 minutes at 180°C.

• When finished, remove from the heat and enjoy your scrumptiously cheesy camp meal.

DANGER LURKS BENEATH THE SURFACE... There are a number of hazards to beware of when boating, swimming or relaxing around waterways. With many rivers and creeks not patrolled, it is important to take precautions to stay safe. Pictured is the Goulburn River. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

DON'T BE A TOSSER

WE live in a beautiful part of the world, full of rich bushland and great places to camp. Don’t spoil it by leaving your camping or fishing rubbish behind when your holiday comes to an end.

Dumping rubbish is both illegal and harmful to the environment and Parks Victoria rangers patrol parks regularly to ensure people are doing the right thing and undertake investigations when dumping occurs, which can result in fines or prosecution.

According to Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger, Jessica Reid, areas that generally have the highest rates of dumping and litter are in the Shepparton Regional Park closer to central Shepparton and Mooroopna.

This is an ongoing problem that has unfortunately been constant for many years. Recently, there has been an increase in litter from abandoned campsites around the Murchison area.

Anyone caught littering, dumping domestic, garden or commercial waste can face significant penalties ranging from on-the-spot fines to court prosecutions.

Infringements range from $370 up to almost $7k.

People witnessing rubbish dumping or littering in a park can call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 or the EPA Litter line: 1300 372 842.

LEVEL UP

YOUR ROAD TRIP

By Deanne Jeffers

L

ONG car trips can be torture or they can be terrific. With some forethought, mess, sickness and boredom can be helped. Here are some tips:

• Make a car cleaning caddy that includes wipes for spills while you’re on the road. You may also want to make a DIY car sickness kit for when an upset tummy strikes. Keep this close by with wipes, water and a drink containing electrolytes, hand sanitizer, a light snack and motion sickness medication, zip-lock bags and trash bags for the mess

• Invest in a personal fridge to keep food and drinks cold during long drives. These can often be used as a secondary power source as well, so you can charge your phone out and about as well

• Did you know that the arrow next to the fuel icon on a car’s dashboard points to the side that your tank is on? This is handy

to know if you are renting a car and need to fill up

• Download music, audiobooks and podcasts to your device in advance in case phone service is patchy. I like to bring back up mix CDs for a bit of fun and ‘just in case’

• Use Tupperwear or upcycled packaging for storage. For example, a cheap glasses case purchased from a secondhand or discount store is perfect for storing cords like phone chargers that can go stray in the car. Pinterest has heaps of clever storage ideas to be inspired by

• A plastic cereal container with a lid and plastic bag makes an excellent bin for the car.

If you have a tip to share for a better road trip, camping adventure or holiday, we would love to hear from you. Email your advice, along with your name and town to editorial@sheppartonadviser. com.au with the subject, community tip.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHOE FOR THE TRAIL

By Deanne Jeffers

I F you have ever experienced a monster blister mid-way through a hike, you will appreciate the importance of protecting your feet on the trail. Keeping your feet dry and wearing a good fit is essential.

What is up for debate are the type of shoes that are best for you – traditional hiking boots or trail runners?

Hiking boots are heavier than runners and require ‘breaking in’ before they are suitable for long treks. They do provide unrivalled stability, durability, as well as protection from the mud, water, snow and cold temperatures. Boots are more supportive for feet and ankles than runners.

Trail runners however have more breathability, meaning your feet will stay drier, and they do not require breaking in. They are lightweight for a fast pace and long distances, versatile, cooler for summer and hot-weather hikes. Different styles have different traction options, but overall runners are less supportive than boots and will need to be replaced more often.

As for which option is best for you, consider your level of experience and the types of hikes you plan on doing. For a beginner, I would advise a versatile trail runner and then investing in a sturdier pair boots next season and depending on use. Certainly, for mountain climbing and where there might be snow, boots are number one. For most outdoor experiences, a quality trail runner will do you well.

CAMPING AND WASTE... Anyone caught littering, dumping domestic, garden or commercial waste can face significant penalties ranging from on-the-spot fines to court prosecutions. Infringements range from $370 up to almost $7k. Photo: Kelly Carmody

footwear for your needs and experience. Hiking boots

people and hikes better. Photo: Supplied

PEDDLE TO THE MEDDLE... It's great getting away but the car trip can be less than ideal. There are small things you can do for a more enjoyable ride however. Photo: Supplied

GO BUSH FOR YOUR WELLBEING

SHEPPARTON’S Steve ‘Trelly’ Threlfall is a man who knows the positive power of being out in the bush.

As the owner of Trelly’s Outdoors, he’s been in the business of kitting people out for their outdoor adventures for over 35 years.

He takes a philosophical view on what it means to get out into the bush, too.

“I had an old mate who came into the store just recently. He’d been going through a rough time, was under a lot of stress,” Steve said.

“He told me that getting out fishing was the only time he truly managed to ‘switch off’. He said it was fishing that helped him cope with tough times. He’d be so engaged with fishing he said he’d even forget his partner’s name.”

Steve has been preaching the benefits to anyone’s mental wellbeing of getting out into the great outdoors for years.

“The wellbeing around fishing and how it can aid in the process of mending problems – life problems – really is profound. Fishing is just a really, really powerful thing,” he said.

In recent years, the simple life of kicking back and connecting with the land has come to the forefront of many people’s minds, with more people moving away from concrete jungles and looking for a better way.

Trelly is passionate about making it easier for people to get out, cast in a line, and set up camp.

It’s a great Australian tradition worth encouraging.

BREAK INTO HIKING

By Deanne Jeffers

H

IKING is a great way to stay fit and improve mental wellbeing while exploring some of the most beautiful places in the country. If you’d like to try hiking but you're not sure where to start, here are some tips: Pick a route suitable for beginners Be careful not to overdo it when starting out. Taking your fitness into consideration, select a trail around five to eight kilometres with minimal climbing. Remember, five kilometres on flat ground is very different to the same distance straight uphill.

There are heaps of great resources to find hiking routes. I like the site AllTrails, which has an app that rates trails for fitness levels, shows elevation and feedback from other hikers.

Mount Wombat Lookout Track in the Strathbogie Ranges is

close to Greater Shepparton, has a good range of flat and hilled terrain and finishes with fantastic views.

Gather your gear

As a novice, you do not need to invest in a lot of expensive equipment. It is likely that you already own most of the essentials, such as a backpack, a good pair of runners and moisture wicking activewear. Long pants and sleeves will help protect you from scratches and bugs along the trail. Make sure to pack snacks, repellent and sunscreen, extra layers (including socks), and more water than you think you need.

Do your due diligence

For your safety, make sure you’re familiar with the trail you’re following and share this with a friend or family member, as well as what time to expect you home. Check the weather and if you need a permit ahead of your trip. If you’re headed

Happy hiking!

Subtle change to significant system

A NEW national Fire Danger Rating System was implemented in September to provide a more accurate and relevant assessment to residents. This new system is being used across Australia, so whether you’re at home or travelling, you will see the same system being used.

There are now four levels of danger, instead of six. These are Moderate (plan and prepare), High (be ready to act), Extreme (take action now to protect your life and propety), and Catastrophic (for your survival, leave bushfire risk areas).

Fire Danger Ratings will only be issued on days when there is a fire risk. Actions have been assigned for each level, so you’ll know what to do to protect your life, family and property.

You can check the fire danger for your area on the VicEmergeny app or website or the CFA website. If you are travelling, be sure to check the danger rating and whether there are any incidents on your journey before leaving home.

www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/ total-fire-bans-and-ratings.

explore your great outdoors in the goulburn + Murray Valleys

BREATHE IN THE FRESH AIR... Steve Threlfall, owner of Trelly's Outdoors, believes heading out to the bush to recharge has a transformative power that improves mental health and clarity for all. Photos: Ross Threlfall

BE AWARE... This year a new Fire Danger Rating System was rolled out nationwide, introducing four levels of danger and specific actions for residents to follow when there is a risk of fire. Photo: Supplied

to the mountains, remember that the conditions can change drastically and be unpredictable.

HIT THE TRAIL... Experience the stellar views and serenity of Australia's natural wonders by hiking. Photos: Supplied