Leave a trip plan

Summary

This pattern is for anyone heading out on a day hike. It describes what to tell someone at home before you leave, so that help arrives in the right place at the right time if you don’t come back.

Recommendation	Why?
Tell a trusted person your route, start point and expected return time.	Searchers can start in the right place instead of covering a whole park.
Include any alternative routes or side trips you might take.	People often change plans on the trail, and searchers need to know the options.
Agree on a clear “call for help if I’m not back by” time.	It avoids both early panic and a long, dangerous delay.
Note your car’s location, make and registration.	A car at the trailhead confirms that you’re still out on the track.
List who is in the group and what emergency gear you carry, such as a personal locator beacon.	Rescuers can plan the search around your group and gear.
Check in with your contact as soon as you’re back.	It prevents a false alarm and a search for someone who is already home.

Context

This pattern suits day walks in national parks, bushland, mountains and coastal tracks.

It does not need much effort for short, popular walks with good phone coverage, where a quick text message to a friend is enough.

There’s a trade-off between detail and effort. A written trip intention form is the most useful for searchers, while a text message is quick enough that people actually send it. Many parks and walking clubs offer online forms that strike a balance.

Usage

Before leaving: write down the route, alternatives, group members, car details, gear and alarm time, and send it to your contact. Leave a copy at home or in the car.

On the trail: stick to the plan where you can, including the turnaround time you set. If you change route and have coverage, send a short update.

Afterwards: check in with your contact as soon as you’re back, even if you’re running late.

References

Your local national park service or bushwalking club usually has a trip intention form and advice on what to include.