Group size: Small group training for personalised instruction
Safety: All instructors are qualified, insured and hold Wilderness First Aid and Parks Victoria Operator Licensing
This two day, mountain based course teaches essential outdoor navigation skills — how to travel safely through the bush, hills and alpine terrain using a map and compass plus an introduction to GPS and electronic navigation tools.
What You’ll Learn
Navigate confidently on and off track using a map and compass
Read and interpret topographic maps features, contour lines, and grid references
Plot and calculate bearings accurately
Find and mark your location on a map
Apply celestial navigation techniques
Estimate distance through pacing and timing
Match map to ground and identify key landforms
Plan and walk an off-track route using UTM coordinates
Terrain travel techniques and safety
Conduct a resection (how to find your location when lost)
Navigate in reduced visibility and challenging conditions
Understand GPS systems and devices
What’s Included
Two full days of professional instruction
Saturday night accommodation (shared lodge-style rooms) at Aardvark Ski Lodge
Optional Friday night stay available for $35 pp — contact us to arrange
All maps, pencils, and rulers supplied
Emergency Management and Comms
Meet Your Instructors
Paddy Howlett
Ex-military veteran and qualified navigation instructor with an aviation and rescue helicopter background. Paddy has competed at World Series level in adventure racing and National level in rogaining. His latest expedition — a 1,600 km survival paddle race from Canada to Alaska through some of the world’s most remote wilderness — pushed his navigation skills to the limit.
Kelly van den Berg
Mountain guide and APSI Nordic Instructor professional outdoor educator and expedition leader with experience ranging from the deserts of the Sahara to alpine ascents. Kelly was Paddy’s race partner and navigator for the Yukon 1000 Expedition Race.
Booking Terms
A non-refundable 10 % booking fee is incurred at the time of purchase.
14+ days notice: 10 % fee to reschedule or cancel
7–14 days notice: 50 % fee to reschedule or cancel
Less than 7 days notice / No show: Full payment forfeited
