In the week leading up to the event, usually on the Monday (or overnight into Tuesday), the Final Instructions will be published on our website. Be sure to download and read them carefully.
These instructions will include everything you need to know, such as:
How to get to the event site
Key times, including when maps will be handed out and the start/finish times
Useful information about the terrain
Recommended gear and an equipment checklist
You’ll also find an Indemnity Form included. All team members must complete and sign this form before you can collect your team’s maps. If any team members are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign on their behalf.
For details about event insurance, click here to read more about NSWRA coverage.
About half an hour before the event starts, there will be a Novices Briefing—specifically for newcomers. This is followed by the General Briefing, which is compulsory for all participants.
Make sure you leave enough time to attend both briefings. They’re a great chance to ask any last-minute questions and get helpful tips from the organisers.
If you’re still feeling unsure after the briefings, don’t worry—just let the organisers know you’d like to stay back briefly after the start. Someone will be happy to chat through your plans and help you feel more confident before heading out.
The team is there to support you and wants you to have a safe, fun, and rewarding experience.
Rogaining is a fun and rewarding adventure, but like any outdoor activity, it comes with some risks. With good planning, teamwork, and awareness, it’s both safe and enjoyable.
Here are a few key safety tips to keep in mind:
Stick together: Teams must stay in voice contact at all times. Always move at the pace of your slowest team member.
Look out for each other: Regularly check how everyone is feeling. Fatigue, dehydration, and injury can sneak up—so stay alert and responsive.
Stay flexible: Be ready to change your route if needed. Safety is more important than reaching every checkpoint.
Eat and drink regularly: Make sure everyone is staying hydrated and eating enough to keep their energy up.
Prevent blisters early: If you feel a hotspot on your feet, stop and treat it straight away—don’t wait for a blister to form.
Finish on time: Aim to return slightly before the official finish time to avoid penalties and reduce risk.
By keeping safety in mind, you’ll help ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for your whole team.
Once you’ve arrived and parked, there’s a bit to do before the event starts. Use this time wisely to get set up and organised:
Register your team: Bring your completed Indemnity Form to the Registration Desk. This is also when you can make any last-minute updates—such as changes to team members, category (age/gender), or event duration (if there are multiple options).
Set up your camp: If you’re staying overnight, now’s the time to set up your tent and sleeping arrangements.
Plan your route: Use your map to start strategising where your team will go and in what order.
Pack and check your gear: Make sure you’re wearing the right clothing and have all the gear you need in your pack.
Attend the briefings: There will be a special Novices Briefing followed by a General Briefing—both are very helpful and provide important last-minute information.
Once your team is registered, you’ll be given:
Maps – One per person (The maps are waterproof and pretty indestructible).
Control Description Sheet – One per person (explains control features and locations)
Course Setter’s Notes – One per team (includes terrain tips and other helpful info)
Flight Plan – One per team (for longer events; this outlines your planned route, so we know where to start looking if you do not return.)
Navlight Wristbands – One per person. These must be worn on your wrist for the entire event and only removed at the finish.
Click here for more about how the Navlight system works.
Here are some links to additional information that you may find helpful.