Picture of BNT markers

Books, Videos etc.

A video / DVD and a selection of books relating to the BNT.
Some are available from the BNT, others from book shops or over the Internet.

The Bicentennial National Trail Infornation Booklet

Published by the BNT, available from the BNT (How to order from the BNT)

This publication gives a comprehensive overview of the BNT and answers most of the questions you may have.

15 x 21 cm. 15 pages.

Bicentennial National Trail Guide Books - Number 1 to 12

Published by the BNT, available from the BNT (How to order from the BNT)

A series of 12 comprehensive guidebooks covering the full length of the BNT.
Anyone contemplating a trek on the BNT should obtain the appropriate guide book/s and become a member of the BNT.
The guidebooks are described in detail elswhere on this website.
15 x 21 cm. with approximately 70 pages in each guidebook.

Mountain Bikes on the National Trail

Published by and available from the BNT (How to order from the BNT)

Lists suitability of sections for mountain bikes and suggests alternative routes around the parts that are unsuitable. 2 pp.

North - A Journey along our National Trail

A video / DVD by Doc Eckley and Robin Surry, available from the BNT (How to order from the BNT)

On March 29th, 1995, Robin and Doc set off from Melbourne with six horses.Their two major goals were to maintain the health and safety of their horses, and keep moving North whilst everyone (including the horses) remained happy.

On August 30th, 1996 they arrived in Cooktown with both their goals intact..

Pack Horse Trekking Manual

by Mike Allen, Published by the BNT, available from the BNT (How to order from the BNT)

A comprehensive manual for horse trekking on Australia's Bicentennial National Trail. Mike has been involved with the BNT since it's formation. This book contains knowledge learnt from Mike's horse packing treks, from making pack saddles and gear and from people trekking the BNT.
The books nine chapters cover :-
If you are interested in pack horse trekking, this new book released in April 2003 should be your first purchase. Soft Cover 15 x 21 cm. 91 pages.

National Parks Horse Riding Code

by Paul Hardey of the NSW NPWS, ISBN 0 7305 2074 9 (not available from the BNT)

"When I ride out of the park I will leave only hoofprints and take only memories."
This publication was written with the cooperation of and endorsement of Its primary aim is to provide horse riders with guidelines to minimise the impacts of horses on park environments. It also contains useful information on travelling with horses and securing them overnight. Some of the matters it discusses are non-obvious, so get a copy if you're taking horses into our National Parks.

Pack Donkey on the Trail

by Jenny Osten, available from the BNT (How to order from the BNT)

Comprehensive guide to chosing, training and trekking with pack donkeys. Includes recipes, lists of what to take and patterns for equipment. 14 x 20 cm. 64 pp.

So you want to go Trail Riding?

by Steve Nott. Available from the BNT (How to order from the BNT)

Notes of advice for intending long distance horse trekkers, condensed from 16,000 km solo around-Australia trek. 2 pp.

First Aid in the Australian Bush

by Bruce Wilson, ISBN 0 646 00222 8. Try your local bookshop - not available from the BNT.

This is a sound, practical guide to First Aid in the Australian bush. Bruce Wilson has thirteen years experience as a professional ambulance officer, and also has extensive experience of the Australian bush including alpine and desert regions.

The approach to first aid outlined in this book is different to that taught in conventional courses. There is an underlying assumption that definitive help is hours, perhaps days away. The first aider is therefore encouraged to assess the severity of the patient's situation and take appropriate action.

My Blood's Country

by Phil Jarrett, published by Greenhouse Publications P/L, ISBN 0 86436 169 6 (not available from the BNT)

This well researched and beautifully illustrated book describes the history of the Trail and a trek from north to south along the Trail. It includes much historical information about the places en route.

The Colour of Courage

by Sharon Muir Watson, ISBN 0 646 12561 3 Soft cover 228 pages (notavailable from the BNT)

published by Muir Publications. Write to :-
Sharon Roberts, "The Pines", Lucyvale Road, BERRINGAMA, VIC 3691, AUSTRALIA. AUD $19.95 + P&P AUD $3.50 within Australia (at Jan 2004). Confirm pricing before ordering please.

This fascinating book describes Sharon Muir Watson and Ken Roberts 22 month trek from Cooktown to Healseville. Sharon and Ken were the first people to ride the entire length of the Trail.

Breaking and Training the Stock Horse

by Charles O. Williamson, ISBN 9600144-1-1, Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 62-22012 (not available from the BNT)

"... Now and then, one was found who really knew horse nature and who taught his horses rather than forced them. Those men made gentle horses and made them quickly."

Easily the best book I've found on the subject. His methods really work. Although first published in 1950, Williamson's methods have much in common with the current "natural horsemanship" practices.

Hickman's Farriery

by John Hickman and Martin Humphrey, ISBN 0-85131-451-1 (not available from the BNT)

The authoritative work on the subject. It includes a short history of horseshoeing, detailed description of the structure of the horse's legs, shoemaking, assessment of conformation and action, the practice of shoeing, and corrective and other special techniques.

The Bushcraft Series

by Ron Edwards, published by The Rams Skull Press, 12 Fairyland Rd, Kuranda, QLD, 4872 Australia (not available from the BNT)

Ron Edwards is a saddler and artist who has collected,documented and published the following books on traditional Australian bushskills and crafts. Each book is well illustrated with line drawings and instructions on how to make the article or perform the skill. There are sections in each book that would interest trekers - especially those interested in learning to build their own gear or aquire bush skills that will be of use along the BNT. Of particular interest to trekers is Bushcraft 7 which includes details how to make a traditional Australian pack saddle and bags.

CD - Make Your Own Horse Pack Saddle

and

CD - Make Your Own Working Donkey Harness and Gear

Each of these books is written and self published on a CD (one book per CD) by Brian Beck, 3204 Ipswich-Boonah Rd, Roadvale, Qld 4310 Australia.
Phone 07 5463-5106
Each CD is AUD$49.00 Post and packing included (not available from the BNT)

The first CD has an updated design for a horse pack saddle and several packing accessories. The second CD has designs for donkey gear for training, packing, riding, snigging and driving. In particular, it has an updated design for a donkey pack saddle.
Both CDs have full instructions for making the pack saddle, including the "Equine Back Profiler System" and swivel bars to ensure the shape and angle of the bars can be exactly fitted to an individual animal.

The Book Of Buckskinning V

Edited by William H.Scurlock, Rebel Publishing Co, Inc, Rt 5, Box 347-M, Texarkanah Texas, USA Phone (214) 832 4726. ISBN 0-9605666-6-X Softcover 250 pages.(not available from the BNT)
The Australian distributor is "Green River Rifle Works", 89 Cumberland Ave,Cumberland Park, SA 5041 Phone (08) 293 3686 or (08) 331 0235

This book from the publishers of "Muzzle Loader Magazine" includes a chapter of interest to trekers. Chapter 8 contains "Tips on horseback packing and how to build the gear". Being American, it describes the history of the Sawbuckpack saddle, packing, how to make one and the harness and padding to go with it. Also described is how to build a set of canvas panniers (pack bags). How to tie a load onto a pack horse with rope including the diamond hitch, pack animals, their capabilities and saddling up are also covered in the 21 page chapter which is illustrated with pictures and diagrams. Another 20 page chapter describes Tipi know how and may be of passing interest.

Packin' In On Mules & Horses

By Smoke Elser & Bill Brown, Mountain Press Publishing Co. Missoula, Montana, 59806 USA
ISBN 0 87842 127 0 Soft Cover 158 Pages. (not available from the BNT)

This modern book is written by professional packers and is full of good advice, pictures and illustrations of all aspects of horse packing, camping with horses etc. Mostly based on the American Decker pack saddle and mantied loads but excellent advice and information for those interested in packing. I got my copy through the "Borders" book chain in Sydney NSW but you could order it from your local book shop or over the Internet from a company such as amazon.com

Horses, Hitches & Rocky Trails

By Joe Back, Publisher - Johnson Books, Boulder Colorado USA.
ISBN 1 55566 141 6 Soft Cover 117 Pages.(not available from the BNT)

This is the classic American book on packing which has been reprinted many times due to it's popularity. Packed with advice and very well illustrated. Joe Back was a professional packer, guide and artist who has recorded a lifetimes experience into the pages of this book. I got my copy through the "Borders" book chain in Sydney NSW but you could order it from your local book shop or over the Internet from a company such as amazon.com

Hard Country Hard Men : in the footsteps of Gregory

By Kieran Kelly, Publisher - Hale & Iremonger Pty Ltd, Alexandria, NSW Australia.
ISBN 0 86806 684 2, Soft Cover 284 Pages. (not available from the BNT)

A very interesting book describing the exploits of one of Australia's greatest explorers - Augustus Gregory interwoven with an account of the author's pack horse expedition through Northern Australia retracing part of Gregory's 1855/56 epic expedition. Includes information on the evolution of the Australian Pack Saddle. Available through most good bookshops in Australia or they can order a copy in for you.


 

Wildlife and Wilderness in the Waterfall Country

By Roger Fryer, Produced by CSIRO Publishing. Available from bookshops, CSIRO Publishing or the author at:
waterfallcountry.com.au. ISBN 9788 0646 4686 93, Soft Cover, 144 Pages. ($29.95)

A wonderfully detailed guide to the New South Wales Mid North Coast and the Great Escarpment — the Waterfall Country east of the Dividing Range. With many pages on horse-riding, including the BNT, this book is a practical guide to experiencing the best of the Waterfall Country, detailing wilderness walks and activities, and offering first-hand accounts from those living and working in the region. Containing useful information on how to safely explore the region, it covers
what to wear, what to take with you, what to do if you get lost, and how to deal with minor injuries and snakebite. Illustrated throughout with stunning colour photographs, Wildlife and Wilderness in the Waterfall Country is an ideal guide for students, teachers, tourists, bushwalkers, horse-riders and anyone interested in this beautiful region.


BNT HOME PAGE