If you have previous experience navigating with a map and compass but are keen to take your survival skills to the next level, this course is for you. Over two days, KEF’s Australian Special Forces veterans will walk with you across country and teach you how to find your way like a seasoned explorer. You’ll need a moderate level of fitness, but don’t worry if you haven’t practised navigation for while; the first day begins with a refresher. The small-group format also allows the content to be tailored for every student (numbers are limited to 6 per course, so get in quick). 

Day 1 – Skills Refresher & Night Navigation

After an early drive to a little west of Lithgow, NSW, we begin mobile navigation practice to refresh the fundamentals. This leads into cross-country navigation exercises using only a map and only a compass. Later in the afternoon you’ll participate in planning a more extended route for the following day, before undertaking a night navigation activity.

In summary, the first day covers:

1. Mobile navigation, including cross-country navigation and navigating without equipment 
2. Route planning over long distance (without designated checkpoints between the start point and destination) 
3. Navigating by night across country. 

Day 2 – Long-distance Navigation Exercise

The course culminates with a full-day field exercise, which involves navigating the long route planned out the day before. In the evening, you will be dropped back to your car or meeting point in Sydney, armed with a whole new level of navigation knowledge.

Locations & Transport 

Pick up and drop off from major transport hubs is included in the ticket price. However, this does not include airport transfers unless on the same day as the start or finish of the course, and by prior arrangement.

Exact locations for all activities are to be confirmed closer to the event date but will be north and west of Sydney within 2–3 hours’ drive of the airport.

Meals 

A cut lunch is provided for each day, as well as dinner on Saturday night and breakfast on Sunday. Please specify any dietary requirements on the personal details form that will be sent to you before the course. Saturday breakfast, Sunday dinner and snacks throughout each day are the responsibility of the individual.

Accommodation 

The course is run in locations near Lithgow, and the Saturday night will be spent camping in the field. You will require your own tent/swag, sleeping bag and sleeping mat. If you’re travelling from outside Sydney to attend, we recommend that you seek accommodation around the North Shore or Northern Beaches area of Sydney. We also recommend obtaining accommodation for the Friday and Sunday nights (note: all accommodation is the responsibility of the individual).

If planning to fly in or out on the Saturday or Sunday respectively, please keep in mind that the course starts at 6 am on Saturday and may not finish until 8 pm on Sunday evening. This does not include up to 3 hours of travel time back to Sydney airport.

Equipment 

We recommend that you bring the following:

1. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing suitable for cross-country hiking

2. Sturdy, comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Worn-in hiking shoes or boots are recommended but sneakers/running shoes will suffice

3. Hat and sunglasses

4. A daypack of at least 15 litres capacity

5. 2 litres of water

6. Snacks as required

7. A compass*

8. A small notebook and pencil (retractable Pacer-type recommended)

9. A Gore-Tex jacket or similar

Topographic maps, a clipboard and any other supplies required for navigation will be provided.

* Please advise if you require a loan compass as we only have a limited quantity. For recommendations on purchasing a compass, see Kinetic Fighting’s event page.