Orienteering is a sport in which participants use a map and compass to find points in the landscape.
We cater for all ages from primary school children to 80+ year olds, with ranges of abilities from recreational walkers to elite athletes.
Orienteering offers people the chance to learn how to navigate confidently - whether it be through local streets and parks of Melbourne or out in the state forests in Victoria.
The Orienteering Australia "New to Orienteering" section is recommended as further reading to learn more about orienteering. In particular check the the "What happens at an event?" page to discover in full detail the procedures at an event and how to use our SportIdent electronic timing system.
Any person who can get around a course of 1.5 km or more. People of both sexes and all ages and fitness levels can participate on a course that suits them at the pace they choose. You can participate singly or as a group. Most Orienteers complete courses as fast as their fitness and map reading ability allows. It is a sport where all members of a family, from grandparents to toddlers, can and do, participate at the same event.
You can find out more about the types of event available and events in the near future from our Events Page. This page is accessible from most pages on this site by selecting the Events option in the menu.
OK, you understand the concepts and you've selected your first event. What now?
We recommend that you contact somebody associated with the event (usually the organiser of the event - contact details listed in the Event Calendar) or someone in an orienteering club near you. Either of these will be pleased to help you get to the event and will arrange for somebody to look after you at the event.
We have prepared a Getting Started Brochure which covers most facets of one's first event; why not take a printed copy of this to your first event as a checklist. A copy of this information is available if you would like to read it now.
For more information
The links below provide access to other information that may be of value to you: