Tips
Leave No Trace
Hidden spots stay special when everyone who visits looks after them. Here's how to enjoy them without leaving a mark, built on the seven Leave No Trace principles.
Why it matters to us
We share hidden spots, so we have to protect them.
Every waterfall, swim hole and cove on Sole Drift is a fragile place. More visitors can mean worn tracks, rubbish in the water and wildlife pushed out, and some popular spots have had to close or bring in visitor limits because of it.
That's why exact locations only live inside the app, why we ask every member to follow these principles, and why a portion of every membership goes to charities that protect the environment. We'd rather you found fewer places and looked after them than the other way round.
-
1
Plan ahead and prepare
- Check park rules, closures and permits before you go.
- Go early or midweek, and keep groups small.
- Pack a rubbish bag so nothing gets left behind.
-
2
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Stay on the track, even when it's muddy. Shortcuts become erosion.
- Around waterfalls, step on rock rather than moss and ferns.
- Camp only in established campsites.
-
3
Dispose of waste properly
- Pack it in, pack it out. That includes food scraps like fruit peel.
- Use toilets where there are some. If not, go at least 100 m from water, tracks and campsites and bury it about 15 cm deep.
- Take toilet paper and sanitary products home with you.
-
4
Leave what you find
- Take photos, not shells, rocks or plants.
- Don't stack rocks or move stones in creeks. They're home to small animals.
- Never touch or mark rock art, carvings or historic sites.
-
5
Minimise the impact of fire
- Cook on a stove rather than a campfire.
- Check fire bans on the day, and only use fireplaces provided.
- Put any fire out completely with water, not soil.
-
6
Respect wildlife
- Watch from a distance and never feed animals.
- Keep food packed away so animals don't learn to raid bags.
- Only bring dogs where they're allowed, and keep them on a lead.
-
7
Be considerate of your hosts and other visitors
- Respect Traditional Owners, landholders and private property.
- Keep the noise down and share the swim spot.
- Park only where it's allowed, and check drone rules before you fly.
-
Take only photos. Leave only footprints.
And if you can, leave it better than you found it.
Hidden spot extras
Three habits that matter most at secret spots
Swim clean
Sunscreen and insect repellent wash off into small swim holes. Put them on well before you swim, or rinse off away from the water first.
Share thoughtfully
Post the view, not the pin. Tag the region rather than the exact spot, so it stays special.
Leave it better
Pick up one piece of rubbish that isn't yours before you leave. It adds up fast.
Follow park and state rules
National parks set their own rules on camping, fires, dogs and drones, and they change with the seasons. Check the park's page before you go, and follow any signs on the day. Many places are on Aboriginal Country, so respect any cultural sites and closures.
The Countryside Code
In England and Wales, follow the Countryside Code:
In Scotland, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code asks you to respect others, care for the environment and take responsibility for your own actions.
Ready when you are
Find what’s hiding near you.
Free to download, with free spots to try. Unlock the rest when you’re ready.
Download the appJoin 25,000+ explorers already on the map
