Bush Orienteering

Bush Orienteering is more than just a trail run, involving moving off the trail into the bush. There is no marked route on the ground; the aim is to reach pre-determined control points using a map for navigation. The key is concentration and the ability to make quick decisions while moving as fast as you can. It’s not just for runners, but walkers as well, with courses available for everyone regardless of fitness or age.

Bush orienteering is generally held in Autumn through to Spring.

Weekend events are held throughout Victoria,  with the main events being:

  • Vic Series – these events, at locations across the state, have courses for all. Experience the excitement of navigating some of Victoria’s best forests.
  • MelBushO – an introductory series of events close to Melbourne.
  • Bendigo and Ballarat regional series – accessible local events catering for both new and experienced participants.
  • Two Victorian Championship events are held each year. These are open to all, providing the opportunity to test yourself against your peers or to simply provide another excuse to get out into the bush.
  • The Victorian Relays are a chance for club based teams to compete head to head in an exciting annual contest
  • Standalone events, each with a unique format, eg Maxi 3 Hour, Bendigo ToDay

Want to know more: check out New to Bush Orienteering , and the series that interests you

Oceania Long and Middle Distance Championship Highlights Videos

With the help of the Victorian Government  highlights videos have been created of the Oceania Long Distance and Middle Distance championships held in October 2019.
Orienteering Victoria trusts this gives you a flavour of the major bush events we run.
Scroll down to view upcoming events.

Latest Bush Orienteering Events

Day Date Event Organiser Activity
Tuesday 07-Jan-25 Ballarat Summer Series 24/25 - #6 Redan / Yarrowee River Eureka Orienteers Foot orienteering,
Mountain bike orienteering,
Park and street orienteering
Sunday 09-Mar-25 Vic Series 1 - Borhoney Ghurk, Elaine Nillumbik Emus Orienteering Club Foot orienteering
Sunday 23-Mar-25 Maxi 3-hour - Tunnel Hill (Railway Dam), Chewton Nillumbik Emus Orienteering Club Foot orienteering
Sunday 06-Apr-25 Vic Series 2 - Mt Beckworth, Clunes Eureka Orienteers Foot orienteering
Saturday 19-Apr-25 Australian 3 Days 2025 Orienteering Victoria Foot orienteering
Sunday 27-Apr-25 Victorian Long Distance Champs - Mount Korong Orienteering Victoria Foot orienteering
Sunday 25-May-25 Vic Series 3 - Wattle Gully, Fryerstown Yarra Valley Orienteering Club Foot orienteering
Saturday 07-Jun-25 Vic Series 4 - Sailors Diggings, Daylesford Eureka Orienteers Foot orienteering
Sunday 08-Jun-25 Vic Series 5 - Chapel Flat, Creswick Dandenong Ranges Orienteering Club Foot orienteering
Day Date Event Organiser Activity
Tuesday 07-Jan-25 Ballarat Summer Series 24/25 - #6 Redan / Yarrowee River Eureka Orienteers Foot orienteering,
Mountain bike orienteering,
Park and street orienteering
Sunday 09-Mar-25 Vic Series 1 - Borhoney Ghurk, Elaine Nillumbik Emus Orienteering Club Foot orienteering
Sunday 23-Mar-25 Maxi 3-hour - Tunnel Hill (Railway Dam), Chewton Nillumbik Emus Orienteering Club Foot orienteering
Sunday 06-Apr-25 Vic Series 2 - Mt Beckworth, Clunes Eureka Orienteers Foot orienteering
Saturday 19-Apr-25 Australian 3 Days 2025 Orienteering Victoria Foot orienteering
Sunday 27-Apr-25 Victorian Long Distance Champs - Mount Korong Orienteering Victoria Foot orienteering
Sunday 25-May-25 Vic Series 3 - Wattle Gully, Fryerstown Yarra Valley Orienteering Club Foot orienteering
Saturday 07-Jun-25 Vic Series 4 - Sailors Diggings, Daylesford Eureka Orienteers Foot orienteering
Sunday 08-Jun-25 Vic Series 5 - Chapel Flat, Creswick Dandenong Ranges Orienteering Club Foot orienteering

From parks and streets to bush and forest - there is an adventure for you.

Join Today