1.2.

3 Access to Outdoor
Experiences
Access to Outdoor
Experiences
The majority of Australias population lives in cities
around the coast, therefore most of us have to travel a
considerable distance to reach natural areas
Variations in climate and conditions, and the variations of
environments satisfy a range of outdoor recreational
opportunities depending on where you live
Accessibility characteristics are those considerations that
determine how easy or difficult it may be to participate in
an activity
Accessibility
Accessibility of activities can be measured on a
continuum (page 49 in your text books) Please copy
this into your books
The accessibility of an activity is relative, which means by
comparing two or more activities you can determine
which is more accessible compared to others (you can
relate them to one another)
Remoteness
Remoteness refers to the distance a natural environment is
from both your location, and other environments or settlements
Remoteness of location is an important characteristic as it
affects the risk, safety, scale, time, and cost
Often hi tech equipment (eg. Satellite navigators, protective
clothing) is required for safety and navigation purposes
Distance from medical assistance an gruelling conditions make
some expeditions very low in accessibility
Wilsons Promontory
Kooweerup
Learning Activities
Learning Activity 1.42 (page 50)
Socio Economic Factors
Communities that suffer greater poverty have less
accessibility to outdoor activities

Outdoor experiences are never cheap, especially here in
Australia (research snow prices to see this)

Outdoor activities do not take priority as some
communities need to focus on the basics of putting food
on the table and paying the mortgage / rent

Poorer socio economic areas also have less access to
running paths and nature walks
Gender
Some activities are more
accessible to men than
women
In the media more photos
are shown of men
participating in the outdoors,
which gives the impression
that girls dont participate,
decreasing their motivation
to participate.
Cultural Background
In some cultures participating in the outdoors might not be
deemed suitable or necessary

Some cultures have different values on the outdoors and
how they should be treated

Many women in the middle east would not be allowed to
participate in outdoor hikes or activities such as skydiving

Burkini?
Physical Ability / Age
People with mobility limitations
may find it difficult to move
along bush tracks

Sometimes equipment needs to
be modified or people with
special qualifications need to be
brought along

All these extra considerations
can increase the time,
motivation, and cost
characteristics
Key Concept
The accessibility of an activity depends on the distance,
time, preparation, risk and cost involved as well as the
individuals mobility, fitness, and motivation