Preparing to hike is the most important part of heading out hiking in Australia. It doesn't matter if you are going for a half hour stroll or a multi-day trek, the principles are still the same. Plan your hike thoroughly, develop the necessary skills, pack essential gear to survive your adventure including a few extra things to make sure you are safe if things don't go according to plan. There's no universal checklist that applies to every hike but there are essential things you should familiarise yourself and do with when preparing to hike. Live by the motto 'Be Prepared'. It might just save your life.