New to O > Orienteering Events

When are Events Held?
Orienteering events are held regularly in and around both Hobart and Launceston as well as on the NW Coast. The season for bush orienteering lasts from March to October. During this period there is usually an event every Sunday morning. See the Events page for latest details. Over summer a number of low key events are run. Street-Orienteering consists of navigating around streets in the evening. These events are usually held every Wednesday evening during November and December and again in February and March. The Summer Series is held on Wednesday evenings during January.

What Happens at Events?
A key feature of orienteering is that you should find your way around your course without help from other orienteers. Competitors on the same course therefore have different start times, mostly at 2 minute intervals. You may choose your own start time on the day, within the time specified by the organising club (usually between 10 am and 12.00 noon for Sunday events).

At an event information boards will describe the courses which are available and any other information which you need to know. However if you need help ask at the registration desk. Most events have a person rostered to assist new orienteers. These people will help you decide which course to do and tell you what to do next. You should choose the course which suits your experience; one of the easier courses if you are new to the sport. You can always tackle a harder course later.

Start times for each event are listed in the event program. You can arrive and start at any time between the designated times. Although the more serious competitors generally complete courses individually, courses can also be done in groups - just let the people at registration know if several people are going together.

If you do not complete all of the course which you have chosen, always report to the finish so the organisers know that there are no competitors still out in the bush at the conclusion of the event. There will be a course closure time for each event, normally 90 minutes after the latest start time, and you must return to the finish by that time to enable the organisers to ensure you are safe.

Now is a good time to set up the barbecue, make a start on lunch and have a drink, relaxing in the clean forest air away from the stress of the city. For more information about any event contact the organising Club as listed in the Event Program, or see the latest copy of the "O Know" (Orienteering Tasmania's monthly newsletter).
Note:. Dogs are not permitted at orienteering events as they may disturb native wildlife or stock.

Types of Events

Sunday Events

These form the main event programme, are almost exclusively held in bushland areas ranging from the outskirts of Hobart or Launceston to places like Royal George, Bronte Park or St Helens. Events may be local or statewide and some may be part of a series such as the Tasmanian Orienteering Series (TOS) or the State League (SL). At the latter the more competitive orienteers will run in age classes. Non-members may always enter-on-the-day on easier courses at any event.

Wednesday Events

These are generally in bush or suburban park areas near Hobart or Launceston and offer usually one moderately difficult navigation course suitable for training; all are welcome. In October and November as well as February and March these events are part of a school series while in January they are part of the summer series.

Mountain Bike Orienteering (MBO)

This uses the same principles as foot orienteering, but is done on a bicycle. However competitors must stay on tracks and roads between controls. The wearing of helmets is compulsory. 'The MTB-O program is coordinated with the foot orienteering program.  The Australian Mountain Bike Orienteering website is here

Corporate Challenge

These events are held on areas close to Hobart CBD in March and November to allow participation by people either at lunchtime or after work.  Entrants are encouraged to forms workplace teams, and the standard is designed to cater for people new to orienteering, as well as those more experienced. Usually each event has a long and a short course to cater for runners and walkers. Further details are available from the events menu

Training and Coaching Activities

There are various coaching events during the year. Details of some of these are listed in this programme; others will be advertised in O Know