How to Navigate (3rd edition) 2025
$39.95
The art of traditional map and compass navigation in an Australian context
As used by the NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Police Rescue Squad, Volunteer Rescue Association and TAFE NSW. A straight-talking, modern approach to map reading and compass navigation, along with clear explanations of how to really navigate in the Aussie bush through deep awareness and observations of the world around us. 117 pages of photographs, diagrams, stories and how-to's, told from the perspective of a passionate bushwalker, involved in search and rescue. While GPS devices and apps have increased in popularity over the past few years, the importance of the traditional skills of how to read a map, use a compass and navigate in the bush, hasn’t changed. Learning to read map to ground and interpret the landscape, walking with the land - not against it, helps deepen our understanding of the world around us and our connection with it. How to Navigate is suitable for novice navigators getting started, through to experienced bushies who want to brush up on their skills.3rd Edition (2025)
The latest update has undergone a complete revision, including a new chapter on digital navigation with apps and sections on basic use of sun and stars, night navigation and insights into First Nations approaches to navigation. There are new maps, illustrations, photographs, explainers, tips, memory joggers, with over 13 additional pages. The update also features QR code links for those seeking further explanations or to dig deeper into the content including video. For full details of what's covered, check out the Table of Contents in the image gallery.Book Reviews
"I've spent my life and have been on many expeditions where I have had to rely on a map and compass. Caro's book brings a fresh approach, breaking down old-fashioned jargon and making learning how to navigate with a map and compass, easy." Dick Smith (Adventurer and philanthropist)
Shipping & Bulk Orders
Shipping & handling time: 5-7 business days Shipping location: This product only ships within Australia Bulk Discount: 10% for 5 or more. Get in touch to arrange discount and shipping for quantities over 5 or wholesale pricing for retailers.Book + Lanyard deal
Pay only $5 for the scale ruler lanyard when purchased in conjunction with the book. Price of the lanyard will drop if you've already added the book to your cart. Then simply add the lanyard to your cart and they will ship together.
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76 reviews for How to Navigate (3rd edition) 2025
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Paul Burbidge (verified owner) –
Fabulous
Ron Dunford (verified owner) –
Excellent service. Prompt delivery.
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Great to hear, thanks Ron.
Hayley Pero –
I am continually seeking resources that not only build strong foundational navigation skills, but also help learners develop real, situational confidence in the outdoors. Caro Ryan’s How to Navigate (3rd Edition) has become an essential text within our programs for exactly that reason.
This book translates complex navigation concepts into clear, practical learning that resonates with students at all levels. Caro’s approach bridges traditional map-and-compass techniques with contemporary field application, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving in real terrain, not just in the classroom. Our students consistently comment on the accessibility of the explanations, the relevance of scenarios, and the way the text supports them to build competence step-by-step, from basic theory to practical route planning and off-track travel.
In outdoor leadership training, accuracy, clarity, and confidence are paramount. How to Navigate supports the development of each of these attributes. It aligns seamlessly with our skill progression frameworks and has strengthened our teaching delivery across bushwalking and multi-day expedition units.
This book is now a core resource in our navigation curriculum, and I highly recommend it to educators, instructors, and anyone seeking to deepen their capacity to travel safely and confidently in the Australian outdoors.
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Hayley, thank you so much for your review. TAFE’s Outdoor Leadership students are being prepared for a variety of careers and roles in the outdoors, where the nuts and bolts of navigation can be critical to the delivery and safety of programs. Their future clients could be school kids on camps, adults on multiday guided hikes, or even their own friends and family. I’m delighted to have created this textbook to help them get out there, get amongst it and work towards becoming finely tuned navigators. Thank you for your support. Warmest, Caro.
Brendan Jones (verified owner) –
Great book – easy to make sense of even for numbskulls like me. Clear directions and diagrams are welcome. Tip: Get a Katoomba 8930-1S, a compass and a romer beforehand so you can really play along
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Love this! ‘So you can play along’. Nice one, thanks Brendan.
Peter (verified owner) –
Katrina (verified owner) –
This was a fantastic refresher with some great new approaches to try as well. Easy to read and understand.. I recommend it to everyone who bushwalks!
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Oh, fabulous! Thanks Katrina – I’m so glad you found it easy. Thanks for your recommendation :D.
Angela Chatwin –
Do you have a retailer in Canada? I have a customer looking for a copy of “How to Navigate” Thank you.
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Thanks for your message, Angela. Please see your email.
Robyn W. (verified owner) –
Easy to use, well laid out. Full of helpful tips. Great book
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
I’m so glad you liked the design and layout, along with the tips. Best of all = you found it easy to use. Thanks Robyn.
Peter M. (verified owner) –
I purchased this book to revise and relearn things I knew 50 years ago (and learn some things I didn’t know). It’s an excellent book in my opinion, beautifully produced and easy to read. Money well spent.
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Thanks so much for your fabulous review Peter. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to make it the best it can be, so to receive feedback like this makes it all worthwhile.
Qynn (verified owner) –
Great book with simple instruction. My navigational skills are pretty good as I haven’t gotten lost…yet. It is good to have a little extra formality, and resources contained within the instructions in this book. Thanks Caro!
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
I’m so glad to hear that Qynn! I strive for making navigation simple to understand. Thanks for letting me know.
Barbara Heaton (verified owner) –
Prompt delivery but Australia Post did not bother knocking or calling out to let me know the book was in the letterbox. The package was however in excellent condition.
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Great to hear that it was in excellent condition, Barbara. Thanks for letting me know.
RALPH (verified owner) –
A greatbook which is very easy to understand.
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
That’s my aim, Ralph! Glad you found it easy to understand. Thanks.
Janine (verified owner) –
A very detailed and informative book.
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Thanks Janine! You know what they say, the devil (or is it the angel?) is in the detail ;).
Glenn Gifford (verified owner) –
The book is great. I purchased it for a few reasons – firstly I am a retired NPWS (NSW) employee of 40 years and I felt the book would allow me to renew old skills that have become a bit rusty and to learn new things. Secondly, I wanted my bushwalking kids to learn the art of map and compass navigation without being solely reliant on technology. Congratulations on a great publication.
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Glenn, thanks for a great review and for sharing a bit of your story. While tech is handy and a good backup sometimes, having the trad skills (that don’t need charging) is a great foundation. Besides, we spend enough time on screens! All the best.
Heath (verified owner) –
Desmond R. (verified owner) –
Wow! What a Resource book.
Kieran Hosty (verified owner) –
Great product – given as a gift to a fellow walker
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
We all need walker friends like you! Great idea.
Kane (verified owner) –
Cedric B. (verified owner) –
Alan Lanyon (verified owner) –
Ian (verified owner) –
I gave this book to my daughter and she is thrilled with it. I’ll definitely be borrowing it!
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Fabulous. Sounds like when my Dad used to ‘taste’ the food off my plate!
Mark Clair (verified owner) –
could there also be an e’book version?
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Good question and thank you Mark. Due to the huge amount of illustrations, photos and diagrams, an eBook or digital version isn’t viable at this time. I’m keeping my eye on technology and if/when something appears with high quality within a secure environment appears, I’ll definitely look into it. PS: I see you’re with Catholic education, please note that I give discounts to education institutions for bulk orders!
George Dullege (verified owner) –
I was very happy to receive and begin to read How to Navigate. While I do enjoy going out into our beautiful country side, I have in the past totally relied on GPS to navigate. This is my backup plan. Looking forward to trying it out.
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Good to hear George! Having a contingency plan is always a good idea.
Adam King (verified owner) –
Very helpful.
Caro Ryan (store manager) –
Thanks Adam. Thanks for letting me know.
Adam (verified owner) –
High quality detailed book and compass lanyard / Scale. Arrived very quick as well , I’m happy with the product. It is worth the purchase!
Melanie R. (verified owner) –