History of Orienteering in WA

Crossing unknown territory for sport with just a map and compass for navigation was first called orienteering in 1886.

Events were first held in Australia in 1969. The sport became established in Western Australia in 1972 when members of the University of WA Athletics Club wanted more interesting training than track and road running; they started score style events in Kings Park on occasional Sunday evenings. 

The Orienteering Association of Western Australia (Inc) -- OAWA -- was founded in 1974. For several years we used a few simple black and white maps of pine plantations and bush areas.

In 1978 four clubs were formed. Colour maps were used for the first time.

By 1984  was able to attract interstate and overseas competitors to its first multi-day event, the Spring West 3-Day. A visit from our first Coach-in-Residence helped three Western Australians be selected to compete nationally, the following year, against New Zealand.

In 1988 OAWA hosted its first Australian Championships. In 1993 the Australian 3-Day event at Easter attracted over five hundred competitors to a Western Australian event.

After these successes, OAWA now regularly takes its turn to organise major Australian national competitions in Western Australia. (Although we have yet to make a successful bid for an International event.)

The standard of personal performances has also steadily improved with OAWA adults and juniors representing Australia in world class events in recent years.

In 1999 Western Australian elite men and women formed the Western Nomads team. The Nomads compete during each winter season in the interstate O-league.

In 2001 the Association (following the lead of the national orienteering body) simplified its name to Orienteering Western Australia. (Although the Association kept the initials, OAWA)

Meanwhile, orienteering is attracting increasing interest in the community, particularly from schools. OAWA is happy to respond vigorously to ever more requests for information and assistance, as the sport continues to develop in this State.