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Orienteering

A navigation sport in which participants use a map and compass to navigate between checkpoints.

Orienteering as a sport originated in Europe in the later 1800s. The first orienteering events in Australia were held in South Australia from 1955. 1 

Discover more about orienteering

Clearinghouse evidence base:

Evolution:

  • Orienteering Federation of Australia (OFA) [1970-2001]
  • Orienteering Australia [2001-]

Participation

A person running up a hill

An estimated 16,000 Australians [aged 15+] participated in orienteering at least once in 2025. 2

A compass

An estimated 8,000* Australian women [aged 15+] and an estimated 8,000* Australian men [aged 15+] participated in orienteering at least once in 2025. 2

*estimate has a relative margin of error between 50% and 100% and should be used with caution

Explore further participation statistics for orienteering through the AusPlay online portal., opens in a new tab

Governing body

Orienteering Australia, opens in a new tab is the organisation recognised by governments at all levels as the national controlling body for the sport of orienteering in Australia.

History

The Orienteering Federation of Australia (OFA) was established in 1970 as Australia's first national orienteering body. In 2001, the organisation was renamed Orienteering Australia. 1  

Documents

The Clearinghouse for Sport has sought permission from relevant organisations for the inclusion of their documents in this archive. Copyright ownership remains vested with the organisation and as such permission from the copyright owner should be sought if you wish to communicate, adapt or reproduce these documents.

REFERENCES
  1. Orienteering: A Brief History, opens in a new tab, Orienteering Australia, (24 September 2026)
  2. AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (24 September 2026)

Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer

Is this information complete? The Clearinghouse for Sport is a sector-wide knowledge sharing initiative, and as such your contributions are encouraged and appreciated. If you would like to suggest a resource, submit a publication, or provide feedback on this page, please contact us.

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