About us
For terms and conditions please scroll down!
About Aussie Explorers:
Welcome to Aussie Explorers, where adventure knows no bounds! We're a community of passionate explorers, thrill-seekers, and nature lovers who share a common love for Australia's vast and diverse landscapes, as well as international adventures.
Whether you're a seasoned trekker, a weekend warrior, or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Aussie Explorers is your gateway to unforgettable adventures both within Australia and beyond.
From breathtaking hikes through ancient rainforests to epic road trips along rugged coastlines, our group is dedicated to discovering the hidden gems and natural wonders that make Australia truly unique. And when the wanderlust calls, we're ready to explore the far corners of the globe, from trekking the Inca Trail in Peru to safari adventures in Africa, to walking Europe to cruising the Fjords...
Join us as we embark on exciting excursions, forge new friendships, and create lasting memories in some of the most spectacular destinations Australia and the world has to offer. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or simply craving a breath of fresh air, there's something for everyone at Aussie Explorers. Let's explore together!
TermsĀ andĀ conditionsĀ of JoiningĀ AussieĀ Explorers
So we can keep this group as enjoyable as possible for everyone, there are a fewĀ conditionsĀ you must agree to. By joining this group you agree to them and agree to abide but them at all times. Most people will find theseĀ conditionsĀ to be common sense. If any of theseĀ conditionsĀ seem unfair to you, please do not join, raise your concerns with the organiser prior to joining the group.
Number of people at EventsĀ andĀ attendance.
Firstly, you must be 100% committed to attend any event that you have RSP to, regardless of the weatherĀ conditions. If the weather is considered extreme by the organiser, he or she will change or cancel the event. If you RSVP for a meetup eventĀ andĀ you cannot attend, please change your RSVP. It is your responsibility to manage your RSVPĀ even when on wait lists. If you are in a position where you often change your RSVP to "not going", please do not RSVP until you are 100% committed to attend. We monitor all RSVPĀ andĀ changes, as often we have large wait lists due to the popularity of our meetup events.
Hence we may need to remove those repeat offenders fromĀ AussieĀ ExplorersĀ on particular events. We limit the numbers of participants at some of our events due to logistical issues in order to better enjoy a particular meetup or in more remote places for safety concerns.
An important note: Guests ofĀ AussieĀ ExplorersĀ are bound by the sameĀ termsĀ andĀ conditionsĀ as members,Ā andĀ it is the member's responsibility to provide the fullĀ termsĀ andĀ conditionsĀ to any guests included on their RSVP.along with providing any updates and full event details.
HealthĀ andĀ Safety, Personal Responsibility - Disclaimer
Our activities are recreationalĀ andĀ involve walking on pathsĀ andĀ tracks, sometimes off track in remote, difficult terrain. All participantsĀ andĀ their guests by choosing to RSVP to any event are agreeing to take their own full responsibilityĀ andĀ liability for their own safetyĀ andĀ health at all times during the meetup event. Attendees will at no time hold the organiserĀ and/or walk leader/event host responsible for any accident, misadventure or ill health that may occur whilst attending an event including damage to or loss of equipment/belongings.
Children are only permitted to attend meetups rated as easy,Ā andĀ at the permission of the event host or leader. Each child must be monitored 100% of the time by the parent or parents. Attendees who RSVP yes for an event agree that it is their responsibility to ensure they are fit enough to attend the walk/eventĀ andĀ to ensure they have sufficiently read the event details and researched the walk or other activity,Ā andĀ the prevailing weatherĀ conditionsĀ andĀ warnings in order to make an informed decision whether or not the event is suitable for them.
Important note: "AussieĀ Explorers, its organisersĀ andĀ leaders accept no liability during any meetup event. As any meetup event may require hiking in remote areas, leaders will try to ensure the safetyĀ andĀ wellbeing of members at all times, however, accidents may happen. Please take responsibility for your own safetyĀ andĀ your belongings.
Fees
Meetups generally incur a fee to attend. These are small fees to cover leaders costs getting to/from the event, replenish first aid kits carried, cover organiser's costs on the day including equipment such as maps, compass, gps, PLB etc, pay for training in 1st aid, bush survival skills etc. The suggested gratuities are $5-$10 for a bush walk or meetup, $30-$50 for weekend overnight walks. The fees collected are provided to the leader on the day or by PayID
Some pre-paid meetups will not incur gratuities. These are usually meetups such as overnight stays in somewhere like YHA or camping where accommodation is pre-booked,Ā multi day walks which include transport, accommodation etc. These charges cover any rent charged, sometimes transportĀ andĀ other inclusions. Please check each meetup thoroughly before RSVP. Most meetups are non-refundable (however using the comments section sometimes you can find a person to attend in your place less any cancellation fees) so please make sure you are 100% committed to attend to avoid disappointment. Please pay promptly when you RSVP to these meetupsĀ andĀ do not rely on email reminders to pay!
Starting Times
Our meetups start on time. In most cases we cannot wait for you if you are running late as this sets back our scheduleĀ and keeps a large group waiting which is unfair to the majority that turn up on time. Please give yourself plenty of time to allow forĀ SydneyĀ trafficĀ andĀ public transport delays.
Pace
The focus of our walks is to have a friendly social group where people have an opportunity to meet new people whilst exploring somewhere new. The pace of our walks varies depending on the group. If you happen to join us on a day when there are some people who are not as fit as you, we request that you exercise patienceĀ andĀ keep in mind that the organiser/leader will set the pace.
The organiser/leader will be endeavouring to walk at a pace that suits the majority of the group whilst ensuring those who are slowest are also able to keep up. This may mean frequent stopping for water or photos to allow others to catch up or rest a little. We ask you to ensure that you walk behind the organiser/leader at all timesĀ andĀ can always see the person in front of you,Ā if you can'tĀ see them please call out to the organiser/leaderĀ andĀ let them know. This is basic bushwalking/hiking safety, ensures no-one gets left behindĀ andĀ your co-operation is greatly appreciated.
Grading of meetups
Each meetup will be graded, most are easy to medium that enable larger groups to walk at an average pace whilst enjoying the scenery, talking to other members, plenty of stops for water, snacksĀ andĀ lunch breaks.Ā
For easy walks, a lower level of fitness is required to ensure you enjoy the meetup. The distance walked is always posted. Walks graded medium mean terrain can be rough, uneven tracks, steep climbs but still stops for water, snacksĀ andĀ lunch.a higher level of fitness is required.
Hard walks are for fit, experienced hikers/bush walkers only. The description will vary from rough, uneven terrain/tracks to off track walking, steep climbs, scramblingĀ andĀ possibly less stops for water/snacks/lunch.
Overnight or multi day walks are arranged, some for first time overnight walkers called Camping 101 but some for experienced overnight walkers only. Each meetup will have a description on who can RSVP. A new grade of Extreme was recently introduced for longer distance, hard walks, rough, remote terrain, probably for training purposes to a specific event. These are for very fit, experienced walkers only.Ā
If at any time you have any doubt or any questions, please contact the organiserĀ andĀ ask if the meetup is suitable for you.
We grade our events loosely bases on NSW national parks grading system which can be found here:
https://blog.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/whats-the-best-hike-for-you/#:~:text=Grade%201%20is%20up%20to,don't%20need%20no%20metres.
International travel:
Aussie Explorers often arranges amazing events overseas, these each have different terms and conditions as bound by different suppliers but always deposits are non-refundable with no exceptions. International travel insurance at the time of paying your deposit is recommended however compulsory on all international trips. Changes or cancellations incur fees and charges for each trip, regardless of reason for cancellation and by whom, please ask for details at time of RSVP and paying deposit.
Communication/Publication/Comments on Website
Please remember that our organisers put in a lot of timeĀ andĀ effort to makeĀ AussieĀ ExplorersĀ work. If you are unhappy with something or wish to make a comment on how the group is run, please respect the organisers by communicating with them directly. This gives them an opportunity to assist you. If there is a problem whilst on a meetup, please contact the leader as soon as possible rather than discuss with other members or contact David the main organiser.
Disclaimer:
By RSVP to any meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers above
Aussie Explorers its organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup, leaders try to ensure the safety and wellbeing of members at all times, however accidents happen, please take responsibility for your own safety and your belongings.
SAFETY WARNING: Please stay away from cliff edges and be very careful when walking on wet and slippery rocks and surfaces. Please always stay within sight of the group.
DISCLAIMER: Your health and safety is our priority and we take care to minimize risk and avoid accidents and injuries. However, Organizers and Hosts are not responsible for your health and safety and do not accept any liability for accidents and injuries that may occur during Meetup activities and events. Please take responsibility for your own safety and belongings.
Featured event
Walking Madeira the beautiful island grand circle 10 days
Join us for a fabulous walking holiday offering unique coastal hikes and blooming gardens, fabulous scenery and best of all twin share accommodation and luggage transfers throughout!
Discover Madeira's diverse landscapes on this self-guided walking tour. Hike along dramatic coastal paths and levadas, including the spectacular Boca do Risco route and the wild north coast.
Experience the UNESCO-listed laurel forests, the mystical Fanal plateau, and Porto Moniz's natural lava pools. Walk through traditional Santana village, along Levada do Rei and Levada do Norte, to Europe's highest sea cliff at Cabo Girao.
The tour concludes in colorful Funchal with its botanical gardens. Daily walks up to 5.5 hours require good fitness and sure-footedness.
Explore the diverse and impressive island in the Atlantic Ocean. There are steep and rugged coastal lines, green hills and small bays great for swimming as well as cloud forests and sun-drenched banana plantations.
The flower island, Madeira, offers a versatile scenery and a pleasant climate all year round. The dry east, the cool north, the barren mountains, the moist high plateaus and the sunny south all invite you to come and explore this wonderful island. At all times of the year, there are different flowers and trees blooming at different altitudes. The friendly and tradition-conscious locals invite you to get to know their country and their culture. Discover all sides of Madeira on this round trip!
Itinerary at a glance:
| Day | Location & Activity | Distance & Walking Time |
| --- | ------------------- | ----------------------- |
| Day 1 | Arrival in Porto da Cruz: Check in & relax on the black sand beach, visit the historic sugar mill, or take a warm-up coastal walk. | Flexible |
| Day 2 | Wild North Coast Walk: Transfer to Machico and hike along the Vereda do Larano coastal route via Boca do Risco back to Porto da Cruz. | ~15 km (5 hrs) |
| Day 3 | Santana, Levada do Rei & SĆ£o Vicente: Visit Santanaās thatched houses, then walk through primeval forest along Levada do Rei to Ribeiro Bonito before heading to SĆ£o Vicente. | ~17 km (6 hrs) |
| Day 4 | Paul da Serra Plateau & Fanal to Porto Moniz: High-altitude mountain walk through ancient UNESCO-listed laurel forests to Fanal, ending at Hotel Euro Moniz and its natural lava pools. | ~11 km (3.5 hrs) |
| Day 5 | Southwest Coast & Levada do Norte to Funchal: Hike through terraced farmlands along Levada do Norte past Cabo GirĆ£o, then transfer to Four Views BaĆa in Funchal. | ~12 km (4 hrs) |
| Day 6 | Monte & Botanical Gardens: Cable car to Monte, visit Nossa Senhora do Monte, walk through subtropical vegetation to the Botanical Garden, and return to Funchal. | ~8 km (3 hrs) |
| Day 7 | Optional Walk 1 ā Peak to Peak (Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo): Hike Madeira's high-mountain ridge trail connecting its highest peaks for panoramic summit views and cloudscapes. | ~12 km (4.5 hrs) |
| Day 8 | Optional Walk 2 ā Levada dos Tornos & Camacha: Follow flower-lined levada paths from Camacha through oak and eucalyptus forests back down toward Funchal. | ~13 km (4 hrs) |
| Day 9 | Optional Walk 3 ā Ponta de SĆ£o LourenƧo Peninsula: Explore the dramatic, arid cliffside trails of Madeira's easternmost point surrounded by the ocean. | ~8 km (3.5 hrs) |
| Day 10 | Departure Day: Final morning stroll along the Funchal seafront promenade or Mercado dos Lavradores before departing. | Flexible |
Price will be finalised asap...
Inclusions: 3-star & 4-star hotels (2x 2-star in Porto da Cruz)
- Daily breakfast
- Luggage transfer
- 8 local route transfers (Porto da Cruz, Machico, Santana, SĆ£o Vicente, Paul da Serra, Porto Moniz, Calheta, Boa Morte)
- 1 cable car ascent Monte/Funchal
- Entrance fees Levada hikes
At the time of RSVP please email [david@discoverytravel.com.au](mailto:david@discoverytravel.com.au) your full name and mobile number, A deposit of $450 is required only when price is condirmed to secure your space and is non refundable, please ensure adequate travel insurance.
Important Booking Details & Terms
Join us for an unforgettable international adventure! Before reserving your spot, please review these key travel terms:
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance (Compulsory): All participants must hold adequate travel insurance covering overseas medical expenses, pre-existing conditions, and supplier insolvency before departure.
- Deposits & Pricing: Your deposit is non-refundable. To lock in your final rate against currency fluctuations, full payment is required. Prices remain subject to change until paid in full.
- Itinerary: Schedules and planned activities are subject to slight changes to give you the best possible experience.
- Payment Facilitation: Payments for this trip are processed through Discovery Travel, a licensed travel agency, providing you with added security. Please note that Discovery Travel acts strictly as a payment facilitator and holds no responsibility for trip inclusions, bookings, or group management.
By RSVP this meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers which can be found here:
https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/
Important Liability Notice & Safety Disclaimer
By RSVP and participating in this Aussie Explorers trip, you agree to the following terms:
- Personal Responsibility: Safety is a shared responsibility. While Aussie Explorers leaders and organizers work hard to facilitate a fun, organized, and secure environment, outdoor adventures and international travel carry inherent risks. You are responsible for your own personal safety, fitness, and belongings throughout the trip.
- Limitation of Liability: Aussie Explorers, its organizers, and trip leaders accept no legal or financial liability for any injury, illness, loss, damage, expense, or inconvenience incurred during this meetup.
- Activity Hazards: Participating in outdoor activities, hiking, and international exploration involves natural hazards and unexpected changes in conditions. Please ensure you are prepared, follow group guidance, and know your personal limits.
Upcoming events
21
Shady 15km St Ives to Roseville. Garigal NP. Be active, healthy & happy.š
Gordon Station, Stand A, Gordon NSW 2072, Australia, Gordon, AUGarigal National Park- St Ives to Roseville - 15km
I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which I walk, the Garigal people & pay respect to the Elders past, present & emerging.š³8.45am Meeting Place: Gordon Station, Stand A.
š³About: This is a picturesque walk of the northern end of Garigal National Park with water views most of the way. It has a lot of shady parts along the creek too & is a good warm weather distance. A nice early finish gives you time to do something else on the day.
š³Route: From Gordon Station we catch the 197 bus for an 11 minute trip to our starting point in St Ives. We walk down a street and follow a track along Middle Harbour Creek to Davidson Park. To finish we cross Roseville Bridge to the bus stop. There's frequent buses back to the CBD or Chatswood.
We should arrive at Roseville around 1.30pm.š³Distance: 15km
š³Type of walk: Shady with well established bush tracks & fire trails.
š³Difficulty: Moderate. There are some technical, rocky & uneven sections.
Total elevation is only 190m.š³Walking Pace: We will maintain a steady pace and average 4-4.5 km per hour.
š³Toilets: Gordon station at the start & Davidson Park at the end. Nature toilet in between.
š³Public Transport:
From CBD.
Depart - 8.00am Central Station, Platform 16.
Arrive - 8.36am Gordon Station, Platform 3.
From Meeting Place.
Depart - 8.45am Gordon Station, Stand A.
Arrive - 8.56am Mona Vale Rd at Kitchener St.At the end of the walk the bus stop has frequent buses that take about 15 mins to get to Wynyard or Chatswood.
š³What to bring:
- Trailwalker shoes with good grip
- 2 litres of water, optional hydralytes
- BRING LUNCH & snacks. No food to buy on the way.
- Light rain jacket depending on conditions
- Sunscreen and a cap or hat with a wide brim
- Eagerness to explore
š³Gratuity: There will be a $10 cash gratuity for this walk or Pay ID alternatively.
By RSVP to this meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers which can be found here.
SAFETY WARNING: Please stay away from cliff edges and be very careful when walking on wet and slippery rocks and surfaces. Please stay within sight of the group at all times.
DISCLAIMER: Your health and safety is our priority and we take care to minimize risk and avoid accidents and injuries. However, Organizers and Hosts are not responsible for your health and safety and do not accept any liability for accidents and injuries that may occur during Meetup activities and events. Please take responsibility for your own safety and belongings.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below or Message me. I look forward to seeing you on this walk. I will post my mobile number closer to the day.
Mark F š8 attendees
Fabulous bushwalk Epping to Hornsby via Lane Cove River & Berowra Creek 18km med
Epping, Beecroft Rd, NS, AUFabulous walk on the edges of our city, Epping to Hornsby follows a section of the great north walk which runs from Sydney Cove to Newcastle all 250km of it!
This long day walk follows the Lane Cove River and Berowra Creek. The walk mostly follows the iconic Great North Walk, keeping mostly to bushland. With a train station at each end and a chance to fill the tummy at Thornleigh, this is an enjoyable day out. Finally walk through the Blue gum forest and a big climb up to Hornsby
Meet at Epping railway station Oxford Street side, walk is medium grade and 18km in length, a nice day out in the bush! The expected arrival time into Hornsby for a cold beer is 4:30pm maybe slightly earlier :-) Bring ID for a cold beer at Hornsby RSL
$10 fee applies to this event payable cash on the day or PayID is 0402 251036 David Matthews
Please bring a sense of adventure, fun and of course suncream, hat, jacket in case of a change in weather, at least 2L of water, lunch, snacks and sturdy walking shoes
DISCLAIMER: Your health and safety is our priority and we take care to minimize risk and avoid accidents and injuries. However, Organizers and Hosts are not responsible for your health and safety and do not accept any liability for accidents and injuries that may occur during Meetup activities and events. Please take responsibility for your own safety and belongings.
By RSVP to this event you and your guests agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the Aussie Explorers Meetup group which can be found in the link below:
https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/pages/28346396/Terms_and_Conditions_of_joining_Aussie_Explorers48 attendeesGreat North Walk Mt Kuring Gai to Hornsby via Berowra 22km med-hard
Mount Kuring-gai Station, Pacific Hwy, Mount Kuring-gai NSW 2080, Australia, Mount Kuring-gai, AUFantastic 22.3 km one-way trail from Hornsby to Mount Kuring-gai traverses Berowra Valley National Park and includes sections like the Blue Gum Walk and Tunks Ridge Reserve. Expect varied terrain with steep sections, particularly as you approach Mount Kuring-gai, where you'll encounter panoramic views. The route also passes by Fishponds and Berowra Creek. Be prepared for a challenging hike that requires stamina and resilience, especially during the final ascent. A few ups and downs and a good challenging walk, finish with a cold beer in Hornsby RSL
$10 fee applies to this event payable cash on the day or PayID is 0402 251036 David Matthews
Please bring a sense of adventure, fun and of course suncream, hat, jacket in case of a change in weather, at least 2L of water, lunch, snacks and sturdy walking shoes
DISCLAIMER: Your health and safety is our priority and we take care to minimize risk and avoid accidents and injuries. However, Organizers and Hosts are not responsible for your health and safety and do not accept any liability for accidents and injuries that may occur during Meetup activities and events. Please take responsibility for your own safety and belongings.
By RSVP to this event you and your guests agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the Aussie Explorers Meetup group which can be found in the link below:
https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/pages/28346396/Terms_and_Conditions_of_joining_Aussie_Explorers20 attendees
Myall Lakes Walk-in or Paddle-in to Boomeri & Freshwater Campsite.
Boomeri Campsite, Old Gibber Road, Mungo Brush, AUThis is an opportunity to camp in one of the more isolated campsites in the Myall Lakes that can only be reached by boat or walking-in, Freshwater Campsite on The Boolambayte Lake.
The plan is to meet at 6.30PM Boomeri Campsite (please drive to Boomeri via Tea Gardens as the Bombah Point Ferry ceases at 6PM). We can relax by the lake and watch the sunset and also have dinner and a beverage.
On Saturday we will have plenty of time in the morning so there is a fair chance that we will do the walk from Mungo Brush to Tamboi Village or do the walk to the beach near Mungo Brush.
At 11.00AM we will travel as passengers on the Bombah Point Ferry to NRMA Myall Shores where we will have morning tea or an early lunch. IF YOU PREFER TO TRAVEL UP TO THE MYALL LAKES ON SATURDAY PLEASE BE AT NRMA MYALL SHORES AT 11.30 ON SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER.
At approx 12.30PM we will get the ferry back and drive to the junction of Mungo Brush Rd and Taits Mining Trail where we will begin the 2.3km walk into Freshwater. People wishing to paddle into Freshwater are advised to park on the eastern shore of Bombah Point Ferry and paddle in from there to Freshwater. I plan to go with the walkers for part of the way to show the way, then go back and collect my kayak and paddle in with a large supply of firewood and water (as a backup). We will camp the night at Freshwater which is surprisingly large and has a composting toilet and tank water. It can be an idea to bring an ultra-light chair as Freshwater has no seating.
The next day we will leave at about 9.30AM and cross the ferry back to Myall Shores for morning tea (or late breakfast) and coffee. Then we will travel back through Buladelah where there is the chance to do the 4km Buladelah Mountain walk which offers great views over the Myall Valley and we also get to see the indigenous tree carvings which have been recently re-introduced to the area.
For this event you will need all your camping gear for a walk-in camp, lunch and dinner for Friday to Sunday. There will be time to have lunch in Buladelah on Sunday. You will also need approx three litres of water to take into Freshwater as there is only tank water at the site which is not recommended for drinking.
Camping fees will be $20 each which will need to be pre-paid to me by 2 November so that I can do a group-booking for everyone at both campsites. Details are Ian Dutton, BSB 112879 Acct no 032433687 or PayID 0439543695.
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Day passes are available from a card operated pay machine at Mungo Brush campground or from the Manning Great Lakes Area Office. You can also pay for your visit via the ParkānPay app. Youāll need a Day Pass or Annual Pass when visiting the park.There is a $20 gratuity for this event, payable in cash at the Meetup or via bank transfer or PayID details above.
By RSVP this meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers which can be found here https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/pages/28346396/Terms_and_Conditions_of_joining_Aussie_Explorers/
8 attendees
Past events
4202
