What we’re about
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!
Terms and conditions of Joining Aussie Explorers
So we can keep this group as enjoyable as possible for everyone, there are a few conditions 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 these conditions to be common sense. If any of these conditions seem unfair to you, please do not join, raise your concerns with the organiser prior to joining the group.
Number of people at Events and attendance.
Firstly, you must be 100% committed to attend any event that you have RSP to, regardless of the weather 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 event and you cannot attend, please change your RSVP. It is your responsibility to manage your RSVP 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 RSVP and 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 from Aussie Explorers 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 of Aussie Explorers are bound by the same terms and conditions as members, and it is the member's responsibility to provide the full terms and conditions to any guests included on their RSVP.along with providing any updates and full event details.
Health and Safety, Personal Responsibility - Disclaimer
Our activities are recreational and involve walking on paths and tracks, sometimes off track in remote, difficult terrain. All participants and their guests by choosing to RSVP to any event are agreeing to take their own full responsibility and liability for their own safety and health at all times during the meetup event. Attendees will at no time hold the organiser 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, and 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/event and to ensure they have sufficiently read the event details and researched the walk or other activity, and the prevailing weather conditions and warnings in order to make an informed decision whether or not the event is suitable for them.
Important note: "Aussie Explorers, its organisers and leaders accept no liability during any meetup event. As any meetup event may require hiking in remote areas, leaders will try to ensure the safety and wellbeing of members at all times, however, accidents may happen. Please take responsibility for your own safety and 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, multi day walks which include transport, accommodation etc. These charges cover any rent charged, sometimes transport and 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 meetups and 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 schedule 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 for Sydney traffic and 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 patience and 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 times and can always see the person in front of you, if you can't see them please call out to the organiser/leader and let them know. This is basic bushwalking/hiking safety, ensures no-one gets left behind and 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, snacks and lunch breaks.
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, snacks and 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, scrambling and 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.
If at any time you have any doubt or any questions, please contact the organiser and 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, please ask for details.
Communication/Publication/Comments on Website
Please remember that our organisers put in a lot of time and effort to make Aussie Explorers 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.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Murramarang Coastal Walk, 3 Days, 37km. Full Backpack.Pretty Beach campground - Murramarang National Park, Pretty Beach
Important update as of 29.9.24. This will now be a supported walk. Graham will be joining us at Pretty Beach and for a $50 fee he has offered to carry all camping and cooking gear to each campsite and he will also carry plenty of water to Oaky Beach campsite where there is no water. This means that you will only need to carry a day-pack with your lunch and a rain jacket each day.
The Murramarang South Coast Walk is a 34km, three day walk from Pretty Beach to Maloneys Beach. I will be doing this walk as a self guided camping trip in mid October when the low tide each day should allow for ideal conditions given that there are lake and rock shelf crossings. Further details of the camping option can be found here. Murramarang South Coast walk: Camping only | NSW National Parks
The plan is to arrive at Pretty Beach campground by 4.25PM on Friday 11 October. If coming via public transport (as I will be doing) you should book a ticket on the morning Premier Motor Coaches Service from Sydney Central (or your preferred starting point ie Kogarah/Wollongong etc) to the Termeil and Bawley Point turnoff. This service leaves Sydney Central at 9.00AM and arrives at Termeil at 2.35PM. PM2 | Sydney to Eden - 7 Days - Premier Motor Service (premierms.com.au) There is then a local bus from the turnoff at 4.07PM and arriving at Kioloa at 4.25PM with a 10 minute walk to Pretty Beach campground.
If you don't want to use public transport it is suggested that you arrange a car shuffle between Maloneys Beach and Pretty Beach on Friday 11 October. Either way we will set up camp on Friday afternoon, have a briefing at the camp office and then prepare our first camp dinner of the trip.
On Saturday we begin a 10km trek to Depot Beach. First we walk along Pretty Beach and the adjacent rock shelf, then pass through Pebbly Beach picnic area where lunch can be had. We then end day 1 with another rock shelf before arriving at Depot Beach Campground. Depot Beach is a large and well appointed site with hot showers!
On Sunday we have a 16km walk to Oaky Beach. After a few kms we reach Durras Lake crossing which should be completely above water at low tide.
On Monday we walk 8km to Maloneys Beach. The first fews kms are along North Head Beach before walking through the forest to Maloneys Beach. For those using the public transport option you will need to leave at about 6.30AM to make the 9.20AM bus to Batemans Bay arriving at 9.50AM (there are later buses if you are not getting the 10AM bus from Batemans Bay back to Sydney). If you are returning to Sydney you should book a ticket on 14.10.24 from Batemans Bay 10AM to Sydney Central 4.10PM. If you are doing the Wharf to Wharf walk you need to book a ticket on 14.10.24 from Batemans Bay 3.45PM to Bega 6.10PM. Home - Premier Motor Service (premierms.com.au)
If you are using a car shuffle you can drive back to Sydney or continue to Bega. NB Please ask me any questions you may have about the transport options if they are not clear.
As a three day full backpack walk, you will need all food and camping and cooking gear from Friday evening to breakfast on Monday morning. You should have some prior experience in overnight backpack camping. You will need to leave each day with approximately two litres of water, your lunch and a rain jacket.
The cost of this event payable when you RSVP is $61.50 per person for the camping fees. No refunds sorry but you can sell your spot to another attendee.
Pay to
Ian Dutton
BSB 112879
Acct 032433687.Maximum group size is 8 people.
There will also be a $30 gratuity at the commencement.
Safety Info: I will carry a PLB, Garmin Oregon 550 Satellite GPS and first aid kit.
Please adjust your settings so that you receive direct messages and notifications regarding this event.
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/
Aussie Explorers its organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup.
Please be mindful and respectful of others and practice safe social distancing.
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. - Norway Snow Hotel 1 night in snow cave roomSnowhotel Kirkenes Restaurant, Bjørnevatn
Norway Snow Hotel! Possibly the most amazing place to stay in the world!
Kirekenes Snow Hotel, has plenty of free activities including a Northern Lights walk, a puppy walk, yes you get to walk with Husky Puppies! :-)Worried about sleeping in a snow hotel? See the video here: https://youtu.be/asRwisAtrNA
For a full list of activities see link: https://www.snowhotelkirkenes.com/activities
Seasons and climate: https://www.snowhotelkirkenes.com/seasons-and-climate
Free transfers from cruise terminal to Snow Hotel and chargeable back to Kirkenes Airport see here: TransfersAs the first hotel completely made of snow and ice in the world, we proudly present that we are open 365 days! Enter a real life winter wonderland, all seasons of the year.
Breakfast and dinner included. Suitable for both couples and families. In our camp, there is lots of fun to do, with our Snowfun programme, our Arctic Summer & Autumn program and our Reindeer, Huskies and puppies.Just a note on sunrise/sunset: Sunrise is about 8am sunset about 3pm however the sun does not rise very high in the sky. Also new moon period perfect for Northern Lights viewing!
Prices are $590 per room twin share with breakfast and dinner included... Familie design room or standard double room both fabulous
Single room $295 including dinner and breakfast
Both single and twin share rooms subject to availability
Transfers from Cruise terminal to Hotel are about $40 per person (TBC)At the time of RSVP please email david@discoverytravel.com.au your name as passport and mobile number. Payment details will then be sent, split payments or monthly payments OK.
The deposit is non-refundable. Balance you may sell your space to someone on the waitlist if one exists some change fees will apply.
This is an international travel trip and travel insurance with unlimited medical cover, including existing conditions and insolvency is compulsory.
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/Aussie Explorers organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup, leaders try to ensure the safety and well-being of members at all times however as this is a weekend away travelling, exploring different areas and hiking in the great outdoors accidents happen, please take responsibility for your own safety and your belongings. Deposits are non-refundable, final price is subject to currency fluctuation.
- Wharf to Wharf Walk, 2 Days, 27kms full backpack. Accom in Bega and Merimbula.Bega Downs Motor Inn, Bega
The Wharf to Wharf Walk is a 27km coastal trek from Tathra to Merimbula. Traversing Bournda National Park, it can be walked over two days with an overnight stop at Hobart Beach Campground. We will stay in motel accommodation in Bega and Merimbula before and after the walk. We can also use the relatively good public transport to get to the start and end of the walk. And I have picked days when there is a midday low tide to do the walk.
The plan is to travel down to Bega on Monday 14 October 2024. If you are transferring from the Murramarang Walk you will need to book a ticket on Premier Coaches service for 14.10.24 from Batemans Bay 3.45PM to Bega 6.10PM, otherwise you will need to book from Sydney Central or your preferred stop to Bega. Home - Premier Motor Service (premierms.com.au)
If you don't want to get the bus all the way to and from Bega/Merimbula it is suggested that you drive to Bega and stay on Monday night 14 October. You can then get the loca Thursday morning bus back to your car from Merimbula 7.18AM to Bega 7.50AM. You can also fly to Merimbula and get a regular bus to Bega.
Accom is Bega Motel, 191 Newtown Rd Bega.On Tuesday 15 October we will get a local bus from Bega at 9.52AM to Tathra arriving 10.24AM. We can have a quick snack in Tathra before starting on the 14km walk to Hobart Beach. We enter Bournda National Park and continue along Kangarutha Track to Wallagoot Gap where there are toilets. We then walk along Bournda Beach (at low tide) to Hobart Campground, this is an awesome campground with composting toilets and even hot showers! The sites are quite large so we can aim for about four people per site.
On Wednesday 16 October we will set off for the 13km walk to Merimbula. First we walk around Bournda Lagoon, then rejoin Bournda Beach, Tura Headland and Tura Beach before arriving in Merimbula. We can have dinner at one of the many eateries in Merimbula.
Accom is Tasman Holiday Park, 29 Sapphire Coast Drive, Merimbula.For your return on 17.10.24 you will need to book a ticket from Merimbula 6.20AM to Sydney or drive back from Bega.
The cost of this trip is $190 per person. This covers your accommodation in Bega and Merimbula and your camping fee at Hobart Beach. You will need to pay separately for your transport to Bega and Merimbula and the local bus from Bega to Tathra. If you want to book your own accommodation but still want to come that is not a problem, just let me know if this is the case. Please pay your $190 to acct for Ian Dutton, BSB 112879, acct no 032433687.
There will be a $30 gratuity to be paid at the commencement of the event.
As a 2 day full backpack walk, you will need all camping and cooking gear and food from Tuesday morning to Wednesday afternoon. You should have some prior experience in overnight backpack camping. You should also take wet weather gear as rain is likely. You will need to leave each day with approx two litres of water and you will need purification tablets, a filter or you will need to boil the water from the water tank at Hobart Beach Campground.
Safety Info: I will carry a PLB, Garmin Oregon 550 Satellite GPS and first aid kit.
Please adjust your settings so that you receive direct messages and notifications regarding this event.
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/
Aussie Explorers its organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup.
Please be mindful and respectful of others and practice safe social distancing.
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. - Simpson Desert Info and Q&A SessionThe Belvedere Hotel, Sydney
This session is exclusively for members who are either confirmed to travel or are considering joining our Simpson Desert, Lake Eyre, Coober Pedy 4WD Adventure scheduled for May 2025.
If you are on the attendance list or are contemplating the trip and seeking more details, we encourage you to attend this meeting. We will cover trip details, logistics, and necessary preparations, including what to bring. This will provide you with ample time to make any required arrangements and purchase necessary gear.
This session will be held at 6:30 PM at The Belvedere Hotel, located at the corner of Bathurst and Kent Street, 482 Kent Street, Sydney. The venue offers a diverse food and drink menu, which you can explore further at The Belvedere Hotel.
For additional information and dates regarding the Simpson Desert event, please refer to the posted event details here
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/about/)
Aussie Explorers its organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup, leaders try to ensure the safety and well being of members at all times however as this is an international trip travelling, exploring different areas and hiking at altitude accidents & sickness happen, please take responsibility for your own wellness, safety and your belongings.
