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- Illawarra Range Grand Escarpment Walk. Be active, healthy and happy!😎Scarborough Station, Scarborough
Illawarra Range Grand Escarpment Walk. 19.5km
I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which i walk, the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation & pay respect to the Elders past, present & emerging.
🏞️About: This walk combines magnificent elevated coastal views with exquisite biodiverse bushland. Large sections of the track have been closed since Jan 2022 due to a major rain event causing landslide damage. The track has since been upgraded & will be part of the Great Southern Walk.
🏞️Meeting place: Scarborough Station.
🏞️Difficulty: Hard (Grade 4) because of the steep start and finish sections. The distance is 19.5km.
NO GUIDED EXIT POINTS.. if you start this walk you have to go the full distance.
If you have any doubts about your fitness, please do not attend.
🏞️Route: From Scarborough we walk north along Lawrence Hargrave Drive crossing the Seacliff Bridge to the village of Coalcliff.
The views of the cliffs, ocean & the Royal National Park in the distance when walking along the bridge, are spectacular.
There's a talking public toilet at Coalcliff. ☺️
Then we get the hardest section of the walk out of the way. We keep heading north, cross under the rail line and start up the Wodi Wodi Walking Track.
Turning right at the Forest Walk Track we have a serious ascent to the first lookout. It doesn't take long but it is steep.
The view from the lookouts on the shoulder of Mt Mitchell make it all worthwhile!
From there it's a gentle undulating track with 90% shady tree canopy to Sublime Point with it's stunning panoramic views. There's a toilet at Sublime Point.
The track from Sublime Point down to Austinmer is vertical in places and has a section of steel ladders. The rest of the way down is steep wooden steps into a rainforest at the bottom. Then a short walk downhill through the quirky village of Austinmer to the station.
We'll take breaks after the big climb up to the first lookout, Lunch Rock & Sublime Point.
🏞️Walking pace: At start & end sections we will take our time to be safe.
At top of the Range we should average 4 to 4.5 km per hour.
🏞️What to bring:- Trailwalker shoes with good grip
- 2 litres of water, optional hydralytes
- Carbohydrate snacks and lunch
- Light rain jacket depending on conditions
- Sunscreen and a cap or hat with a wide brim
- Eagerness to explore.
🏞️Public transport
Start of walk: Dep. 7.29am Central Station, Platform 25.
Arr. 8.46am Thirroul Station, Platform 2.
Change: Dep. 8.51am Thirroul Station, Platform 1.
Arr. 9.02am Scarborough Station, Platform 1
End of walk: Dep. 2.54pm Austinmer Station, Platform 1.
Arr. 4.17pm Central Station, Platform 24
🏞️Drive:
Option 1: Drive & park @ Austinmer station, where we finish the walk. Then join us by catching the 8.45am train (Platform 1) three stops to Scarborough where we start the walk.
Option 2: Drive & park @ Scarborough Station where we start the walk.
🏞️Gratuity: There will be a $10 cash gratuity for this walk. Pay ID alternatively.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 and do not walk in front of the leader.
By RSVP this meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers which can be found on our home page here.
If you have any questions, please message me or leave a comment below. I look forward to seeing you on this walk. I will post my mobile number closer to the day.𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐅.😎
- Coast, History and Lookouts! Little Manly, Sydney’s Q Station and North Head.Circular Quay Wharf No. 3, Sydney
Most of us have done the Taronga Zoo to Manly Walk or some version of it, right? How about a walk just as good, but different?
We will meet at Circular Quay Wharf 3 in time to catch the 9.10am ferry. If you prefer to go straight to Manly, please be outside Max Brenner at Manly Wharf no later than 9.30am (ferry arrives at 9.32am). Please be on time as I have a reputation for not waiting for those that arrive late.
From here we will walk along the coast to Little Manly Cove and then make our way to North Head in the Sydney Harbour National Park.
Part of this walk is along a 6-foot stone wall built to segregate the military area (no longer under military control) from the rest of the peninsula.
Then we will make our way to Sydney’s Q Station where people were quarantined. We will visit the Third Class Precinct, Hospital Precinct and Wharf Precinct where we will have a break and visit the small museum (there is a beach here for those that want to take a dip).
We will then climb 250 steps to reach the Former First Class Precinct and wonder around before heading out.
Although there are no guarantees, there is very little chance of being infected by anything serious (so they told me).
From here, we will head to the North Fort Precinct along the Sanctuary Loop, a walking track that points out all the wildflowers along the way, and we will do the Fairfax Walk where we will spend time at the Burragula and Yiningma Lookouts, with glorious views of South Head and the city skyline. We will have lunch here.
After lunch, we will complete the Sanctuary Loop, visit the Barracks Precinct and make our way back to Manly via Shelly Beach.
As is customary with my walks where possible, there will be the opportunity for a gelato at The Corso (Anita Gelato is my recommendation, but there is also Messina’s and Gelatisimo’s, as well as ice-cream at Ben & Jerry’s and Copenhagen, and a number of frozen yogurt shops).
We will aim to finish at around 3pm.
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DISTANCE: About 17 km.
GRADE: Medium, a few hills but nothing too strenous.
NOTE: Plenty of get-out points, just let the Host know if you leave the walk.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
· Be Prepared: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water (refill points available), and dress for the weather.
· Follow Instructions: Please follow the instructions of the Host at all times and keep the Host within sight
· RSVP Responsibly and Be Ontime at the Designated Meeting Point: Update your RSVP if you can’t make it.
GRATUITY: $10 applies to this event which can be paid in cash on the day or PayID is 0439 344987 Cristian Sylvestre.
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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 RSVPing 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
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Any questions or concerns, please send me a TEXT message (0439 344 987) rather than unnecessary updates on the comments section. - Norah Head Holiday Park June Long Weekend.Soldiers Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, Norah Head
On this June long weekend there is the chance to spend two nights camping at Norah Head Holiday Park. Norah Head HP is close to the walking tracks of Wyrrabalong National Park, beautiful beaches and the awesome Norah Head Lighthouse. We will also be close to Munmorah State Conservation area.
The plan is to meet at Soldiers Beach Surf Lifesaving Club at 11.30AM on Saturday 7 June. We will have time for an oceanside lunch before we head to Norah Head Holiday Park. After setting up camp we can head to the adjacent Norah Head Bowling and Sports Club for dinner, or have our own dinner in the camp kitchen.
On Sunday the plan is to do a 13km approx walk to Pelican Beach and then to the rainforest Lillypilly trail in Wyrrabalong National Park. We can then return via the lighthouse, Norah Head Rockpool, Nimbin Beach and Norah Head Beach. There should be plenty of whales to see on this walk. We can then head back to the Holiday Park and maybe see the sunset from the lighthouse before dinner.
On the Monday public holiday we have further opportunities such as visiting the sea caves of Munmorah State Conservation Area or visiting Catherine Hill Bay.
The holiday park. Norah Head is a well appointed holiday park with hot showers, a camp kitchen and barbeque area. Accommodation options are unpowered and powered campsites, cabins and a bunkhouse. Unpowered campsites are $43 per night and powered sites are $50 per night. Please note that at the time of writing there is only one unpowered site left. Sites can accommodate up to eight people but there is a rule of only one vehicle per site. Therefore you may book your own site or if you can travel pretty light you can arrange to share your site with another person and arrange to leave one vehicle outside the park ie the Norah Head Bowling Club. Sites can be booked via this link. Norah Head Holiday Park Caravan Park, Camping and Cabin Tourist Accommodation - Norah Head Holiday Park. I have booked a powered site which I am happy to share with another person, the cost to share my site will be $50. If you are a non-camper you may book a cabin and arrange to share this if you so choose.
What to bring: Assuming you will be camping, bring all your comfort camping gear. We will be close to cafes and clubs so you have the choice of bringing whatever food you want or purchasing your food.
There will be a $20 gratuity for this event.
My phone number and PayID is 0439543695.
Safety info-I carry a first aid kit, EPIRB and Garmin GPS.
Any questions please ask.
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, 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.
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
