Sydney – Hobart Yacht Race Start from North Head! Plus Quarantine Station!

This spectacular Boxing Day walk is filled with variety, from historic sites to the excitement of the start of the world's famous ocean race.
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is an iconic annual blue-water classic covering 1,163 kms. It starts on Boxing Day in Sydney and finishes in Constitution Dock in Hobart, Tasmania. The world's best racing yachts and crew compete for Line Honours (the first yacht to cross the finish line) and Overall Handicap (the winner on corrected time).
We will meet at Circular Quay just outside Wharf 3 at 9.15am (the ferry leaves at 9.30am), or just outside the toilets within Manly Wharf at 10am (that’s 8 mins after the ferry from Circular Quay arrives).
From here we will walk along the coast to Little Manly Cove and then make our way to 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 Quarantine Station. We will visit the Third Class Precinct, Hospital Precinct and Wharf Precinct where we will have a break and visit the small museum here (there is a beach for those that want to take a short dip).
We will then climb 250 steps to reach the Former First Class Precinct.
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 and we will spend time at the Burragula and Yiningma Lookouts, with glorious views of South Head and the city skyline.
We will settle in and wait for the "10 minute to Start" canon shot to ring out across the Harbour. We will see 100 yachts try to gain advantage as they “tack” close to each other in order to be first out of Sydney Heads.
PLEASE BRING LUNCH. THE LOCAL CAFES WILL BE VERY BUSY AND WE WON’T HAVE TIME TO WASTE BY STANDING IN LINES.
Then we will make our way back to the Barracks Precinct and onto 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-creal at Ben & Jerry’s and Copenhagen, and a number of frozen yogurt shops).
We will aim to finish at around 3pm.
********************************************
DISTANCE: About 14 km.
GRADE: Easy/Medium, a few hills but nothing too strenuous.
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 1L of 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.
:*********************************************
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
********************************************
Any questions or concerns, please send me a TEXT message (0439 344 987) rather than unnecessary updates on the comments section.