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 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- 🥾 😎 ☀️ Bondi to Manly Part 2/2: North Sydney Wharf to Manly, 40 kmNorth Sydney Wharf, New South Wales
Did you ever want to complete the famous Bondi to Manly walk, but thought it was too far?
We are splitting the 80 km walk into two sections, each about 40 km long. We'll do these walks on weekends and you can join us for one or both of the sections. Or you can do just a part of these two sections as there are plenty of get out points.
Enjoy fantastic views of Sydney Harbour, the Pacific Ocean, the CBD, walk through quaint neighbourhoods, explore hidden beaches and places full of Indigenous, colonial and modern history.
We will walk at a pace of around 4-4.5 km/h which is suitable for most, but the distance is not for everyone. You can join us for part of the walk if you don't want to go the full distance.
Part 2/2: North Sydney Wharf to Manly, 40 km
Our second section sets off at North Sydney Wharf past the lovely Cremorne Point Reserve which features a little known gem, MacCallum Pool, as well as the breathtaking views of the Sydney CBD and the rest of Sydney Harbour from Cremorne Point with Robertson Lighthouse at your feet.Taronga Zoo is next, from where we meander past Bradleys Head, Georges Head and Chowder Bay to arrive at a little visited part of Sydney Harbour, Middle Head with its gun embankments that once protected the entrance to Sydney Harbour from the late 19th century. After Balmoral Beach is Chinaman's Beach before we reach the Spit Bridge.
From there it's on to Clontarf, Aboriginal Shell Midden and Grotto Point Lighthouse. The next hour or so is full of stunning views while passing through bushland, including from Dobroyd Head, Arabanoo Lookout and Fairlight Lookout. As we head closer to Manly, we skirt Reef Bay, Delwood Beach and Forty Baskets Beach before arriving at Manly Wharf.
But that's not it. From Manly Wharf, we head past Q Station before reaching North Head, where you can look back towards South Head which we passed during our first hike. We then wind our way back towards Manly on the ocean side with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the breathtaking coastline. We drop to Shelly Beach before the last steps back to Manly Beach – our final destination.
If you have joined us for both walks you can pat yourself on the back and say that you have walked all the way from Bondi to Manly! 😊
The walk difficulty is moderate to hard due to the distance we will cover. Please make sure that you are comfortable with the pace and the distance of this walk.
Meeting Point: At the entrance / exit of North Sydney Wharf.
Transport: All of the start and end points are accessible by public transport. For more information, please visit https://transportnsw.info.
Equipment: Wear suitable shoes (sturdy is better), bring a jacket in case the weather turns, a snack, sun cream, a hat and plenty of water (2-3 l). Most importantly, bring a sense of humour, adventure and fun.
Fee: $5 fee applies to this event which can be paid in cash on the day or PayID (0478 953 035, Markus Wagner).
To sign up to walk the first section, please see below:
Part 1: Bondi to North Sydney Wharf, 40 km (27 April 2024), https://www.meetup.com/aussie-explorers/events/300249420
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/https://www.meetup.com/aussie-explorers/
- Partial Illawarra Range Grand Escarpment Walk. Be active, healthy and happy!😎Scarborough Station, Scarborough, NS
Partial Illawarra Grand Escarpment Walk
Start: Scarborough Station
Finish: Stanwell Park Station
Distance: 17km
🪃I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this country on which I walk, the Wodi Wodi people and respect their culture and elders past, present and emerging.🪃About: Due to landslides after a heavy rain event in Jan 2022 the southern end of this walk is closed at Sublime Point & still under repair. We can however walk to the halfway point & double back, enjoying beautiful bushland and stunning ocean vistas from high elevation.
🪃Route: From Scarborough we walk north along Lawrence Hargrave Drive crossing the Seacliff Bridge to the village of Coalcliff.
There's a talking public toilet at Coalcliff. ☺️
From Coalcliff 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 moderately steep 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 & a couple more panoramic lookouts with 90% shady tree canopy to Lunch Rock with beautiful views of the coast and Wollongong in the distance.
Then we double back & turn right at Wodi Wodi track through verdant rainforest heading to Stanwell Park.
There's a challenging creek crossing at Stanwell Creek with steep banks on either side. You need shoes with a good grip. Trainers won't hack it.
Finish at Stanwell Park Station for the train home.🪃Meeting place: Scarborough Station. Map: https://tinyurl.com/xrzv4emw
🪃Type of walk: Bushwalking. Rugged climb at the start, easy on top of the range & challenging at the finish.
🪃Difficulty: Hard because of the steep start and finish sections. The distance is 17km.
𝙉𝙊 𝙀𝙓𝙄𝙏 𝙋𝙊𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙎! If you start this walk you have to go the full distance.
𝙉𝙊 𝙒𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙍𝙀𝙁𝙄𝙇𝙇𝙎 𝘼𝙇𝙊𝙉𝙂 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙒𝘼𝙔! Bring your own.🪃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; 2.5 litres of water, hydralytes; carbohydrate snacks and lunch; light rain jacket depending on conditions; sunscreen and a cap or hat with a wide brim.
🪃Public transport:
Start:
Depart- 7:29am Platform 25 Central Station.
Change- 8:46 Platform 2, Thirroul Station to
8:52 Platform 1, Thirroul Station- travel in the last 4 carraiges.
Arrive- 9:02am Platform 2 Scarborough Station.Finish: Depart- 3:11pm Stanwell Park Station.
Arrive 4.17pm Central Station🪃 Driving: Park at either Sutherland, Waterfall or Helensburg stations & hop on the train to Scarborough. Sutherland 8.01am; Waterfall 8.13am or Helensburg 8.22am.
The train back to Sydney stops at these 3 stations.🪃 Gratuity: There will be a $5 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 here: https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/
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.😎
- The Great West Walk: Blacktown to Rooty HillBlacktown, Blacktown, NSA$5.00
A great walk-through parkland and remnant bushland starting at Blacktown train station and ending by Rooty Hill train station which makes it a great public transport friendly day hike. This route is popular with both walkers and cyclists and has very little change in elevation so perfect for all levels of fitness.
Meeting Point:
Blacktown Station: 1 PMDistance: Approx 16 kms
Refer Home | transportnsw.info for public transport timings.
Type of Walk: Bushwalk + Pavement. Point to point
Difficulty: Moderate.
There are a few get-out points for this walk.
Walking Pace: We will maintain a steady pace the whole walk and an average of 4 km per hour.
What to bring: Good walking shoes or boots; 2 litres of water; hydrolytes; head torch; one snack; jacket depending on conditions; rain jacket.
Gratuity: There will be a $5 gratuity for this walk, Cash or PayId: 0432445162
Post walk drinks/dinner: Yes, for all those interested.
Please be on time as we need to depart promptly.
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.
- Middle Harbour bushwalk- Sections between Lindfield to GordonNeeds location
Summary: Explore the amazing bushland of Middle Harbour, northern Sydney. The bush is open forest in places and not too scrubby, typical of Sydney's sandstone soils. It's surprisingly accessible and appealing.
Details of walk: We are walking along a scenic river. Spottings of sea eagles possible. We will be linking a few hiking trails between Lindfield train station and finishing at Gordon train station, including the Pipeline track, which does involve a climb out of the river valley. There is also about 200m of easy offtrack (to keep it interesting but with zero chance of getting lost), and about 2km of hiking on suburban streets to get from the stations to the bush. Depending on speed of the group, we could also do a further explore upriver to The Cascades, towards St Ives. Coffee in Lindfield is average, not great, but getting better.
Meeting Point & time: Outside Goodfields Eatery, 37 Lindfield Ave, Lindfield, which is adjacent Lindfield train station, 10am. Please be on time as we need to depart promptly.
Finish: at Gordon train station.
Distance of walk: Approx 12 kms (or a few km longer if we want to do a side hustle to The Cascades) which should take 4-6 hours including lunch.
Type of Walk: Bushwalk along a trail.
Difficulty: Distance is low/moderate, terrain in easy/moderate, exposure to heights is low.
Walking Pace: We will maintain a 'just right' pace, not too fast and not too slow.
Innovative additional activity: For 30 minutes in the middle of the walk, we will walk in silence- that's right, no talking. A chance to connect with nature and with ourselves. Don't worry, you will have plenty of chatting opportunities before and after, but silence in the bush is precious. The birds come closer.
What to bring: Good walking shoes or boots; 2 litres of water; lunch; rain jacket.
Gratuity: There will be a $5 gratuity for this walk
Fine print: 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.