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- Lake Glenbawn Car Camping and The Burning Mountain.Lake Glenbawn Holiday Park, Glenbawn
Update at 25.2.25. The people who have paid me and have had a campsite booked are myself, Ian Drummond, Chris, Sammy, Rob, Chad, Wendy, Sharon, Sue, Mirra, Rajj, Theon and Kerry-Ann. You will get a checkin message on Thursday 27 March and a vehicle access code by Friday morning 28 March. Wendy and Chad-you have paid me but haven't given your phone number so you will need to do this to get a check-in request and a vehicle access code. Please quote booking number 1433924. Anyone else who is going can book make their own booking no problem, it is undesignated campsites so you can camp wherever you want as long as you have a booking.
Lake Glenbawn is one of the biggest lakes in NSW and is 1.5 times the volume of Sydney Harbour. Moreover, it is currently at an impressive 95% capacity. We have the opportunity to camp on the lakeshore for one or two nights. We will also visit the unique Burning Mountain on Sunday.
The plan is to arrive at Lake Glenbawn on Friday afternoon/evening. We can setup camp anywhere we want in the large Reflections Holiday Park camping area. We shall than have a camp dinner, watch the sunset over the lake and then have a quiet beverage.
On Saturday we have all day to launch whatever vessel we like from the boat ramp on the lake. Please note that the lake is very big and may be dangerous in conditions of high winds. Please wear a lifejacket at all times and follow basic safety such as not swimming in the lake if you are a weak swimmer.
There are also walking trails around the nearby nature reserve and to the dam wall. Bike riding is also good on the fairly flat roads or you could visit Hunter Warbirds historic plane museum at Scone Airport. On Saturday night we can again have a camping dinner overlooking the lake.
On Sunday the plan is to leave at about 9AM, the nearby place worth visiting is The Burning Mountain, this was first thought to be an active volcano but is now known to be a burning underground coal seem. If it's too hot for the burning mountain there are other nearby options such as The Hunter Belle Cheese factory just outside Muswellbrook or we can have a pub lunch in Scone, Aberdeen or Muswellbrook.
The Camping Area: Reflections Holiday Parks run the holiday park/camping area. This means that there are modern facilities like hot showers and flush toilets, a kiosk selling ice, beers and basic groceries and even a swimming pool. All details regarding the camping area can be found here Lake Glenbawn Holiday & Caravan Park | Reflections Holidays.
Unpowered sites cost $34 per night for 1-2 adults and an additional $12 per night for each extra adult if you book your own site. People who have not paid me by 24.2.25 will now need to book their own site. You can pay your $30 gratuity at the start of the event in cash or to the account.
Ian Dutton
BSB 112879
Acct No 032433687
Or PayID 0439543695Please note that Lake Glenbawn holiday park reception desk closes at 5.30PM and also there is only marginal mobile phone reception so it is suggested that you have your access code when you arrive on Friday evening.
What to take: This is a car camping event so you can take your comfort camping gear. You will need all your food from Friday evening until lunchtime Sunday, however the lake is a relatively close 16km to Scone if you need to grab any provisions. I would also suggest bringing all your water. I will take a large gazebo for sun or rain protection.
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 - Sydney Harbour Splendour! Milson’s Point to The SpitMilsons Point Station, Sydney
We will start at Milson’s Point Train Station (meet outside the train station on the east side) at 9am sharp.
From here we will walk around to Milson Park, Anderson Park and Shell Cove Beach.
Then we will head to Cremorne Reserve with wonderful views of the harbour along the way where we will have a break (with toilets and a water refill point).
From here we will make our way to Reid Park, then Corner Beach, Taronga Zoo where we will hear the noise of animals in the background, and Bradley’s Head where we will have lunch (with toilets and a water refill point).
Then to Balmoral Beach where we will have another break (with toilets and a water refill point).
And finally to Chinaman’s Beach and then The Spit.
We will aim to get to The Spit by 3.30pm, from which we can catch a bus to Wynyard.
********************************************
DISTANCE: About 20 km.
GRADE: Medium, with some hills to climb.
NOTE: Plenty of get-out points. Please let the Host know if you leave the walk.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
· Be Prepared: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring 1L of water (refill points available along the way) 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.
