About us
Howdy Hikers! MJ here. I'm a Chicago fella now in Sydneytown living in the CBD (Central Business District)... NOBODY knows Sydney better than I do, cause she's my girl / my lover... Cool bars. Amazing hikes. Great places to eat. Yup. I know it and love it all.
WE HIKE... to THE BAR. We don't "just hike", and we don't "just get drinks" - we curate cool, fun, and memorable days. If you hear yourself saying... "I fancy time in Mother Nature exploring beautiful hikes / walks in Sydney while meeting interesting people. I want to check out some new bars and 'cheers' to our journey with a wine, beer or cocktail at the finale..."
... then welcome to the group. Jump into an event, and let's have some fun.
See you soon! MJ
We’re a super fun hiking group, but there are a few ways to get nudged out of the group or an event:
a) “No shows” on the day. Honour your RSVP! It’s about manners;
b) Excessive cancelling your RSVP. Commit, then show up – people want to hike with you;
c) Misrepresenting your health & fitness. It’s a safety issue that affects me, you, and all other hikers;
d) Attending social events when you’re not a hiker. We connect in Mother Nature, and sometimes we do cheeky / fun events. Get to know us while hiking; and
e) Unkindness to fellow hikers. You won’t gel with everybody (which is fine), but if I keep hearing about “Person X”, well… they will be shown the door.
(The leader of "We Hike... to the Bar" is an experienced walker / hiker but he is not a professional hiker [less "Bear Grylls" and more "Beer Grills"], and he does not hold himself to be a professional. Whilst it is his intention to run each event at the highest possible safety standards ultimately the responsibility for your safety and well being will at all times be up to you. Pack wisely - sunscreen, water, First-Aid supplies, etc... When you RSVP for an event, you declare you are fit, healthy, and able to hike that event. When you RSVP for an event with "We Hike... to the Bar" you are automatically agreeing to indemnify the organiser from any liability for yourself and/or your possessions. Hiking is an inherently risky activity and you participate at your own risk.)
Upcoming events
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BEST HIKE IN 'Straya? Blue Mountains GRAND CANYON HIKE. Pub Lunch & Beer.
Blackheath station, Blue Mntns, Sydney, AUFrom TIMEOUT Magazine: "One breathtaking bushwalk claimed the crown as the nation’s favourite. The gold medal went to the Grand Canyon Track – a challenging yet short hike through the lush rainforest of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. The 6.3-kilometre circuit passes gently cascading waterfalls, giant ferns and moss-covered rocky overhangs that look straight out of a fairy tale."
Yup. A fahkin' fairy tale that ends with a beer and lunch.
(Moved this to October as more sunlight will make for a better day!)
THE HIKE.
It's a 6.3kms loop hike. NSW Parks estimates 3-4 hours, which means this hike is medium in difficulty (430m of altitude gain is a lot of steps, but it's not that bad when you're there). It's absolutely beautiful - waterfalls, greenery, views, and more. It's like somehow Mother Nature carved out this perfect crevasse - hiking it has you exiting civilisation into Jurassic Park-esque world. Fitness matters here, but we will be hiking at a relaxed pace so we enjoy our surroundings.Last time I had a video of the hike here. I deleted it. Just come. At Step #1 where we view Evans Lookout, it's truly a "Woowowowowowow" type start. It only gets better from there.
THE TRANSPORTATION.
A train arrives at Blackheath Station at 951am. Let's meet at the pub across the road. There's parking and toilets there. However, let's try to get enough drivers for this one. The train arrives in Penrith at 827am. Perhaps drivers pick us public transporters there? Let's discuss this all in the whatsapp chat that you must join on this hike!LUNCH.
"Spikes Bistro" (where all the locals are going these days) is now a family run joint at the golf course with GREAT food. I'll make a reservation right on the same balcony we had last time! It's a perfect ending to The Grand Canyon, and the family is thankful to have our business. Let's support the locals who support us.ANOTHER HIKE.
We'll have cars. Shall we do another short hike? I'm open. Charles Darwin Trek is newly open, and it's an easy one with top, top views of Wentworth Falls. Valley of the Waters? Another 10/10 waterfall hike. Or no doubt you'll be able to get a lift to Blackheath Station if you need to get home.THE DRIVERS.
We need some drivers for this one. If you drive each passenger you take from will chip in some cash - I'll see to it. We looooove you drivers!THE LOGISTICS.
a) Gratuity $15 Cash or PayID on the day.
b) Let's try to start hiking by 1030am absolute latest.
c) Last minute Cancels and No Shows... I'm not even going to say it.
d) Have a backpack filled with... well, you know all this shit by now. Make a list. Be safe. Be smart.This will be a hike you won't forget - I can't wait to see the "Holy shit, WOW" look on all of our faces! See you soon. MJ 0439 635 699
In pressing the “Attend” button for this hike, you acknowledge that:
a) You are healthy and fit to complete the hike describe;
b) You have read and will follow NSW National Parks Bushwalking Safety Guidelines for this hike;
c) You have no chronic / underlying health issues that deter you from completing this hike; and
d) You understand your host is just that – your host, not a professional hiker – and that you and you alone are responsible for your hiking health, safety, and wellness; and
e) You’ve been advised to obtain individual hiking insurance from 1Cover.31 attendees
2026 WHALE TRAIL: Narrabeen to "Sunday Sippers" at Bilgola Beach!!!
Narrabeen B Line Bus Stop - Lake Side, Pittwater Road, Narrabeen, Sydney, AUOkay team... Mother Nature and her rain said "NO" today yet we still had a laugh, drink, and another drink. So? We try again, as this hike / bar is too good to miss out on...
We looooove our Sydney trails that treat us to secret beaches. We love finishing our events at secret bars you’d never find! What about an event… a stunning hike that finishes at a secret beach bar with a band that starts at 4pm bringing us right into a glorious sunset?
On August 30, we did this hike but from the other way… Palm Beach down to Bilgola, and let me say this… SUNDAY SIPPERS AT BILGOLA SLSC IS ONE OF THE COOLEST LITTLE BARS IN ALL OF SYDNEY!!! It’s RIGHT on the beach. It’s only open once a month. This bar is unforgettable (burger, beer pic is from Bilgola SLSC). Don’t miss this HIKE!
THE HIKE. Narrabeen Beach to Bilgola Beach - 13.5kms.
We'll meet at the bus stop in North Narrabeen (CLICK HERE for exact point where 199 bus drops) - we'll discuss it in the whatsapp chat too). The 199 bus stop is there, then we'll cross the road and check out the rockpool then head into Narrabeen Headland which gives the most spectacular views south.Onward we go to Turimetta Beach (10/10 breathtaking) and Lookout… to the Turimetta Headland Reserve, Warriewood Lookout & Blowhole, Warriewood Beach (again gorgeous), then to Mona Vale Beach (voted 6th best in the world, Conde Naste)…
North of that? Basin Beach. Bungan Beach.... these two are truly beautiful. We'll climb out of Bungan then head to Newport Beach... around the headland is Bilgola Beach, and we'll descend down some lovely stairs right onto the sand where Bilgola SLSC lies.
13.5kms in total. Beach walk. Inclines. And all the rest. Fitness required for this one. The B1 bus / 199 bus are our friends all day to start, get home, and even provide some outs if you want to stop hiking and meet us at the pub. If you parked your car at the start (there is free parking but DIY research) it's super easy to bus back south. Post-pub the 199 bus is literally up the stairs from Bilgola and runs every 10minutes.
We'll arrive at the pub about 320pm (330pm opens)... I get it. It's Sunday. If you want to leave? That's okay. One drink. Stay longer? All options are open...
See you for one of my favourite Sydney hikes and definitely my favourite (new) secret bar! MJ
AN AD FROM THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT.
September!!! Here's what's on in We Hike... to the Bar:
5th Saturday… Macmasters Beach to Killcare to Hardy’s Hideaway
6th Sunday… Blue Gum Loop Hornsby & New Quarry
12th A Hike, Sunset & ABBA
13th SPIT BRIDGE TO MOSMAN ROWERS!
17th Byron Bay – 21st Byron Bay
26th Saturday… Cronulla to Cook @ Kurnell (Coming Soon)
27th Sunday… Secret Beaches to Sunday Sippers at Bilgola Beach SLSC (my new, fav hike and bar of 2026)
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THE DETAILS.
WHATSAPP. You’re not 100% confirmed until you’re in the whatsapp group. Join it 'cause we love it, and we use it! Click on the link (above) – if not, sadly you’ll be removed from the event on MeetUP.
Cancels / No shows. Treat your RSVP like a restaurant reservation. No show / cancel on the day? That restaurant is my hiking group – you won’t be welcomed in the future. Respect and manners matter as I put my credit card down for your reservation. Double booked with another group? Come on… be kind.
Gratuity. $15 PayID or Cash.
Safety. Let’s chat, let’s have some laughs… but let’s be safe.
Fitness. Yup. Fitness matters for all of our hikes – especially if we are going into National Park.
Guests. Bring mates, dates, co-workers.
Good energy, smiles, and laughs… Bring ‘em all! You’re joining the most fun hiking group in Sydney.In pressing the “Attend” button for this hike, you acknowledge that:
a) You are healthy and fit to complete the hike describe;
b) You have read and will follow NSW National Parks Bushwalking Safety Guidelines for this hike;
c) You have no chronic / underlying health issues that deter you from completing this hike;
d) You understand your host is just that – your host, not a professional hiker – and that you and you alone are responsible for your hiking health, safety, and wellness;
e) You’ve been advised to download the “Emergency Plus App” and
f) You’ve been advised to obtain individual hiking insurance from 1Cover.
g) Over 60yrs old, and new to the group? Send me a note first please.31 attendees
Past events
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