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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Long Wknd Nite Hike. Lovely 7kms Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach Hike! Beer too!
The Paragon Hotel, 1 Loftus St, Circular Quay, AUA few months back we hiked Coogee to Bondi at nite, then this hike - it was really, really cool. Beer before... and (meal) after. Love it - it's a different kind of energy when you hike in the evening. Just posting this on Wednesday - let's see if we can get 8-10 hikers for Friday :) High of 21 degrees too - perfect!
Let's hike post-sunset Taronga Zoo towards Balmoral Beach while talking shit and licking our beautiful city then head up to the lovely Buena Hotel in Mosman (one of my favourite Lower North Shore pubs) for a great pub meal.
Taronga to Balmoral. It’s an Aussie fahkin' beauty of a due to its diversity… Of course the ferry ride from CQuay to Taronga (ferry leaves at 545pm - be early is amazing, and the first stint of the walk transports you to another part of Australia – it’s a rainforest start to Bradley’s Head with perfect views of Sydney Opera House / Harbour Bridge. Turning the corner we’ll stop at a secluded beach then carry on to Taylor’s Bay – the greenery / plant life there will amaze all.
NOTE: YOU MUST JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP FOR THIS EVENT HERE.
From there the walk heads to Chowder Bay, one of the coolest little beaches that not many Sydneysiders know of. There’s a café / bathroom stop there, then up the only real incline to George’s Head: a historic military spot with the most picture perfect view from Manly to the CBD. We head back into the bush for a 15min walk to the Balmoral Stairs that will guide us down to Balmoral Beach.
(SAFETY NOTE: I'm recommending a head lamp if you don't have one, but "I'll just use my mobile phone's light" was sufficient last time. For safety get to KMart... they are $10)
Post-food / drinks you have many transport options from Balmoral Beach / The Buena to get back home or to Wynyard. I'll guide you.
Oh, stay tuned for location to meet at 430pm. I'll be at a pub from 5pm around Circular Quay warming up... join from 5pm-530pm then we'll walk to the ferry wharf as a team.
See you for a fun Friday session! MJ
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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. $10 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.27 attendees
MY FAV NEW HIKE from 2025 – 11kms, Free Beer! Berwora to Mt. Kuring-gai!
Berowra Station, Pacific Hwy, Berowra, AUWith this past Sunday’s rain out and the We Hike to the Yacht Party coming up, let’s get deep into Mother Nature's belly with “The Hiker’s Hike”… my “2025 Hike of the Year: Berowra to Mt Kuring-gai.” It's an absolute cracker.
Sweeping views over Berowra & Kuring-gai Chase National Park at Naa Badu Lookout… wildlife… multiple river crossings… Valley of the Winds. We won’t see many hikers. We will be challenged. And the tired faces with a “Cheers” / cold beer in hand will be 110% worth the journey. This 10.8kms hike is absolutely glorious.
THE HIKE. Berowra Station to Mt Kuring-gai Station.
You don’t need to read about great movies – you just need to watch ‘em. This event is the same, so it’s fewer words here. Trust me - just bring good hiking energy, and grab my arm. Most hikers have done the Mt Kuring-gai to Berowra on the East side. Sure, it's nice... but this one? Is 100x better. "Valley of the Winds" is a picture you won't forget...Berowra. Looks far? It's not. The 848am train from Central arrives at Berowra at 935am. My goodness it flies with only stops at Strathfield, Epping then Hornsby. So easy.
We’ll hike from Berowra Station to Mt Kuringai Station cause Berowra Club (the only real post-hike beer available) is more suitable for frowns and funerals than it is for our business – I’m tired of that dreary joint with no music and no smiles. When we finish, let’s jump on the train and head 15min to Pymble Hotel - meant to be a pretty good pub with really nice food ($10 of order when you download their app - https://www.pymblehotel.com.au/). Drivers, there should be parking around there - DIY research please.
I’m super excited to hike this one again – it’s an absolute gem.
To come on this hike, you must join our whatsapp group HERE.
See you soon. MJTHE REST.
a) Don’t be late. Please don’t be late. TripView App it for your arrival time.
b) $15 gratuity appreciated.
c) Honour your RSVP. No shows / last minute cancels are bullshit. Ban incoming.
d) Fitness matters here... we're going into a National Park. Rocky bits. Inclines, declines, and uneven surfaces. Be fit for a challenging hike.
e) Newbies to the group – you’ll have to write me on whatsapp and tell me about your hiking history before I’ll allow you to join us – 0439 635 699
f) You will be asked to show how much water you’re carrying at the start. If you haven’t brought 1.5litres or more, you’ll be politely asked to end your hike there.
g) Driving? Park at Mt Kuringai Station. Then jump on our train to Berowra. Then hike back to your car… easy.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.22 attendees
Past events
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