⛰️ The Great North Walk 1 - Wondabyne, Warrah Lookout and Woy Woy

OZ Outdoors GNW series is back! We're restarting our Great North Walk —a scenic but challenging 260km walking track connecting the Sydney CBD with Newcastle. We will be completing this in reverse, multiple phases over the winter.

For our first leg, we will embark on a challenging ~20km track, climb Mt Wondabyne, take in the views at Warrah Lookout, and finish at Woy Woy station. Good fitness and previous experience with challenging hikes are essential, as we will maintain a steady pace of around 4km/h with short breaks.

Transportation Note: We will start from Wondabyne station - look details below, and finish at Pearl Beach and walk to Umina/ take bus to Woy Woy station.

Before you RSVP, be sure to read the full description:

• Difficulty and Terrain: Hard (experienced hikers only). Expect multiple ascents - total over 600m, stairs, waterfalls, lookouts, caves, and beaches.
• Start: 9:00 AM sharp at Wondabyne Station Platform. (Crucial: You must travel in the very last carriage—Car 8 if coming from the city—and notify the train guard, as this is a request-only stop). Finish: Patonga / Pearl Beach area.
• Route: We will start the trek by exploring Kariong Brook Falls, followed by multiple lookouts and the steep climb up Mt Wondabyne. Our journey then continues south along the GNW through Warrah Lookout, offering breathtaking coastal views and finish at the small Pearn Beach town, and walk to Umina/Woy Woy.
• Gratuity: A $5 contribution is appreciated to help cover our Meetup subscription and group running costs. Carry Cash or ask for PayID.

Important - Please Read:

• What to Bring: Wear proper hiking shoes, bring ample hydration (Minimum 2.5L of water- No refill available), pack enough snacks/lunch, sunscreen, hat, and weather protection, basic first-aid and insect-repellent spray.
• RSVP responsibly – Treat it as a commitment; update or cancel 12–24 hrs before.
• Arrive early – All route/gear info is in the description; hosts can’t field messages during the event.
• Stay together – It's a volunteer-led community walk; keep the host in sight and let them know if you leave.
• Safety first – Your safety is your own responsibility! You agree to follow host instructions, public-health orders and OZ Outdoors guidelines: https://www.meetup.com/ozoutdoors
• Get involved – You're welcome to send the host feedback or let us know if you’d like to lead such walks.
• Connect with us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/ozoutdoors.syd
• LinkedIn (Manish): https://linkedin.com/in/manishpm/