About us
Howdy. MJ here. I'm a Chicago fella now +22yrs 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 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 unique people. I want to check out some new bars and hydrate myself with a wine, beer or cocktail at the finale."
Welcome to the group. 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
11
2026 WHALE TRAIL: Bouddi Nat'l Park MACMASTERS to KILLCARE! Hardy's Hidden Pub!
Woy Woy Station, Woy Woy, Sydney, AUNot only is this All Trails' #1 hike on the Central Coast... it's my personal favourite. Macmasters Beach to Killcare makes my shorts move. It makes my plums hum. Add Hardy's Hideaway... my favourite pub on the Central Coast? Oh man. This is the perfect Saturday for the King's Bday Long Weekend! Let's fahkin' goooooooo.
(NOTE: Both hikes this weekend start at Woy Woy Station... [SUNDAY IS WOY WOY TO PATONGA BEACH, THE BOATHOUSE] so? If you fancy a sleepover, then do it. The Central Coast is most definitely worth exploring! Hotels, AirBnb, etc... they are up there.)
THE HIKE. Macmasters Beach to Killcare Beach & Hardy's Hideaway (13.5kms).
It's my favourite hike in Sydney... it's 13.5kms of an absolute stunner of rolling hills, coastal views, secluded / beautiful beaches... Macmasters Beach. Maitland Bay. Bullimah Beach. Marang Lookout. Killcare Beach. And more... Bouddi National Park is fucking beautiful.And you won't find a more unique bar in Hardy's Hideaway to finish it off. I LOVE this place, and the friendly locals inside (who saved the bar with their own hard earned cash post-COVID) love hosting us hikers. It's such a special joint, and the only way you're going to see it is if you're hiking in the area. It's a hidden gem - it's a "MJ how int he world did you find this joint" kinda place.
THE LOGISTICS.
This one is a little tricky, but it's worth it. We meet at Woy Woy Station. If we get enough drivers, that would be grand. If we don't please be prepared for a $10-$12 per trip taxi at the start / finish of the hike. I'll plan it all in the whatsapp group.Central Station to Woy Woy flies... there aren't many stops, and you'll see us all when you get off the train. Again - it's in the whatsapp chat.
AN AD FROM THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT.
JUNE!!! Here's what's on in We Hike... to the Bar:
Monday, 1 June - VIVID WALK, DRONE SHOW, 50% OFF WINGS, DRINKS!
Saturday, 6 June – Macmasters Beach to Killcare, Hardy’s Hideaway. My favourite hike!!!
Sunday, 7 June – Woy Woy to Patonga Beach / The Boathouse – such a pretty session.
Saturday, 13 June – Royal National Park Figure 8 Pool! This is a 10/10 hike.
Sunday, 14 June – We Hike… to the Australia v Turkey World Cup Opener!!!
Saturday, 20 June – MJ’s Bday & Winter Pub Crawl!Can't wait for this one. Such a memorable hike!
See you there! MJ| THE 2026 WHALE TRAIL | KMs |
| La Perouse Headland | 11.0 |
| Figure 8 Pool | 14.0 |
| Wattamolla, Eagle Rock | 14.0 |
| Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock | 17.0 |
| North Head Manly | 12.6 |
| Malabar to Coogee | 11.2 |
| Coogee Watson's Bay | 16.6 |
| Long Reef to Newport | 15.2 |
| Cronulla to Kurnell | 14.9 |
| Dee Why to Manly | 10.9 |
| Macmaster's to Killcare | 13.5 |
| Patonga to Pearl Beach, Palm Beach | 14.0 |
| 12 HIKES THAT TOTAL | 165KMs |
______________________________________________________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
16kms Woy Woy, Pearl Caves, Patonga Beach & Patonga Boathouse!
Woy Woy Station, Sydney, AUOn King's Bday Saturday, we are hiking Macmasters Beach to Killcare Beach... so why not lay down more hike-prints in the Central Coast on Sunday? Woy Woy to Patonga Beach is a cracker of a hike...
THE HIKE. Woy Woy to Patonga Beach & The Boathouse (16kms).
This is such a lovely coastal / beach hike... Woy Woy. Blackwall. Ettalong Beach. Umina Beach. Pearl Beach... then we climb to one of my favourite spots: Pearl Caves down to Patonga Beach will provide some of the best views on the Central Coast. Stunnnnnning ocean views all the way to Palm Beach. The climb down is steep, and the food / drinks at The Boathouse Patonga are special.THE BOATHOUSE PATONGA.
I won't write about it. If you've never been, it's a "WOOOOOW" type bar / restaurant... there's nothing in Patonga but a gorgeous beach, a few homes, and The Boathouse. Great food... reasonably priced, and of course delicious post-hike drinks.If keen to come, after you hite "Attend" on Meetup jump in the whatsapp chat here!!!
AN AD FROM THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT.
JUNE!!! Here's what's on in We Hike... to the Bar:
Monday, 1 June - VIVID WALK, DRONE SHOW, 50% OFF WINGS, DRINKS!
Saturday, 6 June – Macmasters Beach to Killcare, Hardy’s Hideaway. My favourite hike!!!
Sunday, 7 June – Woy Woy to Patonga Beach / The Boathouse – such a pretty session.
Saturday, 13 June – Royal National Park Figure 8 Pool! This is a 10/10 hike.
Sunday, 14 June – We Hike… to the Australia v Turkey World Cup Opener!!!
Saturday, 20 June – MJ’s Bday & Winter Pub Crawl!THE LOGISTICS.
Our start / meeting at Woy Woy is easy. We meet, chat, quick piss break, and then we hike.When we finish you have a few options. Last time, Boat House Patonga drove many in their courtesy van back to Woy Woy Station. There's also a bus from Patonga to Woy Woy Station. There's also Uber / taxi to Woy Woy Station. Last (and best) is taking the Boat House Ferry ($15) to Palm Beach... it's unforgettable. Jump on the 199 bus from there, and you're on your way to Sydney (a stop at The Newport for a drink is 110% worth it - gotta say this is the best bar in Sydney).
Saturday... Macmasters to Killcare.
Sunday... Woy Woy to Patonga.
I fuckin' love this! See you for a great weekend. MJ
_____________________________________________________
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.Looking forward to this one - amazing scenery mixed with cool hikers, exercise, and excellent food / drinks!
See you soon. MJ13 attendees
Free Cocktail, VIVID WALK, Fireworks & State of Origin Rugby!
Paragon Hotel, 1 Loftus St, Sydney NSW 2000,, Sydney, AUVIVID's last week... so this is Last Chance Saloon / Week to see it! We'll finish right under the fireworks at Helm Bar for a free cocktail, and the State of Origin Rugby kicks off at 8pm if you want to get into the Aussie spirit.
THE HIKE.
Let's meet at Paragon Hotel down at Circular Quay. Let's chat in whatsapp on the day so you can find me from 545pm. We'll see the lights go on at 6pm on the dot and see Customs House, the MCA, Syd Opera House, etc... all the way to Barangaroo, King St Wharf, and the fireworks start at 730pm finishing at 740pm. It will be crowded and hard to keep the group together, so make your own way to Helm Bar, and I'll already be at the table.Please note. Download the "Feros" app and put Helm Bar as your local pub - you should get a voucher for one (check photos below - that's mine).
So we get to the fireworks on time, I'll move at about 3.5kms per hour - it's up to you to keep up. I'll post my location in live Google Maps, and all hikers must join our WHATSAPP GROUP HERE (please note, I'll keep this whatsapp for the week after hike(s), so exit it / silence it is my advice once you complete your hike - or use it to see other hikers' cool pics). 4kms per hour is pretty slow so we can take pics, chat, laugh, and feel free to bring a roadie drink if you fancy... Again, it's up to you to keep the pace and not get lost.
AN AD FROM THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT.
JUNE!!! Here's what's on in We Hike... to the Bar:
Saturday, 6 June – Macmasters Beach to Killcare, Hardy’s Hideaway. My favourite hike!!!
Sunday, 7 June – Woy Woy to Patonga Beach / The Boathouse – such a pretty session.
Saturday, 13 June – Royal National Park Figure 8 Pool! This is a 10/10 hike.
Sunday, 14 June – We Hike… to the Australia v Turkey World Cup Opener!!!
Saturday, 20 June – MJ’s Bday & Winter Pub Crawl!THE RULES.
a) Be on time. Honour your RSVP... or ban is likely.
b) $10 Cash or PayID gratuity.
c) Bring good energy, laughs, and... keep up with the pace!See you for a fun one. MJ
3 attendees
Sydney Whale Trail! Figure 8 Hike, Royal National Park @ Low Tide, High Fun!
Otford Station, Otford NSW 2508, 40 lady carrington rd, Otford, AUTHE FIGURE 8 POOL (yes, it’s absolutely stunning), THE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK (2nd oldest in the world), and a beer to celebrate a challenging hike? YES, YES, and YES. Let’s hike, let’s drink. Let’s gooooo.
Some time ago I wasn’t all that keen to host this hike, as Instagram pics / hikes don’t float my boat. But I was wrong. This hike is fucking fantastic, and I’m excited to hike it again. Otford Lookout, Werrong Lookout, Burning Palms, Burning Palms Beach… down to Figure 8 – it’s so diverse with amazing views (let's spot some whales) - this is a very special event.
Central Train Station departs 832am, and it's a quick train arriving Otford 932am. Quick intro / safety chat, and off we go! NOTE: The Otford Station bathroom is often closed. Use the bathroom on the train, or it's potentially doing your business in Mother Nature.
Safe tide levels are under 1metre, and we'll arrive at a very safe time (tide charts say .2m with low tide at 12:08pm). Yes, safety is key - especially in the Royal National Park... it is going to be beautiful (you've seen the pics), but it can also be dangerous if you're there at the wrong time. We're a safe group, so anybody fucking around on cliff edges or around Figure 8 Pool will be hiking solo soon after.
Let's spend 30min-40min there for pics, a swim (if you fancy), a picnic bite to eat... then return up. And up.
Planning, changes, and all other info will be discussed on whatsapp. You must join this chat group for changes / safety reasons. After hitting "Attend" please join the group here: FIGURE 8 2026
THE RETURN to Otford Station.
Back to Otford Station - this will be an incline you will not forget. Be fit. Sea level to 275m incline is testing - very. I'll need a beer after this - no doubt about that - probably 5. Where? Stay tuned. Otford itself is such a sleepy town, so we'll have to jump on the train and find something back towards the city... Oatley Hotel is meant to be good?AN AD FROM THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT.
JUNE!!! Here's what's on in We Hike... to the Bar:
Monday, 1 June - VIVID WALK, DRONE SHOW, 50% OFF WINGS, DRINKS!
Saturday, 6 June – Macmasters Beach to Killcare, Hardy’s Hideaway. My favourite hike!!!
Sunday, 7 June – Woy Woy to Patonga Beach / The Boathouse – such a pretty session.
Saturday, 13 June – Royal National Park Figure 8 Pool! This is a 10/10 hike.
Sunday, 14 June – We Hike… to the Australia v Turkey World Cup Opener!!!
Saturday, 20 June – MJ’s Bday & Winter Pub Crawl!FITNESS QUESTION
Team, as you know I'm a pretty relaxed host when it comes to pace. Be healthy, be chatty... when some fall behind - no dramas - we wait, and all complete as one group.However, I'm going to be firm, firm on this hike because the train runs back to the city every 2hrs... if we need to hustle back to Otford we will hustle as sitting at Otford Station for almost 2hrs isn't fun. So, STAY at the FRONT of the group / don't be left behind or you risk being an hour or more late to the pub and catching the next train, okay? Please bring a book just in case. I am not missing the train if it's a close call - therefore I put the hiking map so all know how to get to Otford Station in case you cannot keep up!
See you Saturday for a hike and pics you're going to love! MJ
______________________________________________________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.8 attendees
Past events
179
