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
5
CAVES BEACH, GHOSTIES BEACH… Central Coast Coastal Adventure!!!
Location not specified yetDuring my 3 Years of hosting We Hike to the Bar there's been quite a few jaw-dropping moments of scenery... Ghosties Beach and its caves is most likely the top moment of 2026.
Legend Hiker Heidi (90+ hikes) and a few others mentioned some Newcastle hikes, and while researching - I just can't find a lot. If you have some suggestions, please send them to me. What did I find is a tad closer to Sydney, and this will be a gem of a 15kms coastal journey...
GHOSTIES BEACH - CAVES BEACH - SWANSEA HEADS
Low tide is 230pm (essential for Ghosties Beach caves), so here's how we'll hike Swansea (north) to Catherine Hill Bay for lunch (cars parked here)... then finish with the short and beautiful Ghosties Beach Cave loop! From AI (sorry, I hate using it), the highlights:- Ghosties Beach Sea Cave: A massive, dramatic rock tunnel and sea cave system located at the southern end of Ghosties Beach. (Note: It must be explored strictly during low tide for safe access).
- Pink Caves: Vibrant, naturally pink-hued rock formations and coastal sea caves near Catherine Hill Bay.
- Scenic Coastline & Beaches: Sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and passes past several picturesque spots including Pinney Beach, Catherine Hill Bay, and Moonee Beach.
- Vantage Points: Elevated headland views looking up and down the New South Wales coastline.
We'll need drivers. Of course! We love you. I think good pick up points are Parramatta, Wolli Creek, and Chatswood. It's a 1hrs 20min drive from Chatswood. We'll start with those 3 locations and work from there.
Catherine Hill Bay Hotel "The Catho" is a heritage-listed (from 1875) joint with really good food... as soon as you look at this pub, you won't forget it. It's a classic, and there's nothing like it.
This looks to be a great day out...
See you soon. MJTHE LOGISTICS.
a) Gratuity $15 Cash or PayID on the day.
b) Drivers, you'll be compensated by your riders. Thank you!
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.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.29 attendees
Lane Cove River Hike... "French Gardens" to a Super Cool Aussie Pub!!!
lane cove, somewhere, Sydney, AULane Cove to Woolwich Pier Hotel. It's a hike in National Park (start of The Great North Walk in fact). It's a river walk. Bush hike. It’s pretty flat and plenty beautiful. The stone cottages / architecture in Hunters Hill must be seen. And Woolwich Pier Hotel is a damn cool pub with one of the best beer gardens in Sydney...
THE HIKE.
Less words about this one… The first 7kms-ish is a lovely trail hike along Lane Cove River, and the final 3kms is a gorgeous neighbourhood walk through Hunters Hill and Woolwich (two leafy, wealthy communities). We start with a river crossing via a cool bridge and immediately head into a bush hike... part of The Great North Walk from Sydney to Newcastle. Some twists. Turns... Ups. Downs. It's really casual and really cool to be in nature so close to suburbia.When we exit the trail hiking, some incredible neighbourhoods take over the spotlight. These neighbourhoods are known for their... "mid-to-late 19th-century and early 20th-century craftsmanship. Often dubbed a 'French Village' due to the mid-1800s development led by French brothers Didier and Jules Joubert, the area is recognized as one of Australia’s oldest garden suburbs."
And the final kilometre (post-pub) is through beautiful Woolwich to a perfect Sydney Harbour Ferry ride to Circular Quay... and another bar(!?!?!) in The Rocks perhaps? The hike is pretty flat, so we’ll move with decent pace to work off a week of caloric intake (I'll have a story about mine).
We meet at Lane Cove North (Epping Rd opp Mowbray Rd - 288 or 290 bus drops right there) Bus Stop at 930am! The bus stop is in a weird location - JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP HERE**, and I'll pinpoint it for all of us.
THE PUB.
Woolwich Pier Hotel is pretty much the perfect pub… with its inner-west charm & history, fireplace, beer garden, leather booths (oh yes, leather), live music, amazing food, and proximity to Sydney Harbour / ferry wharf. All that it’s missing is our “We Hike… to the Bar” group charm. This joint feels lush, warm, and welcoming from the moment your tired legs and ass hit the pub seat. It's also home to one of my worst Tinder dates of all time - if anybody reminds me at the start of the hike (or even reads this far down) I'll tell the story. Reservation made – my credit card is down, so I expect 100% participation if you RSVP “Yes”.Lovely hike. Top pub. See you there. MJ
THE DETAILS.
WHATSAPP. You’re not 100% confirmed until you’re in the whatsapp group. Join it 'cause we love it, 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.10 attendees
THE GOD OF HIKING sculpted a MASTERPIECE, and it's called: “HANGING ROCK”
Location not specified yetTo think that 3 Sisters is all the tourist rage in Blue Mountains when an easy 5kms Trail Hike takes you to a HANGING ROCK destination that can only be described as… Stunning. Magical. Magnificent. Dangerous (can be). Unforgettable.
The best view in all of The Blue Mountains? Hanging Rock is absolutely incredible.
Let’s hike it, and let’s add “Grotto Canyon”… a hidden, cool-calm waterfall in a cave-like setting.
THE HIKE. HANGING ROCK (pic on left)
Hanging Rock… last weekend, I didn’t know what to expect when I first hiked it. Sure, I’d seen the photos / videos, and it looked impressive. My advice to you? Ignore the photos. It’s so, so much more amazing in person. The sheer rock faces are incredible to be close to. The contrasting rock colours with the background green-ish Blue Mountains is so picturesque… 20minutes at Hanging Rock is a destination you won’t forget. And I wanna see it again.As far as easy hikes go in The Blue Mountains this one is it. It’s a flat 5kms out. 5kms back (we’ll move with passion). It’s a lovely fire trail journey with wildflowers and views in the distance…. And then? You can sense Hanging Rock is about to appear. And when it does, it’s “WOW!!!!!!” At this point the hike down brings some adventure… safety is key, but it’s all proper fun and amazing photos.
LUNCH.
Spikes Bistro is a great spot on Blackheath Golf Course for lunch and a post-hike beer. I’ve gotten to know the owner – the nicest Sri Lankan family, and their food is really good with top (they always give us the best table on the balcony) views over the golf course. The Sunday roast hit the spot, and the green curry is my order this time… These are damn good people, and I love giving them our business.JOIN WHATSAPP BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK. NO JOIN? NO HIKE. WE COMMUNICATE IN WHATSAPP.
HIKE #2. THE GROTTO (pic on right, yes I took it)
I’ll write less. Just grab my arm for this quick (it's Sunday after all) descent / ascent hike… what a treat. Many waterfalls we’ve seen are quite exposed. The Grotto? Hike down. Hike down again. Hike low through a bit of a cave, and there it is… a waterfall and rockpool hidden like a movie-esque scene where Ryan Reynolds & Scarlett Johanssen embrace, ass grab, and French Kiss in the cheesy final scene. It’s beautiful.Drivers… we love you. We need you (of course you’ll be compensated). 6 cars, 3 passengers in each. 24 hikers max.
Ready yourself for a great fucking day.
See you soon. MJTHE RULES.
A) Safety. Be safe! No insta photos on cliff faces. That's out.
B) Be fit, healthy, and able to keep up - exercise pace while chatting and laughing with other hikers.
C) $15 Cash or PayID or PayPal.
D) Be on time. If you're late, use the map to catch up.
E) No shows and morning cancellations are slack. If you're in that group from past hikes, sorry in advance if you're moved into the "No" column.
F) BYO water, towel, Band Aid, and snacks.
G) Be fun. Active. Social. And ready to meet some new folks.
H) Newbies. Feel free to join! But if a hiker that's been great with attendance asks to join, you might be moved into the "Not Going" column - apologies in advance for that.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.20 attendees
BYRON BAY! Here we go again...
Byron Bay, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, AU30 of us just got back from Byron Bay, and I'm certain we need a restful vacation from the vacation.
Was it fun? Oh yes. Fuck yes. It was as much fun as a hiking group can have in Australia. We did it. 30 hikers arrived, and somehow all 30 hikers came back with lovely memories. The hikes, the bars, the flow each day... it was sensational.
So, let's do it again.
Some drove, flew, bus, train... some booked glam hotels, some did it at the YHA. But we always hiked and "cheers'd" as a team at nite. It all worked perfectly.
Interested? Hit "Attend" and we'll plan it as a team then JOIN THE WHATSAPP GROUP BY CLICKING HERE. No, the event isn't "Nov 25" so please don't book anything - let's chat as a team and arrange a great time to go.
Thx! MJ
32 attendees
Past events
225
