Taronga to Balmoral(ish) 10kms Return. AFL Finals. NZ v AUS Rugby. Pub! We must!

With 25 and sunny the plan... a shaded 10kms hike, beach swim (optional of course) at a beautiful hidden beach, and a few beers to watch the AFL Finals & Wallabies v All Blacks is on for our team. What a day. Here we go!

THE HIKE. Taronga to George's Head.
Taronga to Balmoral is our usual, classic hike! It’s an Aussie fahkin' beauty of a due to its diversity… Of course the ferry ride from CQuay to Taronga (ferry leaves at 932am - be early, as Saturday morning this can fill up or meet us at Taronga Wharf 944am) 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.

From there the walk heads to Chowder Bay, one of the coolest little beaches that not many Sydneysiders know of. There’s a cafe (I'll call Cafe La Mer Chowder Bay the cutest cafe in Sydney) / 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.

Typically, we head down the stairs to Balmoral, but instead we'll make this a 10kms return hike back to Taronga Ferry. When we pass Chowder Bay, let's stop for some time (30min or so) in the shade or a swim for those who fancy... Chowder Bay water is 10/10 pretty on a sunny day. After that, we trace our steps back to the ferry with great views of Sydney Harbour all the way.

THE PUB.
As a Chicago import to Sydney, am I a huge fan of AFL (230pm start time)? Or Rugby Union (3pm start time)? Not really. But do I love a pub when Aussie sport is on and locals are going BONKERS and into the spirit of the day? Damn right I do. I'll see how sign ups go in the next few days, and I'll book something for us at like 230pm in the CBD not far from the ferry. This section will be edited soon.

THE DETAILS.
a) Don't be late, and feel free to bring mates / dates;
b) $10 cash or PayID;
c) Communication will be in the "Event Comments";
d) Show up if you RSVP "yes" / let's stop with the "dog ate homework" = "public transport dramas" excuses;
e) Bring some good energy, smiles and chat; and
f) Only those that hike are invited to the bar / sport festivities.

WHATSAPP LINK TO CHAT IS HERE.

I love, love, love this hike. At times you’ll know you’re in Sydney… then you’ll think you’re in tropical Queensland… then you’ll find a new beach you’ve never seen. It’s such a beauty. Add beers, sport, and some perving? YES.

See you there. MJ