MIDDLE HARBOUR - THE AUSTRIAN CLUB - MANLY DAM: 3 Experiences in One 11kms Hike!

"MJ, how in the fahk did you find this schnitzel place?"
Just wait. I know you're gonna say those exact words when we walk through the doors...

I love this hike(s). I love this restaurant. I love this day. We did it back in June, and it's time to do it again.

I’m patting myself on the back in planning this event / hike, cause we absorb three totally different experiences. This is a superb Saturday session of hiking, food / drink, and Mother Nature in Sydneytown:

a) A shortish-challenging hike / trail at Middle Harbour to the stunning Bluff Lookout;
b) Lunch (you don't have to eat - come for a drink) at one of the best (if not best) schnitzel joints in Sydney at The Austrian Club; and
c) The more scenic, relaxed, lovely side of Manly Dam.

THE HIKING – EATING – DRINKING PLAN:
1030am – 12:15pm. Middle Harbour Hiking, 5kms. Middle Harbour is stunning, and The Bluff Lookout is the prize at the top that’s not to be missed. Yet be aware – sure it’s close to Sydney’s CBD – but this trail has a serious ascent and will be a bit challenging (from Harbour level to 153metres). When we leave Seaforth Oval, you will not believe how Mother Nature has carved this trail and caves so close to suburbia (and The Austrian Club). It’s the perfect start to build up some hunger for lunch. The Bluff Lookout is the finale, and it's 300m away from lunch and a beer.

Please join our whatsapp group HERE - all members for this hike must join.

12:30pm. The Austrian Club, booked for 25. Wait ‘til you see this schnitzel haus – you’ll feel like you’re in rural Austria. It’s so authentic, so friendly, and so delicious. We hiked there quite a while ago, and no shit a week later it appeared in GOOD FOOD Sydney Morning Herald, and they loved it. They open at 12:30pm so let’s order right away and beat the queue. Their MENU IS HERE. If you want to drop off at this point, no stress – food coma might kick in, and you’ll need a Saturday siesta. I respect that. For the rest of us…

145pm Manly Dam Hiking, 6kms. One hour and 15minutes will be enough to eat / drink a couple of beers then head off to Manly Dam. “Manly Dam, also known as Manly Warringah War Memorial Park, is a freshwater lake and bushland reserve located in Manly Vale, Sydney. Created by damming Curl Curl Creek in 1892, it is Sydney's largest freshwater lake. The dam is a popular spot for various recreational activities like walking, mountain biking, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. It also holds significant heritage value and features diverse flora and fauna.”

There's a scenic side to Manly Dam, and there's a semi-boring side - we'll do the lovely, scenic side. Manly Dam will be a relaxed trail hike – a perfect way to end this event. Our walk finishes right on the B1 bus line – easy to head back home.

The LOGISTICS:
a) Be on time. Be safe. Be fit for the ascent.
b) 141 Bus drops right at Seaforth Oval, our meeting point. I imagine there’s parking there too? I don’t know (DIY research drivers). I’ll be on that bus. Please be savvy with the planning apps and find it.
c) Cancels (day before or on the day) / no shows. Nope. Don’t do it. The Austrian Club has my credit card for the reso, and the workers are volunteers – if you RSVP “Attend” then show up.
d) $10 for this one. Cash or PayID.
e) Bring good energy. Bring mates or dates. Chat. And laughs. Let's have some grand fun in Mother Nature.
g) Again, please join our whatsapp group HERE, so we can all find the starting point.

See you for a beautiful and fun Saturday! MJ

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.