Bird Watching Sydney

SSP: BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY: BIRD HIDE HOMEBUSH BAY

After a recent trip to the Bird Hide at Homebush Bay, I thought a morning photo session may heed better results. Birds are generally more active in the early morning hours and the light at this location would be ideal for photography. I would recommend a telephoto lens of 300mm or more to achieve better results. The meetup point is the bird hide at 7.30 am and parking is available near the Archery car park. It is a short walk from there to the bird hide. Please read the parking restrictions and make your own decision regarding that. Coffee and morning tea location after the event to be decided by the participants on the day.

GREAT AUSSIE BIRD COUNT MANLY

SSP TUE...CENTENNIAL PARK

We will meet with nature and birds. **Helpful information for you to consider:** A telephoto lens is recommended for this event and a digital mirrorless or SLR would be handy. A focal length of 200mm or more is recommended for bird photography. I find shutter priority setting of 1/500th or faster on auto ISO will heed good results. You may find autofocus and shutter speed around 5 to 10 frames per burst will work well. Stan and I look forward to your company on the day We will meet at Centenial Homestead and . More details to come later.

Rushcutters Bay to Double Bay. Yachts, Mansions and Harbour Views

MATCHPOINT PICKLEBALL - Wednesday DUPR COMPETITION (BOOK VIA DESCRIPTION)

**This event listing is a placeholder. To secure your spot, please complete your booking via our TryBooking Website** **[BOOK TICKETS HERE](https://www.trybooking.com/DOYLL)** **MORE ABOUT US: [Matchpoint Pickleball Club Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/matchpointau?igsh=MjYxbXhvanlzaXh0)** Looking for something fun to do this Wednesday night? Come join us for an evening of pickleball and even better company! 🥳 ✨ What’s included? 🏓 **6-Week DUPR League, Gauntlet Format** Play 2.5 hours of competitive games against players at your level. 🏆 **Prizes for the top 3 men and top 3 women** 🥇 6 free sessions 🥈 4 free sessions 🥉 2 free sessions 📊 Your best 4 of 6 weeks count. You need to attend at least 4 weeks to win a prize. 📍 2 Percy St, Auburn ⏰ 7:00pm to 9:30pm ( warm up at 6:45pm)

🌸CQ🌸WATSONS BAY🌸BONDI BEACH🌸COOGEE BEACH🌸

MEETING: Circular Quay Wharf 2 🌸✈️🌸 TIME: 10:00 for the 10:15 ferry to Watsons Bay 🌸⏰🌸 DETAILS: This is one of the best walks in Sydney, with glorious harbour and/or beach views the entire way. Watsons Bay-Diamond Bay-Bondi Beach-Tamarama, Clovelly, Gordon’s Bay, Coogee Beach with several spots to enjoy a beverage at the finish 🌸⛱🌸 LUNCH: Bondi Beach 🌸🍽🌸 COST:💲5️⃣ cash gratuity or (donation)for this walk.💵 🌸💲🌸 DISTANCE: 1️⃣4️⃣kms 🌸🦋🌸 THIS WALK IS GRADED AS: Spectacular, and hopefully the odd 🐳 🌸☀️🌸 GET OUT POINTS: the entire way 🌸🚦🌸 TRANSPORT: Ferry to Watsons Bay, return Bus to the City 🌸✈️🌸 GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING: 🌸💃🌸 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING A FRIEND PLEASE MESSAGE ME, unfortunately only the 2 legged kind, and not the 4 legged kind are included. 🌸🥰🌸 I am always open to suggestions if there is a destination/hike/walk you’d like to do…just message me 🌸 👣🌸 A heads up for newcomers and first timers. Our walking group is a fabulous Melting Pot of cultures, backgrounds, professions and life experiences. We love our Walks. We are INCLUSIVE OF EVERYONE………if you’re: kind, nice, fun, polite and respectful. 🌸😘🌸 On that note…. In recent times my walks are at capacity, which I’m capping at 40. Regulars, regardless of numbers are always welcome….just PM me if you’re on a waitlist. 🌸♥️🌸 We walk at a medium pace of 4kms per hour, stopping for breaks and to take in the views. It is a reasonable expectation that the group stays together. It is your responsibility to stay in line of sight. If you cannot walk at this pace, I will let you know of the next get out point. This is not negotiable. 🌸🐌🌸 As this is a walking group, bikes, ebikes, scooters, escooters, and pogo sticks are not compatible or welcome. 🌸👣🌸 Grading for my walks:
Easy: Mainly flat, suburban, loads of get out points, up to 14kms.
Easy-Medium: some stairs, a few uneven surfaces, up to 15kms.
Medium: Stairs, rocks, coastal beaches/sand, ups, downs, get out points limited, up to 17kms
Medium-Hard: uneven surfaces, need to take extreme care and be hike fit. Few get out points. Tracks, uneven surfaces, steep inclinations and limited resources. 🌸👯‍♀️🌸 WALKING GUIDELINES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 🌸✍️🌸 Carry sufficient food and water (2 litres) for the expected conditions of the walk. Pls don’t separate from the group, unless you let someone know, preferably me. The waitlist is completely discretionary….reliable regulars will ALWAYS be included. 🆗……….If you are a no show, you will not be welcome to join a future walk with me. (It’s a courtesy kind of thing). If people are on the waitlist, it is also very inconsiderate. Marking yourself as “Not Going” within 2 hours of departure does not allow reasonable time to notify anyone on the waitlist. 🌸🙅‍♀️🌸 On the odd occasion, the walk may change from the schedule, due to weather, unforeseen track obstacles OR emergency situations. 🌸🤞🌸 Please make sure your conversation is always courteous to other group members. 🌸😍🌸 PS…. IF YOUR ID PIC IS OF A COFFEE CUP, YOUR DOG OR CAT, A VIEW, and not a picture of you…You’ll stay waitlisted. 🌸❌🌸 SAFETY WARNING: Please stay away from cliff edges and be very careful when walking on wet and slippery rocks and surfaces. Stay within sight of the group at all times. 🌸🔴🟢⚫️🟠🔵🟡🟣🟤🌸 DISCLAIMER: Your health and safety is our priority, we take care to minimize risk and avoid accidents and injuries. However, Organizers and Hosts are not responsible for your health and safety and do not accept any liability for accidents and injuries that may occur during Meetup activities and events. Please take responsibility for your own safety and belongings. By RSVP to this event you and your guests agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the Aussie Explorers Meetup group which can be found in the link below: https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/pages/28346396/Terms_and_Conditions_of_joining_Aussie_Explorers 🌸☀️🌸 HAPPY WALKING 🍃🌸🌿🌸🌿🌸🍃 xxLisa

October Meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club

Come along to our **October meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club**. This is a chance to connect, spend some time in nature and journal together. I will offer some guidance to start. After we can share journal pages and ideas. **What to bring:** Bring along sketchbooks/paper and your favourite drawing materials (pens, pencils, watercolour, acrylic, anything you have). I will have extra materials on the day if you want to explore other mediums. \*\*Where:\*\* TBC **Cost:** Suggested donation is $10 annual fee, $5 casual fee. (This helps cover Meetup fees). DISCLAIMER.
Please note that Katy as volunteer organiser of activities for Sydney Nature Journal Club is NOT responsible for the health or safety of members (or their guests) and therefore will not accept any liability for accidents or injuries or losses that may occur during Meetup events at any location. By attending a Sydney Nature Journal Club event members acknowledge that you accept ALL of the above. I look forward to seeing you there.

Long Wknd Nite Hike. Lovely 7kms Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach Hike! Beer too!

A few months back we hiked Coogee to Bondi at nite, then this hike - it was really, really cool. Beer before... and (meal) after. Love it - it's a different kind of energy when you hike in the evening. Just posting this on Wednesday - let's see if we can get 8-10 hikers for Friday :) High of 21 degrees too - perfect! Let's hike post-sunset Taronga Zoo towards Balmoral Beach while talking shit and licking our beautiful city then head up to the lovely Buena Hotel in Mosman (one of my favourite Lower North Shore pubs) for a great pub meal. ***Taronga to Balmoral***. It’s an Aussie fahkin' beauty of a due to its diversity… Of course the ***ferry ride from CQuay to Taronga (ferry leaves at 545pm - be early*** 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. [NOTE: YOU MUST JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP FOR THIS EVENT HERE.](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DFaK1MR9dKB8F3bqWCoint) From there the walk heads to ***Chowder Bay***, one of the coolest little beaches that not many Sydneysiders know of. There’s a café / 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. We head back into the bush for a 15min walk to the ***Balmoral Stairs*** that will guide us down to Balmoral Beach. ***(SAFETY NOTE: I'm recommending a head lamp if you don't have one, but "I'll just use my mobile phone's light" was sufficient last time. For safety get to KMart... they are $10)*** Post-food / drinks you have many transport options from Balmoral Beach / The Buena to get back home or to Wynyard. I'll guide you. Oh, stay tuned for location to meet at 430pm. I'll be at a pub from 5pm around Circular Quay warming up... join from 5pm-530pm then we'll walk to the ferry wharf as a team. See you for a fun Friday session! 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](https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety/bushwalking-safety) 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](https://www.1cover.com.au/adventure-travel-insurance/hiking-trekking/?utm_source=google&utm_source_platform=gads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=13564994076&utm_term=adventure%20travel%20insurance&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13564994076&gbraid=0AAAAAD_bfRAu6Io5ZkHeiIYCP_evtsQ_z&gclid=CjwKCAjwz5nGBhBBEiwA-W6XRLm8Itjn1am8sdPMxVhBtRmsDOWkolLlVATJcXW5jW-9JgB7hb9kMhoC7M0QAvD_BwE). g) Over 60yrs old, and new to the group? Send me a note first please.

🔭 Sydney Observatory: Stars, Planets & Beyond

20km Taronga Zoo to Manly Be active, healthy & happy!😎

**Taronga Zoo to Manly - 20km** I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Gadigal and Gayemagal people and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. ⛵**8:50 am Meeting Place & Transport:** **[Wharf 4 Circular Quay](https://tinyurl.com/5c5awdac)** Check your public transport options to get to the event [here](https://transportnsw.info/trip#/trip). Public transport back from Manly is by ferry to Circular Quay or bus from near the wharf, if you live on the north side. **⛵About:** This is a beautiful walk with stunning views of one of the most scenic harbours, beaches and cityscapes in the world. There's ferry rides at the start and finish too. Plenty of exit points but hoping you can go the whole way.😀 ⛵**Route:** 8.52am we catch the ferry from Circular Quay to [Taronga Zoo Wharf](https://tinyurl.com/4smuwbn4) which arrives at 9.04am. To start we walk around Bradley Head then onto [Balmoral Beach](https://tinyurl.com/2s3dm3mu) (5km completed). Then we hike to [Spit Bridge](https://tinyurl.com/76mxfchp) (10km completed) and onto the Manly Scenic Walk, stopping a couple of kms after the bridge at Clontarf for a lunch break. We then finish at [Manly Wharf](https://tinyurl.com/bdzmk8xa) (20km completed) around 2.30pm. You can stay and have a proper lunch &/or drinks or just catch the ferry back to Circular Quay. Bus home if you live on the northside. ⛵**Distance:** 20km ⛵**Type of walk:** Bush and urban. Well worn tracks and footpath. Steps and hills. ⛵**Difficulty:** Moderate, because of the distance. If you are unsure about the distance but would like to test yourself, this is a walk for you: there are plenty of get-out points. ⛵**Walking Pace:** We will maintain a steady pace all day and average 4-4.5 km per hour. ⛵**What to bring:** * Trailwalker shoes with good grip * 1 litre of water, refills along the route, optional hydralytes * Carbohydrate (starchy) snacks and lunch (or buy lunch at Manly) * Light rain jacket depending on conditions * Sunscreen and a cap or hat with a wide brim * Eagerness to explore ⛵**Gratuity:** There will be a $10 cash gratuity for this walk. Pay ID alternatively. **By RSVPing** this meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers which can be found [here](https://www.meetup.com/aussie-explorers/). If you have any questions, please message me. I look forward to seeing you on this walk. I will post my mobile number closer to the day. **Mark F** 😎

Coast, History and Lookouts! Little Manly, Sydney’s Q Station and North Head.

**Most of us have done the Taronga Zoo to Manly Walk or some version of it, right? How about a walk just as good, but different?** **We will meet at Circular Quay Wharf 3 in time to catch the 9.30am ferry. If you prefer to go straight to Manly, please be outside Max Brenner at Manly Wharf no later than 10am (ferry arrives at 9.52am). Please be on time.** **From here we will walk along the coast to Little Manly Cove and then make our way to North Head in the Sydney Harbour National Park.** **Part of this walk is along a 6-foot stone wall built to segregate the military area (no longer under military control) from the rest of the peninsula. This can get muddy so wear appropriate shoes.** **Then we will make our way to Sydney’s Q Station where people were quarantined. We will visit the Third Class Precinct, Hospital Precinct and Wharf Precinct where we will have a break and visit the small museum (there is a beach here for those that want to take a dip).** **We will then climb 250 steps to reach the Former First Class Precinct and wonder around before heading out.** **Although there are no guarantees, there is very little chance of being infected by anything serious (so they told me).** **From here, we will head to the North Fort Precinct along the Sanctuary Loop, a walking track that points out all the wildflowers along the way, and we will do the Fairfax Walk where we will spend time at the Burragula and Yiningma Lookouts, with glorious views of South Head and the city skyline. We will have lunch here.** **After lunch, we will complete the Sanctuary Loop, visit the Barracks Precinct and make our way back to Manly via Shelly Beach.** **As is customary with my walks where possible, there will be the opportunity for a gelato at The Corso (Anita Gelato is my recommendation, but there is also Messina’s and others, as well as ice-cream at Ben & Jerry’s and Copenhagen, and a number of frozen yogurt shops).** **We will aim to finish at around 3.30pm.** **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **DISTANCE: About 16 km.** **GRADE: Medium, a few hills but nothing too strenuous.** **NOTE: Plenty of get-out points, just let the Host know if you leave the walk.** **IMPORTANT INFORMATION:** · **Be Prepared: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water (refill points available), and dress for the weather.** · **Follow Instructions: Please follow the instructions of the Host at all times and keep the Host within sight** · **RSVP Responsibly and Be Ontime at the Designated Meeting Point: Update your RSVP if you can’t make it.** **GRATUITY: $10 applies to this event which can be paid in cash on the day or PayID is 0439 344987 Cristian Sylvestre.** **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **DISCLAIMER: Your health and safety is our priority and we take care to minimize risk and avoid accidents and injuries.** **However, Organizers and Hosts are not responsible for your health and safety and do not accept any liability for accidents and injuries that may occur during Meetup activities and events. Please take responsibility for your own safety and belongings.** **By RSVPing to this event you and your guests agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the Aussie Explorers Meetup group which can be found in the link below:** **[https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers](https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/pages/28346396/Terms_and_Conditions_of_joining_Aussie_Explorers)** **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **Any questions or concerns, please send me a TEXT message (0439 344 987) rather than unnecessary updates on the comments section.**

🌅 Sydney Harbour Sunset Walk: Bridge, Bays & Botanic Gardens (~15km)

Join us for around \~15-kilometre **sunset exploration of stunning Sydney harbour - with our evening walks group!** This moderately paced walk offers incredible scenery, historical sites, and beautiful evening vibes. Good fitness is recommended as we will maintain a steady pace through a variety of urban terrains. **Before you RSVP, be sure to read the following:** * [If you have TrekMeet, please RSVP by clicking on this link.](https://trekmeet.com/event/56c53938-b40c-46e0-b032-07cd54f343f4?from=9xOdy7cJLyewPf1Nkak5XAkdmtI2) * **Difficulty and Terrain:** Easy to Moderate (for regular hikers). Expect a diverse mix of stairs (many!), paved streets, some rougher bush sections, and parklands. * **Start:** 4:00 PM sharp at Milsons Point Station (Ennis Road / Kirribilli side). Please arrive 10 minutes early. Finish: Central Station. (Plenty of public transport exit options along the way if needed). * **Route:** We will start by walking south across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, continuing down through the historic Rocks district and past the Opera House. We'll then weave through the Royal Botanic Gardens to catch the sunset views, head down to the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, and sweep around the foreshore to Rushcutters Bay. From there, we will navigate back through the surrounding inner-city streets to finish up at Central Station, where we can grab an optional group dinner at Don Giovanni Pizza. https://www.dongiovannipizzabar.com.au/menu * **What to bring:** Comfortable sneakers (uneven terrain possible in some areas), water (refills available), and weather-appropriate clothing. * **Gratuity:** Free, just give us a [follow on our](https://www.instagram.com/ozoutdoors.syd) or [trekmeet](https://www.instagram.com/trekmeet) social. **Important - Please Read:** * **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](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](https://instagram.com/ozoutdoors.syd) * **LinkedIn (Manish):** [https://linkedin.com/in/manishpm/](https://linkedin.com/in/manishpm/)