Conservation Volunteering Sydney

Plate 4 Plate Volunteering — Join Us!

Join us for a feel-good morning of volunteering at **[Plate 4 Plate Day](https://www.zambrero.com.au/plate4plateday)**, helping pack meals. We'll volunteer together, meet some new people, and enjoy doing something meaningful as a group. We'll meet at Cafe Abercrombie at **9:00 am** and walk to Carriageworks together (we are required to arrive there **at 9:15 am** for check-in and the safety briefing) Spots are limited to 6, so please RSVP if you’re pretty sure you can make it. If your plans change after registering, please update your RSVP as soon as possible so someone else has the opportunity to join. After you register, I’ll send you more information and instructions closer to the day. No previous volunteering experience is needed — just come along and help us do some good! 💛

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.

Australian Issues: Lauran Townsend and Vinay Kolhatkar

Dear members, We have had to switch dates for the meetup. And now we have an additional speaker, Councilor Lauren Townsend! Councillor Townsend was elected to Waverley Council in 2024. She entered politics after almost a decade of pro bono criminal defence work. Councillor Townsend has been a member of the Liberal Party for most of her life until recently. Like many, she realised that the Liberal Party has lost its identity and lost its way and has now joined One Nation. She will talk about why she switched political parties. Vinay Kolhatkar will be giving a short presentation on what it means to have Mono-, Uni-, or Multiculturalism, so we can all make up our own minds as to what’s best for us individually, and for Australia as a whole. There will be plenty of time for attendees to ask questions, make comments and interact. And please purchase a meal and/or drinks. After all this venue has been provided free by Shakespeare’s so that is the least we can do. Vinay is the author of the politically incorrect novels, *A Sharia London* and *The Frankenstein Candidate.* He is also a coauthor of Media Wars: The Battle to Shape Our Minds, and of *Modernizing Aristotle’s Ethics*, which was published by an academic press and sold to university libraries worldwide as a text for philosophy and psychology. His latest novel is Dreams of Orphans, which was released on 30th September. Until August 2026, he was the federal secretary and director of policy for the Libertarian Party and ran in two federal elections as their candidate. He is also an occasional columnist for *Spectator Australia*, where he likes to warn the western world of the incoming threat of neo-Marxism and their alliance with terrorist ideologies. See you then, Craig White

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** 😎

4 DAY BIRD Photography Retreat- Booking with Link Below

**Join us for a 4 day and 3 night birding workshop while exploring some of the south coast's most beautiful locations.** We will cover locations and bird species in both coastal, mountainous and wetland areas where we have the potential to see and photograph over 200 species of birdlife in natural habitat. Bird Photography poses different approaches depending on bird species and the seasons and every time you venture out, weather and nature will influence each experience.This ensures Bird Photography is always a unique opportunity to observe wildlife at its best, make connections with nature and capture some amazing imagery. **BOOK** $660 deposit [https://theapertureclub.com.au/bird-photography-4-day-workshop-berry/](https://theapertureclub.com.au/bird-photography-4-day-workshop-berry/) **YOU WILL LEARN** * Planning for the shoot * using your equipment * camera settings * lighting and composition * how and where to focus * top tips when in the field * the best approach to edit * thinking ethically * Fast shutter speeds **DAILY PROGRAM:** Opportunity to shoot 2 late afternoons and 2 early morning locations. We will also be shooting later in the days at a mountain refuge with a guided tour from one of our Birding Australia experts on their private property. This is incorporated with some lectures and review work as well. There is some time to explore the Berry township but consider an extra night if you need a chill out moment. Note schedule can be altered depending on everyone’s needs etc. and is suitable for all levels of photographic skills. This workshop is suitable for all skill levels in photography but essential to understand your camera controls. This workshop is not suitable for absolute beginners.

October Lunch

G’day gents, The October instalment of the Sydney Guys lunch group is scheduled for Sunday 18th October. Meet the group at 12noon at Foresters Hotel, 336 Riley St, Surry Hills where we will enjoy Foresters famous Sunday roast lunch which includes the legendary Yorkie, a plate size Yorkshire pudding with all the trimmings to go with your choice of roast. Hope to see you there Cheers Trevor

🌸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

🚗 WEEKEND GETAWAY - VALLEY OF THE DINOSAURS & LITHGOW ⛰️🦕🦖🏕️🏨 🧗‍♂️🎃👻

📍 LOCATION: 🏕 Lake Wallace Camping Area 🏕️ Barton Ave, Wallerawang NSW 2845 🚗 Wallerawang village centre is less than five minutes drive to/from the campground for shops, cafes, pubs, petrol station etc. https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/locations-and-attractions/lake-wallace 🚻 FACILITIES: ⛺️ Camp beside your vehicle, picnic area, tap water, toilet block with flushing toilets and hot showers within walking distance to/from the campsite, garbage bins, BYO water sports and fishing equipments, walking and bike trails. ❎ NO open fires are permitted at Lake Wallace. Refer photo no. 3 and the website. 🛜 Phone reception generally okay but can be a bit patchy at few areas at the campground area. 🚙 The campground is accessible by regular 2WD and campervan. ******************************************** 🎒WHAT TO BRING 🎒 ⛺️ Campers - tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad/air mattress, food, snacks, drinking and washing water, portable stove, butane gas, utensils, plates, mugs, pots and pans, fold-up table, chairs, gazebo or a tarp for shelter/cooking station, washing liquid, wash basin, towel, personal shower items, basic First Aid kit, torch or headlight (preferred), tent light, camp light, charger/power bank, jacket and warm clothes, beanie, thermals, blanket etc (cooler temperature at night), all creature comfort that can fit in your car and kitchen sink! 🚙 🚗 🛒 💵 GRATUITY/CONTRIBUTION: $10 per person PRE-PAID (organiser fee only for campers/non campers) for research and preparation for this exciting event. Non refundable if you cancel or No Show. 📲 Pre-paid to my PayID: 0405038557 by cob Friday, 23rd October. Ref: (your Meetup name) & Lake Wallace camping. 💬 Once payment received, I’ll add you to group WhatsApp for further details - exact campsite location, optional day walks, Halloween night etc. ❗️NOTE - day trip on Saturday to Valley of The Dinosaurs is not included (to be paid separately PRE-PAID) if you like to come along. ******************************************** 🏕️ This camping event is suitable for newbies or beginners and walkers alike at any level with no experience required. ✅ If you have not been camping before, this is a good place to try it out with flushing toilets and hot shower within walking distance from the camping area. 🏨 Non campers may also join us for this event. You need to check online for accommodation at nearby towns of Wallerawang, Lisdale, Rydal or Katoomba, Blackheath, or Lithgow etc. Accommodation near Lake Wallace: 🏨 Black Gold Motel 🏨 The Commercial Hotel Wallerawang 🏨 Cabins of Wang Know as (wang park) Central west accommodation pty Ltd 📝 NOTE - you may come and leave at anytime. You may also do as much or as little by relaxing on the lake if you wish. ⛺️ FYI - I’m planning to arrive at the campground on Friday afternoon, 30th October to get the campsite for the group. 📸 Things to do in Wallerawang & Lithgow: https://lithgow-tourism.com/wang.htm https://southerncrossmotelgroup.com.au/news/lithgow/ ⚠️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION ⚠️ 📝 TERMS & DISCLAIMER: ℹ️ Attending this event is voluntarily at your own risk. Organiser/s accepts no liability of any kind including injuries, accidents, misadventure etc during and after this event. ℹ️ For full disclosure on Public Waiver, please refer to Meetup Terms and Conditions and the front page of this group on ‘About Us’. ✅ You are responsible for looking after your own health, safety and belongings. ✅ You must take personal accountability for your own choices, actions and/or misadventure. ✅ You must also take care not to put other people at risk. ✅ If you do not wish to be photographed (randomly or group photos), please DO NOT join this event! ✅ Please be mindful and respectful to members & guest/s from diverse background. This is not a dating event. ******************************************** 💬 I will setup WhatsApp group chat for this event for further information on Saturday afternoon, 24th October - exact campsite location (unnumbered on first come first served), optional day walks, sunset walk, Halloween night in Lithgow etc. ℹ️ OPTIONAL: 🎃 The Iconic Lithgow Halloween Celebration Returns In 2026. https://www.lithgowhalloween.com/ 📲 In the meantime, if you have any questions, please send me a TEXT message instead to avoid any confusion. 🌿 Let’s explore and enjoy the great outdoors! 🎃 Norra 😎 📱0405038557 (TEXT & PayID only)

GREAT AUSSIE BIRD COUNT MANLY

Nakasendo Way Japan by E Bike

Nakasendo Way by E Bike Tokyo to Kyoto about 500 km of cycle paths, back roads and forest paths, medium grade cycling made easier by modern E Bikes Cycling about 50km per day crossing two mountain passes, amazing scenery and fabulous ancient well preserved villages, think Megome and Tsumago plus Kiso Valley for those amazing thatched roof houses. Mountain views, rolling hills and the lakes of Suwa and Biwa the latter Japan's largest lake and we get to cycle around 2/3 of it on fairly flat cycle paths! Please ask for a full itinerary including day by day cycling and KM, accommodation At the time of RSVP please email david@discoverytravel.com.au your name and mobile number failure to do so at time of RSVP you will be moved to not going! Price is $2450 per person twin share plus bike hire as below. Deposit is non refundable and change and or cancellation fees apply for any cancellations, ask for details. Luggage are not included can be forwarded each day or over several days to reduce cost as remote cycling at its best! Bike racks and bags can be rented too. You are welcome to bring your own bike! **Cycling:** Bike hire is not included standard road bikes aprox jpy19000 per week Ebike aprox JPY24000 per week see link for more details [https://cycletrip.jp/ja/item_detail.html?s=471](https://cycletrip.jp/ja/item_detail.html?s=471) (The giant E Bikes are fabulous and comfortable to ride, fitting is extremely important) *Most days can be shortened or skipped by train if you wish* **Rinko bag:** These are required to take bikes onto trains, wheels need to be removed to fit into the bag and shoulder carried onto trains (We can mix in and help each other) Rinko bags can be pre purchased on Amazon or in Japan at Mont Bell (fabulous Japanese outdoor store) [https://www.montbell.com/jp/en/products/detail/1130425](https://www.montbell.com/jp/en/products/detail/1130425) **Cycling:** I suggest e bikes but if you are a hard-core cyclist welcome to take a road bike, Japan is a fabulous country for bike packing. Itinerary may change. This is an international travel trip and travel insurance with unlimited medical cover, including existing conditions is compulsory. By RSVP 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/](https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/) Aussie Explorers organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup, leaders try to ensure the safety and well-being of members at all times however as this is a weekend away travelling, exploring different areas and hiking in the great outdoors accidents happen, please take responsibility for your own safety and your belongings. Deposits are non-refundable, final price is subject to currency fluctuation. **Inclusions:** Accommodation and leader throughout, gpx file if you would like it to navigate on your phone. **Additional:** Luggage transfers each day are about AUD$15 if you would like it, Bike Rental is about JPY24000 per week, both us extras which add up best get a quote. Rinko Bag is about JPY9990 purchased in Japan

Africultures Festival

Beauty and Adventure! Figure 8 Pool, Start at Otford, finish at Helensburgh!

**We will start at Otford Train Station (meet outside the station on the east side) at 9.30am (train leaves Central at 8.29am from Platform 25 and arrives at Otford at 9.28am).** **From here we will climb a steep hill and cross Lady Wakehurst Drive to arrive at the start of the walking track (if you are driving, there is a car park here, but keep in mind you will need to catch a train back and climb up the hill).** **We will walk along The Cliff Track and stop at Werrong Lookout for a break and then through Palm Jungle along the Coastal Track on the way down to Burning Palms Beach.** **From here we will walk along the rocky coast to Figure 8 Pools where we will have lunch.** **We will return via Burning Palms Beach and the uphill track to Garrawarra Farm Cark Park, which can be quite challenging for some.** **From here we follow the Burgh Track and Hacking River, cross Lake Wakehurst Drive and make our way to Helensburg Train Station.** **We will aim to return to Helensburg Train Station by 3.23pm (when train leaves for Central).** **If we miss the train we can go visit the glow worm cave which is close by.** **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **DISTANCE: About 15 km.** **GRADE: Medium most of the way with one significant climb to Garrawarra Car Park.** **NOTE: There are no get out points. Please let the Host know if you leave the walk.** **IMPORTANT INFORMATION:** · **Be Prepared: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring at least 2L of water (no refill points), and dress for the weather.** · **Follow Instructions: Please follow the instructions of the Host at all times and keep the Host within sight.** · **National Park Rules: We leave nothing behind (even if its organic!) and take nothing with us when we leave.** **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.**