Conservation Volunteering Sydney

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.

What it means to have Mono-, Uni-, or Multiculturalism in Australia

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.

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.

Three Speakers. One Unmissable Night!

The Good Knights hosts events on the first Wednesday of each month. This month they have 3 speakers. 1. **Jeff Bowan -** Financial Literacy, Filling in the Gaps. 2. **Lauren Townsend** \- From the Liberals to One Nation\. A Councillors Journey\. 3. **Josh Leisk** \- Cumulative\, Heritable Toxicity and Impacts on Human Health\. These talks normally have Q&A and are interactive. You can either enjoy food and drinks prior to the event or order and food will be delivered to you during the event.

🌸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 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

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.**

Shady 15km St Ives to Roseville. Garigal NP. Be active, healthy & happy.😎

**Garigal National Park- St Ives to Roseville - 15km** I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which I walk, the Garigal people & pay respect to the Elders past, present & emerging. **🌳8.45am Meeting Place:** **[Gordon Station, Stand A.](https://tinyurl.com/4ykddcx8)** **🌳About:** This is a picturesque walk of the northern end of Garigal National Park with water views most of the way. It has a lot of shady parts along the creek too & is a good warm weather distance. A nice early finish gives you time to do something else on the day. **🌳Route:** From Gordon Station we catch the 197 bus for an 11 minute trip to our starting point in St Ives. We walk down a street and follow a track along Middle Harbour Creek to Davidson Park. To finish we cross Roseville Bridge to the bus stop. There's frequent buses back to the CBD or Chatswood. We should arrive at Roseville around 1.30pm. **🌳Distance:** 15km **🌳Type of walk:** Shady with well established bush tracks & fire trails. **🌳Difficulty:** Easy. There are some rocky & uneven sections. Total elevation is only 190m. **🌳Walking Pace:** We will maintain a steady pace and average 4-4.5 km per hour. **🌳Public** **Transport:** *From CBD.* Depart - 8.00am [Central Station, Platform 16](https://tinyurl.com/bdf9csp5). Arrive - 8.36am [Gordon Station, Platform 3](https://tinyurl.com/465evnpr). *From Meeting Place.* Depart - 8.45am [Gordon Station, Stand A](https://tinyurl.com/4ykddcx8). Arrive - 8.56am [Mona Vale Rd at Kitchener St](https://tinyurl.com/3p9xzfyt). At the end of the walk the [bus stop](https://tinyurl.com/3rk87ben) has frequent buses that take about 15 mins to get to Wynyard or Chatswood. **🌳What to bring:** * Trailwalker shoes with good grip * 2 litres of water, optional hydralytes * BRING LUNCH & snacks. No food to buy on the way. * 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 or Pay ID alternatively. By ***RSVP*** to 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/). ***SAFETY WARNING:*** Please stay away from cliff edges and be very careful when walking on wet and slippery rocks and surfaces. Please stay within sight of the group at all times. ***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. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below or Message me. I look forward to seeing you on this walk. I will post my mobile number closer to the day. **Mark F** 😎

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

🌲⛰️ Popes Glen, Govetts Leap & newly reopened Pulpit Rock Lookout 🌲⛰️

⚠️ FOR YOUR SAFETY & ENJOYMENT, PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION BELOW FULLY BEFORE YOU CLICK ‘Attend’! ******************************************** 🗓 DATE: Saturday, 10 October 2026. ⏰ MEETING TIME: 10.40am. 🚊 MEETING POINT: Blackheath station (start & finish), Great Western Hwy entry/exit. 🌍 Please use Google maps for exact location, not Meetup maps! ******************************************** 🥾 DISTANCE: 16km return. 🥾 GRADE: Moderate on a steady pace, not snail pace! 💪🏽 Reasonable fitness recommended due to uneven rocky surfaces, ups and downs hills, lots and lots of steep stairs, creek crossings, rock scramblings and a bit of bush bashing at few overgrown sections. 💪🏽 Tracks expected to be wet, muddy and slippery in parts. 📸 WHAT TO EXPECT: 🚶‍♂️Upon arrival at Blackheath station, we will proceed immediately on a local roads via Popes Glen and Govetts Leap with amazing views of the waterfalls and Grose Valley in Blue Mountains NP. ℹ️ Pulpit Rock Reserve in Blackheath has now reopened following major restoration works, including improved access, picnic facilities, accessible amenities and upgraded walking tracks. https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/media-centre/pulpit-rock-reopens-after-major-upgrade 🚶‍♀️From the platforms that remain, the view is the one that made Pulpit Rock a favourite. It is an almost 360-degree sweep across the Grose Valley to Govetts Leap and the Blue Gum Forest, with cliff lines stretching out to Mt Banks. https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/pulpit-rock-lookout 🥪 We’ll have a lunch break at the revamped picnic area soaking up the magnificent views with lots of photos and selfies. 🚶Depending on the day, we may visit a “secret cave” on our way back to Blackheath station. Shhhh! 🤫 ⚠️ 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 must assess your own fitness and ability before participating in this event. ✅ You are responsible for looking after your own health, safety and belongings. ✅ You must adhere and follow the instructions from your organiser/s at all times during this event. ✅ You must take personal accountability for your own choices, actions and/or misadventure. ❎ If you’re not sticking with the group or getting lost during the walk, you’re responsible for finding your own way out. The group DO NOT wait for you! ✅ You must also take care not to put other people at risk. ✅ Keep well back from cliff edges at all times, especially when taking photos. ❎ NO facilities or cafes on the trails, so please come well prepared. ❎ NO smoking of any kind on the walk including during photo stops and lunch break. ❎ 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 and guest/s from diverse backgrounds. This is not a dating event. ✅ If something’s come up, please Edit your RSVP to ‘Not Going’ asap at least by 7pm the day before. It’s only take a second!
❎ Late cancellation or No Show would not be tolerated. You will forfeit the opportunity to join my future events! ******************************************** 🎒WHAT TO BRING 🎒 👕 Comfortable outfit for the weather preferably hiking gear. Jeans or cotton t-shirt is not suitable for this walk. 🥾 Waterproof hiking boots or good grip walking shoes/trail runners highly recommended. 💦 At least 1.8L of WATER, Hydralyte or sports energy drinks. 🥪 Snacks and packed LUNCH. 🧢 Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent ie: Bushman or Aerogard and hand sanitiser. ⛑ Basic First Aid Kit ie. BandAids, bandages, antibacterial wipes etc. 🧥 Light raincoat or a poncho just in case of wet weather. 🤩 Great sense of fun and adventure. ℹ️ This is a great article tips on preparation for Day Walk Skills & Gear. Bushwalk Skills 101: https://www.bushwalk.com/article/8398 💵 GRATUITY/CONTRIBUTION: $10 CASH per person for this event to be collected at the start of the walk. ✅ Please bring correct change on the day to speed up the meet and greet. 📲 Or PayID to my mobile: 0405038557. Ref: (your Meetup name) & Pulpit Rock. ******************************************** 🚊 Check Opal Trip Planner for public transport services, weekend trackwork etc. https://transportnsw.info/ 🚗 Carpark on Station Street near the entry/exit or side streets. 🏃‍♂️ Please leave home with plenty of travel time and arrive promptly. If you’re running late, we don’t wait! ******************************************** ✍️ I will update further information during mid week on weather forecast, train schedule from Central etc. Check latest update on comments section before heading out. 📲 Any questions, please send me a TEXT message instead to avoid any confusion with unnecessary updates on comments section. 🌿 Let’s explore and enjoy the great outdoors! 🌿 Norra 😎 📱0405038557 (TEXT & PayID only)

3hr Scenic Cruise of the Port Hacking River

Dive Against Debris x DCM

Kelp Collective is rocking up as a group to Dive Centre Manly's **Dive Against Debris** underwater and beach clean-up. Everything we pull out gets logged as real data for PADI AWARE, which feeds into policy change. Good for the ocean, good vibes, good people 🐙 📍 **Manly Cove or Shelly Beach** — site confirmed closer to the date based on conditions. Both are DCM's adopted dive sites. I'll post the final call and meeting point here, so keep notifications on 🔔 ⏳ Around 4 hours all up, with roughly 45–90 min in the water 🍜 Post-dive feed nearby after for anyone keen. LGBTQ+ divers, allies and first-timers all welcome 🏳️‍🌈 **Ways to join in** * 🤿 Scuba (Open Water cert required) * 🏊 Snorkel or freedive (no experience needed) * 🏖️ Beach clean-up or sorting and recording data on land **Cost** **Free** to sign up. Gear hire is half price on the day, paid directly to DCM: * Own gear or land crew: **FREE** * Snorkeller, full gear: **$25** * Diver, full gear: **$60** **How to join** 1. RSVP here — that's it. I'll pass our numbers to Dive Centre Manly as a group 2. If you want gear hire, drop a comment or message me with your sizes and what you need, and I'll pass it along 3. Happy to book yourself in directly with DCM instead if you'd prefer: [https://divesydney.com.au/dive-against-debris/](https://divesydney.com.au/dive-against-debris/)