WE HIKE. WE WALK... to the BAR. Social Sessions in Sydney

"Spion Kop Hike is my favourite on the Central Coast..."
There are hikers, and then there are hiking nurds that love it so much they make a website documenting their hikes with pics and maps and directions to share with the internet world. When those hiking nurds utter the words above? You've gotta respect their opinion... then you've gotta hike the hike. Let's do it.

SPION KOP. THE HIKE.
I can't write too much about this hike cause I've never done it. But the caves, the views, the bush, the coast... it looks beautiful. Not too far is my personal favourite from 2024, MacMaster's Beach to Hardy's Hideaway - so the terrain must be similar and stunning.

(Edit - Wow just found another website. Look at these pics: https://hikingtheworld.blog/2022/02/12/spion-kop-brisbane-water/ )

The full hike is "Point Clare Station to Spion Kop to Woy Woy (The Bayview Hotel)". It's meant to be a challening hike - 14.5kms from the map. And the beauty is it's a station to station hike which will suit drivers and public transporters alike.

THE OTHER STUFF.
a) Don’t be late.
b) The cost. The hike is $10. Cash or PayID.
c) Honour Your RSVP. No shows on days like these are… well, not on at all. It's anti-social. You’ll be nudged out of the group.
d) Fitness. Fitness matters. There will be ups. Downs. Trail. Rocks. This is proper hiking. Pack water and snacks and some First Aid stuff that you might require.
e) Transport. Central Station to Point Clare leaves at 848am, and it arrives 1011am. Quick coffee / piss break to start, and off we go. Driving? Woy Woy has plenty of free parking, then jump on the 1003am Woy Woy train to join the rest of the group... easy hike back to your car at the end.
f) The Bayview Hotel. Last time up this way, we had some balcony drinks here. It's a lovely spot to "Cheers" after a challenging hike, and it's steps from the Woy Woy train station.
This will be an amazing day of hiking, views, food, drinks, and damn good fun. See you soon for another gem of day. MJ

When your local pub shuts down for 2 months to renovate... it's like your dog runs away with zero trace of the furry pal. You sulk. You cry. You look at other dogs and into other bars, but you just can't...

Well "woof woof" - that hound has returned. On Friday 16 May, The Sporting Globe by 4 Pines is re-opening, and I'll be there for it with a beer in hand don't you worry about that. A superb Happy Hour will be on. My 20% VIP discount card will be in my pocket. Keen to join me and wet the whistle?

THE DETAILS.
Who: You. Me. Other hikers in the group. Fun fuckers alike.
What: Sunset drinks on the water with cheeeeeap prices.
Where: Sporting Globe by 4 Pines, King Street Wharf, 22 The Promenade, Sydney NSW 2000.
Why: To get loose on the drinks and talk shit and laugh.
When: Friday 4-7pm.
Cost: $0 to attend. Last Happy Hour prices were: $6 schooners, house wines, and basic spirits, plus $10 cocktails from 4-7pm.

Look on my Event Page for past drinks Meetups. You'll see great reviews such as:

- "Why do I have a $900 charge on my credit card from 'Bare Assets'?"
- "Tequila. Never. Ever. Again."
- "First drink was in Sydney. How did I wake up in Brisbane? 5stars."

More details coming soon. I'll reserve some space / have a code word you can tell the bouncer to scoot right in.

My dog is back! Come pet him with me. See you there. MJ

Howdy friends. A "Hike the Entire Harbour Series" has been on my mind for some time... Keen to join? Interested? Move into the "yes" column so I know this series has some legs - then I'll plan it out each weekend. Three weekends... Sydney Harbour + Captain Cook's Landing Point.

Hike 1, Dee Why Beach to Manly Wharf 17kms
Hike 2, Manly Wharf to Mosman Wharf 22kms
Hike 3, Mosman Wharf to Woolloomooloo Wharf 16kms
Hike 4, Woolloomooloo Wharf to Watson's Bay 17kms
Hike 5, Watson's Bay to Coogee Beach 15kms
Hike 6, Cronulla Beach to Captain Cook's Landing Spot 14kms

101kms in total over 3 weekends with beaches, beers, waves, food, and fun along the way. Do one hike, do three hikes, or get fit and drunk and do them ALL! Personally, this about a) accomplishment, b) quality exercise, c) fun beers with cool people, and most importantly d) appreciating Mother Nature along with the most beautiful fucking city in the world.

Interested? RSVP YES for now, and be on the lookout for proper events. Thanks! MJ

VIVID 2025... it's almost that time of the year. I can tell you this - what excites me more, is my local pub (Sporting Globe by 4 Pines) refurbished and reopening! Let's mix in a cocktail crawl and feed two birds with one scone.

355pm... Meet point is the queue at The Caterpillar Club. What a fantastic joint this is, and it's got the best Happy Hour in the CBD. Cocktails are $10-$12, and their $16 burger is easily one of the best in the city. And there's more food / drinks on offer at Happy Hour prices.

445pm... Next door is Centro 86, a basement tequila bar - another great spot. Chilli margaritas are $12, and they are damn good. We leave at 530pm sharp.

From there, it's a short walk to Wynyard Station then it's a 7min train to Milson's Point Station. If you want a drink, it would be wise to pack a roadie drink... We'll walk / be right under Sydney Harbour Bridge at 559pm when the lights go BANG at 6pm. 620pm is the Milson's Point Ferry to Barangaroo, arriving 634pm. 10min walk, and our reservation at Sporting Globe by 4 Pines is at 645pm. I have a VIP card, and (already cheap) pints are cheaper with my 20% off card.

As the ferry glides, there will be perfect photo opportunities of Sydney Opera House lit up... the ferry will be crowded; we will get separated. When we are dropped at Barangaroo it will be even more crowded. It will be very hard to keep the group together - so pleeeeease google maps Sporting Globe by 4 Pines and make your way straight there if you lose sight of me. Check in with the bouncer as "I'm with MJ's Hiking Group".

At each spot, I'll spin the Wheel of Fortune with all names on it to see who wins a Happy Hour drink - my treat! Only those that follow "Rule A" below are entered.

The Rules:
a) $10 Cash Only for this one. You have enough time to find a blue note.
b) Please don't be late. Please honour your RSVP.
c) Dress appropriately. Caterpillar Club is a nice, nice place as is Centro 86. No Bogan-gear or Eshay bullshit. You might not get in.
d) The timing is tight, but they don't call me Beer Grills for nothing. Trust me - it will work. Stay close to the host, and don't get lost - the CBD will be heaving with people. If you do get lost, refer to the times above then send me an SMS.
e) Get loose get loopy... but lads let's be kind to the ladies. We're a hiking group - not a pick up group. Keep it cheeky / semi-classy.
f) Finish up time is unknown... up to you all!

See you soon under the lights. MJ