About us
Outdoor adventure group, based in Sydney and venturing far beyond!
Upcoming events
13
Black Forest & Alsace Hiking Adventure – 2026
Location not specified yetI’m thrilled to announce our next international hiking adventure!
PLEASE NOTE: This region books out very fast - we’ll need to make our reservations early to keep the group together.
This time, we’ll explore two incredible regions - the mysterious Black Forest in Germany and the beautiful wine country of Alsace in France.
We’ll hike through forested valleys, medieval villages, and scenic vineyards, ending each day in comfortable hotels or small guesthouses. Our luggage will be transferred between accommodations during our walks, so we can simply enjoy the trails.
The trip will start in Zurich and end in Colmar, and here’s our intended itinerary:
Day 0 (Sat, 29 Aug) - Arrival in Zurich, meet for an introduction dinner and get to know your fellow hikers.
Day 1 (Sun, 30 Aug) - Transfer to Villingen-Schwenningen, an easy start to our adventure. We’ll meet at Zurich Central Station and travel together to Villingen-Schwenningen, where we’ll stay for a couple of days and take short trips to enjoy the first glimpses of the Black Forest.
Day 2 (Mon, 31 Aug) - Exploring the Black Forest Towns, we visit a few small, charming towns that truly capture the spirit of the region.
Day 3 (Tue, 1 Sep) - Triberg & the Open Air Museum, discover Triberg, home of the famous cuckoo clocks. The 1000 Clocks shop is practically a museum in itself! Later, we’ll visit the fascinating Black Forest Open Air Museum, a preserved village showcasing traditional wooden architecture unique to this region.
Day 4 (Wed, 2 Sep) - Transfer to Blumberg, we’ll pack up and head to Blumberg, a romantic little town perched above the Wutach Gorge. Enjoy a cozy dinner at a rustic inn - perhaps homemade Spätzle and a local beer?
Day 5 (Thu, 3 Sep) - Wutach Gorge Hike, we hike through sparse forests into the dramatic Wutach Gorge. Trails follow the river closely, with occasional steep climbs for stunning views. End the day at Schattenmühle, then take a short transfer to Löffingen or Bonndorf for the night. Distance: 22 km | Ascent: 400 m | Difficulty: Moderate
Day 6 (Fri, 4 Sep) - Haslach Gorge & Robber’s Castle, today’s trail brings both challenge and reward with steep ascents and descents through rocky outcrops like the “Räuberschlössle” (Robber’s Castle). We finish in Fischbach/Schluchsee, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Distance: 19 km | Ascent: 720 m | Difficulty: Moderate
Day 7 (Sat, 5 Sep) - To St. Blasien, leaving the gorges behind, we’ll enjoy sweeping views from Bildstein, where the Swiss Alps and Feldberg appear on the horizon. The day ends in St. Blasien, known for its grand cathedral and picture-perfect valleys. Distance: 21 km | Ascent: 400 m | Difficulty: Moderate
Day 8 (Sun, 6 Sep) - Transfer to Ribeauvillé, Alsace (France), after breakfast, we say goodbye to the Black Forest and head across the border to Ribeauvillé, a lively and picturesque Alsatian town filled with half-timbered houses, medieval towers, and cozy wine cellars. Don’t miss a visit to the Cave de Ribeauvillé for a taste of the region’s famous white wines.
Day 9 (Mon, 7 Sep) - Ribeauvillé to Kaysersberg, we walk through rolling vineyards, past charming villages, and into Riquewihr, a beautifully preserved medieval town. Continue along balcony paths to Château de Kaysersberg, descending into the award-winning town of Kaysersberg, voted France’s Favourite Village (2017). Distance: 11 km | Ascent: 300 m | Difficulty: Easy
Day 10 (Tue, 8 Sep) - Kaysersberg to Turckheim, walk through authentic Alsatian villages such as Ammerschwihr, Katzenthal, and Niedermorschwihr, passing vineyards tended by local winemakers. End the day in Turckheim, another historical gem. Distance: 10 km | Ascent: 200 m | Difficulty: Easy
Day 11 (Wed, 9 Sep) - Turckheim to Eguisheim, a short uphill climb leads us into tranquil forest and vineyard paths with views of the Black Forest on one side and castle ruins on the other. Arrive in Eguisheim, one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, famous for its circular streets, flower-decked houses, and fountains. Distance: 12 km | Ascent: 200 m | Difficulty: Easy
Day 12 (Thu, 10 Sep) - Departure from Colmar, after breakfast, a short private transfer (10 min) will take us to Colmar train station. Our official tour ends here - but you might want to stay a little longer to explore this fairytale town of cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and the Gothic Église Saint-Martin.
Price: AU$3,200 per person (double room), AU$3,800 per person (single room)
Included: 11 nights’ accommodation (Day 1–12), All transfers and local transport during the trip, Luggage transfer during walking days (Days 4–8 and 8–12)
Not included: Flights/travel to and from the trip, Lunches and dinners (we’ll eat at local pubs and cafés along the trail)
To RSVP, please email matthew.vinokur@hotmail.com with your:- Full name (as per your passport)
- Mobile number
You’ll receive payment details upon confirmation.
Payment terms:- 20% deposit (non-refundable) to secure your spot
- Balance due 80 days before departure
If you’re unable to attend, you may arrange for a substitute participant.
Join us for an unforgettable walk through forest trails, medieval wine towns, and the quiet beauty of two of Europe’s most scenic regions.
By RSVPing to this event you (and your guests) agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of SOMG which you can view here: https://www.meetup.com/sydney-outdoors-meetup-group/messages/boards/thread/53245383.
Important notes: Please be aware itinerary may change due to many factors, every effort will be made to adhere to original itinerary however circumstances beyond our control may result in a changed itinerary/accommodation. Prices are subject to currency fluctuation until finalized.16 attendees
Spring Weekend! Newcastle - Ocean/Harbour/Whales - 15KM/14KM Medium/Hard
Newcastle, Various locations - see weblink, Sydney, AUSpring Weekend! Newcastle - Ocean/Harbour/Whales - 15KM/14KM Medium
WEEKEND GETAWAY IN THE AMAZING PORT CITY OF NEWCASTLE!
SATURDAY: From Newcastle Beach we head up to King Edward Park for a grand view of this wonderful city. We track south, along some amazing beachfronts and take a bathroom break at the heritage Mereweather Ocean Baths.
More stunning ocean fronts lead to Glenrock Lagoon and our lunch break. NO FOOD HERE: BRING YOUR LUNCH.
After lunch we go bush through to Dudley Beach and Awabakal Nature Reserve which ends at Redhead Beach, where we find Club Redhead for a refreshment while we wait for our bus back to Newcastle CBD.
Distance: 15 km
SUNDAY: From Newcastle Beach we go historic Fort Scratchley, Newcastle Breakwater and Nobby's Lighthouse. Its then a short ferry ride ($2.50, Opal Card) across to Stockton where we explore the Hunter River and stop for lunch at the local Club. After lunch, we explore Stockton Breakwater, the Shipwreck Walk and Pirate Point before taking the ferry back to Newcastle.
Distance: 14km
Type of Walk: Sealed pathways, well-formed bush tracks and NOT TO BE MISSED!
SOUTHERN HUMPBACK WHALE MIGRATION IS IN FULL SWING AT THIS TIME, SO WE WILL BE KEEPING AN EYE OUT FOR OUR BIG FRIENDS!
Difficulty: Medium
Walking Pace: We will average 4.5 km/hr.
Meeting Place and Transport: We commence each day's walking at 9:30AM from Newcastle Beach Light Rail Station, Scott Street Newcastle.
What to bring: Trail runners/trainers; 1.5–2 litres of water, no refill; hydrolytes; two snacks and one lunch; light rain jacket depending on conditions.
Suggested Donation: $50
Pub: TBA
By RSVPing to this event, you (and your guests) agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of SOMG which you can view here:
Sydney Outdoors Meetup Group Discussions
Questions? Please ask in the comment section, below. I shall update and provide my mobile number closer to the date.
Cheers,
Ted :)
9 attendees
Spring Bushwalking Waterfall- Woronora Dam - Heathcote ! 24km Hard
Waterfall Train Station, 1900R Princes Hwy, Waterfall, AUSpring Bushwalking Waterfall- Woronora Dam - Heathcote! 24km Hard
Meet at Waterfall Railway Station by 8:50AM and head to the bush to find Woronora Dam.
The walk sections are:
- Bush walk to entrance Woronora Dam Road: 6KM
- Access Road to Woronora Dam, lunch break with free BBQ if Members wish to cook: 8KM
- Bush walk out to Heathcote along Pipeline Track: 10KM.
This walk is a real surprise packet, not to be missed.
Distance: 24kms
Type of Walk: Mix of access roads, fire trails and bush tracks. A few moderate climbs.
Difficulty: Medium/Hard. No get-out points.
Walking Pace: We will average 4.5 km per hour
Meeting Place and Transport: Meet at Waterfall Railway Station, by 8:50AM, the regular train service from Central arrives at 8:45AM.
What to bring: Trail runners/boots/trail runners; 2 litres of water, refill at Lake Woronora; hydrolytes; one snack and one lunch; light rain jacket depending on conditions; sunscreen and a cap or hat with a wide brim.
Suggested Donation: $10.
Pub: Bottle Shop at Heathcote.
By RSVPing to this event, you (and your guests) agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of SOMG which you can view here:
Sydney Outdoors Meetup Group Discussions
Questions? Please leave a comment below. I look forward to seeing you on this walk. I will post my mobile number closer to the day.
Ted :)
12 attendees
Malabar Headlands - La Perouse - Whale Watching - Wow!! 15KM Medium
Maroubra Beach, New South Wales, AUMalabar Headlands - La Perouse - Whale Watching - Wow!! 15KM Medium
Meet outside Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club (regular buses from the City and Bondi Junction Station stop immediately adjacent, on Marine Parade) by no later than 10:30AM. From here it is a brisk walk south to join the trails which take us into Malabar Headland Park, which we traverse through to Malabar Bay and on to Little Bay, where we stop at the historic Coast Hospital Precinct for our lunch break. THERE ARE SOME FOOD SHOPS HERE OR BRING YOUR OWN FOOD.
After lunch we skirt around the local golf clubs and enter the Botany Bay National Park for a fantastic bush walk through to La Perouse, Bare Island and the La Perouse Museum for those interested in the local History.
Many great opportunities to spot Humpback Whales migrating back to the Antarctic on this walk!
Distance: 15km
Type of Walk: Pathways, bush tracks
Difficulty: Medium
Walking Pace: We will maintain a steady pace all day and will average 4.5 km per hour.
Meeting Place and Transport: Meet outside Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club by no later than 10:30AM. Buses back to Bondi Junction Train Station or the City depart from La Perouse every 15 minutes or so.
What to bring: Good walking shoes/trail runners; 1.5 – 2 litres of water, refill available at lunch; hydrolytes; snacks and one lunch; light rain jacket depending on conditions.
Suggested Donation: $10
By RSVPing to this event you (and your guests) agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of SOMG which you can view here:
Sydney Outdoors Meetup Group Discussions
Questions? Please leave a comment below. I look forward to seeing you on this walk. I will post my mobile number closer to the day.
Ted
22 attendees
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