Bird Watching Sydney

Monthly bird spotting walk in the botanical gardens: Information only

SSP TUE..Shipwreck Point & Bird Hide

We will shoot some boats including SS AYRFIELD and some BIRDS. Bring your long lens and a tripod for the birds We will break into 2 groups . .Group 1.Boats with Stan or .Group 2.Birds with Ian More info to come **Technical pointers for Bird photography 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 return to Iluka on Baywater for our lunch with alcohol More details to come later.

Malabar Headlands - La Perouse - Whale Watching - Wow!! 15KM Medium

**Malabar 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 even**t 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](https://www.meetup.com/sydney-outdoors-meetup-group/discussions/?eventOrigin=home_groups_you_organize) **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

Whale Watching Southern Migration

HANDMADE SKETCHBOOK WORKSHOP

Whale Watching: Bondi Junction to La Perouse!!! 17km Medium

**Whale Watching Day!!! Bondi Junction to La Perouse 17km (Medium)** We meet at **Bondi Junction Train Station**, at **Bus Interchange F**, by **9:40AM** to catch the **350 Bus direct to Coogee Beach**, and strike out for **Maroubra Beach**, where we have a quick bathroom break. We then head into the amazing **Malabar Headland Walk**, for amazing views out to the **Tasman Sea** and, hopefully, plenty of Whales! We stop for lunch, about 8KM in, at the pleasant beachfront park (with clean bathrooms!) at Malabar Beach. **PLEASE BRING YOUR LUNCH, LIMITED FOOD OPTIONS HERE.** After lunch we have 9KM to go, working around **Long Bay Goal and Little Bay** and onto the spectacular **Botany Bay National Park** for a grandstand finish through to **La Perouse**! A high frequency bus service runs back to the CBD. The ocean front scenery on this walk is stunning! Hopefully we will spot **Humpback whales** during the day; it is likely that we will. We should arrive La Perouse **by 4:00PM**. **Distance:** 17KM **Type of Walk:** This wonderful walk is full of rich variety with fantastic ocean views all the way! **Difficulty:** Medium, because of the distance. **Walking Pace:** We will average 4.5KM per hour. **Meeting Place and Transport:** We meet at **Bondi Junction Train Station**, at by **9:40AM**, at **Bus Interchange Stand F**. Transport back from La Perouse is by bus; it is a high frequency service. **What to bring:** Good walking shoes/boots or trainers; 1.5 litres of water, refill available along the way; hydrolytes; one snack and one lunch; light rain jacket depending on conditions; sunscreen and a cap or hat with a wide brim. **LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES TO PURCHASE LUNCH, SO BRING IT WITH YOU!** **Suggested Donation:** $10 **Pub:** No convenient pub at La Perouse - sorry! **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](https://www.meetup.com/sydney-outdoors-meetup-group/discussions/?eventOrigin=home_groups_you_organize) If you have any 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 :)

🍲 Potluck & Kitchen Gadget Exploration (Thermomix), Northmead, Sat 12 Sep, 5pm

One of the things we love at Kitchen Catchup is exploring food from every angle—not just ingredients and recipes, but also the tools and gadgets we cook with. A few years ago we had a great Air Fryer session, where we got to try out these amazing gadgets and KC members shared tips, tricks and recipes. This time, we're turning our attention to another well-known kitchen gadget: the Thermomix. Our wonderful hostess, **Bhavani**, who some of you may remember from her fantastic **Lazy Girl's** **Sri Lankan Chicken Curry** cooking workshop with Kitchen Catchup, has kindly invited us back into her kitchen. She'll walk us through how the Thermomix works while preparing a delicious dessert treat for us. And of course, if you own a Thermomix, feel free to bring it along. We'd love to see how you use it too, and hear all your favourite tips and tricks, and if you're keen, prepare a tasty creation for us all to enjoy. Every Thermomix owner has their own favourite recipes and techniques, so it'll be fun to compare notes. As always, we'll pair it with what Kitchen Catchup does best: sharing good food together over a potluck. **Logistics :** 🕔 Doors open: 5:00 PM 🍽️ Potluck Dinner begins: \~5:45 PM 🍲 After dinner – Bhavani will demonstrate making a simple dessert with her Thermomix. If other members who have one also want to bring their own Thermomix, this is also a great time to share your favourite recipe, tips and discoveries. **Potluck Menu (to date)...** * Home-made crackers turmeric & tomatoes with onion dip (Natia) * Creamy smoked pork soup with beans & veggies (Amit) * Borani banjan, an Afghan eggplant dish (Ben) * Potato Bake & Bread Rolls (Bhavani) * Portuguese Chicken & Rice (Susan) * Creme caramel (Gina) * Thermomix Dessert (Bhavani) \*Dishes to be added as people's choices on their contributions are shared And we'll have cups, plates, cutlery and serving spoons available, so no need to bring these for your dishes. **What to bring :** * A home-made dish to share for our potluck. \*If you own a Thermomix and would like to bring it along, you're welcome to! 📍 Location Details : The event will be held in **Northmead**. The full address will be sent to confirmed attendees approximately one week before the event. **Public transport** * Train to Parramatta Station, then a bus towards the Hills District. \*Alternatively, buses from the Sydney CBD via the M2, followed by a short local bus ride. **Parking** Street parking is generally available nearby. Kitchen Catchup is all about sharing knowledge, discovering new ideas and bringing people together through food. Whether you're a Thermomix owner, considering one, or simply curious about kitchen gadgets, come along for an evening of cooking, conversation and a delicious shared meal. Cheers, Bhavani & Natia \-\-\- Kitchen Catchup Code of Conduct The Kitchen Catchup community is a space for all members, of all skill levels to, both in person and online, \>\> safely discuss\, cook and eat all types of foods from around the world\, \>\> be treated fairly\, equally and with respect by all members\, and \>\> socialise & learn in an environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination\. If you do not care for a certain ingredient, dish, cuisine or cooking technique (we all have these!), there is no issue with mentioning that you don't like it; however, please avoid negative reactions (verbal or otherwise) that could make other members in the group feel uncomfortable. If any further questions or to raise any concerns from any of our events, please feel free to get in touch with the event and/or meetup organisers. Thanks for helping to keep our community amazing!

🌸🌸CQ🌸WATSONS BAY🌸HARBOUR FORESHORE🌸PADDINGTON RESERVOIR 🌸

MEETING: Circular Quay Wharf 2 🌸✈️🌸 TIME: 10:05, for the 10:15 ferry 🌸⏰🌸 DETAILS: We take the ferry from CQ across Sydney Harbour to Watsons Bay. The walk hugs the Harbour foreshore via Vaucluse, The Hermitage track, Rose Bay, Double Bay, Darling Point, Rushcutters Bay then through historic Paddington to The Reservoir 🌸⛱🌸 LUNCH: Rose Bay, Lyne Park 🌸🍽🌸 COST:💲5️⃣ cash gratuity or (donation)for this walk.💵 🌸💲🌸 DISTANCE: 1️⃣4️⃣kms 🌸🦋🌸 THIS WALK IS GRADED AS: Absolutely stunning! A few ups and downs 🌸☀️🌸 * GET OUT POINTS: the entire way 🌸🚦🌸 TRANSPORT: Ferry to Watsons Bay, bus return to the city from Paddington 🌸✈️🌸 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

Sans Souci - Bay, Boats and a Bridge

One of the Best Hikes in Australia! Classic Grand Canyon Circuit.

**If you don’t like this hike, you won’t like many others. It’s one of the best hikes anywhere in Australia!** **We will start at Blackheath Train Station (meet outside the train station on the Great Western Highway side) at 10am sharp (a train leaves Central at 7:28am from Platform 7 and arrives at Blackheath Station at 9:54am).** **From here we will follow the Popes Glen Track to Govett’s Leap Lookout, where you will see one of the most impressive views in the Blue Mountains.** **After a short break, we will follow the Cliff Top Track to the nearby waterfall with amazing views over the valley until we reach Evans Lookout where we will have lunch.** **After lunch, we will descend down the numerous steps into the cooler Grand Canyon.** **Following the Grand Canyon Track, we will pass waterfalls and tunnels (hopefully see some yabbies in the waterways), and then gradually climb through Neates Glen out to the carpark, about 200 metres higher than the canyon.** **After that, we follow the Braeside Trail up the road, finishing back at Blackheath Train Station.** **We will aim to get finish by 3.30pm, from where we can catch a train back to Katoomba or Sydney.** **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **DISTANCE: About 16 km.** **GRADE: Medium, Grade 3.** **NOTE: No get-out points. Maybe able to call an Uber from one of the lookouts, but not sure. Please let the Host know if you leave the walk.** **IMPORTANT INFORMATION:** · **Be Prepared: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring 2L of water (refill points at lookouts) and dress for the weather. I would recommend hydralyte tablets, snacks, lunch and sun protection.** · **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.**

September Meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club

Come along to our **September 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:\*\* Coal loader cafe **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.

Cowra cherry blossom and Canola Fields weekend escape

Amazing opportunity to experience BOTH the yellow Canola fields out in Country NSW along with cherry blossom at the Cowra Japanese Garden! Learn about the Japanese internment at Cowra and the famous breakout... Plus Ben Hall bushranger (Highwayman), Aboriginal Murals under the Cowra Bridge, Cowra lookout, Canonwindra plus much more. A Saturday afternoon cruise through outback NSW exploring the back roads from Woodstock to Cowra with plenty of stops along the way for photographic opportunities of the fields of gorgeous yellow flowers from the Canola plant amazing and you should see at least once in your lifetime. Maybe we also will see the purple flowers of Pattisons Curse beautiful purple wildflowers named, as cattle cannot eat it. Accommodation is at Cowra Motor Inn twin share rooms with private bathroom, same sex and very comfortable and clean, includes continental breakfast! Transport is by 25 seat minibus limited to a maximum of 21 travellers. Pickup will be Central Station at the kiss n ride Railway Colonnade Dr, Haymarket NSW 2000 Please pack light, 1 small carry on sized bag plus a day pack. Cowra Japanese Garden: [https://www.cowragarden.com.au/](https://www.cowragarden.com.au/) Inclusions: Transport throughout the trip from Sydney by 22 seat minibus, 2 nights at Cowra Motor Inn motel or similar in twin share same-sex rooms with ensuite (no bunks etc) entrance to Cowra Japanese Garden Please advise your name and mobile number along with dietary requirements at the time of RSVP to [david@discoverytravel.com.au](mailto:david@discoverytravel.com.au) Price for the weekend is $550 per person plus fuel is by kitty to reduce cost $20 collected on day 2 as required after but should be enough depending on events in Iran. Single supplement rooms are limited and first in first served. $180 for single room. Payment made to: David Matthews bsp 923100 account 66684937 reference your meetup name also send me full name as ID & mobile number. No refunds will be offered unless the trip is cancelled by Aussie Explorers however if a waitlist is in place you may find a replacement from the waitlist. Will require 8 attendees to run the trip... 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 and do not walk in front of the leader. If you get lost you are on your own and must find your own way out. 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)]([https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers](https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers))