Part A: Sydney 1 April to 6 April

Part B: The Blue Mountains 6 April to 11 April

Sydney is the gateway to Australia! With such iconic locations as the Harbour Bridge, the Harbour itself, the Opera House, the Blue Mountains and some of the best beaches in the country, it needs no introduction. But did you know that Sydney has some magnificent day hikes in and around the city?

This trip will take you to Sydney for some of the best day hikes in New South Wales, before heading out to the sensational Blue Mountains, which has some of the best hiking in the country.

This trip is very unique for a YHA Bushwalking accommodated trip, in that you can join when you like and leave when you like. You can elect to do the Sydney part only, or the Blue Mountains part only, or both parts.

 

Covid-19 Restrictions

At the time of writing (June 2020), it is uncertain what the Covid-19 situation will be in April 2021, however we are planning this trip with the expectations that:

• Some level of Covid-19 restrictions still will be in place.
• We will be able to travel to and from Sydney via plane, car, train or bus.
• We will be able to stay in the accommodation planned.
• We will be able to travel around Sydney and the Blue Mountains using public transport (train, bus, ferry).
• We will follow all health guidelines as advised at the time by state and federal governments, including social distancing, good hygiene practices.
• Anyone who is concerned about the Covid-19 risk and/or is not prepared to observe all health guidelines as advised at that time should not be joining us on this trip.

 

Accommodation

We plan to stay in the following YHA venues in Sydney and the Blue Mountains:

Part A:  Sydney Central YHA from Thursday, 1 April to Tuesday, 6 April 2021 (check-out)

Part B:  Blue Mountains – Katoomba YHA from Tuesday, 6 April (check-in) to Sunday, 11 April 2021.

Note that on Sunday 11^th April, there may be an option to do a walk on this day for those who are willing and able to return a day later on Monday 12^th April (this will depend on whether all 5 hikes planned in the Blue Mountains are open in 2021 – we will advise early in 2021).

For this trip, you will need to book your own bed/room and pay the YHA venues directly. This means you can arrive when you like and can leave when you like. You can also choose to just do part of the trip or the whole trip.

You can book your own private room if you wish (that would be the safest option if Covid-19 is still a threat).  If it is considered safe at that time to share a room with someone else, you can book a bed in a twin room or a dorm room (up to 4 people) and we will arrange with the YHA for you to share your twin or dorm room with other walkers from our bushwalking group, so you won’t have to share with anyone not with our group. We will request that dorm rooms be same gender, but that cannot be guaranteed.

Any cancellations will be between you and the accommodation provider. YHA venues have very reasonable cancellation policies.  You can check their website at the time of booking.

You are also welcome to arrange your own accommodation at another venue if you prefer. However, you will need to ensure you arrive on time for the hikes themselves.

 

Transport

You are responsible for arranging and paying for your own transport to and from Sydney and Katoomba. It is expected that most of our group will fly to Sydney and take the train to and from our accommodation. However, feel free to travel any way you wish.

Regarding transport between our accommodation and each day’s hike, we plan to use public transport and/or walk, however you may choose to travel by car (your own or a hire car) if you wish but be warned that Sydney roads are generally more congested than ours.

 

Itinerary Summary

Thursday, 1 April 2021: Arrive in Sydney

Friday, 2 April 2021: Sydney Opera House to Manly (22kms, 6-7hrs, rated M)

Saturday, 3 April 2021: Ku-ring-gai Chase NP – Wahroonga to Berowra (16-17kms, 6-7hrs, M-H)

Sunday, 4 April 2021: Berowra to Cowan via Berowra Waters (13kms, 6hrs, M-H)

Monday, 5 April 2021: Royal National Park Coast Track (18kms, 7hrs, M-H)

Tuesday, 6 April 2021: Rest day with travel From Sydney to Katoomba

Wednesday, 7 April 2021: National Pass: Overcliff-Undercliff track, Den Fenella Circuit, Wentworth Falls (5kms, 3-4hrs, M-H)

Thursday, 8 April 2021: Prince Henry Cliff walk + Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway (11kms, 6hrs, M-H)

Friday, 9 April 2021: Rodriguez Pass Walking Track * (12kms, 7hrs, M-H)

Saturday, 10 April 2021: Prince Henry Cliff walk + Leura Cascades Fern Bower + Dardanelles Pass Loop (12-13kms, 6-7hrs, M-H)

Sunday, 11 April 2021: Return to Melbourne OR Ruined Castle * (6.6km, 4-5hrs, M-H) Walking Track and return Monday 12 April.

 

* Note: At the time of writing (June 2020), the two tracks marked with * are closed due to fire damage, however we will assess the situation early 2021 and provide an alternative if this track hasn’t re-opened.

 

Trip Leaders

The hike leader will be Craig B.  The trip organiser will be Doug M.

 

Booking

Full details about the trip are available in the trip flyer (13 pages). To obtain a copy, contact the trip organiser via the Enquiry button below.

Booking will be required for this trip when bookings open later this year.  Once bookings have opened, you will need to submit a booking request below. Once your request has been submitted, the trip organiser will confirm your acceptance onto the trip via an email. You will then need to keep the organiser informed of your plans for accommodation and transport. Please ensure you have the required hiking fitness for the planned walks before booking in – read the trip flyer in full.

 

Booking Fee:

Members $0,  Non-members $10.

As explained above, you will need to book and pay for your own accommodation and transport.

 

Still have questions?

Check out Joining a walk and your safety

Check out What happens on a walk.

Check out Weekend and extended walks.

Contact the leader using the “Enquiry” button.

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