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Women's Great North Walk Overnight Hike // 24-25 June 2023

Our Larger Trips

Summary

If you're looking for an overnight hike near Sydney, you're in luck! This is one of those hikes close to Sydney that feels remote (but is easily accessible via public transit). A standout favorite is The Great North Walk - part of it, anyway!

New South Wales' Great North Walk runs from Sydney to Newcastle. It's 250 kilometres long, running from Macquarie Place in Sydney to Queens Wharf Tower in Bicentennial Park in Newcastle. This trip takes us from Hornsby to Berowra station, a total distance of 16km. Get your pack on, lance up your shoes, and come stay the night with us in the wild!

What You'll Learn

  • Preparing for an overnight hike
  • Tips and tricks for packing
  • Cooking outside (prepared for you)
  • Safety and responsibilities
  • Camp setup

Gallery

Details

This two-day overnight hike follows the Great North Walk from Hornsby to Berowra Station, staying at the waterside Crosslands Reserve. Along the way, you'll pass sandstone cliffs, creeks, and eucalyptus trees.

We'll cross bridges and waterfalls on the first day as we make our way to Tunks Ridge rest area for a cuppa. After passing over Berowra creek, we follow the stunning trail riverside until we get to Crosslands Reserve with toilets. As your guide prepares evening delights and dinner, you can kick back and relax or go exploring the reserve. 

Upon waking up on day two you'll hear birds and fish jumping, and smell coffee! After a hot cup of coffee and breakfast, the group heads out past the stunning mangrove estuaries. As we climb steadily, we get to the lookout to admire the 3.8km we just did. You'll find a nice platform at the top of the hill, so take a moment to take pictures and enjoy the view. After that, it's back to the open fire trail for 3 km to Berowra Station for the train ride back to Hornsby. At Hornsby, we'll grab a cuppa (if you like) then walk 10 minutes back to our cars.

Details

  • The location is at 43 Clarinda Street, Hornsby (street parking all day) Click here to check it out
  • We're meeting at 8 a.m.
  • We'll finish between 2.30 and 3.30 the following day
  • The grade is moderate to challenging. This track has hills and steps and some uneven ground
  • Fitness: Women should be able to hike 5-6 hours a day with an overnight pack
  • Weight of pack: 15-17kg
  • The distance is 10.3km (day one) and 8.5km (day two)
  • Women over 18

* All prices are per person and listed in Australian Dollars (AUD). All prices shown are GST inclusive where applicable.

Inclusions

INCLUDED:
  • Tents: We provide tents, and sharing with another woman depends on availability. You may bring your own lightweight and suitable tent for overnight hikes. Please inform us during booking if you plan to bring your own.
  • Pack liners that are waterproof
  • First aid kit for the group
  • Both days, morning tea
  • Day one of afternoon tea
  • Dessert and dinner
  • Fruit and breakfast
  • Milk, tea, and coffee
  • Utensils for eating 
  • Pots and pans for cooking 
  • Lights for camp
  • Tarps and ground mat
  • Communication in an emergency (PLB)
  • Gear for the toilet
  • Licensing and permits for NSW National Park Eco Passes 
  • Your trip photos on a private Facebook page 
EXCLUDED:
  • Taking the train (bring your Opal card)
  • Cafe coffee purchases
  • Transport to the start place
  • It's optional, but highly recommended to get travel insurance 
  • Pre/post hike accommodation
  • Sleeping mats
  • Sleeping bags
  • Hiking packs (available for $40 hire)

Grading

Grading: Moderate

While you don't need previous overnight hiking experience, you'll need to be healthy and in reasonable shape. Our goal is to get comfortable carrying a load on our backs, take regular breaks, and support each other. You'll be hiking between 5-6 hours on moderately graded terrain. For extra support, bring your walking poles.

Getting ready for this trip requires regular aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week. Taking those steps while carrying a pack is great for training!

If you're not sure about your fitness level, please contact our team.

FAQ

Absolutely! It is quite common for women to book on their own and join our trips without knowing anyone else beforehand. In fact, this is a key aspect of our community and the reason why many women choose to book individually. Our trips provide a wonderful opportunity to make new friends who share similar interests, such as hiking and planning trips. On the majority of our adventures, participants arrive without prior acquaintances.

We understand that feeling nervous is natural, which is why we have created a helpful YouTube clip here specifically addressing this topic. We encourage you to watch the video to gain some insights and reassurance before embarking on your adventure.

We prioritise providing wholesome and fresh meals during our trips. You can expect delicious wraps and a variety of tasty snacks. Our Anzac biscuits and afternoon delights are particularly renowned. We emphasise healthy food options and incorporate vegetables into our meals. Your knowledgeable guide will demonstrate how to pack lightweight and nutritious food, ensuring you receive helpful tips to enhance your hiking experience. Rest assured, we offer soup, coffee, and tea as well.

Please note that while we strive to accommodate various dietary requirements, we regret to inform you that we are unable to cater specifically for FODMAP diets on our overnight hikes. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any further concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Women Want Adventure Trips are specifically designed for women over 18. The average age of women attending our trips is 45, and we welcome participants ranging from their mid-20s to late 60s. While age is not the determining factor, we prioritize mobility and fitness levels. We have observed that many women in their early 60s, who engage in regular training and walking, excel on our trips. Your ability to make the most out of your adventure is primarily influenced by the efforts you put into preparing at home.

Yes, of course, but we've got food for everyone.

At camp, there are flushing toilets.

Check out our terms and conditions here.

Reviews

Emily Scott 22/02/2023
    5 / 5 rating

Brilliant time! Thanks team!!! 👭🌿

I went on this hike with a group of friends and it was an unforgettable experience. The scenery was stunning and the guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great time exploring Crosslands Reserve in the evening and waking up to the sound of the birds in the morning. The climb to the lookout was challenging but the view was worth it. I would definitely recommend this hike to anyone looking for a fun and rewarding outdoor adventure.

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