Women's Overnight Hike Great North Walk - August

Welcome to Overnight Hiking

It actually doesn t mean walking during the night! - It means learning how to prepare, pack and enjoy a weekend away camping under the stars.

If you love getting outdoors on hikes and want to put your training to the test , this is the perfect overnighter with Women Want Adventure.

The Great North Walk:

The Great North Walk runs from Sydney to Newcastle in New South Wales. The main track, 250 kilometres in length, runs between the Obelisk in Macquarie Place in Sydney to Queens Wharf Tower in Bicentennial Park in Newcastle and is well sign-posted.

On this trip we walk the section from Hornsby to Berowra station, a total distance of 16km. The walk includes a stunning variety of wildlife and scenery and is a fabulous overnight experience.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

* How to prepare for an overnight hike

* Packing tips and tricks

* Outdoor cooking (prepared for you)

* Responsibilities and safety

* Setting up camp

ABOUT THE HIKE:

This two-day overnight adventure follows the Great North Walk from Hornsby to Berowra Station, staying overnight at the waterside Crosslands Reserve. You ll pass sandstone cliffs, creeks and shady eucalyptus trees.

On the first day you will cross bridges and waterfalls as we make our way to the first break at Tunks Ridge rest area for a cuppa. From here we pass over Berowra creek, following the stunning trail riverside before reaching the nights camp at Crosslands Reserve with a toilet block.

There is water at camp so you don t need to carry a heavy load. Sit back and rest your legs or go for an explore around the reserve as your guide prepares afternoon delights and dinner.

On day two you will wake to the sound of birds and fish jumping. After a hot cuppa and filling breakfast, the group sets off past the stunning mangrove estuaries. With a slow and steady climb, we reach the lookout to appreciate the 3.8km just walked. It s a beautiful view for photos. It s then back on an open fire trail for 3km to Berowra Station for a train ride back to Hornsby.

Once at Hornsby we will go past the cafes for a cuppa to celebrate the trip together before walking a short 10 minutes via the road back to our cars.

DETAILS:

• Date: 29th -30th August 2020
• Meeting location: 43 Clarinda Street, Hornsby (all day parking on the street)
• Meeting time: 8.00am sharp
• Finish time: Between 2-2.30pm
• Grade: Moderate to hard. There are hills and steps on this track with some on even terrain. There are also easy fire trail sections.
• Fitness: Women should feel confident to be on their feet for a minimum of 5 hours on both days
• Pack weight: Between 11-13kg
• Distance: 10.3km (day one) 8.5 km (day two)
• Style: Mix of flat footpath, fire trail and single track. The track is a mix of sandstone rock platform, boardwalk, rain forest creek lines, sandy trail and steeps steps.
• Numbers: Only 9 places available
• Pace: Slow and steady. We will be taking our time and factor in rest breaks
• Age: Women over 18 years only

INCLUDED:

• Tents (sharing with another woman) - You can bring your own if it is lightweight
• Hiking 75L Wilderenss Equipment packs if needed for hire. Must indicate when booking
• Waterproof pack liners
• First aid
• Morning tea both days
• Trail snack bags
• Afternoon tea day one
• Dinner and dessert
• Breakfast and fruit
• Morning tea day two
• Tea, coffee and milk
• All eating utensils
• Cooking gear and pots
• Camp lights
• Group tarp
• Group ground mat
• Emergency communication (PLB)
• Toilet gear
• NSW National Park Eco Pass Licensing and permits
• Photos of your trip posted in a private Facebook Page

EXCLUDED:

• Travel on trains (please bring your Opal card)
• Coffee purchases at caf s
• Gear we have asked you to bring with you on the packing list

WHAT YOU NEED TO PACK:

Hiking pack (60-70L capacity). Unless you are hiring from us $15

Sleeping bag (-5 or more) View example

Sleeping mat (insulated) Please do not pack a yoga mat. View example

Water (You need to carry minimum 2L). We suggest a 2L bladder + and a 1L water bottle for two separate carriers

Head torch with spare batteries

Wet weather (waterproof jacket with hood very essential)

Fleece jumper

1x hiking shirt (merino material is best. Cotton is not great to walk in)

Long sleeve shirt

Gaiters (optional)

Thermal top (very essential)

Thermal bottoms (very essential)

Lightweight camp trousers

Walking boots or shoes

2x pair of hiking socks (merino material is best)

Underwear

Camera or phone to take photos

Phone power bank and cords (optional)

Personal medication

Sunscreen

Sunglasses (sunglasses straps are handy)

Hat

Insect repellent

Warm clothes for the night (you can wear your thermal top)

Beanie

Lip balm

Small packet of tissues

Warm gloves if hiking in winter

Swimmers if willing for a drip in warmer months

Small travel and quick dry towel

Personal blister pack

Toothbrush and paste

Toiletries

Ear plugs

Rubbish bag (for dirty or wet items)

Hiking poles (optional - very useful up the hills and steps)

Thongs or camp shoes

*If you are unsure about any items above, click on the example links to assist you or email us at womenwantadventure@outlook.com.

WHAT S ON THE MENU?

We don t give away all our secrets. Expect to be eating wholesome and fresh wraps + delicious snacks. Our home made Anzac biscuits are famous along with afternoon delights. We love healthy food and veggies. Your guide will show you how food is best prepared for light weight packing so you can go home with helpful tips. Of course, soup, coffee and tea is plentiful.

We cater for most dietary requirements (not preferences), please inform us when booking.

Please contact us at womenwantadventure@outlook.com if you have any questions about this trip. We hope you will be able to join us.

Website: www.womenwantadventure.com.au

Contact: womenwantadventure@outlook.com

FAQ's

How old do I need to be to attend this trip? Women Want Adventure Trips are for women only, and over the age of 18 years.

How physically fit do I need to be to attend this trip, I'm afraid I'll hold the group back. This trip is suited for women who are comfortable walking up steps and hills. The pace is still slow and we stop for rest breaks on the way. It's not a good idea to attend if you have an injury or not comfortable curry a heavier pack for over 4-5 hours.

What is the average age of women attending? Women between 25-65 years.

Can I bring my own snacks? Yes of course, however we have plenty of food for everyone.

What type of toilet facilities will there be? There are bathrooms at the train station and at camp.

I didn't get a spot on this trip as it sold out. Will there be another one and when? Yes. Make sure you are on our Newsletter list for the latest updates via our website.

COVID-19:

At Women Want Adventure, your safety is our first concern.

In addition to our trip hygiene protocols, we have additional safety measures before you begin your trip. These include pre screening women to ensure they have not visited any hotspot Covid location with 14 days. When you arrive, we require women to comply with the following: Please reconsider your need to attend the weekend if you have;

• returned from overseas within the last 14 days
• returned from an identified hotspot anywhere in Australia, especially Victoria
• respiratory illness symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath
• been in close contact within the last 14 days with a confirmed case of COVID-19

When you come on a trip, we need you to practice social distancing and hand hygiene for the protection of others attending - and for your own health, too.

Cancellation due to COVID-19:

If restrictions change before your departure affecting your trip, you will be notified by us via email. Your trip will be postponed to a later date. If you cannot attend the later postpone date, you will receive a full refund, minus the $12 booking fee.