About us
Howdy Hikers! MJ here. I'm a Chicago fella now in Sydneytown living in the CBD (Central Business District)... NOBODY knows Sydney better than I do, cause she's my girl / my lover... Cool bars. Amazing hikes. Great places to eat. Yup. I know it and love it all.
WE HIKE... to THE BAR. We don't "just hike", and we don't "just get drinks" - we curate cool, fun, and memorable days. If you hear yourself saying... "I fancy time in Mother Nature exploring beautiful hikes / walks in Sydney while meeting interesting people. I want to check out some new bars and 'cheers' to our journey with a wine, beer or cocktail at the finale..."
... then welcome to the group. Jump into an event, and let's have some fun.
See you soon! MJ
We’re a super fun hiking group, but there are a few ways to get nudged out of the group or an event:
a) “No shows” on the day. Honour your RSVP! It’s about manners;
b) Excessive cancelling your RSVP. Commit, then show up – people want to hike with you;
c) Misrepresenting your health & fitness. It’s a safety issue that affects me, you, and all other hikers;
d) Attending social events when you’re not a hiker. We connect in Mother Nature, and sometimes we do cheeky / fun events. Get to know us while hiking; and
e) Unkindness to fellow hikers. You won’t gel with everybody (which is fine), but if I keep hearing about “Person X”, well… they will be shown the door.
(The leader of "We Hike... to the Bar" is an experienced walker / hiker but he is not a professional hiker [less "Bear Grylls" and more "Beer Grills"], and he does not hold himself to be a professional. Whilst it is his intention to run each event at the highest possible safety standards ultimately the responsibility for your safety and well being will at all times be up to you. Pack wisely - sunscreen, water, First-Aid supplies, etc... When you RSVP for an event, you declare you are fit, healthy, and able to hike that event. When you RSVP for an event with "We Hike... to the Bar" you are automatically agreeing to indemnify the organiser from any liability for yourself and/or your possessions. Hiking is an inherently risky activity and you participate at your own risk.)
Upcoming events
7
HIKEtoberfest! SUNSET @ MIDDLE HARBOUR - THE AUSTRIAN CLUB! Octoberfest!
Wynyard Park, 1001 York St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia, Sydney, AU"MJ, how in the fahk did you find this schnitzel place?"
Just wait. I know you're gonna say those exact words when we walk through the doors...I love this short yet challenging hike(s). I love this restaurant. It is October, so let's celebrate with a sunset hike to the best European schnitzel in Sydney!
THE HIKING – EATING – DRINKING PLAN:
First, the bus. The 172x leaves Wynyard Stand A (corner of Carrington Street and Margaret Street) at 436pm. Tell your boss you've gotta "drop tools" at 415pm, and meet us there. If you miss this bus? You miss the event (or an expensive Uber to catch up). The bus drops at Seaforth Oval 513pm... quick change / bathroom for those who need it, and off we hike at 530pm (drivers read below).Middle Harbour Hiking 4kms. Middle Harbour is stunning, and The Bluff Lookout is the prize at the top that’s not to be missed. When we leave Seaforth Oval, you will not believe how Mother Nature has carved this trail and caves so close to suburbia (and The Austrian Club). It’s the perfect start to build up some hunger Octoberfest. The Bluff Lookout Sunset is the finale, and it's 300m away from our Austrian destination. Yet be aware – sure it’s close to Sydney’s CBD – but this trail has ascent and will be a bit challenging (from Harbour level to 153metres - you'll earn your beer).
Please join our whatsapp group HERE - all members for this hike must join.
The Austrian Club. Wait ‘til you see this schnitzel haus – you’ll feel like you’re in rural Austria. It’s so authentic, so friendly, and so delicious. We found this delightful joint quite a while ago, and no shit a week later it appeared in GOOD FOOD Sydney Morning Herald, and they loved it. Their MENU IS HERE. The local government donated land to the Austrian community, and they built an authentic home that's not to be missed.
When we leave, we'll jump back on the bus - no doubt some will share an Uber too. The bus is a little tricky, but I've got it worked out / will explain on the nite.
The LOGISTICS:
a) Be on time. Be safe. Be fit for the ascent.
b) 172x Bus drops right at Seaforth Oval, our meeting point. There's parking there too, but smart drivers would park at The Austrian Club and $10 Uber (or 141 Bus down) to our starting point then hike to their car.
c) Cancels (day before or on the day) / no shows. Nope. Don’t do it. The Austrian Club has my credit card for the reso, and the workers are volunteers – if you RSVP “Attend” then show up.
d) $10 for this one. Cash or PayID.
e) Bring good energy. Bring mates or dates. Chat. And laughs. Let's have some grand fun in Mother Nature.
g) Again, please join our whatsapp group HERE, so we can all find the starting point.See you for a beautiful and fun nite-hike! MJ
In pressing the “Attend” button for this hike, you acknowledge that:
a) You are healthy and fit to complete the hike describe;
b) You have read and will follow NSW National Parks Bushwalking Safety Guidelines for this hike;
c) You have no chronic / underlying health issues that deter you from completing this hike;
d) You understand your host is just that – your host, not a professional hiker – and that you and you alone are responsible for your hiking health, safety, and wellness;
e) You’ve been advised to download the “Emergency Plus App” and
f) You’ve been advised to obtain individual hiking insurance from 1Cover.7 attendees
SCULTPTURES BY THE SEA 2026! Sunset Rooftop Happy Hour then Nite-Coast-Hike!
Coogee Pavilion, Ground Floor, 169 Dolphin St, Coogee NSW 2034, Coogee, AUWe start with Happy Hour on one of the prettiest rooftop venues in Sydney... Coogee Pavilion. Arrive when you can (I'll be there at 5pm), and it gives you a 645pm chance to lean in on some drinks and a bite during Friday sunset - gives all hikers time to arrive before 7pm hike start, 8kms Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach. Sunset pics... a quiet yet chatty hike / walk under the stars listening to the waves - sounds like a delicious and delightful way to end the week.
Sculptures by the Sea is on... I've never done it at nite. Could be cool.
Drink & snack after in Bondi Beach? Sure. Let's do it.
JOIN THE WHATSAPP GROUP FOR THIS EVENT HERE, only after you hit the "Attend" button.THE DETAILS.
A) Gratuity $10 cash / PayID. All the usual rules (or lack thereof) and fun.
B) Newbies are welcome! But of course I'll check out your profile / see if you've cancelled on us before - I've put my credit card down for your reservation after all.
C) Make sure you've got a camping night light or enough fuel in your mobile to use your flashlight for 2hrs (spare battery might help).
D) Try to get there closer to 530pm to 7pm, eh?Nite hike! Will be fun :) See you there. MJ
19 attendees
2026 WHALE TRAIL: Narrabeen to "Sunday Sippers" at Bilgola Beach!!!
Narrabeen B Line Bus Stop - Lake Side, Pittwater Road, Narrabeen, Sydney, AUOkay team... Mother Nature and her rain said "NO" today yet we still had a laugh, drink, and another drink. So? We try again, as this hike / bar is too good to miss out on...
We looooove our Sydney trails that treat us to secret beaches. We love finishing our events at secret bars you’d never find! What about an event… a stunning hike that finishes at a secret beach bar with a band that starts at 4pm bringing us right into a glorious sunset?
On August 30, we did this hike but from the other way… Palm Beach down to Bilgola, and let me say this… SUNDAY SIPPERS AT BILGOLA SLSC IS ONE OF THE COOLEST LITTLE BARS IN ALL OF SYDNEY!!! It’s RIGHT on the beach. It’s only open once a month. This bar is unforgettable (burger, beer pic is from Bilgola SLSC). Don’t miss this HIKE!
THE HIKE. Narrabeen Beach to Bilgola Beach - 13.5kms.
We'll meet at the bus stop in North Narrabeen (CLICK HERE for exact point where 199 bus drops) - we'll discuss it in the whatsapp chat too). The 199 bus stop is there, then we'll cross the road and check out the rockpool then head into Narrabeen Headland which gives the most spectacular views south.Onward we go to Turimetta Beach (10/10 breathtaking) and Lookout… to the Turimetta Headland Reserve, Warriewood Lookout & Blowhole, Warriewood Beach (again gorgeous), then to Mona Vale Beach (voted 6th best in the world, Conde Naste)…
North of that? Basin Beach. Bungan Beach.... these two are truly beautiful. We'll climb out of Bungan then head to Newport Beach... around the headland is Bilgola Beach, and we'll descend down some lovely stairs right onto the sand where Bilgola SLSC lies.
(Edit: Apologies in advance. This hike will get FULL. I have to let those that have been on many hikes in on seniority.)
13.5kms in total. Beach walk. Inclines. And all the rest. Fitness required for this one. The B1 bus / 199 bus are our friends all day to start, get home, and even provide some outs if you want to stop hiking and meet us at the pub. If you parked your car at the start (there is free parking but DIY research) it's super easy to bus back south. Post-pub the 199 bus is literally up the stairs from Bilgola and runs every 10minutes.
We'll arrive at the pub about 320pm (330pm opens)... I get it. It's Sunday. If you want to leave? That's okay. One drink. Stay longer? All options are open...
See you for one of my favourite Sydney hikes and definitely my favourite (new) secret bar! MJ
AN AD FROM THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT.
September!!! Here's what's on in We Hike... to the Bar:
5th Saturday… Macmasters Beach to Killcare to Hardy’s Hideaway
6th Sunday… Blue Gum Loop Hornsby & New Quarry
12th A Hike, Sunset & ABBA
13th SPIT BRIDGE TO MOSMAN ROWERS!
17th Byron Bay – 21st Byron Bay
26th Saturday… Cronulla to Cook @ Kurnell (Coming Soon)
27th Sunday… Secret Beaches to Sunday Sippers at Bilgola Beach SLSC (my new, fav hike and bar of 2026)
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THE DETAILS.
WHATSAPP. You’re not 100% confirmed until you’re in the whatsapp group. Join it 'cause we love it, and we use it! Click on the link (above) – if not, sadly you’ll be removed from the event on MeetUP.
Cancels / No shows. Treat your RSVP like a restaurant reservation. No show / cancel on the day? That restaurant is my hiking group – you won’t be welcomed in the future. Respect and manners matter as I put my credit card down for your reservation. Double booked with another group? Come on… be kind.
Gratuity. $15 PayID or Cash.
Safety. Let’s chat, let’s have some laughs… but let’s be safe.
Fitness. Yup. Fitness matters for all of our hikes – especially if we are going into National Park.
Guests. Bring mates, dates, co-workers.
Good energy, smiles, and laughs… Bring ‘em all! You’re joining the most fun hiking group in Sydney.In pressing the “Attend” button for this hike, you acknowledge that:
a) You are healthy and fit to complete the hike describe;
b) You have read and will follow NSW National Parks Bushwalking Safety Guidelines for this hike;
c) You have no chronic / underlying health issues that deter you from completing this hike;
d) You understand your host is just that – your host, not a professional hiker – and that you and you alone are responsible for your hiking health, safety, and wellness;
e) You’ve been advised to download the “Emergency Plus App” and
f) You’ve been advised to obtain individual hiking insurance from 1Cover.
g) Over 60yrs old, and new to the group? Send me a note first please.45 attendees
"WOW" Session: 12kms Flat Rock Gully to Spit Bridge! "Cheers" @ Pub to Finish!
Artarmon Station, Hampden Rd, Artarmon NSW 2064, Australia, Artarmon, AUOver the past 3 years, I hope I’ve earned your trust when I say things like:
a) “You are going to looooove this bar”; and
b) “Wow. This hike is a secret gem you’ve gotta try.”Well, this hike … is a really, really cool session all hikers in this group should experience.
THE HIKE. Artarmon Station to Spit Bridge
At first, I didn’t know what to hike to plan, so I went on my hike-map creator app and just started connecting dots from Artarmon Station… east… via this creek. Via that park. Via this neighbourhood. And onward down to Middle Harbour which then linked to Spit Bridge. Looked like a nice 12kms through the middle of Sydney, but who knows eh?Then we hiked it.
28 of us hiked it on 11 October, and not one hiker had done the entire journey prior to. At the end? “WOW what a great, beautiful hike / never seen this pretty side of Sydney” echoed throughout. It’s truly a sneaky gem of a session – we were all surprised at the beauty from start to finish.
(TEAM: AFTER YOU HIT ATTEND, COME BACK HERE AND CLICK ON THIS LINK TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP. IT’S A MUST TO JOIN THIS EVENT. I’LL BET $1,000 SOMEBODY WRITES ME AND SAYS “I CAN’T FIND THE LINK TO WHATSAPP IN THE EVENT”… AND WELL. HERE IT IS DUMMY!) CLICK HERE PLEASE? PLEASE! ALL SAID WITH A SMILE.
Artarmon to Flat Rock Creek to Tunks Park and Middle Harbour, this hike zigs and zags out of gorgeous bushland and beautiful homes / architecture in the lower north shore. The finale is a lovely coastal, bush hike down to Spit Bridge where the bus will get us to the pub (to be named later – but it’s 100% on).
There are some ups, some downs. But Artarmon (85metres above sea level) to Spit (sea level) is a downhill walk / hike.
More in our group gotta see this 12kms Middle Harbour stunner. Get in there like swimwear. 1015am start (yes, a sleep in), and we'll finish hiking at 130pm, pub by 145pm.
See you soon. MJTHE LOGISTICS.
a) Gratuity $15 Cash or PayID on the day.
b) Let's try to start hiking by 1015am absolute latest.
c) Last minute Cancels and No Shows... I'm not even going to say it.
d) Have a backpack filled with... well, you know all this shit by now. Make a list. Be safe. Be smart.In pressing the “Attend” button for this hike, you acknowledge that:
a) You are healthy and fit to complete the hike describe;
b) You have read and will follow NSW National Parks Bushwalking Safety Guidelines for this hike;
c) You have no chronic / underlying health issues that deter you from completing this hike; and
d) You understand your host is just that – your host, not a professional hiker – and that you and you alone are responsible for your hiking health, safety, and wellness; and
e) You’ve been advised to obtain individual hiking insurance from 1Cover.28 attendees
Past events
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