Women's Overnight Hike - Great North Walk

• Date Sat, 23 Oct 2021  - Sun, 24 Oct 2021
• Time 8:00 AM  - 2:00 PM
• Location Hornsby, NSW
• Price $390.00 - $410.00
• Organiser Women Want Adventure

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 will 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:

• Meeting location: 43 Clarinda Street, Hornsby (all day parking on the street) Click here to view location
• Meeting time:  8.00am sharp
• Finish time: Between 2-2.30pm
• Grade: Moderate to challenging. There are hills and steps on this track with some uneven terrain
• Fitness: Women should feel confident to be on their feet for a minimum of 6 hours on both days, moderate level
• Pack weight: Between 12-15kg
• Distance: 10.3km (day one) 8.5km (day two)
• Style: Mix of flat footpath, fire trail and single track. The track is a mix of sandstone rock platform, boardwalk, rainforest creek lines, sandy trail and steeps steps.
• Pace: Slow and steady. We will be taking our time and factor in rest breaks
• Age: Women over 18 years only
• Non members: $410 pp, inc booking fee and GST
• Members: $390pp, inc booking fee and GST please email us for your discount code

INCLUDED:

• Tents (sharing with another woman) - You can bring your own if it is lightweight
• Hiking 75L Wilderenss Equipment packs ($30 hire fee)
• Waterproof pack liners
• First aid
• Morning tea both days
• Afternoon tea day one
• Dinner and dessert
• Breakfast and fruit
• 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 cafés
• Gear we have asked you to bring with you on the packing list

HOW FIT DO YOU NEED TO BE?
A good level of fitness is required for this hike. We take regular breaks, stop for plenty of photos and support each other. Expect to be hiking between 4.5-5 hours. Bring your walking poles for extra support up and down steps.
 
WHAT YOU NEED TO PACK:

• Hiking pack (60-70L capacity). Unless you are hiring from us $30
• 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 and thermal bottoms
• Lightweight camp trousers
• Walking boots or shoes
• 2x pair of hiking socks (merino material is best) and underwear
• Camera or phone to take photos
• Phone power bank and cords (optional)
• Personal medication
• Sunscreen and inscet repellent
• Sunglasses and hat
• Warm clothes for the night (you can wear your thermal top)
• Beanie and gloves for cooler nights
• Lip balm & Small packet of tissue
• 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). We also hire for $20
• Thongs or camp shoes

 
 
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.
 

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