Bikepacking Sydney

HIKEFit_EXpress - Summit Sessions

**Feeling unsure about hiking?** You’re not alone. Many new hikers worry about endurance, steep trails, or what gear to use. **HIKEFit_EXpress – Summit Sessions** is designed to help you start hiking confidently — at your own pace — while building fitness, strength, and trail skills. ## **What You’ll Do in Each 60-Minute Session** **40 Minutes of Guided Hiking** * Explore beginner-friendly local trails * Build stamina gradually without feeling overwhelmed * Enjoy the outdoors in a supportive, encouraging environment **20 Minutes of Strength & Balance Training** * Exercises to support hiking muscles * Improve stability, flexibility, and injury prevention * Perfect for all fitness levels ## **Learn More Than Just Fitness** In **Summit Sessions**, you’ll also: * Get essential **gear tips** for safe and comfortable hikes * Discover **local trails** perfect for beginners * Learn about **longer hikes and international treks** so you can plan future adventures with confidence * Connect with a friendly community of fellow new hikers ## **Why Join HIKEFit_EXpress – Summit Sessions?** * Build endurance and strength **gradually**, without pressure * Gain confidence to tackle your first 2–3 hour hike * Learn skills that make hiking enjoyable and safe * Start your mornings energized and inspired

Nakasendo Way Japan by E Bike

Nakasendo Way by E Bike Tokyo to Kyoto about 500 km of cycle paths, back roads and forest paths, medium grade cycling made easier by modern E Bikes Cycling about 50km per day crossing two mountain passes, amazing scenery and fabulous ancient well preserved villages, think Megome and Tsumago plus Kiso Valley for those amazing thatched roof houses. Mountain views, rolling hills and the lakes of Suwa and Biwa the latter Japan's largest lake and we get to cycle around 2/3 of it on fairly flat cycle paths! Please ask for a full itinerary including day by day cycling and KM, accommodation At the time of RSVP please email david@discoverytravel.com.au your name and mobile number failure to do so at time of RSVP you will be moved to not going! Price is $2450 per person twin share plus bike hire as below. Deposit is non refundable and change and or cancellation fees apply for any cancellations, ask for details. Luggage are not included can be forwarded each day or over several days to reduce cost as remote cycling at its best! Bike racks and bags can be rented too. You are welcome to bring your own bike! **Cycling:** Bike hire is not included standard road bikes aprox jpy19000 per week Ebike aprox JPY24000 per week see link for more details [https://cycletrip.jp/ja/item_detail.html?s=471](https://cycletrip.jp/ja/item_detail.html?s=471) (The giant E Bikes are fabulous and comfortable to ride, fitting is extremely important) *Most days can be shortened or skipped by train if you wish* **Rinko bag:** These are required to take bikes onto trains, wheels need to be removed to fit into the bag and shoulder carried onto trains (We can mix in and help each other) Rinko bags can be pre purchased on Amazon or in Japan at Mont Bell (fabulous Japanese outdoor store) [https://www.montbell.com/jp/en/products/detail/1130425](https://www.montbell.com/jp/en/products/detail/1130425) **Cycling:** I suggest e bikes but if you are a hard-core cyclist welcome to take a road bike, Japan is a fabulous country for bike packing. Itinerary may change. This is an international travel trip and travel insurance with unlimited medical cover, including existing conditions is compulsory. By RSVP this meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers which can be found here: [https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/](https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/) Aussie Explorers organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup, leaders try to ensure the safety and well-being of members at all times however as this is a weekend away travelling, exploring different areas and hiking in the great outdoors accidents happen, please take responsibility for your own safety and your belongings. Deposits are non-refundable, final price is subject to currency fluctuation. **Inclusions:** Accommodation and leader throughout, gpx file if you would like it to navigate on your phone. **Additional:** Luggage transfers each day are about AUD$15 if you would like it, Bike Rental is about JPY24000 per week, both us extras which add up best get a quote. Rinko Bag is about JPY9990 purchased in Japan

IN PERSON! Apache Kafka® x Apache Flink®Meetup - Oct 2026

Hello everyone! Join us for an Apache Kafka® meetup on **Oct 13th from 5:30pm**, hosted by Mantel in Sydney! The address, agenda, and speaker information can be found below. See you there! **Venue**: Mantel Level 21, 580 George St, Sydney NSW 2000 \*\*\* **Agenda:** * 5:30pm: Doors open * 5:30pm - 6:00pm: Pizza, Drinks, and Networking * 6:00pm - 6:30pm: Jaehyeon Kim, Senior Data Engineer, Kasada * 6:30pm - 7:00pm: Chris Arthur, Customer Success Engineering Manager, Confluent * 7:00pm - 7:30pm: Additional Networking \*\*\* **Speaker:** Jaehyeon Kim, Senior Data Engineer, Kasada **Talk:** From Prototype to Production: Building a Real-Time ML Feedback Loop with Kafka and Flink **Abstract:** While many platforms power real-time decisions, most machine learning workflows remain stubbornly batch-oriented. This session presents a practical case study on redesigning an offline Python-based recommendation prototype into a highly scalable, real-time contextual bandit system built entirely on Apache Kafka and Apache Flink. We will explore how Kafka serves as the backbone of the feedback loop by managing real-time event ingestion and user feedback streams. From there, we will dive into how Apache Flink performs continuous, stateful online model training directly within the stream. Join this session to learn how to safely manage ML model state inside a distributed stream processor, decouple continuous Flink training from low-latency serving, and successfully integrate online learning workloads into your event-driven architectures. \-\-\-\-\- **Speaker:** Chris Arthur, Customer Success Engineering Manager, Confluent **Talk:** Atomic Writes Across Kafka and Your Database: What KIP-939 Changes **Abstract:** If you've ever built a system that writes to both Kafka and a database, you've hit the dual-write problem: how do you guarantee both writes succeed or fail together? Today's answer is usually the outbox pattern — a reliable but heavyweight workaround involving extra tables, pollers, and CDC pipelines. In this talk, we'll cover what 2PC participation actually means for Kafka's transaction protocol, how it differs from Kafka's existing exactly-once semantics, and what this unlocks for teams building event-driven systems that need real atomicity between Kafka and external stores. \*\*\* If you would like to speak or host our next event please let us know! community@[confluent.io](http://confluent.io/)

Out West Again

**Out West Again** This is a 298 kms scenic five day ride mainly on paved country roads with 90 kms of gravel starting on 26 October, 2026 This is a ride for **experienced club members** who enjoy rural areas and a little adventure. You need to book your own accommodation as soon as possible. As unexpected delays on the road are possible you need to carry a minimum two litres of water and lunch for each segment. No coffee stops just a picnic or three! Unless I can find a driver we will have to carry all our own luggage so pack like a squirrel. *Any friends interested in being a luggage driver and tourist while we ride?* Day 1: You get yourself to Eugowra by 10.30 AM on 26/10 and cycle 48 kms to Parkes. Perhaps stay at Bushman’s. I will drive up Sunday afternoon. Cars will be parked near the Eugowra Cafe for free over the week. We have done this before without incident. Arrive Parkes by bike in the evening. Day 2: Cycle 48 kms Parkes to Forbes and explore. Perhaps stay at the Ben Hall Motel. Day 3: Early start to cover 68 kms to Grenfell via paved road staying at Grenfell Hall. Mainly flat with plenty of rest stops. Day 4: Ride the 75 kms to Canowindra, perhaps staying at Eddy’s. Plenty of rest stops over the 6 hours of riding. Quite flat! The road is mainly sealed and we might get coffee at Gooloogong. Day 5: 30 October, an early start. The final day we ride 59 kms back to Eugowra, **all unpaved** for 6 hours of riding. Collect your car and drive the main road back to Canowindra (34 kms) and spend the night as there is no accommodation at Eugowra or drive to Sydney (not recommended).

Starlight Trail Hike

Social Backgammon Night

**Come along for our weekly social backgammon night! 🎲** **We accept players of all levels and play each other socially. If you don’t know how to play, we can teach you.** **Follow our Instagram for more updates @sydneybackgammon**

Spring Cycle - Bicycle NSW

**Bicycle NSW Spring Cycle - Sunday October 11, 2026** Come along in Bike Leichhardt jerseys (or not) to ride 50 klms over the Harbour bridge along a dedicated route to Sydney Olympic Park. There is also a 10 klm route too. For full details - go to their website to find out more and register for the ride. Do it soon to get the early bird discount. https://www.springcycle.com.au/home Note there is a cost payable to Spring Cycle to attend. Its a great opportunity to enjoy a route open only once per year and to show the public as well as local, state and federal govts that cycling is a mass participation activity (and thus deserving a better share of roads and transport funding). Those who want to can meet at the start at St Leonards Park to ride as a group. Easiest way to get there is get the Metro to Victoria Cross and exit the station at the northern end then walk up the hill to St Leonards park near North Sydney Oval. We can enjoy coffee and lunch after the ride at Parramatta Park. Its a great way to promote our club and to encourage more of the public to enjoy cycling. Bring family and friends too. Go to the website now, https://www.springcycle.com.au/home to register and pay for your participation.

🌸CQ🌸WATSONS BAY🌸BONDI BEACH🌸COOGEE BEACH🌸

MEETING: Circular Quay Wharf 2 🌸✈️🌸 TIME: 10:00 for the 10:15 ferry to Watsons Bay 🌸⏰🌸 DETAILS: This is one of the best walks in Sydney, with glorious harbour and/or beach views the entire way. Watsons Bay-Diamond Bay-Bondi Beach-Tamarama, Clovelly, Gordon’s Bay, Coogee Beach with several spots to enjoy a beverage at the finish 🌸⛱🌸 LUNCH: Bondi Beach 🌸🍽🌸 COST:💲5️⃣ cash gratuity or (donation)for this walk.💵 🌸💲🌸 DISTANCE: 1️⃣4️⃣kms 🌸🦋🌸 THIS WALK IS GRADED AS: Spectacular, and hopefully the odd 🐳 🌸☀️🌸 GET OUT POINTS: the entire way 🌸🚦🌸 TRANSPORT: Ferry to Watsons Bay, return Bus to the City 🌸✈️🌸 GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING: 🌸💃🌸 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING A FRIEND PLEASE MESSAGE ME, unfortunately only the 2 legged kind, and not the 4 legged kind are included. 🌸🥰🌸 I am always open to suggestions if there is a destination/hike/walk you’d like to do…just message me 🌸 👣🌸 A heads up for newcomers and first timers. Our walking group is a fabulous Melting Pot of cultures, backgrounds, professions and life experiences. We love our Walks. We are INCLUSIVE OF EVERYONE………if you’re: kind, nice, fun, polite and respectful. 🌸😘🌸 On that note…. In recent times my walks are at capacity, which I’m capping at 40. Regulars, regardless of numbers are always welcome….just PM me if you’re on a waitlist. 🌸♥️🌸 We walk at a medium pace of 4kms per hour, stopping for breaks and to take in the views. It is a reasonable expectation that the group stays together. It is your responsibility to stay in line of sight. If you cannot walk at this pace, I will let you know of the next get out point. This is not negotiable. 🌸🐌🌸 As this is a walking group, bikes, ebikes, scooters, escooters, and pogo sticks are not compatible or welcome. 🌸👣🌸 Grading for my walks:
Easy: Mainly flat, suburban, loads of get out points, up to 14kms.
Easy-Medium: some stairs, a few uneven surfaces, up to 15kms.
Medium: Stairs, rocks, coastal beaches/sand, ups, downs, get out points limited, up to 17kms
Medium-Hard: uneven surfaces, need to take extreme care and be hike fit. Few get out points. Tracks, uneven surfaces, steep inclinations and limited resources. 🌸👯‍♀️🌸 WALKING GUIDELINES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 🌸✍️🌸 Carry sufficient food and water (2 litres) for the expected conditions of the walk. Pls don’t separate from the group, unless you let someone know, preferably me. The waitlist is completely discretionary….reliable regulars will ALWAYS be included. 🆗……….If you are a no show, you will not be welcome to join a future walk with me. (It’s a courtesy kind of thing). If people are on the waitlist, it is also very inconsiderate. Marking yourself as “Not Going” within 2 hours of departure does not allow reasonable time to notify anyone on the waitlist. 🌸🙅‍♀️🌸 On the odd occasion, the walk may change from the schedule, due to weather, unforeseen track obstacles OR emergency situations. 🌸🤞🌸 Please make sure your conversation is always courteous to other group members. 🌸😍🌸 PS…. IF YOUR ID PIC IS OF A COFFEE CUP, YOUR DOG OR CAT, A VIEW, and not a picture of you…You’ll stay waitlisted. 🌸❌🌸 SAFETY WARNING: Please stay away from cliff edges and be very careful when walking on wet and slippery rocks and surfaces. Stay within sight of the group at all times. 🌸🔴🟢⚫️🟠🔵🟡🟣🟤🌸 DISCLAIMER: Your health and safety is our priority, we take care to minimize risk and avoid accidents and injuries. However, Organizers and Hosts are not responsible for your health and safety and do not accept any liability for accidents and injuries that may occur during Meetup activities and events. Please take responsibility for your own safety and belongings. By RSVP to this event you and your guests agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the Aussie Explorers Meetup group which can be found in the link below: https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/pages/28346396/Terms_and_Conditions_of_joining_Aussie_Explorers 🌸☀️🌸 HAPPY WALKING 🍃🌸🌿🌸🌿🌸🍃 xxLisa

Beauty and Adventure! Figure 8 Pool, Start at Otford, finish at Helensburgh!

**We will start at Otford Train Station (meet outside the station on the east side) at 9.30am (train leaves Central at 8.29am from Platform 25 and arrives at Otford at 9.28am).** **From here we will climb a steep hill and cross Lady Wakehurst Drive to arrive at the start of the walking track (if you are driving, there is a car park here, but keep in mind you will need to catch a train back and climb up the hill).** **We will walk along The Cliff Track and stop at Werrong Lookout for a break and then through Palm Jungle along the Coastal Track on the way down to Burning Palms Beach.** **From here we will walk along the rocky coast to Figure 8 Pools where we will have lunch.** **We will return via Burning Palms Beach and the uphill track to Garrawarra Farm Cark Park, which can be quite challenging for some.** **From here we follow the Burgh Track and Hacking River, cross Lake Wakehurst Drive and make our way to Helensburg Train Station.** **We will aim to return to Helensburg Train Station by 3.23pm (when train leaves for Central).** **If we miss the train we can go visit the glow worm cave which is close by.** **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **DISTANCE: About 15 km.** **GRADE: Medium most of the way with one significant climb to Garrawarra Car Park.** **NOTE: There are no get out points. Please let the Host know if you leave the walk.** **IMPORTANT INFORMATION:** · **Be Prepared: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring at least 2L of water (no refill points), and dress for the weather.** · **Follow Instructions: Please follow the instructions of the Host at all times and keep the Host within sight.** · **National Park Rules: We leave nothing behind (even if its organic!) and take nothing with us when we leave.** **RSVP Responsibly and Be Ontime at the Designated Meeting Point: Update your RSVP if you can’t make it.** **GRATUITY: $10 applies to this event which can be paid in cash on the day or PayID is 0439 344987 Cristian Sylvestre.** **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **DISCLAIMER: Your health and safety is our priority and we take care to minimize risk and avoid accidents and injuries.** **However, Organizers and Hosts are not responsible for your health and safety and do not accept any liability for accidents and injuries that may occur during Meetup activities and events. Please take responsibility for your own safety and belongings.** **By RSVPing to this event you and your guests agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the Aussie Explorers Meetup group which can be found in the link below:** **[https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers](https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/pages/28346396/Terms_and_Conditions_of_joining_Aussie_Explorers)** **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **Any questions or concerns, please send me a TEXT message (0439 344 987) rather than unnecessary updates on the comments section.**

The Sydney Gelato Circuit - Milson’s Point to Leichhardt!

**It's getting hot, it's that time of the year! Gelato time!** **We will stop at a minimum of 4 gelaterias, among the best Sydney has to offer.** **If you love gelato, this is the walk for you! Not only do you get to have as much as you want, but you get to use up the calories by walking them off.** **We will start at Milson’s Point at 9.30am.** **From here we will walk across the Harbour Bridge and around the coastline to Barangaroo, where we find our first stop, Rivarino Gelateria (I will think there is something drastically wrong with you if you don’t try and like their gelato).** **There is also an alternative near-by, Anita's Gelateria.** **From here we will head to the Fish Markets for Cow and the Moon Gelateria where we will stop for a 30 minute lunch. You can bring your own food, but why do that when you can have even more gelato!** **From here we will go to Tramsheds where there is Gelato Messina and then (if we are able to) we will walk through some parks in Annadale to Norton Street in Leichhardt at our final stop, Bar Italia or Lunetta Gelateria.** **Each gelateria stop will be around 15 mins (depending on the cues) and there is no obligation to have a gelato at every stop (although you will need to have at least one during the day).** **A bus from from here will take us back to the city.** **No problem if you are lactose intolerant, discreet “fluffing” is not encouraged but allowed as long as no one complains about you on the day!** **We will aim to finish without a feeling of overindulgence or indigestion by 3.30pm.** **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **DISTANCE: About 16 km, pretty flat.** **GRADE: Medium, mainly because of the distance (I could have made it shorter but we have to burn the calories gained from the gelatos somehow).** **NOTE: Plenty of get-out points, just let the Host know if you leave the walk.** **IMPORTANT INFORMATION:** · **Be Prepared: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water (refill points available), and dress for the weather.** · **Follow Instructions: Please follow the instructions of the Host at all times and keep the Host within sight** · **RSVP Responsibly and Be Ontime at the Designated Meeting Point: Update your RSVP if you can’t make it.** **GRATUITY: $10 applies to this event which can be paid in cash on the day or PayID is 0439 344987 Cristian Sylvestre.** **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **DISCLAIMER: Your health and safety is our priority and we take care to minimize risk and avoid accidents and injuries.** **However, Organizers and Hosts are not responsible for your health and safety and do not accept any liability for accidents and injuries that may occur during Meetup activities and events. Please take responsibility for your own safety and belongings.** **By RSVPing to this event you and your guests agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the Aussie Explorers Meetup group which can be found in the link below:** **[https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers](https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/pages/28346396/Terms_and_Conditions_of_joining_Aussie_Explorers)** **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **Any questions or concerns, please send me a TEXT message (0439 344 987) rather than unnecessary updates on the comments section.**

WE HIKE... to the YACHT PARTY OF 2026!!!

**WE HIKE TO THE YACHT PARTY 2026** **SATURDAY, 17 OCTOBER 2026** **(Yup. That pic is our yacht! Look at it!)** Here we go team... you asked for it. We provide it. Last year was super, super fun. We Hike to the Bar has doubled in size, so *"You're gonna need a bigger boat..."* So. We got a bigger boat. More fun. More chaos. More memories. Newbies, guests feel free to join in - always more fun if you come on a hike with us leading up to the event. Here we gooooooo! **SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:** 10AM: \*\*3HRS (OPTIONAL) SYDNEY HARBOUR HIKE 1PM: \*\*ONE HOUR TO CHANGE, BYO FOOD, BYO DRINKS. 2PM: \*\*DEPART KING ST WHARF ON WHITEHAVEN 5PM: \*\*ARRIVAL KING ST WHARF 530PM: *AFTER PARTY AT HELM BAR, OUTDOOR TERRACE* [ALL PAYMENT DETAILS, ETC WILL BE DISCUSSED IN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP. CLICK ON THIS LINK - YOU MUST JOIN (if you registered your interest you are already in there).](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ig0MHnm7TLFFC1rupyF28N) **WHITEHAVEN** (55 foot Catamaran, up to 70 hikers, 2 spacious decks, lounge seating, quality sound system, swim ladder) **PRICE: $110**. Payment info will be in the whatsapp group. Includes the hike, the yacht + 2x wharf fees, BYO food fee, BYO booze fee, 3x staff fee, BBQ fee. I’ll bring 1x sausage / bun for all, crisps, and salads for the vegetarians. *Sorry no refunds, but tickets are transferable (expecting a waitlist for this one)!*

"Seaforth Safari" Manly-Fairlight-Manly-Vale-Seaforth-North-Balgowlah-Best-13k!

**WHY WALK?** 1\. Why this walk? Surrounding Seaforth are wilderness areas\, amazing and beautiful\. 2\. "Spring" into action\! Live the walking dream\. After our lunch break\, extremely exciting\! 3\. Healthy\, makes you happy\, feel good feeling\, boost your life\, live longer guaranteed\. **Walking New Sections:** Tracks-Rapids-Pathways-Bush-Walkways. Bush Hiking Trails, yes, solid part of walk, 13km Come live it up, let's go! Manly-Seaforth. Different way back to Manly Vale. **Manly Wharf** start at "Nautilus Shell Sculpture" sneaking past **Gilbert Park**, traversing around Manly Oval at **Ivanhoe Park** then zig-zagging deep into the back streets near Andrew "Boy" Charlton Aquatic Centre. **Hey!** Let's enjoy the wide path alongside Manly Golf Club heading towards Balgowlah reaching **Roseberry Street Cafe.** 3 minute quick break, rehydrate, munch an apple, grab a snack from your backpack. Keep socialising, enjoy chatting! **Next:** Up the path to **Seaforth,** then an eye-opening walk past a colony of bats "worth a pic" amazing. Then through a tunnel to the **Seaforth Trail**. The next easy 1.5km bushland section we observe mini rapids, mini waterfalls, like walking through a forest. **After Walking** beside **Burnt Bridge Creek** we hit a narrow section but "not a problem" I promise! **Wakehurst Golf Club**. 25 minutes lunch break (coffee food available or your own stuff) As we relax on the balcony, the view, amazing! **After Half Way Lunch** we hike a solid 1 hour section but needing some stamina but very rewarding and enjoyable, The bush track section meanders up and down next to the **Manly Dam.** **End of the walk:** Manly Vale B1 Bus Stop, only 15 minutes back to Wynyard Station. **Distance:** 13km. Finish by 2pm. **Type of Walk:** Bush walks, dirt tracks, bush paths, streets paths, scenic spots, lookouts. **Difficulty:** Moderate/Medium, lots of hills and stair, rocky areas. **Walking Pace:** An easy steady pace at 4.25km-4.50km per hour. **Bring:** Comfortable outfit, water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, your happy personality too! **Cost:** $10 cash on arrival or **PAY ID** 0435801602 George Palasty. **Contact:** George 0435 801 602 if you have questions. (call or text) - More people arrive from our combined meetup groups for these **Walking Events.**