Coordinator is Helen Miles..
Go to Photo Albums to view a particular year’s walking photos.
The aim of the Walking Group is to provide a healthy and social activity at minimum cost.
When lunch is shown, it is usually a low cost option. If you wish to leave the activity prior to lunch, please let the leader know. The leader carries an attendance register, a first aid kit and an emergency contact list.
Most walks have some hills and some steps. You will be informed about the level of difficulty at the meeting prior to the walk.
November Walk
Our November walk is on Friday, 29th November and is at North Head. We plan to meet at the car park, on the left, past the Quarantine Station on North Head Drive, near the Bella Vista Cafe at 9.15am for a 9.30am start. (it should be free parking). After coffee we will walk out to the headland and the new
viewing areas.
As it is our last walk for the year we will have lunch afterwards at the Wakehurst Golf Club.
Anyone needing a lift please let Helen know and we will organise transport.
October Walk
Our walk on Friday 25th October was in the Royal Botanic Gardens and is led by Helen.
Wow, how lucky, a perfect Spring morning on Friday 25th October for our walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
eTwenty one walkers enjoyed the blue sky and sparkling blue water of the harbour, after coffee in the City, as we strolled through the gardens. Although many of the Spring flowers had finished, there were landscaped gardens of numerous native plants and planted garden beds of annuals still in full flower. After. cheese and biscuits in a shady corner we headed to the tropical leaf display in the Calyx which was spectacular.
We enjoyed a tasty lunch in the cafe at the Conservatorium before returning home, some by bus and others by ferry to Manly and bus.
Thank you so much Peter for your fantastic photographic coverage.
September Walk – CANCELLED
Our September walk for Friday 27 September, was cancelled.
August Walk
On Friday 30 August, twenty-one walkers met at the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, St. Ives, for our August monthly walk led by Ted.
We set off down along the Solander Trail, just taking our time, and stopping often to study and enjoy the many Spring flowering wildflowers just coming out. One highlight was the amazing number of blue Dotted Sun Orchids (Thelymitra ixioides and T nuda). Native orchids are not often seen, especially in such numbers. We were also lucky with the shade and protection from the wind for the whole walk.
We stopped at Lambert’s Clearing for cheese and biscuits, our group photo and walk through the Fern House, then continued up the hill to our cars.
On our way home we stopped at the cafe at the St.Ives Showgrounds for coffees and delicious cakes then made it home in time for a light lunch.
Thank you Ted for a really great and interesting walk, which was enjoyed by the large group.
July Walk – CANCELLED
Our July walk for Friday 26 July, was cancelled.
June Walk
On Friday 28 June, a glorious Winter’s day, thirteen walkers set out to explore the backstreets of Paddington led by Malcolm.
From Wynyard we wound our way through laneways to Circular Quay for coffee and the bus to Taylor Square. From here we walked around the Old Darlinghurst Gaol and National Art School, past St. Vincent’s Hospital precinct, across Oxford Street, around Rose Terrace and past Victoria Barracks to Paddington Reservoir Gardens, where we enjoyed a break and cheese and biscuits. From here we strolled our way through narrow streets of Paddington, through Trumper Park and on to Edgecliff Railway Station where we enjoyed lunch before catching the train to Town Hall and bus back to Glenrose.
Thank you Malcolm for a most interesting and enjoyable walk.
May Walk
Twelve brave walkers set out on a very cloudy day in May to walk from Cromer to Dee Why. We were extremely lucky to be able to fully enjoy our walk with no rain until we were safely home later in the day.
We enjoyed cheese and biscuits overlooking the baths at Dee Why and then coffee overlooking the beach, which looked pristine with no seaweed in sight.
Thank you Elaine for leading us on our walk with help from Ted.
April Walk
On Friday 26 April, a perfect Autumn morning, 22 enthusiastic walkers set out for a day in Maroubra, led by Lyn and Jock. After 2 hours of travel, collecting members along the route, we arrived in Maroubra and headed straight to the Marini Cafe for our morning coffee. Revived we then set out towards the south along the coastal walk and around the Malabar headland. Although there was an extremely strong southerly wind blowing, the sun and vegetation protected us as we proceeded, with the sound of gunshots from the Rifle Range beside us. When we arrived at the gate and pathway across the headland, we discovered we were locked out as the Range was in use, something that had never happened on previous visits. After a quick discussion we retraced our steps and headed for the northern headland instead. Although we were not protected from the wind, we were able to enjoy cheese and biscuits and the view over the rocks and pool, before heading back to the Marini Cafe for a delicious lunch and our return trip home.
Many thanks Lyn and Jock for a great day out and we will hope to explore the Malabar headland walk next year
March Walk
Fifteen walkers were able to enjoy milder conditions exploring Cockatoo Island on Friday, 22 March, a week early due to Good Friday. Bus to the City and River Cat from Circular Quay we were glad to arrive on the Island and enjoy our morning coffee.
We started our walk heading up the hill to the Historic Residence Precinct with amazing views out over the harbour and buildings reflecting architectural styles from across three centuries including Biloela House – built circa 1841- with it’s Shipyard Stories exhibition. From here we moved across to explore the Convict Precinct and a cheese and biscuits break before descending back down. Here we passed the Campground, the Slipways and remnants of an old crane, the Powerhouse Area and around to the Sutherland Dock and Island Boat Storage.
Situated in the Docks Precinct, between the two Docks, we spotted the Marina Cafe & Bar and decided it was definitely time for a lunch break. Unfortunately after our break extremely dark clouds appeared from the north so we took the shortcut through the Dog-Leg Tunnel and as a few drops of rain fell we headed for the wharf and the approaching River Cat for our trip home.
It was lovely to welcome two new members to our walking group.
Thank you Peter for your photographic record of our monthly walk.
February 2024 Walk
Fourteen walkers braved the hot weather for our first walk of the year on Friday, 23 February. A City bus to Wynyard, short walk to Circular Quay and ferry to Cremorne Point where we enjoyed coffee with cheese & biscuits in the shade above the wharf, overlooking the harbour. Fortified, we strolled out to the point to enjoy the extensive view which, unfortunately, was blocked by the Cruise Ship Arcadia. We then commenced our walk along the western side of Mosman Bay, keeping to the available shade and passing some fantastic properties and lovely gardens with harbour views. Arriving too early for lunch at Mosman Rowers we continued on to Mosman Wharf where the group split with some having lunch in the cafe on the wharf while others caught the ferry back to the city and cooler conditions. Everyone returned home safely, glad to survive and escape more of the afternoon heat.
November (Non) Walk
Due to the wet weather our walk at North Head was cancelled and nine walkers met late morning for a very enjoyable lunch at the Wakehurst Golf Club. Earlier, Jean and Peter had taken a chance and headed to the Bella Vista Cafe. Unfortunately, Peter took a wrong turn and not finding anyone, returned home, while Jean tackled the walk out around the headland in almost sunny conditions and then enjoyed coffee and a lemon & lime tart at the cafe. Fortunately we all managed to meet up for lunch where we were scolded for not walking, our excuses of continuous showers at Frenchs Forest not being acceptable.
October Walk
Eight hardy walkers set out on Friday 27th for our monthly walk. Due to the weather we didn’t attempt to walk in the Botanic Gardens but set out for the NSW Art Gallery. After dodging a downpour, we made it to coffee in Australia Square then, as it had cleared, we continued on to the Art Gallery, exploring the new North Building first. Cheese and biscuits were had, under cover, in the Forecourt meeting area during another downpour before heading across to the South Building to enjoy more of the displays. We had lunch in the Gallery Cafe, viewed some more of the displays, then, during a sunny break, headed for the bus stop and the trip home, managing to keep dry all day. A great way to enjoy a wet day.
September Walk
On a warm, Spring morning fourteen walkers set out early for the Davidson bush in Garigal National Park led by Ted and Judy Morton. It is a lovely walk through pristine bushland with wonderful trees, wildflowers, rock formations and glimpses of water. We had cheese and biscuits in the shade and strolled along the track identifying the wildflowers with the help of Steven Bakers app. After the walk we finished at Imbue Cafe for hot or cold drinks. Thanks Ted and Judy for a great morning out.
August Walk
Our August walk was on Friday 25 August – Rhodes to Wentworth Point and was led by Helen.
Fourteen walkers enjoyed a perfect, early Spring day, exploring the Wentworth Point area. Bus to Chatswood, Metro to Epping and train to Rhodes, then, after a well deserved coffee by the water, we set out on our walk across the bridge from Rhodes to Wentworth Point. We had cheese and biscuits by the water of Homebush Bay and lunch in The Piazza, then caught the free bus to Sydney Olympic Park Ferry Wharf for the Rivercat to Circular Quay, Light Rail to QVB and finally a bus home. A day of walking and sampling many types of transport for $2.50!
July Walk
Eleven enthusiastic walkers set out on Friday 28th, a perfect Winter’s day, to tackle the rather taxing Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay walk. This is quite a long walk with a lot of up and down steep steps but with wonderful harbour views. After coffee at Rose Bay and a bus ride up Heartbreak Hill we started our walk at Kambala School and along the harbour foreshore passing Queens Beach, Hermit Bay, Milk Beach, Strickland House and Nielsen Park where we stopped for a rest and cheese and biscuits. From here the walk follows streets with amazing houses, crosses the Parsley Bay Bridge, then along more streets to Watson’s Bay and lunch at the Bay Cafe. An easy trip home by ferry, light rail and bus completed a great day out. Thank you Malcolm for leading our walk.
June Walk
On an extremely windy 30 June, twelve walkers, led by Lyn & Jock, braved the conditions and set out to walk around South Head. After an enjoyable ferry trip to Watson’s Bay and coffee in a sunny position out of the wind, we set out on the walk. The views down the harbour were sharp and clear and we managed to find a sheltered spot for cheese and biscuits while watching two whales out to sea. Hastings & Liz met us at Watson’s Bay wharf where we all enjoyed lunch before returning home. Thanks Lyn & Jock for a great day out.
May Walk
Postponed until June
April Walk
On Friday 28th April, a perfect Autumn day, twelve walkers met at the Balgowlah RSL Club for our walk in
Seaforth led by Malcolm McLean.
After a coffee at the Local’s Corner we set off to enjoy the views over the Spit and out to the heads, and some amazing houses along the route. After cheese and biscuits we retraced out steps and then proceeded to Wakehurst Golf Club for an early, relaxed lunch. Thanks Malcolm for a great morning stroll.
March Walk
Eleven walkers enjoyed a perfect Autumn day strolling around Centennial Park. Coffee at the Greenhouse and cheese and biscuits in the shade near the Duck Pond. We then walked through the rose and flower gardens and around Busby’s Pond to lunch in the shelter shed by The Spruce Goose Diner before the return trip home.
A very relaxed, enjoyable day.
February Walk
Twelve members enjoyed coffee in North Sydney before strolling through and exploring the landscaping, shade, thick, lush and varied vegetation and interesting memorabilia in Wendy’s Secret Garden. From here we walked along the Lavender Bay foreshore, past Luna Park, under the Harbour Bridge to Kirribilli for cheese and biscuits, in the shade with cool breeze and harbour and city views. Refreshed and with the options of a ferry ride or walk over the bridge we headed off to the city, meeting up for a delicious lunch in the Bakers Oven in the Rocks before catching the light rail and bus home.
Thank you Ted for leading us on a great day out.
December 2022 and January 2023
No walks in December and January.
November Walk – Watson’s Bay to North Bondi
Our last walk for the year was on Friday 25th November and was Watson’s Bay to North Bondi led by Helen.
With perfect weather conditions, ten walkers caught the 9.45am ferry to Watson’s Bay after coffee at Circular Quay and set off on the coastal walk from the Gap towards North Bondi. With great cliff and ocean views on our left and spectacular harbour views on our right we wound our way up past gun placements, the signal station and the Macquarie Lighthouse. Our cheese and biscuits stop was in a
pleasant, shady spot by a waterfall before we tackled all the steps, down and up, around Rosa Gully and
Diamond Bay. With the last section of stairs closed, we made our way up to Military Road at Dover Heights. From this point the walk is mostly beside Military Road, away from the cliff edge and being lunchtime, we caught the bus the remainder of the way to North Bondi. Here we enjoyed an end of
year lunch at the RSL Club overlooking Bondi Beach before returning home.
A special thank you to Diane Baker for minding a table for us.
October Walk – Coogee to Maroubra
On Friday 28th October 11 courageous and enthusiastic walkers were finally able to experience the many times postponed Coogee to Maroubra coastal walk led by Helen. With transport connections working well we arrived at Coogee to enjoy morning coffee under clear, blue skies beside the sparkling blue ocean. Heading off along the Coastal Walk to Maroubra we had cheese and biscuits overlooking the ocean before arriving safely at the Marini Cafe opposite Maroubra Beach for an enjoyable lunch chosen from their amazingly large menu.
September Walk – Cancelled
Sadly our September walk was again cancelled due to the adverse weather forecast.
July Walk
Ten members and two friends enjoyed a wonderful day walking in Manly. We managed to keep out of the cold wind walking in the sunshine to Shelley Beach where we had our morning coffee and sang Happy Birthday to Elaine. From there we did the walk around the headland, having cheese & biscuits at one of the lookouts, seeing a whale in the far distance, then returning to Manly for lunch and the trip home.
June Walk
Our June walk was around Barangaroo and Walsh Bay Wharves and was led by Helen as Lyn & Jock were enjoying a week away. Although it was cool and partly cloudy, twelve walkers enjoyed this area and being able to walk along the water’s edge while taking in the harbour views now the building of the Casino is completed. We were also really impressed by the growth of all the landscaped planting in this area.
Coffee at Wild Sage, cheese & biscuits en route and lunch at the Museum of Contemporary Art were also enjoyed.
May Walk
Our May walk was at George’s Heights and Middle Head led by Helen.
Once again we had a wonderful sunny day and the 11 walkers enjoyed the great views of the harbour from George’s Head before proceeding down to the Middle Head Fortifications. We enjoyed coffee in
the courtyard at the Middle Head Cafe then continued on to the Fortifications to explore, enjoy the views and cheese & biscuits. Later some of us returned to the Cafe for lunch.
Thank you Peter for the fantastic photos of our day.
April Walk
Our April walk in Narrabeen was led by Ted and enjoyed by 12 walkers and Molly.
How lucky were we to have a lovely sunny day after all the rain. We started along the ocean side before crossing over to the lake. A leisurely coffee was really enjoyed at H2O before continuing on around the lake for cheese and biscuits in the shade and a return to the cars. Thank you Ted for a great morning out after all the wet weather.
March Walk
Due to the weather conditions on Thursday 24 March and forecast for Friday 25 March a decision to cancel the March walk was made in time for an email to inform members. Unfortunately the weather on Friday morning was better than expected and we could have enjoyed the walk. We hope to reschedule this walk at a later date.
November Walk
Our November walk was on Friday 26th at Narrabeen and was to be led by Ted Morton. Unfortunately due to the weather we did not walk but 11 members met for a most enjoyable lunch at Oceans Narrabeen. Thank you Ted for organising the venue for our last walk of the year.
There is no walk in December or January but we will recommence in 2022 on Friday, 25th February with a new programme for the year.
October Walk
Ten walkers braved the hot weather forecast to enjoy the 3 Bridges walk at Frenchs Forest.
We were extremely lucky to have cloud and a breeze to keep temperatures down as we walked over the Wakehurst Parkway to the Aquatic centre and Baseball fields. We then retraced our steps to the park for cheese and biscuits before crossing the bridge at Forest Way for coffee at the shops then on to the bridge at the NB Hospital and the route back to our cars. A very pleasant walk and get together after lockdown.
Helen Miles
June Walk
The walk on 25 June was at North Head and was led by Ted Morton.
While we had been hoping for more starters on this easy walk, we had 10 happy members who enjoyed a beautiful clear and sunny day and an interesting walk with great scenery and many points of interest. (The coffee was good too!)
The walk encompassed the old military barracks and parade ground, beautiful native bushland, great lookout points with views across the harbour, the 3rd Quarantine cemetery and some gun emplacements. Some claim to have sighted a splash from a frolicking whale! Another highlight was the extensive memorial walkway for men and women who have served in all conflicts. Descendants can buy an engraved paver and have it placed along the walkway in memory of their loved one. Ted has one for his father.
Thanks, Ted for a terrific outing.
Helen Miles
May Walk
Our May walk was on Friday 28th May at Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park and was led by Elaine Winslade.
Twelve walkers braved the sunny but very cold, windy conditions to explore a section of the park.
After coffee at Waterview Cafe we headed off, passing the Village Green Playground, to the Treillage Tower where some members braved the wind to climb to the top.
From here we walked down to the Sundial then past the Field Studies Tower and along the path by Powell’s Creek to the Badu mangroves and boardwalk and Bennelong Pond. We then turned south across the grass, past the Peace Monument and Hill Pavilion to the Lake Belvedere circuit before returning to Waterview Cafe for lunch.
Thank you Elaine for a very enjoyable outing.
Helen Miles
April Walk
Our April Walk was on Friday 30th April and was led by Malcolm McLean. Thirteen walkers met outside the Castlecrag Private Hospital for a walk around the area looking at some of the Walter Burley Griffin houses. After coffee at the local shops Malcolm led us along interesting tracks among houses where we saw a number of sandstone and flat roof homes typical of the Burley Griffin style. We climbed up Tower Reserve for a view of the harbour and enjoyed our cheese and biscuits in the park at the base of the rocky outcrop before heading back along Edinburgh Road to the Ganache Patisserie for lunch. Thank you, Malcolm for a very informa-tive outing. Helen Miles
March Walk
Our March walk was on Friday, 26 March.
Again, we were lucky with a lovely sunny day for our walk from North Harbour Reserve to Manly and return. After all the rain seven members enjoyed the pleasant conditions walking along the harbour foreshore. We had coffee and icy fruit juices with our cheese and biscuits overlooking the wharf and harbour pool at Manly before returning to Balgowlah.
Looking Back
The walking group had its first walk on 4 July 2008. It was started by John Robinson and Ted Morton. Subsequently, the timing of the walks was changed to the last Friday of the month. Many areas of Sydney have been explored.
The Heart Foundation
The Heart Foundation has recently commenced walking groups. The bad news is the closest group to Belrose is North Sydney. The good news is you have your very own walking group within our Probus Club.
Here is an extract of what the Heart Foundation has to say about walking:
“There are many ways to be physically active, but walking is the number one activity most Australian adults do on a regular basis. Walking is so popular because it is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It can be done just about anywhere and is free. Walking also has a very low risk of injury (not jarring on the joints) and doesn’t require any special equipment or training.
Although we encourage everyone to walk, Heart Foundation Walking is structured around organised groups, as this compliments the social aspect of walking. People can talk while they walk so it’s a great way to get to know your neighbours and your neighbourhood.
Being active on a regular basis is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and walking is a great way to look after your heart. Regular physical activity helps –
- reduce the risk of heart disease & stroke,
- manage weight, blood pressure & cholesterol
- prevent & control diabetes
- reduce the risk of developing some cancers
- maintain bone density, reducing the risk of fractures
- improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls
It also helps you feel stronger, more energetic and happier and improves your overall quality and enjoyment of life.”
So, what is stopping you? Get involved in your Club’s walking group and enjoy easy walking in a social atmosphere with friends.