As a Beginners Overnight Hike, you do not need access to the most sophisticated nor top rated gear but rather a need for the basics which will include a tent and sleeping bag. This will be discussed with you on your enquiry. A large backpack will also be necessary to carry your overnight gear. Hikeandseek does have some limited equipment which can be hired so feel free to enquire. Transportation will be arranged with all participants and will be covered by Hikeandseek from pickup location to same drop off - Most likely Westmead Station

As with any Hikeandseek tour, I will strive to introduce more features of the area to you that will not otherwise be discoverable via mainstream methods or following the beaten path as well as prevalent on social media platforms.

GRADE

• Moderate Fitness Level (3/5) (with overnight pack on)

• Moderate Technical Difficulty (2.5/5)

• Must carry overnight pack at times self-sufficiently approx 15kgs

A minimum of 12km is to be walked each day where at least half will be with overnight packs on and a transition into daypacks once base camp is set up for the day.

MEETING TIMES AND PICK UP POINTS

Start Time: Approx 7-8am at pre-arranged pickup points in Sydney, 10:30am Start time at course.

Finish Time Approx 4:00pm Blue Mountains

BASIC ITINERARY

Day 1 - Participants will be driven into a section of the Greater Blue Mountains and do final overnight pack checks with briefing, safety and orienteering information. Trek into Goochs Crater and set up camp in Camp Cave (or appropriate area). Repack into daypacks and experience a taste of orienteering and adventuring around the area. Includes visits to a natural crater, flora and fauna, caves, waterholes and walk in canyon and a chance to take a dip before watching sunset and settling for the night.

Day 2 - View Sunrise from atop Goochs Crater and have a relaxing morning. After breakfast, pack up camp and head out of the National Park. On the way back to Sydney we will drop by a short walk in Wollemi National Parkand stop for refreshments on the way back home, such as the local apple cider cellars.

Price: $420 pp ($160 deposit required)

Max 6 people

Included in Costs are

·         Transportation and fuel

·         National Park Entry Fees and licencing

·         Access to water purification and cleansing equipment.

·         2 x overnight hiking meals and a choice of snacks – (freeze dried or other) 1 x lunch, 1 dinner and some snacks (All other meals self catered)

·         Hikeandseek Guiding Fee and Tour (includes navigation and basic orienteering introduction)

·         Full extensive Itinerary

·         Free advice and recommendations to equip for overnight hiking

·         Packing List + Check List for Participants

Some activities undertaken during the overnight hike pending conditions will include:

• Orienteering - A chance to find your way and navigate

• Watch Sunrise/Sunset

• Small swim

• Scrambling

• Flora and Fauna Identification

• Cooking in the wild

• Using/Treating fresh water from local source

• Tips and Tricks to overnight hiking

Beginner’s Overnight Hike Checklist

 ·         Sleeping Bag (Current Night Temps in zone around 5 degrees)

·         Overnight Backpack – (50L+ must fit or be able to carry all gear for walk)

·         Sleeping Mat (Basic Kmart Mat can suffice as a one off)

·         Headlamp

·         Cooking Stove/Equipment (Enquire for advice if first time)

·         Tent/Tarp/Swag/Mozzie Net – Sleeping Quarters

** Note: If you have no gear it may be daunting task to start from square one. Please send an enquiry for some advice on where to begin for overnight hiking gear. Buying the very best of everything right away may not be an available option for everybody. Hikeandseek has some limited overnight hiking gear for hire available.