Yarrawood is a Sydney bushwalking club of about 60 members. Our members come from all over the metropolitan area. Each year, the club puts on a program of about 40 walks, ranging from very easy day walks to multi-day treks. Most trips attract around 6 to 12 walkers..

Throughout the walking season other activities such as canoe trips, bike rides and cross-country skiing weekends are part of our program.

The club has a very strong commitment to safety and friendliness in walking. Walk leaders are appointed from the more experienced membership and, for safety reasons, have responsibility for the size of a walking party and who may participate.

Our philosophy is one of enjoyable and exhilarating walking in reasonable comfort and with good companionship.

How can I take part?

If you'd like to go on a club walk, check out the Program to find a walk you might enjoy. Please contact the membership secretary, who will give you information about the club and suggest a suitable first walk for your fitness and experience level.

How can I become a member?

Talk to the membership secretary (see contacts) or just fill out a Membership Application Form. The cost is $40 for a full year plus a $5 joining fee. You will then receive:

• A copy of the annual program
• Monthly emails of What's On
• The club twice yearly magazine 'The Boot"

Am I fit enough?

Because bushwalks range from very easy to pretty hard, it's difficult to generalize about fitness levels. However, it's fair to say that the fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy walking. On the other hand, you don't need to be super fit to go bushwalking --- for easy and medium level walks, moderate fitness is adequate.

Note that weekend bushwalking in itself isn't enough to maintain a reasonable level of fitness. To keep in trim, you should develop the habit of at least 30 minutes of a brisk walk at least 3 times a week.

If you do this and have some experience of walking with a pack, you should be able to cope with most club medium overnight walks and nearly all day walks. If you're not up to this fitness level, stick to easy walks at the beginning.

Do I have to go camping?

No! About half our program is day walks or other day activities. As you get more experienced, we hope that you might want to try camping, either on a car camp or into the bush. But there is no pressure to do so. There are lots of other things to do with Yarrawood.