1. Are SBW walks suitable for beginners? 

SBW walks are generally not suitable for beginners and the club has a limited number of beginner walks on the program. Most walks involve off-track walking (where there are no established trails), rock scrambling, and pushing through scrub. These walks are physically demanding and require participants to be self-sufficient and comfortable navigating challenging terrain. Even those who consider themselves fit may find SBW walks more strenuous than expected. Participants are therefore expected to have the required fitness to handle such walks before requesting to join a walk. 

2. What kind of gear do I need? 

You must bring your own gear which would include a backpack, boots, rain jacket, headlamp, first aid kit, water bottle, and any other essentials. The club has gear for prospectives to borrow to complete their overnight qualifying walk. This gear comprises an overnight pack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and cooking stove which prospectives have to write to the gear officer to borrow and pick up from his home. Gear has to be cleaned and returned within a week after the walk so that other members can use them. 

3. What is the typical schedule and location for SBW walks? 

Day walks usually start at 8:30am and finish around 5–5:30pm. About 70% of walks take place in the Blue Mountains, with others in Ku-ring-gai, Berowra, Royal National Park, Budawangs, and occasionally farther afield (e.g., the Snowy Mountains, or international trips). Group sizes are typically 8–12 people. Ultimately it’s up to the leader to decide how many people they let on the trip and that would depend on their assessment of risk, walk difficulty etc.  

4. Is overnight bushwalking required to become a full member? 

Yes, overnight walks are very much part of SBW’s ethos. To become a full member, prospectives must complete at least one overnight “Qualifying” walk, which is more physically challenging (given the heavier pack) and might include off-track walking and rock scrambling. 

5. How do I join walks and become a full member? 

Once you join as a prospective member (fee applies), you can apply for any walk on the program by emailing the leader with details of your recent bushwalking experience which ideally is of a similar level of difficult to the walk you are requesting to join. Leaders will need to ensure you are fit and experienced enough for the walk, especially for Qualifying (Q) walks. You have one year to complete the requirements for full membership: three Q walks with three different leaders (including at least one overnight walk). Once you become a full member, you can lead walks. 

6. What are the costs involved? 

There is no additional cost per walk once you join. The annual membership fee covers group insurance and club operational costs. You are responsible for your own transport, food, and personal gear. 

7. What is the club’s demographic? 

The majority of SBW members are between 35–55 years old from all walks of life. The club is a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers simply because we are passionate about the outdoors and want to enjoy the Australian bush with like-minded people.