All Ability Hikes
Supported and Guided Hikes
All Ability - Day Hikes and Multi Day Tours
Home Comforts Hiking organises many hikes each year for All Ability hikers and People with Disability that are able to walk unassisted. We organise regular free training hikes in Port Macquarie that take about 3 hours for those that want to improve their hiking ability and get out and meet people. We also organise a Big Day Out every couple of months to fabulous hiking locations on the Mid North Coast. These Big Day Out hikes are usually about 8km, and include support workers, a guide, transport to and from your home, morning tea and lunch.
Four times a year we organise Multi day tours to beautiful locations in NSW. Each day on these trips involves some hiking as well as sightseeing and visits to nearby tourist attractions. These trips can range from 3 to 5 days and include support workers, a guide, transport to and from your home, meals and attraction entry fees. Have a look at the photos below from some of our recent trips!
Central Coast residents (starting June 2021)…We have now added organised Big Day Out hikes taking place most Wednesdays to fabulous hiking locations on the Central Coast and surrounding areas. These Big Day Out hikes are usually about 8km, and include support worker/guide, transport to and from your home, morning tea and lunch. Our qualified guide and support worker Monika will also offer organised regular free training hikes in the local area that take about 1.5 – 3 hours for those who want to improve their hiking ability and get out and meet people.
All hiking is easy to moderate. Basic fitness is needed to complete the hikes. The guide carries a first aid kit and has first aid qualifications. NDIS Participants with Core funding are eligible to claim these trips through their plan. An invoice with appropriate codes will be provided. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.
National Parks NSW Accredited
Trip dates
| Departure Date | Finish Date | Tour | Time Start | Duration | Price for activity including support worker | Price for activty independent, no support worker | Price for transport required | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, 11 April 2021 | Sun, 11 April 2021 | Big Day Out - Cattai Wetlands. | 8:00am | 8 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| Sun, 2 May 2021 | Sun, 2 May 2021 | Sun, 2 May 2021 | All Abilities training hike | 9:00am | 3 hours | Free | $10.00 | |
| Sun, 16 May 2021 | Tue, 18 May 2021 | Smokey Cape Lighthouse trip | 8:00am | 3 days/ 2 nights | $800.00 | $500.00 | Included | |
| Sun, 30 May 2021 | Sun, 30 May 2021 | All Abilities training hike | 9:00am | 3 hours | Free | Free | $10.00 | |
| Sun, 27 Jun 2021 | Sun, 27 Jun 2021 | Big Day Out - Forster. | 8:00am | 8 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| Sun, 11 Jul 2021 | Sun, 11 Jul 2021 | All Abilities training hike | 9:00am | 3 hours | Free | Free | $10.00 | |
| Mon, 26 Jul 2021 | Fri, 30 Jul 2021 | Sydney Trip | 8:00am | 5 days / 4 nights | $1,480.00 | $980.00 | Included | |
| Sun, 15 Aug 2021 | Sun, 15 Aug 2021 | All Abilities training hike | 8.00am | 3 hours | Free | Free | $10.00 | |
| Sun, 26 Sep 2021 | Sun, 26 Sep 2021 | Big Day Out - Kattang Nature Reserve and North Brother. | 8:00am | 8 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| Tue, 5 Oct 2021 | Tue, 8 Oct 2021 | Wooli trip | 8:00am | 4 days / 3 nights | $1,120.00 | $820.00 | Included | |
| Sun, 21 Nov 2021 | Sun, 21 Nov 2021 | All Abilities training hike | 8:00am | 3 hours | Free | Free | $10.00 | |
| Sun, 5 Dec 2021 | Sun, 5 Dec 2021 | All Abilities training hike | 8:00am | 3 hours | Free | Free | $10.00 | |
| Sun, 12 Dec 2021 | Sun, 12 Dec 2021 | Big Day Out - Boorgana Nature Reserve and Ellenborough Falls. | 8:00am | 8 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| CENTRAL COAST - BIG DAYs OUT in 2021 | ||||||||
| Wed, 2 Jun 2021 | Wed, 2 Jun 2021 | Big Day Out - Central Coast | 9.00am | 7 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| Wed, 9 June 2021 | Wed, 9 Jun 2021 | Big Day Out - Central Coast | 9.00am | 7 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| Wed, 16 Jun 2021 | Wed, 16 Jun 2021 | Big Day Out - Central Coast | 9.00am | 7 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| Wed, 23 Jun 2021 | Wed, 23 Jun 2021 | Big Day Out - Central Coast | 9.00am | 7 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| Wed, 7th Jul 2021 | Wed, 7 Jul 2021 | Big Day Out - Central Coast | 9.00am | 7 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| Wed, 21 Jul 2021 | Wed, 21 Jul 2021 | Big Day Out - Central Coast | 9.00am | 7 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| Wed, 4 Aug 2021 | Wed, 4 Aug 2021 | Big Day Out - Central Coast | 9.00am | 7 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| Wed, 11 Aug 2021 | Wed, 11 Aug 2021 | Big Day Out - Central Coast | 9.00am | 7 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| Wed, 18 Aug 2021 | Wed, 18 Aug 2021 | Big Day Out - Central Coast | 9.00am | 7 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
| Wed, 25 Aug 2021 | Wed, 25 Aug 2021 | Big Day Out - Central Coast | 9.00am | 7 hours | $156.00 | $88.00 | Included | |
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
1. Multi Day Hiking Trips
The minimum group size is 4 All Ability Hikers and 2 Support staff. The maximum group size is 9 All Ability Hikers and 3 Support staff. If the minimum numbers have not booked for a particular trip, the trip will be cancelled.
Prices are shown in the table above. There are 2 prices for each trip. The more expensive price includes Support staff with the price based on one support worker for every three All Ability hikers. The less expensive price is for independent hikers that do not require any support. Independent hikers will only be accepted if there are still vacancies on the 12 seater commuter bus.
Included
– All accommodation
– All transport to and from all hikes to your home
– All meals
– A guide
– Support workers (3:1 ratio, where the price includes support)
– Attraction entry fees
Not included
– Public transport fares where applicable – use your own OPAL card
– Incidentals such as drinks, ice creams etc.
Yes, NDIS Participants with Core funding or Capacity Building funding are eligible to claim these trips through their plan. An invoice with appropriate codes will be provided to your plan manager after the trip has been completed. Parents/Carers are to ensure there is sufficient funding available before the trip commences. Those without sufficient NDIS funding can still join the trips at their own expense.
Each day of the multi day trips involves an element of hiking, usually around 8km per day on easy to moderate trails. There is also sightseeing and visits to local attractions.
Central Coast trip, we stay in a large house at Nora Head. The trip includes a Hawkesbury cruise, and hikes in Boudi National Park and Wyrrabalong National Park.
Smokey Cape Lighthouse trip, staying at the Lighthouse cottages. Hiking around South West Rocks, visit Trial Bay Gaol and swimming at the beautiful beaches
Sydney trip, staying at YHA The Rocks. Hiking sections of the Bondi to Manly trail and other great Sydney walks. Visit Taronga Zoo, Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Wooli trip, staying at Wooli River Lodges. Hiking sections of the Yuraygir Coastal Walk, River cruise, canoeing and swimming.
Bookings can be made by contacting us through the contact us page on the website or by emailing homecomfortshiking@gmail.com
For those claiming through their NDIS plan, payment is due 2 weeks after the trip concludes.
For those travelling independently, payment is due 2 weeks prior to the departure date. There are no refunds for independent travellers that cancel after making their payment.
Overall the hike is rated easy to moderate. For inexperienced and less fit hikers, it would be rated moderate to hard. The average distance covered per day is about 8km (3-4 hours of hiking). If you want to see how you might cope with the hiking on a trip, then come along on our free training hikes in Port Macquarie or the Central Coast.
Meals are included in all trips.
- Breakfast – Cereals, toast, some cooked food such as eggs, bacon, sausages
- Lunch – Packed lunch with sandwich, fruit, drink, snacks, treats
- Dinner – Either a 2 course cooked dinner at our accommodation or dinner at a local pub, club or restaurant
Transport is in a 12 seater commuter bus. The driver is fully licensed and the bus is fully insured. We also have Public Liability insurance. While hiking, you only need to carry a small day pack with water, snacks and any other personal items. Your luggage will remain at the accommodation.
– Small backpack with waterproof cover
– Shirts, pants, shorts, underwear, socks
– Hiking shoes or boots
– Hiking Pole(s)
– Rainproof jacket
– Swimsuit and micro towel
– Money and/or Debit/Credit Card
– Phone and/or tablet, camera and chargers
– Toiletries and medication
At your home at about 4.00pm on the last day.
2. Big Day Out Hikes
Mid North Coast based ‘Big Day Out’ trips. The minimum group size is 4 All Ability Hikers and 2 Support staff. The maximum group size is 9 All Ability Hikers and 3 Support staff. If the minimum numbers have not booked for a particular trip, the trip will be cancelled.
Central Coast Big Days Out. Our group size is 3 All Ability hikers to 1 support worker. If we have reached 3 hikers, you may also join for the day with your own transport and support worker to the location for the discounted price of $88.00.
Prices are shown in the table above. There are 2 prices for each trip. The more expensive price includes Support staff with the price based on one support worker for every three All Ability hikers. The less expensive price is for independent hikers that do not require any support.
Included
– All transport to and from hikes to your home
– Morning tea and lunch
– A guide
– Support workers (3:1 ratio, where the price includes support)
Not included
– Incidentals such as drinks, ice creams etc
Yes, NDIS Participants with Core funding or Capacity Building funding are eligible to claim these trips through their plan. An invoice with appropriate codes will be provided to your plan manager after the trip has been completed. Parents/Carers are to ensure there is sufficient funding available before the trip commences. Those without sufficient NDIS funding can still join the trips at their own expense.
Each day of the Big Day Out trips involves an element of hiking, usually around 8km per day on easy to moderate trails. There is also sightseeing and visits to local attractions.
Details of Big Day Out trips will be communicated via our email list 2 months prior to the event. If you are not on our email list and would like to be, please contact us using the contact us page on this website.
For Central Coast hikers the Big Days Out will include the following:
Brisbane Waters National Park – Pearl Beach to Patonga
Bouddi National Park
Wyrrabalong coastal track
Kincumber Mountain reserve
Hieroglyphs, aboriginal art and waterfalls
Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach and Ferry ride
Katandra Reserve and Strickland Falls trail
Mt Wondabyne loop
Dangar Island day out
Norah Head Lighthouse and surroundings
Other adventures will be added in the future!
Bookings can be made by contacting us through the contact us page on the website or by emailing homecomfortshiking@gmail.com
Overall the hike is rated easy to moderate. For inexperienced and less fit hikers, it would be rated moderate to hard. The average distance covered per day is about 8km (3-4 hours of hiking). If you want to see how you might cope with the hiking on a trip, then come along on our free training hikes in Port Macquarie and on the Central Coast.
Transport is in a 12 seater commuter bus. The driver is fully licensed and the bus is fully insured.
For Central Coast Big Days out the vehicle is a roomy Subaru Liberty wagon. It is fully insured. We also have Public Liability insurance. While hiking, you only need to carry a small day pack with water, snacks and any other personal items.
We also have Public Liability insurance. While hiking, you only need to carry a small day pack with water, snacks and any other personal items.
– Small backpack with waterproof cover
– Shirt, pants or shorts
– Hiking shoes or boots
– Hiking Pole(s)
– Rainproof jacket if rain is forecast
– Swimsuit and micro towel
– Money and/or Debit/Credit Card
– Phone and/or tablet, camera and chargers
– Medication if required
At your home at about 4.00 to 5.00pm
3. Training Hikes
The minimum group size is 2. The maximum group size is 20
Included
– A guide
Not included
– Incidentals such as drinks, ice creams etc
– Transport
We can pick you up and return you home after the hike if you request this. The charge for this service is $10 in total.
Bookings can be made by contacting us through the contact us page on the website or by emailing homecomfortshiking@gmail.com. Or just turn up at the start point at the start time.
Overall the hike is rated easy to moderate. For inexperienced and less fit hikers, it would be rated moderate to hard. The average distance covered is about 6km (2-3 hours of hiking).
Transport if applicable is in a 12 seater commuter bus. The driver is fully licensed and the bus is fully insured. While hiking, you only need to carry a small day pack with water, snacks and any other personal items.
We also have Public Liability insurance. While hiking, you only need to carry a small day pack with water, snacks and any other personal items.
– Small backpack with waterproof cover
– Shirt, pants or shorts
– Hiking shoes or boots
– Hiking Pole(s)
– Rainproof jacket if rain is forecast
– Swimsuit and micro towel
– Money and/or Debit/Credit Card
– Phone and/or tablet, camera and chargers
– Medication if required
Our accommodation was on the second floor and our room had a huge sliding window that opened at waist height with a drop to the cement many metres below. An OH&S disaster waiting to happen! The place was thumping, literally, as it was Saturday night with a band and lots of backpackers and locals enjoying the entertainment.
Pam and I searched out some food in town for the next day, and later, wished that we had bought/brought more. Even at 5.00 pm, there was not much open.
The bus trip and dinner provided an opportunity to glean some first impressions of our walking companions and they were all positive: a very nice bunch. As well as Pam Dawes from Manly, there was Sarah, Steve and Claudia from Port Macquarie, Tony from Byron Bay, Derek from Mosman, plus Marcus and his wife Marika, their daughter Monica with husband Dave and daughter little, 12 months old, Ashlin. Steve had camping gear and used it for some of the nights.
Home Comforts Hiking proved to be a well-organised and friendly crew.
Mara Creek Campsite is the starting point for the Yuraygir Coastal Walk and this site is historically-significance as it was a source of fresh water and fish for the local Goorie (Aboriginal) people. A natural fish trap on the rock platform below the Shelley Beach path is clearly visible.
So it is with an appreciation of the timelessness of this stunningly beautiful area that we set off, a family of sorts. A group photo is taken. Little Ashlin is strapped into her carrier and Monica steps out strongly with tales of her walk along the Pacific Crest Trail (4,270 km) that makes our 65 km effort over 4 days seem insignificant. But it is good to chat about ultra trail events and great walks and to hear Monica describe her new interest: trail running, her long legs perfectly built for that.
The walk to Lake Arragan via Shelley Headland is varied, with the beach and sand dune trails offering views of ochre-coloured rock platforms and coffee rock sand cliffs to the south. Whales and dolphins are spotted by some of the group but I'm not quick enough to focus. We follow the coastal emu footprint signs and although we come upon wallaby or kangaroo footprints in the sand, we see no emus. Heath and woodland vegetation is diverse and we enjoy a springtime flush of flowers - flannel flowers, orchids, boronias. Coastal banksias, pandanus palms and paperbarks (complete with a native beehive) shade the trails.
By midday, the air became quite smoky from the fires to the north-west of Lake Arragan and as we walk on, we speak with locals who have packed up their pets and driven to Plumbago Headland to be well away from the fires. Later we are told that the picnic area near the lake where some of the group enjoyed a bracing swim was burnt out the next day and National Parks closed the section of the walk from Angourie to Laka Arragan until further notice.
We end the day with views of Red Cliff and Grey Cliff Headlands and drop down to the beach via stairs - newly repaired. We walk briskly along the beautiful beach to Brooms Head with its stately Norfolk Island pines but as we a glance northward, we are reminded that the fire situation is worsening. Devastating for so many.
Our accommodation is adequate - spacious and clean, the only problem being that the bathroom door doesn't close but we aren't too fussed and manage. The bathroom light globe pops but is replaced promptly. The shop is run down as is the owner, the shelves barely stocked and the food is outrageously expensive eg 50g of coffee $12.95! Dinner at the Bowling Club is pleasant and we finish the day with a lively game of BOMB.
Sandon is a pretty place with an estuary separating the camping ground and the renovated beach shacks; some are pretty flash. Life is in the slow lane here as access is limited. There is a clear message in the lack of garbage bins - take care of this special place. There was time to have a swim but the wind was cold so a sit in the sun, lunch and a wander around the camping area and along the inlet filled in the time nicely. The break provided an opportunity to read the information signs and appreciate that this stretch of coast is protected by Sanctuary Zones and Commonwealth Marine Reserves. The environmental campaigns of the '80s and '90s are to be applauded.
There could not have been a greater contrast to the Brooms Head shop in the Minnie Waters shop: pleasant people run it, well-stocked shelves, pricey...yes but good quality. I eyed off the cheeses... not this time. The sign on the window said it all: Kitchen and Coffee close by 4 (or earlier if there are waves or we just wanna) and the local facilities indicate a community at work here.
And what a peaceful end to the day's walk through the Angophoras for the last kilometre to the comfortable cabins at the caravan park. The late afternoon light was magical.
We were all feeling a little worn out after the soft-sand slog in the afternoon but showers and pre-dinner drinks followed by a hearty barbeque dinner prepared by Marcus and the family is just what we needed. I need to add that when we left Brooms Head in the morning, there was a possibility that the road would be closed due to the fires and Dave and the trailer would not make it to Minnie Waters. All was well however and Dave was able to bring the gear through as well as the BBQ makings.
Unfortunately. a cool southerly wind had sprung up and battered us for 6.5 km.
We were pleased to arrive at Wooli River Lodges mid-afternoon. What a nice place. Shady, well-maintained gardens; lodges with good linen; an outdoor fully equipped kitchen; and just 5 minutes to the local store and hotel. We enjoyed dinner at the hotel and this was followed by a gathering in the outdoor kitchen to wish Dave a happy birthday with party hats and cake. It seemed like a long day and I headed back to our lodge while most stayed to play 31. I was surprised to find it was only 7.30 pm but the opportunity for an early night was too good to pass up.
After lunch, we crossed Station Creek estuary easily as it was only wading depth. Then there was another beautiful beach walk to Red Rock River and our final boat crossing to Red Rock.
Press play on the following link:
https://www.relive.cc/view/v1vjpeABDY6
Pam and I had intended to spend the night at Nambucca Heads but as it was only 2.00 pm when we arrived at Red Rock, we canceled our motel booking, thanked and fare welled our walking family and drove home to Caves Beach.
What a wonderful walk along a beautiful, pristine coastline in good company, thanks to Home Comforts Hiking – we couldn’t ask for a better few days!
[post_title] => Yuraygir Coastal Walk 7 – 11 September, 2019
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