Our motley crew of Explorers have made it to Sydney! After 195km of rambling across sandy beaches and traversing coastal cliffs they rolled into The Squire’s Landing at Circular Quay for a pint of The Wreck Survivors’ Ale.

Back in 1797, the merchant ship Sydney Cove was wrecked on the Australian south coast, and the survivors had to hike back to Sydney. Fast forward 200 or so years and James Squire have teamed up with us to recreate sections of the epic journey. The beer wizards have also crafted a mighty fine brew in celebration, using surviving yeast from the wreck itself.

In August three lucky Explorers packed their bags and recreated some beaut sections of the 740km route. They frothed on some speccy spots along the way and enjoyed the chance to kick back around the campfire with a beer at night.Great Australian Survivors’ Trek Reaches Sydney, Nic Morley photography, james squire, shipwreck

Great Australian Survivors’ Trek Reaches Sydney, Nic Morley photography, james squire, campfire, marshmallows, hikers

We asked hiker Jason Reeve (@jaseinthewild) to share some thoughts on his experience.

‘We spent eight days exploring the insanely beautiful Australian East Coast in near-total isolation. This wasn’t a weekend wander with the typical Sydney crowds squeezing onto the same track.’

Great Australian Survivors’ Trek Reaches Sydney, Nic Morley photography, james squire, beach, hikingGreat Australian Survivors’ Trek Reaches Sydney, Nic Morley photography, james squire, east coast, drone

‘Instead, our days began at 5.00am and we’d be walking soon after – enjoying crisp mornings, unbelievable sunrises, dolphins playing in the surf – and placing the first footprints on untouched beaches.’ 

Great Australian Survivors’ Trek Reaches Sydney, Nic Morley photography, james squire, sunrise, east coast, drone

‘An excited energy filled us each day as we set out as Explorers – at times following known, yet isolated paths, but always forging a new path for ourselves. It’s hard to fully articulate the kind of feeling a trek like this stirs inside you.’

Great Australian Survivors’ Trek Reaches Sydney, Nic Morley photography, james squire, hiking, forest

‘Taking the time to step out of the every day and go beyond the tourist tracks is an invaluable endeavour. Doing this with a group of like-minded, awesome people – even better!’ 

Great Australian Survivors’ Trek Reaches Sydney, Nic Morley photography, james squire, sun

Great Australian Survivors’ Trek Reaches Sydney, Nic Morley photography, james squire, hiking, coastal, rock platform

Nab The Wreck Survivors’ Ale For Yourself

A limited batch of the beer is available to drink at all James Squire brewhouses across the country. Or can get your hands on one of 5,000 bottles by hitting up Dan Murphy’s.

 

Read more about the survivors’ trek up to Sydney in 1797, and how James Squire is recreating part of this history with their beer. 

And if you’re cracking a brew or two, remember to Drinkwise.

 


East Coastin’: A Guide

A 740km East Coast Trek That’s 200 Years Old

7 Must See Spots After Wrecking Your Ship On The South Coast

Surfari! // Hiking With Surfboards In Remote East Gippsland (VIC/NSW)

Hiking The Yuraygir Coastal Walk With A Boat On My Back (NSW)