FAQs
General
What makes Salt & Trails different from other tours?
Salt & Trails is not a tour. It's a private, founder-led day experience, designed, hosted and delivered personally by Joel, every time. Every booking is exclusive. The day is shaped entirely around you. No strangers, no fixed itinerary, no managed groups. Just a well-designed day in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Who is this designed for?
Salt & Trails is designed for people who value a day done properly. Solo travellers, couples, families and friends who want to be genuinely in a place rather than just passing through it. People who care about good food, being active outdoors and experiencing somewhere with someone who knows it deeply.
Who is this not for?
Guests seeking high-adrenaline adventure or a purely passive sightseeing day. Salt & Trails sits in neither extreme. It's active, immersive and paced, not intense or performative.
If you are seeking either extreme intensity or a purely relaxed leisure day, contact us to discuss the options.
Is this suitable for children?
Families with children are very welcome. The day adapts naturally to age and comfort level, whether that means an ocean pool instead of a surf session, a coastal walk instead of a mountain bike trail or simply a gentler pace throughout.
If you're coming with younger children, mention their ages and swimming and activity comfort when you book. We'll shape the day around them.
Is this suitable for corporate groups?
Yes, Salt & Trails works well for small corporate groups, leadership teams, staff rewards or client experiences. The private format means the day is shaped entirely around your group. Get in touch to discuss.
Is it a private experience or a group booking?
Every booking is private and exclusive. Once you book, the day is yours, no other guests, no shared experience. Whether you're coming solo, as a couple or as a group of up to five, the day is designed entirely around you.
How many people can join?
Salt & Trails is designed for up to five guests per booking. Solo travellers, couples, families and small groups are all equally welcome. Every booking is private regardless of group size. The day is always exclusively yours.
The Experience
Do I need surfing or mountain biking experience?
No experience necessary for either. The surf session is guided and chosen around your ability and comfort in the water. The mountain bike trail is selected around your fitness and confidence. If you'd rather swim at an ocean pool than surf, or walk rather than ride, that's equally valid. The day adapts to you.
How physically demanding is the day?
Moderate — active but paced. The day involves ocean time, a trail in the afternoon and movement throughout. It's designed to feel alive, not exhausting. Fitness level and pace are always adapted to you.
What if I don't want to surf?
The ocean pool experience is an equally intentional alternative. You'll still begin the day at the water, swimming, moving, taking in the morning. No surfing required.
Can I skip a component of the day?
Yes, the day is yours to shape. If you'd rather spend more time at the ocean and less on the trails, or skip an element entirely, we'll work around it. Get in touch before the day and we'll talk it through.
Where does lunch take place?
Lunch is at one of a small rotation of the Northern Beaches' most iconic venues: Pilu at Freshwater, Jonah's at Whale Beach, Bert's at Newport or Barrenjoey House at Palm Beach. The venue is confirmed before the day begins, chosen around availability and the flow of the day.
What should I wear to lunch?
Smart-casual. Think relaxed but considered, the venues are premium but not formal. Salt & Trails provides a poncho towel after the ocean session and a portable changing facility at the vehicle, so the transition from water to table to trails is seamless.
Are dietary requirements accommodated?
Yes. Confirm at booking and Joel will ensure the venue is briefed in advance.
Equipment & Gear
What mountain bikes are provided?
Quality hardtail or dual-suspension mountain bikes suited to local trail conditions.
What surfboards are provided?
Boards are selected according to experience level and conditions, soft-top or fibreglass, longboard or shorter shapes. The right board is confirmed with guests before the day.
Are wetsuits provided?
Yes, when needed. Sizing is discussed in advance.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable activewear, swimwear, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. All activity equipment is provided. We recommend a smart-casual change of clothes for lunch, relaxed but considered. Salt & Trails provides a poncho towel after the ocean session and a portable changing facility at the vehicle, so the transition from water to table to trails is seamless.
Booking & Logistics
Where does the day begin and end?
The day begins at 9am at Cibaria Caffetteria, Manly Pacific Hotel. A good café to start with a coffee before we head out. Coffee is on us. The day ends back in Manly, typically around 6pm. If you're staying elsewhere on the Northern Beaches, get in touch and we'll work out what makes sense.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible. Dates are available on request and fill quickly once confirmed. For weekend dates especially, booking two to four weeks ahead is advisable. If you have a specific date in mind, get in touch and we'll confirm availability.
Can the day be customised?
Yes, within the structure of the day, there's genuine flexibility. Ocean activity, trail choice and pace are all shaped around you. If you have something specific in mind, a celebration, a particular location, a dietary preference, mention it when you book and we'll work around it.
What does it cost?
AUD 950 for one person. AUD 1,600 for two — the most popular way to book. From the third guest onwards, AUD 600 per additional person. All inclusive — transport, equipment, wetsuit if needed, guiding, hosting and lunch.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes. A full Salt & Trails day makes a considered gift. One and two-person gift cards available. See the Gift a Day page for details.
How is safety managed?
All ocean and trail components are selected according to conditions and guest capability on the day. Equipment is checked before use. Activities are guided at all times. If conditions are deemed unsafe — hazardous surf, extreme weather or trail risk — the experience is modified, postponed or cancelled without question.
All guests complete a participation acknowledgement before the day begins.
Guest wellbeing takes priority over schedule. Always.
Are you insured?
Yes. Salt & Trails operates with appropriate Public Liability insurance and Commercial Passenger Transport insurance for guided tourism experiences.
Weather & Cancellations
What happens in poor weather?
The experience is shaped around conditions. Light rain doesn't cancel the day, Joel will adapt the format to maintain quality. In the case of unsafe surf, severe weather or hazardous trail conditions, the day is rescheduled or a full refund is offered.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 48 hours prior receive a full refund. Within 48 hours, a 50% refund will be issued, or guests may change their date at no cost, subject to availability.
Still have a question? Contact us