Preparing the draft Winter program of events - online via Zoom. GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The bulk of the planning for the upcoming Winter program will be done in this pre-planning meeting via Zoom in readiness to present the draft program the next night at the Social Evening, where attendees will be invited to provide additional suggestions and help fill any gaps. BOOKING: By 5pm Monday 8th April. To register, click on Get Tickets. Alternatively, simply click on the Zoom link in the reminder email sent to members a few days prior to the event. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. DRAFT PROGRAM: Nomads Draft Program. You may add your suggestions to this online spreadsheet - be sure to click to some other cell once you've finished, so that your suggestion gets saved. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm online via Zoom. Those who registered will be sent the Zoom link by 6pm on Monday evening. LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Photo by Bich Tran from Pexels.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS

A circuit walk south east of Melbourne.  This is the first day after daylight saving ends so you can sleep in an hour..., but it is about a two hour drive GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy-Moderate 8 km circuit walk.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Childers Plantation Loop is a terrific walk through beautiful eucalypt forest near Yarragon South, Victoria. The path begins from Childers Settlement Road and winds through the plantations and its varied terrain. The forest makes way to green open rolling hills that offer a fantastic view of the surrounding farmland. The track can get muddy after rain, so be sure to set out with good footwear if there's been recent rainfall.  BOOKING: By Friday 5th April. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am in Childers Settlement Rd, at the Loop Track junction 1 km south from Allambee-Childers Rd (see map).  Note this is about a two-hour drive from Melbourne PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is not feasible. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X912 V8 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/JpbADjk3BEBdLN3y6 FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots and dress according to the weather forecast.   LEADER: Richard C. | Email LeaderRichardC.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

** Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled due to an injury of the event leader ** A classic walk in Taggerty starting with a warm-up then a steep climb, a high peak, a spectacular ridge walk, a gully descent and a river flat walk to complete the circuit in the Cathedral Range, a spectacular seven kilometre long ridge of sharply upturned sedimentary rock. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Hard grade (due to the steepness) 12 km circuit walk.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: From Cooks Mill car park there is a warm-up walk for about 1 km up Cerebus Road, followed by a steep climb up a well marked track. Before reaching the top, turn north and head around a gully to another track junction. Follow the right hand track to detour to North Jawbone Peak. Return to the main track and continue north to the Cathedral Ridge. Follow the ridge to The Cathedral (Cathedral Peak) and then north again to Cathedral North, the highest point in the walk. Return, and having passed The Cathedral again, find the steep rocky track east and down to Neds Saddle. Take care as this section can be slippery, especially in wet weather. Continue further east and up to Neds Peak, then on and down to rejoin Neds Gully Track. Down in the Little River flat and before the river, turn right at the Little River Walking Track and head upstream (south) to the start at Cooks Mill car park. BOOKING: By Friday 29th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Bushwalking Victoria: Neds Gully – Cathedral Peak – Neds Peak – Neds Gully and map. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am in the car park of Cooks Mill Campground, Little River Track, Rubicon.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X910 grid T10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/mBC4SXbNzUYoEdU5A.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 122 km, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes via M3 and B360 (Black Spur Drive) to Taggerty, then Cathedral Lane and Little River Road to St Bernards Track. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots and dress according to the weather forecast. The weather can be more changeable in the Cathedral Ranges, so layers are advised. LEADER: Subra N. | Email LeaderSubraN.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Join the Nomads Friday cycling group on Good Friday. This will be quite a scenic ride, almost entirely off-road, following the Blind Creek and Dandenong Creek to Carrum (by which point the Dandenong Creek has been renamed to Patterson River). GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium to Hard cycling tour of approximately 44 km, being 28 km to lunch, then a further 16 km to Carrum. One of the reasons for the Medium to Hard grading is that we'll be trying to get to the lunch spot before it becomes too crowded! It will be possible to exit at Dandenong Station (approximately 3 km after lunch). For the route, see Boronia - Blind Ck - Dandenong Ck - Carrum. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: From Boronia Station we'll cycle along the trail beside the Belgrave train line to get to Blind Creek, then follow the Blind Creek Trail to where it joins the Eastlink Trail. From there, we follow the Eastlink and Dandenong Creek Trails to our lunch spot, the Dandenong Workers Club, 52-70 Wedge St, Dandenong, which is located right beside the cycling path. After lunch, we'll continue along the Dandenong Creek Trail to Carrum. It's going to be reasonably warm, so you can optionally enjoy a dip at the beautiful Carrum Beach prior to catching a train from Carrum Station. Whenever you're ready to head towards the CBD, trains depart from Carrum Station every 10 minutes. You could of course also ride home via the Bayside Trail if you want to get a really good workout! BOOKING: By noon on Thursday 28th March so we can confirm our lunch booking. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: We'll plan to depart at 10.30am from the Boronia Train Station (the exit on the eastern side; i.e. turn left after leaving the train).  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 64 grid K9 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/1F2uiE6ZBk8VBdMm8.  WEATHER FORECAST: The forecast is for pleasant, but warm, conditions. The early forecast for Friday was "12 to 30 degrees. Sunny. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning.". For more details see the BOM Dandenong Detailed Forecast or the BOM MetEye. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch the Belgrave line train that departs from Flinders Street Station, platform 2, at 9:26am (or from Richmond at 9:39am), which should arrive at Boronia at 9:27am. PRE-RIDE COFFEE: If you'd like a pre-ride coffee, you should catch the Lilydale line train that departs from Flinders Street, platform 3, at 9:06am (or from Richmond at 9:19am), then change in Ringwood to the 10am Belgrave train, which should arrive at Boronia at 10:09am. There's a cafe right opposite the station exit. However, you'll only have 2 minutes to cross the platform in Ringwood, to change from the Lilydale to the Belgrave service.  FOOD: Carry snacks if you wish and a litre of water. Lunch will be purchased at The Workers Club in Dandenong. NOTE: The Workers Club is usually very quiet on Fridays, but on this occasion there will be bingo starting at 1pm and live music from 3pm. We plan to arrive there before 12:45pm. We'll be sitting outside, so shouldn't be impacted too much, except that it will be much busier than normal. They also have a special Good Friday set lunch menu, but that needs to be pre-paid and won't suit some members of our group, so I've elected for us to dine from their normal bistro menu.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable attire for the weather forecast, in addition to your bike and helmet. A spare bike tube is advisable. LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Tantawangalo is located in the south western part of the Bega Valley. You are invited to stay on a private property that abuts the South East Forest National Park. The Tantawangalo Creek runs through the property which provides a few good swimming holes in this granite country forest.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy to Moderate and maybe Hard if we do some of the 4WD track walks, but the grading depends on the activities we choose to do. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Camp around the house and have access to a BBQ, kitchen, shower, toilet and outside bath or camp down towards the creek with access to creek water and a pit loo. Depending on the group and the weather, we can go and visit a number of local beaches, one nudist. Other options are exploring the private property and its swimming holes, a walk to the town water weir on the Tantawangalo Creek or walking a number of 4WD tracks in the National Park, or just lazing around. BOOKING: By Friday 22nd March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Arrival time is flexible. The address is 1466 Tantawangalo Mountain Road, Tantawangalo NSW.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/DaVdwpJ88u5CoGF1A.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 573 km, approximately 7 hours via Monash Fwy/M1 and the Princes Hwy A1 to Cann River, through Bombala and on to Bega. There is 15 km of dirt road to reach the property through National Park. You can go via Eden, Pambula and Candelo but this will take longer and only has 5 km of dirt road. It may be preferable to come part way on the Thursday night and camp at the Caravan park in Bruthen, for which booking ASAP is recommended. Please don’t travel in the dark as there tends to be many animals around. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The leader will attempt to organise car pooling, as public transport is troublesome, though public transport is possible if a pick-up/drop-off in Bega can be arranged. Outbound: Catch the V/line Bairnsdale service departing from Southern Cross at 7:17am on Thursday 28 March, connecting with a coach that arrives in Bega at 4:50pm. Total travel time 9 hours and 35 minutes at a cost of $35.20 full or $17.60 concession/seniors. Return: The return service departs from Bega at 6:50am (on 2 April) to connect with a train departing from Bairnsdale at 12:54pm, which arrives at Southern Cross at 4:44pm. Total journey time 9 hours 54 minutes at a cost of $35.20 full or $17.60 concession/seniors. WHAT TO BRING: Camping gear, food, drinks and what you expect to use for the long weekend. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes, sunscreen and dress according to the weather forecast for the Bega area. Bega’s weather usually arrives a day after what Melbourne had, but not necessarily, as Bega is on the east (Pacific) coast. LEADER: Les B. | Email LeaderLesB.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Enjoy stunning Victorian Autumnal weather on the penultimate 2023-2024 daylight saving Sunday. Enjoy 360 degree views of the northern plains from the top of Pyramid Hill. This day-trip has been designed to use public transport.  Note #1: this trip is only possible on a Sunday via the train timetable Note #2: the event will be postponed in the event of train replacement buses in operation  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy to medium, approximately 8 km, circuit walk on flat paths plus the ascent to and the descent from the "Hill". ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Pyramid is a small town of 600 people about an hour north-west of Bendigo. The area was surveyed in 1836 by Major Thomas Mitchell during his journey into "Australia Felix". The granite "Hill" at 187 metres above sea level reminded Major Mitchell of the monuments of Egypt.  Upon arrival at Pyramid Station there will be a 3 km walk to the "Hill" Summit park. This will be the lunch spot with ample time to both undertake the walk around the Summit plus scramble up and down the Summit. Time and interest permitting, on the return journey there is the opportunity to deviate via the nearby Pyramid Bushland Reserve. The local bakery plus the Pub should be open for refreshments before starting the return train journey at 5:47pm  BOOKING: By Thursday 21st March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 07:30am at Southern Cross Station to board the 07:40am train to Swan Hill. Travel options are (1) by train (see details below) or (2) driving and parking at Pyramid Station by 11:05am. MAP REFERENCES: Southern Cross Station - Melway map 1A grid A7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/s6DUsRG8CWz2K97eA  Pyramid Station - Melway map 621 grid C5 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/axwKJmwBW4SB7eY87 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 248 km, approximately 2 hours 55 minutes to drive, 3 hours 29 minutes by public transport. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The trip starts on the train departing Southern Cross Station at 07:40am arriving at Pyramid at 11:09am. It's suggested that we gather in the first carriage (North Melbourne end) which has unreserved seating. The return train departs Pyramid at 5:47pm arriving back at Southern Cross at 9:12pm. Day return weekend fares are capped at $7.20 (Full) and $3.60 (Concession & Seniors). Note #3 - paper tickets are required for this day-return trip. Advance purchase or buy on arrival at Southern Cross. To enable the group to travel together, travel will be in an unreserved carriage. FOOD:  BYO lunch and snacks plus a refillable water container. The local bakery and store will both be open BUT the availabilty of pre-prepared meals is unknown (it's a self-sufficient country town). APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. FURTHER INFORMATION: V/Line Swan Hill Timetables; Pyramid Hill Summit Walk; Welcome to Pyramid Hill LEADER: Garry Oliver | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.     HOME | BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS | MEMBERSHIPS  

A climb near Babbington Hill in the Wombat State Forest, passing by a beautiful reservoir and an historic mineral spring. Refreshments back at the starting point at Lyonville's Radio Springs Hotel. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 9.7 km circuit walk. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This scenic walk highlights some of the interesting history of Lyonville, located in the Daylesford Spa Country. Starting at the Radio Springs Hotel we pass through the local settlement and farmland that gives way to the densely treed Wombat State Forest, The area originally attracted James Lyon, after whom the town is named, and who built large sawmills in the region. We pass by the Bullarto Reservoir then circuit near the Babbington Hill (822m) before descending to the historic Lyonville Spring for lunch with its mineral waters. From the mineral springs we walk along the old tramway route that parallels the Loddon River. The walk will end at the starting point, Radio Springs Hotel, where we can have afternoon refreshments afterwards.  BOOKING: By Friday 15th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am in the car park of the Radio Springs Hotel, 1 High St, Lyonville.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid D10 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/mffYVKSy9GGzc5ou7.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 102 km, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via Calder Fwy/M79 to Woodend, then follow directions to Daylesford, taking the Tylden-Woodend Rd, then the C318 Kyneton-Trentham Rd, and finally the C317 Trentham-Daylesford Rd to Lyonville. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take the 9:06am Echuca train from Southern Cross to Woodend, then transfer to the Daylesford coach service, arriving at Main St/Daylesford-Trentham Rd, Lyonville at 10:46am. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Lyonville can be several degrees cooler than Melbourne. LEADER: Robert H. | Email LeaderRobertH.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Finish off your long weekend with a scenic walk along the Domino Rail Trail and Blighs Rd, on your way back to Melbourne. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 9 km circuit walk. This is mostly flat, though there will be some short scrambles around the Domino Creek region. Some sections could be muddy and slippery if there has been recent rain. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This walk is designed as a scenic diversion to enjoy on your way back to Melbourne after the ChillOut weekend, but can equally be appreciated as a day walk from Melbourne on the Labour Day Monday. From the starting point in Trentham, we'll head directly to the Domino Trail, which follows part of the former railway line between Daylesford and Carlsruhe. This circuit won't simply be an out-and-back walk though, as there will be variations between the out and back route, in particular to follow Blighs Rd in one direction. BOOKING: By Saturday 9th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Associated Nomads activities during the ChillOut Festival: Friday to Monday: The Nomads Labour Day Long Weekend – ChillOut Camping. Saturday 10am: The Nomads ChillOut Saturday Morning Community Walk. Sunday: Attend the ChillOut Festival Street Parade then either head to the ChillOut Carnivale, attend the Naturist Walk, relax at the camp or attend any of the other events around town. Sunday 1:30pm: The Nomads Daylesford Naturist Walk during ChillOut. Sunday evening: We'll once again organise an evening meal at the Spice of India Restaurant, within easy walking distance of the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at the Quarry Street Recreation Reserve, located on Quarry St between Albert St and Victoria St, Trentham. There are public toilets at the meeting point. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid E10 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/hxafR5BhFnGbzGtD8 | FedWalks 2023 Walk 2 Domino Trail and Return. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 93 km, between 75 and 90 minutes to drive via the M79 Calder Fwy. Parking is available in Quarry St, on the north and the south side of its intersection with High Street (the main Trentham throughfare and just downhill from the Cosmopolitan Hotel). PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport options are available via train between Southern Cross station and Woodend (or Kyneton), plus a bus to Trentham. Myki cannot be used on the Daylesford bus service - tickets should be purchased online in advance. Recommended options: Getting There: From Southern Cross, catch the 9:06am Echuca service and alight at Woodend at 10:04am. Transfer to the Daylesford bus service that departs from Woodend at 10:14am and arrives at Trentham Milk Bar/Market St at 10:36am. The bus stop is about 300 metres from the meeting point - from the bus stop head north, then turn left into High St (C318). Turn right (into Quarry St) at the second High St intersection. Return: Catch the Daylesford-Woodend bus service from Trentham Milk Bar/Market St, Trentham at 2:39pm, which has a connection at Woodend that should have you arriving at Southern Cross at 4:24pm. It's expected that the walk will finish in time for you to catch this service. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. There are excellent options in Trentham, such as the RedBeard Bakery, for purchasing your lunch. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Trentham is at 700 metres elevation, so it's likely to be cooler and wetter than Melbourne and the trails may be muddy. LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

This event is part of the Nomads 3-day Chillout Event Program. This event is for naturists. Enjoy a pleasant clothes-free 3-hour walk in the peaceful surroundings of the Wombat State Forest in the heart of Daylesford.  Please note: This is a clothing-free event (not clothing optional) and all attendees will be asked to conform to the nature of the event (weather permitting). Non-conformists will be politely asked to leave the event without refund. This event caters for the beginner to experienced naturist/bushwalker in a friendly, supportive and accepting environment where one can reconnect with nature and be part of the ChillOut weekend events. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3, Moderate, approximately 9 km circuit walk. The country is generally undulating, though there are some rough tracks with a few fallen logs to navigate at times. Some bushwalking experience is recommended. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is for naturists. Enjoy a pleasant clothes-free stroll through the tall trees and along the picturesque creeks in Wombat State Forest near Daylesford. A good chance for a chat, or just enjoy the pleasure of being in the forest, without clothes. We will visit the Wombat Dam with an opportunity for a swim during our afternoon tea break. The walk should finish by 5:00pm at the starting point in time for preparing for your evening social events.  BOOKING: By COB Friday 8th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 1:30pm at Bolton's Takeaway Cafe, 31a East St Daylesford (clothed). The cafe will be closed so please ensure you have eaten lunch or packed snacks prior. Please be on time so we can make the most of our time in the forest. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/fYQqNXCMdQW5Uyfa7. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 114 km | 1 hour 25 minutes. COST: Free for Nomads members, $5 for non-members. FOOD: You may wish to bring about 600ml of water. Food/snacks are not required but you can take a snack if you like. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, repellent (maybe). Wear comfortable walking shoes/boots. Shorts for the start and end of the walk.  LEADER: Jason T. | Email LeaderJasonT.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS

Join The Nomads for a morning bushwalk during the Chillout Festival - a good chance to make new friends, and enjoy nature as you walk beside the creeks and in the forests near Daylesford. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Choice of two circuit walks. Medium 4 km walk, or Hard 7 km walk with some challenging off-track hills to climb and descend. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join The Nomads for a morning bushwalk during the Chillout Festival - a good chance to make new friends. Enjoy the fresh air walking beside Sailors Creek and through the trees in the Hepburn Regional Forest. There will be a choice of two walks: Medium 4 km, or Hard 7 km walk. Both walks will stop for a short 10 to 15 minute break in the forest, and both will end back at the starting point. Bring water, hat, apply sunscreen and wear closed shoes, not sandals. BOOKING: Preferably by Friday 8th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Associated Nomads activities during the ChillOut Festival: Friday to Monday: The Nomads Labour Day Long Weekend – ChillOut Camping. Sunday: Attend the ChillOut Festival Street Parade then either head to the ChillOut Carnivale, attend the Naturist Walk, relax at the camp or attend any of the other events around town. Sunday 1:30pm: The Nomads Daylesford Naturist Walk during ChillOut. Sunday evening: We'll once again organise an evening meal at the Spice of India Restaurant, within easy walking distance of the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. Monday: On the way back to Melbourne, do a Nomads Trentham Circuit Walk via the Domino Trail. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at Tipperary Springs Picnic Area, Tipperary Springs Rd, Daylesford. It is 2.5 km and 6 minutes drive from the Daylesford Town Hall. Both walks will start and finish at this point. The event finishes at 12:45pm. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid C9 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/GcFxQ2XwQnk7RkRs6. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 116 km, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to drive.  COST: $10 for visitors and free for Nomads Members. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable closed shoes/walking boots, a hat, dark glasses, apply sunscreen before the walk. Dress according to the weather forecast.  FOOD AND DRINKS: Bring drinking water. Snacks of a muesli bar etc. and a piece of fruit will be given out to each walker at the start of the walk. WALK LEADERS: MEDIUM WALK: Russell W | Email LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. HARD WALK: Jason T | Email LeaderJasonT.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Photo by Russell W, taken at the 2020 Nomads ChillOut Community Walk.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

We’ll use the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park as our base for a relaxed weekend doing some walks in the Daylesford region whilst also participating in ChillOut Festival. GRADE: Social - this is a base camp for participating in events during the ChillOut Festival. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: There are many events you can attend as part of ChillOut Festival, and the Nomads have also organised a number of walks to coincide with it. The Jubilee Lake Holiday Park is a great base for your ChillOut long weekend. This park is a little out of the centre of Daylesford, but much nicer and less crowded than the caravan park beside the ChillOut Carnival site. Some activities to consider attending include: Saturday 10am: The Nomads ChillOut Saturday Morning Community Walk. Saturday evening: BYO BBQ at the Jubilee Lake Park, and/or many ChillOut events around town. Sunday: Attend the ChillOut Festival Street Parade then either head to the ChillOut Carnival, do the Naturist walk, relax at the camp or attend any of the other events around town. Sunday 1:30pm: The Nomads Daylesford Naturist Walk during ChillOut. Sunday evening: We'll once again organise an evening meal at the Spice of India Restaurant, within easy walking distance of the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. Monday: On the way back to Melbourne, do a Nomads Trentham Circuit Walk via the Domino Trail. BOOKING: by Tuesday 5th March or ASAP. To register, click on Get Tickets to get a ticket for each night you wish to camp.  Do not book your accommodation directly with the holiday park! Get a MEMBER or VISITOR ticket for EACH NIGHT you wish to camp. You need to log in as a financial Nomads member to take out a Member ticket. Visitors who wish to attend any of the other Nomads events over the weekend, are advised to take out a 1 month temporary membership (cost $8) prior to making any bookings. You can then book free member tickets for the events you want to attend (though the camping fee remains the same: $15 per person per night). Everybody (Members and Visitors): Don't forget to also register for any other events you wish to attend.  Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6-10pm on Friday 8th March at the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park, Daylesford (or as arranged with the leader). The leader will provide additional details after you register. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid C9 | Google map goo.gl/maps/cXKMzKvqni22. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Via Western Fwy 118 km, 1 hour 30 minutes | via Calder Fwy 117 km, 1 hour 35 minutes. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: V/LINE: There is a regular V/Line service between Melbourne and Daylesford. If using that, contact the leader to see if we can collect you from the bus stop (outside the CFA Station). LIFT: If you would like a lift between Melbourne and Daylesford, when you book your camping ticket(s) answer YES to the "Do you need transport to the event" question (and give your postcode), and the leader will try to arrange a lift for you. SHUTTLE BUS: ChillOut will probably be operating a shuttle bus again, running every 40 minutes between Jubilee Lake, central Daylesford and Hepburn Springs - cost in 2023 was $20 for a weekend bus pass. TAXI: Daylesford normally has a good taxi service (03 5348 1111), but no Ubers. Taxis are likely to be hard to come by on this busy weekend though. ACCOMMODATION: The Nomads “base camp” will be a cluster of five unpowered camp sites. The sites are reasonably large and can each accommodate a number of people (in multiple tents or small camping vehicles) per site. Cars can generally be parked on or beside the sites, with additional parking available in the car park near reception.  COST: The Nomads have pre-booked the sites - you don't need to book individually! The cost is $15 per person per night.  FOOD: There are BBQ facilities and a cafe at the holiday park. Alternatively, you can bring your own food for the weekend and/or dine in Daylesford. APPAREL & EQUIPMENT: You will need to BYO tent and bedding unless you're able to share somebody else's. A chair and table are handy, but not essential. A torch is essential. LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Doutta Galla Hotel, Flemington (Newmarket).  GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join us for our monthly social evening where members can enjoy a meal, talk about upcoming events, compare notes on past activities and float ideas on events they would like to see run. BOOKING: By Sunday 3rd March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Doutta Galla Hotel, 339 Racecourse Road, Flemington. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2T grid K1 | Google map goo.gl/maps/9gJrHHfmDks16xeeA. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Doutta Galla Hotel is diagonally opposite the Newmarket Station on the Craigieburn line, and located on tram line #57 (Flinders Street Station to West Maribyrnong) between stops 25 and 26. LEADER: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

An out-and-back walk north east of Melbourne. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium-hard 10 km circuit walk. Total rise 493 m. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Explore this 10 km trail near Woori Yallock, Victoria (Warburton-ish). Generally considered a challenging route. After previewing the walk, it is necessary to change it to an out-and-back walk, mostly on fire trails.  The original planned trail degraded from unmarked animal tracks to bushbashing, which  is almost impassable.  It will now mostly follow fire trails.  The route is just as long, and with the same total rise. The scenery along this trail is gorgeous, winding through beautiful dense forest and reaching open clearings with lovely views of the surrounding lowlands. The track can get muddy after rain, so be sure to set out with good footwear if there's been recent rainfall.  BOOKING: By Friday 1st March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at Warramate Hills Flora and Fauna Reserve, 7 Yarraloch Way, Gruyere. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is not feasible. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 285 grid G1 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/r6QT6GLdW2pWEcLo7. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots and dress according to the weather forecast.   LEADER: Richard C. | Email LeaderRichardC.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Enjoy a walk through beautiful Ballarat parks between Wendouree Station and central Ballarat, explore some fascinating Australian history, and join the Frolic Festival picnic celebration, near Ballarat Station. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 10 km point-to-point walk with public transport connections.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Starting from the Wendouree V/Line Station, we'll walk via the Botanic Gardens and Lake Wendouree to visit the Ballarat Old Cemetery, then some historic sites in Lydiard Street, before finishing up at the Frolic Festival picnic in Alfred Deakin Place. The event is designed to enable easy public transport access to and from Melbourne.  BOOKING: By Friday 22nd February. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Ballarat Frolic Festival (frolicfestival.org). MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at the Wendouree V/Line Station, cnr Learmonth Rd and Gillies St, Wendouree (Ballarat).  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid A11 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/DNq5VmqB3Hu5YZr49.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 122 km, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes via M8 to Wendouree, exiting onto Gillies St N/C307, which takes you to the station.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Ararat service that departs from Southern Cross at 8:14am arrives at Wendouree at 9:51am. For the return to Melbourne, services depart from Ballarat Station at 2:20pm, 3:20pm, 4:20pm, 5:20pm, 6:20pm, 7:20pm and 9:28pm. Capped fares apply on weekends and public holidays if using myki money - $7:20 Full or $3.60 Concession/Seniors. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Ballarat can be several degrees cooler than Melbourne. LEADER: Don V. | Email LeaderDonV.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

A very pleasant place for a naturist walk amongst the tall trees of the Wombat State Forest and along the banks of the upper Werribee River, with a short detour to visit and taste the water from the Carrolls Mineral Spring. If it's hot there are waterholes for cooling off. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy to medium 7km circuit walk. Although we mostly walk along the banks of the river there are a few ups and downs where the track climbs over cliff tops beside the river. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is for naturists. Enjoy a naked hike along the banks of the upper reaches of the Werribee River. At times the small track deviates into the open forest to avoid cliffs along the river bank. Along the way we will visit Carrolls Spring, one of the southernmost springs in the Hepburn-Daylesford area. The water flow can be a bit slow but it tastes quite good. Lunch will be on the grassed and shady river bank. If the day is hot we can cool off in one of the river waterholes or where the water cascades over the rocks. (Maybe include a pair of jocks just in case there are campers on the bank near the cascades, hopefully not). BOOKING: Preferably by Friday 16th February. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10.15am for coffee and catch up at the Pergola in the small Community Park at 131 Inglis St, Ballan (the main street). It is next to The Ballan Takeaway shop. The best parking is around the corner in Fisken St. There are a few coffee shops nearby. Toilets are located at the rear of the Community Park. (Optus mobile coverage in Ballan is at times not very good.  If you need to contact us and the phone doesn't work, try a text.) 10.45am Briefing for the day and car pooling to the start of the walk, which is just off the main road to Daylesford. It is 16kms and 15 mins from the meeting place along a bitumen road. The car park is gravel. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X911 grid D1 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/BhNQ5V379caNEAg18.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 75kms. Allow 1hr 10mins. Take the Western Highway towards Ballarat. Then take the Ballan exit after about 72 kms. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: V/line train towards Ballarat leaves Southern Cross Railway Station at 8.14am and arrives in Ballan at 9.16am.  The meeting place is 8 mins, 450 m walk from Ballan Railway Station, so you would arrive at the pergola at 9.24am. (Check that there is not bus replacement on the day.) Even the following train would do. It leaves Southern Cross 1 hour later at 9.14am, and arrives at Ballan at 10.16am, plus 8 mins walk will get you to the meeting place at 10.24am. We will wait for you, but it means you will have less time for coffee. Alternatively send Russell an email to request a lift from Melbourne. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks, water/drinks (600ml to 1 litre). A plastic cup to collect and sample the spring water would be handy. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat, dark glasses, comfortable walking shoes/boots. (The track is easy to walk on, being mostly padded down earth.) Shorts maybe needed for the first and last 100m of the walk. Jocks would be handy in case there are campers near the cascades. A small towel to dry off after a dip or splash in a waterhole or the cascades. COST: Free for Nomads financial members, $5 for non-financial members. AFTER WALK REFRESHMENTS: If you feel like cool drinks, coffee and snacks after the walk we will return to Ballan and meet at the Commercial Hotel at 151 Inglis St, Ballan. After drinks, you can stay on for dinner if you wish. The hotel is now doing meals again after the dining room was closed during Covid and Facebook gives them a pretty good rating for their food. LEADER: Russell W. | Email LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS