Pub lunch and easy walk around Lilydale Lake. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Relaxing pub lunch and easy 5 km walk to and around Lilydale Lake (graded according to the Leaders Guide - Appendix A: Activity Grading Guidelines). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: An easily accessible walk by either train or car. Once the train from Flinders Street arrives, we will walk to the historic Olinda Creek Hotel (1860) for a pub lunch in the Bistro.  After a relaxing lunch, we'll take an easy walk beside the Olinda Creek to Lilydale Lake along the Warburton to Carrum Trail. The lake walk includes historic sites relating to limestone mining in the Mitchell Family's 110 year old quarry.  A nearby shopping centre can provide a spot for afternoon drinks. BOOKING: By Friday 6th September for hotel catering requirements. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:55am at Lilydale Railway Station. We'll assemble underneath the station, beside the northern end of the Maroondah Highway pedestrian crossing. The walk will begin once the train from the city arrives - scheduled for 11:50am. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/d5rHdiTWHwRWYMYj6.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is extremely convenient for this event. Weekend Myki fares are capped at $7.20 full, $3.60 concession or free for Seniors. We will ride in the front carriage of the train. Outbound: The Lilydale line train that departs from Flinders Street platform 2 at 10:42am arrives at Lilydale at 11:50am.  Return: Trains depart Lilydale towards Flinders Street every 20 minutes, at 2:19pm, 2:39pm, 2:59pm, 3:19pm, 3:39pm, 3:59pm etc. FOOD: Lunch will be ordered at the Olinda Creek Hotel - see menu. There is also a $16 Seniors option. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.  LEADER: John T. | Email LeaderJohnT.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 Nixon Hotel, Docklands.  GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Nomads hold a social night each month, where members and guests can enjoy a meal, talk about upcoming events, compare notes on past activities and float ideas on events they would like to see run. New members are especially invited to this, or any of the monthly Nomads social evenings. Tuesday night at the Nixon Hotel is Parma Night: $25 parma + pot. See the Nixon Hotel website for more details, including their menu.  BOOKING: By Monday 2nd September. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm on Tuesday 3rd September at the Nixon Hotel, 757 Bourke St, Docklands. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2E grid H6 | Google map g.page/nixonhotel?share. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Nixon Hotel is very close to Southern Cross Station. Alternatively, catch tram 11 or 48 to stop D16 (Harbour Esplanade/Collins St) or catch tram 35, 70 or 75 to stop D3 (Harbour Esplanade/Bourke St). LEADER: Kevin K. | Email LeaderKevinK.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  

Orienteering is a fun way to learn how to safely navigate through the forest with a map and compass. We will join in with a Victorian Orienteering Event on this occasion. Beginners are welcome, you will be given navigation instruction at the start of the course. We'll travel in groups of three through the bush for safety and to help each other with the navigation. Maps and compasses are provided. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 4 km circuit course which will take about 2 to 3 hours (graded according to the Leaders Guide - Appendix A: Activity Grading Guidelines). Your speed will not be high while you are learning how to navigate, avoid obstacles and find the checkpoints. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We will join in with a Victorian Orienteering event on this occasion. They provide wonderfully detailed waterproof maps and compasses to use on the event, though you could bring your own compass if you have one. We will join a course of approximately grade 4 (second easiest) while we learn how to accurately use our compass and map. Completing our course and finding all the checkpoints will probably take between 2 and 3 hours. This means we will finish around 1pm. If the weather is good we could eat our lunch at the finish point in the forest, or if the weather is not so good we could head off to a local cafe for lunch, though the nearest cafe is probably about half an hour away. After lunch we had planned to return to Melbourne. However the course is not too far from Castlemaine and Chewton and you might like to do something else there before returning to Melbourne. BOOKING: Please book by Thursday 29th August so that we can let the organisers know how many are coming. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Information on Bush Orienteering can be found at https://www.vicorienteering.asn.au/go-orienteering/bush-orienteering/. Information on this particular orienteering event can be found at https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/21016. This describes the course as 'Long'. We will not do all of the course on this occasion. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9.45am at the start of the orienteering event on Mt Alexander, Harcourt North. The exact location can be found on this link https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/21016. Click on the words "Driving directions from Google Maps" underneath the small map. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/AcrfAxJF7GPZj8Pt6.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 123 km, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Travel on the Calder Fwy/M79 from Melbourne. Then turn off on to Harmony Way just past Elphinstone. The destination is on Joseph Young Drive. https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/21016  CAR POOLING FROM MELBOURNE: If you would like to car pool to the event, cars will be leaving the BP Truck Stop/Service Centre Outbound, 937 Calder Fwy, Calder park at 8.30am. This is 26 km and approx 30 minutes from the GPO. Google map https://maps.app.goo.gl/GaonwHsHWwjrphWY6  Cars can be left all day at the BP Service Centre. At the BP Service Centre you can buy sandwiches, coffee and drinks etc. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is no public transport to the start. If you don't have transport, email the leader Russell who will arrange a lift for you. The email address to use is LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com   FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. You may even need some sunscreen and sunglasses as it will be the start of Spring. COST: The normal fee to enter Orienteering events is $30 per person which provides you with your map, compass and electronic timing stick. However if we go in groups of 3, they may only charge $30 for the group, making it $10 each. (I will try and clarify this before the event.) There is no Nomads fee for this event for both Members and Non-members. 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  

A full week of cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and/or snowboarding, staying in a cosy lodge at Falls Creek. Stay the full week, or part thereof. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Your choice (choose slopes and equipment to match your skills) – cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and/or snowboarding.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: A full week (or part thereof) ski trip to Falls Creek is planned for Sunday 25 to Sunday 31 August 2024. We will be staying at the cosy Cosela Alpine Lodge, which provides ski-in ski-out access from Wombats Ramble with no oversnow transport requirements. This will be a cross-country ski, downhill ski and/or snowboard week leaving Melbourne on Sunday and leaving Falls Creek the following Sunday. BOOKING: Please get a Nomads ticket ASAP to indicate your intention to attend. The leader will then contact you to confirm dates and times, and to organise payment. Accommodation will be booked once bed availability and size of the group is known. To register your interest, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.cosela.com.au/Winter/index.html. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Sunday afternoon, Cosela Alpine Lodge, Falls Creek.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway Map X922 grid H10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/V7fBUEiNBb62.  GETTING THERE: There are coach services from Melbourne, Mt Beauty and many other locations to Falls Creek. There are long-term parking facilities in Mt Beauty if you don’t wish to take your car up the mountain. If driving, take the Hume Freeway (M31) to Wangaratta then the Great Alpine Road (B500), turning off to Mt Beauty. On arrival at Falls Creek you should request to unload your luggage at the steps beyond the CFA station, which is lit at night. As you are staying at Cosela, you don't need oversnow transport. After unloading, you will return to the attendant to be directed to a parking place. Cosela Lodge can then be reached by travelling up the steps and across Snowgum Lane (see map at www.cosela.com.au/Winter/Map.html). DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 391 km, 4.5 hours. FOOD: It's advisable to bring food for the period of your stay; group catering arrangements will be organised after registration. Breakfast cereal, milk, bread, jam, condiments, tea and coffee are provided by the lodge. There’s a local food store for last minute supplies and oversights. COSTS: You can come for the full period or part thereof: ACCOMMODATION MON-THU: The accommodation cost is $120 per Nomads member per night. ACCOMMODATION FRI-SAT: $270 for Friday plus Saturday night (i.e. $135 per night, but payment is required for both nights if either is required). BOOKING FEE: There is also a $3.50 service booking fee. BUS - MOUNT BEAUTY TO FALLS CREEK: The bus fee is $88 Mount Beauty to Falls Creek return if you decide to park in Mt Beauty. FALLS CREEK PARKING: The parking fee at Falls Creek is $448 for the 7 nights (plus you will need to carry snow chains). NON MEMBERS: Not a Nomads member? Purchase a temporary one-month membership before getting your tickets (cost $8). APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Bring sheets and pillowcases, towel, washer and toiletries, plus ski gear to suit all possible conditions (or hire it in Mt Beauty or Falls Creek). Don’t forget warm, comfortable clothing for after-ski activities. If driving you will be required to carry chains (these can be hired in Mt Beauty), and you should ensure your radiator has antifreeze. 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 a pleasant winter's walk on the Geelong foreshore, travelling there and back via public transport: a V/Line train to the North Geelong Station, returning to Docklands by ferry (or optionally by train).  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 7 km point-to-point walk, optionally extended to a moderate 13 km walk via an additional 6 km circuit walk along the foreshore to Eastern Park (graded according to the Leaders Guide - Appendix A: Activity Grading Guidelines).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We'll catch a V/Line train to Geelong's North Geelong Station, from where we'll walk to the interesting Federal Mills complex for a quick visit. Afterwards, a short stroll will take us to the foreshore, which we'll follow all the way round to Cunningham Pier and the picturesque Geelong waterfront. Lunch can be taken in this vicinity, either in one of the cafes facing the foreshore, or you can BYO lunch for a picnic in the park. Suggested lunch options are The Geelong Boathouse (for fish and chips) or Hecho en Mexico. There is limited indoor seating at The Geelong Boathouse, so if it's raining, Hecho en Mexico would be best.  After lunch you'll have the option to stroll with us along the waterfront around to Eastern Beach, and back via parklands and Malop St, or alternatively to check out the nearby Geelong CBD on your own - there is an excellent Art Gallery located on Johnstone Park and the National Wool Museum is quite close to Cunningham Pier. To return to Melbourne, we'll catch the 4pm Port Phillip Ferries service to Docklands via Portarlington. If you prefer though, you can catch a V/Line train from the nearby Geelong Station, which will effectively be cost-free since weekend train travel is capped at $7.20 per day (or $3.60 for Seniors/Concessions).  BOOKING: By Friday 23rd August. To register with The Nomads, click on Get Tickets. To book your ferry ticket, go to Port Phillip Ferries (this can be done on the day from your phone). Bookings can't be made for the V/Line trains, but you'll need a Myki card. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: See V/Line Trains for timetables. Docklands-Geelong-Portarlington ferry service: Port Phillip Ferries.  For our approximate route, see the North Geelong - Federal Mills - Eastern Beach - Port Phillip Ferries Google map. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:50am at the North Geelong Station, 109 Victoria St, North Geelong.  ** Note: this is a change from the formerly advertised starting point of North Shore Station ** If travelling by train from Southern Cross, you should get to Southern Cross Station by around 9:35am, ready to board the Waurn Ponds service that departs at 9:50am. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/o4VS9PPy3MBH8KAq8.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 67 km, 59 minutes by train (or approximately 1 hour to drive, but public transport is recommended).  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Outbound: Board the front carriage of the Waurn Ponds (Geelong) service that departs from Southern Cross Station at 9:50am, and should arrive at the North Geelong Station at 10:49am. Return: We'll need to get to the Port Phillip Ferries terminal by 3:45pm, to board the ferry that departs from Geelong at 4pm.  Return via V/Line: Trains bound for Southern Cross depart from Geelong Station at 3:32pm, 4:12pm, 4:52pm, 5:32pm, etc. COST: TRAIN: Train, tram and bus travel is capped at $7.20 per day (or $3.60 for Seniors/Concessions) for travel anywhere in Victoria. FERRY: The Geelong-Docklands service costs $26.50 one-way (or $24.50 for Seniors/Concessions) on weekends. NOTE: You can leave purchasing your ferry ticket until close to the time of travel - there will be ample space on board. FOOD: Carry snacks if you wish and some drinking water. Bring your lunch if you plan to have a picnic, or there are many options along the Geelong foreshore to purchase lunch. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.  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  

A gem of a short coastal winter ramble, taking in some lovely vistas of Port Phillip Bay, Frankston, and Kananook Creek bushlands following beachside boardwalks and riverside trails to Seaford, with a post luncheon option of continuing on to Carrum. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 8 km walk (Seaford), Moderate 15 km if continuing to Carrum. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Commencing the walk from Oliver's Hill after a train journey to Frankston and bus up to Oliver's Hill Lookout, we will make our way down to Frankston beachside boardwalks before getting on to the picturesqe Kananook Creek trail, arriving at Seaford in time for optional lunch/refreshments at the Spanish Bar.  At this point, participants have the option of pulling out to go homeward via the nearby Seaford Station, or time permitting and depending how people are feeling, we can continue on to Carrum, adding another couple of hours to the walk.  BOOKING: By Friday 16th August. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:15am at the Grange Rd / Nepean Hwy bus stop (near the Oliver's Hill lookout), Frankston. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/Na1PSzP94BEqNLYH7. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: From the Bay C bus stop outside Frankston Station, we'll take the #781 Dromana bus at 11:09am to Grange Rd/Nepean Hwy (we'll ask the driver to drop us off at the 1st stop past the Oliver's Hill lookout).  GETTING TO FRANKSTON BY TRAIN: Suggested train: Frankston line train departing Flinders Street at 9:17am, arriving at Frankston at 10:24am. That allows 40 minutes for a leisurely coffee and walk to the bus stop Alternative train: Frankston line train departing Flinders Street at 9:37am, arriving at Frankston at 10:44am, which may allow time for a quick take-away coffee, or NOT recommended train: Frankston line train departing Flinders Street at 9:57am, arriving at Frankston at 11:04am, and run to the Bay C bus stop. If this train is late, you'll miss the bus! FOOD: Carry some snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. The Bay can be a  few degrees cooler than Melbourne in the wind. LEADER: Michael Cowan | Email LeaderMichaelC.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  

After driving along the Geelong Road just looking at the You Yangs, why not go on a walk there to be rewarded by the splendid views? GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium, 12.5 km circuit walk, climbing up and down 400M (this is optional and you don't need to go all the way to the top). It is on formed tracks, and undulates, but there is no sustained climbing. There are options to shorten the walk if required. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This walk includes climbing 450 steps to the top of Flinders Peak at 350M, the highest point of the You Yangs. It traverses a number of varying trails including West Walk, Northern Range Walk, Branding Yard Trail, Saddleback Track and East Track. There are rewarding views over Port Phillip Bay and the CBD on clear days. There are no facilities during the walk, and we will have a picnic lunch along the way. BOOKING: By Friday 9th August. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the Turntable Car Park, Little River.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X911 grid F5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/cMZRVzpzn5bcCwbg6.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 60 km, approximately 1 hour to drive. Travel via the Geelong Road (M1, Princes Fwy) and take the Little River exit. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is no public transport to the You Yangs, but if you would like to be collected from Werribee Station, contact leaderRogerH.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com. FOOD: Bring lunch, and also at least 1 litre of water. There are no shops on the way. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Light, comfortable walking footwear and dress according to the weather forecast. It can be quite cold and windy. LEADER: Roger H. | Email LeaderRogerH.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. Image: Only 1 In Village.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Junction Club in Moonee Ponds.  GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Nomads hold a social night each month, where members and guests can enjoy a meal, talk about upcoming events, compare notes on past activities and float ideas on events they would like to see run. Everyone is welcome to these monthly Nomads social evenings. Tuesday night is pasta night - for $20, choose your pasta and receive a complimentary glass of red wine.  BOOKING: By Monday 5th August. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure whether you've booked already? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm on Tuesday 6th August at the Junction Club, 740 Mount Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 16 grid J7. Google map maps.app.goo.gl/VmZhjqUhFnbjMKWQ9. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take tram #59 (Flinders Street Station to Airport West) to stop 32. Alternatively, the Junction Club is a 640m walk from Moonee Ponds Station, on the Craigieburn line. 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  

Follow the route of Bass’ voyage of discovery along the Victorian coastline.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium grade, 15 km walk (graded according to the Leaders Guide - Appendix A: Activity Grading Guidelines). As this walk follows a coastal path, it is undulating with a few steep sections. It is mainly on established grass coastal paths though there is some walking on sand. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The George Bass Coastal Walk goes from San Remo to Kilcunda (and back on the same trail), offering panoramic coastal views from a narrow winding path along cliff tops with expansive views of the turbulent Bass Strait, dipping down to secluded beaches. BOOKING: Preferably by Friday 2nd August. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Parks Victoria park note - George Bass Coastal Walk (PDF). MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at the car park at the end of Punch Bowl Rd, San Remo. Punch Bowl Rd is on the way to Phillip Island - turn left from Phillip Island Rd (B420) 2 km after the B460 junction.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X912 grid Q11 | Google Map: goo.gl/maps/j6bSiQzYrgNaAVmJ7.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 122 km from Melbourne - allow 1.5 hours. FOOD: Bring your own lunch and at least 1 litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sturdy walking footwear, dress for the weather forecast and bring a raincoat just in case! LEADER: Cahal F. | Email the Leader 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 circuit walk west of Melbourne, near Melton. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 9 km circuit walk (graded according to the Leaders Guide - Appendix A: Activity Grading Guidelines). A fairly easy hike with just a few spots having more challenging sections. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This walk has just enough changes in the surroundings to make it interesting. Quite active birdlife around the sections near the creek. Nice varied trail, great hike. Think of it as Werribee Gorge Lite! 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 26th July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am on Canopus Circuit, off Long Forest Rd. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is not feasible. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 329 C10 | Google map goo.gl/A8gCdrr2rjz5JnVc9 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  

A pleasant winter's day stroll along the Melbourne foreshore, finishing at Bay Street, Port Melbourne. Highlights include Brighton bathing boxes, Elwood Beach, St Kilda Beach, life saving clubs and million dollar real estate. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: A Moderate, mainly flat 12.5 km walk (graded as per Leaders Guide - Appendix A: Activity Grading Guidelines). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Meeting outside Brighton Beach station (on the seaward side) at 10.50am, a pleasant walk along foreshore paths, promenades and beaches, offering lovely vistas out over Port Phillip Bay towards the city and coast. Alfresco, BYO lunch at a park adjacent to St Kilda Marina, before continuing on to the event's termination at Bay Street, Port Melbourne for an optional pub liquid refreshment, or to catch the light rail/tram, opposite Station Pier, back into the city.   BOOKING: By Friday 19th July. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10.50am at Brighton Beach Railway Station (seaward side) ready for a 10.55am departure. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 76 grid C3 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/V6HnvnGzJSAQVcam9.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Train from Flinders Street Station 10.17am, reaching Brighton Beach Station at 10.42am. The light rail/tram from Port Melbourne back into the CBD runs every 15 minutes or so. FOOD: Owing to $$$ menus with a Sunday 15% surcharge of most beachside establishments, I've decided on the BYO/Alfresco option, local parks providing some shelter if required. Carry lunch (hot soup an idea), snacks and a litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. The foreshore can be chilly and few degrees colder than town if there's a southerly wind. LEADER: Michael Cowan | Email LeaderMichaelC.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  

Based on Dja Dja Wurrung country, Clunes is where Victorian gold rush fever was sparked in July 1851, making Australia (for a short time) the richest country in the world. Evidence of those boomtown days remain in the pictureship streets and beautifully preserved architecture of this charming little town (population around 1,881) which is considered the best collection of 19th century buildings in Australia. Given the architecture of the town, Clunes is a popular location for filming movies and TV shows; including such classics as Mad Max (1979), Ned Kelly with Heath Ledger (2003), and the TV series The True History of the Kelly Gang (2018).  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate (hilly terrain) 11 km circuit walk.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The trip coincides with the monthly street market (9am to 1pm). It's an 18 minute walk from the train station to the town centre. Time will be allocated to explore the town area including the option of visiting the local museum (closes at 2pm). Lunch break will be taken in the square (live music is provided on market days). Post lunch will be a tour of old mine sites, history story boards, a lookout and local walking tracks. Returning back to the town centre, departure will be at 2:55pm to return to the train station via a different route to further explore the town prior to catching the 3:40pm train. BOOKING: By Friday 12th July. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Visit Clunes — Wikipedia Entry. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:40am at the public square in Fraser Street, Clunes (car-free for market).  MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station - Melway map 1A grid A7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/s6DUsRG8CWz2K97eA  Clunes - Melway map X927 grid B2 | Google map goo.gl/71mPV9eyxtSkVabz7  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 138 km, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via Western Freeway/M8 to Wallace, exit at Ormond Road onto C291 via Creswick then into Clunes. Travelling by train it's a journey of 2 hours and 5 minutes (via Ballarat on the Ararat service). PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The trip starts on the train departing Southern Cross Station at 08:14am arriving, via Ballarat, into Clunes at 10:19am. The return train departs Clunes at 3:40pm arriving back at Southern Cross at 5:48pm. 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 (covers metro travel to/from Southern Cross) or buy on arrival at Southern Cross. To pre-purchase, visit Where-to-buy-tickets or purchase online then present your booking number at any manned Metro station to have your tickets printed. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. There are limited food trucks in the market area; primary food shop is the local IGA supermarket (open on Sundays). Clunes RSL volunteers run an on-street sausage sizzle and an indoors Devonshire Tea service ($5.00) both until 1pm. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Clunes can be several degrees cooler than Melbourne. 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