This walk follows Taylors Creek and the Maribyrnong River with a combination of parkland, natural landscapes, aircraft spotting and two impressive man-made structures to enjoy along the way. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: A moderate 14 km point-to-point walk, mostly flat with two short steep sections. The walk is designed to be accessed by public transport. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Our walk commences at Watergardens Railway Station, heading first through the adjacent shopping centre which straddles Taylors Creek. The walk along Taylors Creek passes through both natural and manmade habitats. The creek and surrounding wetlands are home to a variety of species of water birds. The creek gully deepens along the way and there is a short steep section where we need to come out of the gully to cross Green Gully Road. A little further along, the creek runs into the Maribyrnong River near Brimbank Park. Picnic tables shortly before or within the park will provide an ideal place for our lunch break. We will follow the Maribyrnong River for the remainder of the walk alongside many large river red gums. The river gully is quite deep in this area and our walk takes us to the base of the second and third highest bridges in Victoria. The EJ Whitten Bridge is part of the Western Ring Road and stands 54 metres above the river level. The Maribyrnong River Viaduct, also known as the Quarter Mile Bridge or Albion Viaduct, is a trestle railway bridge completed in 1929 and is 55 metres high. This section of the walk also features a good dose of aircraft spotting, being directly under a flight path for Tullamarine Airport. Shortly after passing under the bridges we will make our way out of the river valley with a short steep walk up to the street. A short walk along the street will take us to the bus stop for the bus to Footscray Railway Station where we will take the train back to the city. BOOKING: By Friday 21st July. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9:30am at Flinders Street Station to catch the Sunbury line train that departs from Flinders Street Station platform 4 at 9:43am. We'll travel in the front carriage of the train - you can meet the group at any station en route.  MAP REFERENCE: Flinders Street Station: Melway map 43 grid J9 | Google map goo.gl/maps/np21GtDguLL2. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Outbound: We will travel to Watergardens Railway Station in the front carriage of the Sunbury / Watergardens train departing Flinders Street Station at 9:43am, which should arrive at Watergardens at 10:17am. Return: For the return journey we will catch a bus from Military Road, Avondale Heights which will take us through to Footscray Station for a train to the city. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Wear a hat and clothing to meet the forecast weather conditions, and footwear suitable for walking along concrete, asphalt and unsealed footpaths. 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: Peter T. July 2018   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

A very pleasant, and satisfying day's walk in mixed bush and wetlands with views over the Plenty River and its gorge and hills beyond, providing indication of what much of Victoria must have looked like before arrival of the Europeans. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: A medium 17 km walk, with a few steep inclines to negociate at times as per Leaders Guide - Appendix A: Activity Grading Guidelines. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: A short walk from Hawkstowe Station, we enter the Plenty Gorge Park with stunning bush, wetland vistas and views of the hills and mountains to the NE. There it is likely we'll see a variety of bird and wildlife associated with this sort of habitat. After our al-fresco lunch, and circuit of wetlands, we'll make our way across open country northwards with further views of the Plenty River and its gorge, coming out near Mernda Station.    Handy post event refreshment options will be looked into (if any) before homeward bound train journey back into the city, for those interested. BOOKING: By Friday 14th July. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/plenty-gorge-parklands. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10.15am in front of Hawkstowe Station (Mernda Line). MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 183 grid H4 | Google map goo.gl/maps/q1LeoQZfirRHcEn29. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 50 km, approximately 1 hour train journey from GPO & Flinders Street Station to Hawkstowe on the Mernda line. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catching the 9.09am Mernda train (front carriage) from platform 1 at Flinders Street Station, will bring you into Hawkstowe for 10.07am and meet-up point. Homeward trains from Mernda run every 20 minutes from 3.44pm. FOOD: Carry own alfresco lunch (hot soup to be recommended for a winter walk), snacks and water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Owing to possible wet and muddy conditions, comfortable and good walking boots recommended, dressing according to the weather forecast. Light/removable wet weather gear and optional walking stick also to be recommended; it could be cold.  LEADER: Michael C. | 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  

Enjoy a stroll through the eastern Sherbrooke Forest, always a magical experience, even if it's raining! GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 8 km point to point walk, mostly on forest dirt tracks, including two steep climbs. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: A round trip making use of public transport, meeting at Belgrave Metro railway station and walking to Sherbrooke Forest following the Coles Ridge Track to Grants Picnic Ground for lunch. After lunch we'll take the Newmann, Paddy and Welch Tracks back to Belgrave, where we'll probably arrive a little after 2pm. There will be time available for drinks after the walk. BOOKING: By Friday 7th July. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at the Belgrave Metro Railway Station (not the Puffing Billy Station).  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 75 grid F10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/yGEKdTXm1bUCJww76.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch the Belgrave line train that departs Flinders St platform 2 at 09:26am, arriving at Belgrave at 10:52am. For the return trip, trains depart from Belgrave every 20 minutes (e.g. at 2:02pm, 2:22pm, 2:42pm, 3:02pm etc). FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. It will be cooler, and potentially wetter, in the Dandenongs than in central Melbourne. 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 quarterly planning night, in conjunction with the regular monthly social night - this month at the Nixon Hotel, Docklands.  NOTE: This event has been moved from the Victoria Hotel, Footscray due to transport difficulties in the Footscray region due to the school holidays "Big Build Blitz". 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. At the quarterly planning meetings, in addition to the monthly social activities the draft program, which will have been prepared via a Zoom pre-planning meeting the previous night, is presented so attendees can make suggestions or fill in any gaps. Do you want to see more of a particular activity, or do you have a particularly favourite area of Victoria you would like to share with others? Do you have an idea for something apart from the regular walks? We'd love to hear from you. Everyone is welcome – you don't have to volunteer for an activity. New members are especially invited to this, or any of the monthly Nomads social evenings. Tuesday night is Parma Night: $25 parma + pot. See the Nixon Hotel website for more details, including their menu.  BOOKING: By Monday 3rd July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm on Tuesday 4th July 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: 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  

Preparing the draft Spring program of events - online via Zoom. GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The bulk of the planning for the upcoming Spring 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 3rd July. 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: 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. Photo by Bich Tran from Pexels.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS

A scenic urban walk through the Darebin Parklands and along the Anniversary Trail, incorporating the superb new river crossing linking the Darebin Parklands to the Main Yarra Trail. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium 12 km point-to-point walk (the medium rating is due to the distance plus one embankment ascent/descent). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Departing from Alphington Station, the walk transverses Darebin Parklands through to Sparks Reserve then into Napier Waller Reserve.  At this point we will ascend an embankment to undertake an external inspection of the home and studio of the late Napier Waller.  The house features as a silent star of a recent TV series. Advisory: a hiking pole would be useful in particular for the ascent plus the descent. Returning to the reserve, we take the path and bridge across the Yarra River into Kew.  Proceeding through parkland we connect up to the Anniversary Trail, which started life as the Outer Circle Railway.  The walk continues along this paved trail through East Kew, Balwyn, Deepdene, Canterbury and East Camberwell to terminate at Hartwell. Lunch will be taken in one of the many parks that are integrated into the Trail.  Toilets and water bubblers are accessible in the later parts of the Trail.  At the conclusion of the walk, there is a choice of public transport to return home: Tram #75 on Toorak Road or Hartwell Station on the Alamein Line with a change at Camberwell - a  20 minute service frequency. FURTHER INFORMATION: For trail notes, go to Outer Circle Rail Trail. BOOKING: By Friday 30th June. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at Alphington Railway Station outside Platform 1.  The Hurstbridge line train departs Flinders Street via the City Loop at 9:19am arriving at Alphington at 9.47am. MAP REFERENCE:  Google map goo.gl/maps/Dgu9aaLhM9Q2.  COST: Myki money – full fare capped at $6.70; concession fare capped at $3.35; Seniors free. FOOD: Carry at least 1 litre of water, snacks, plus food for lunch. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Layered clothing to match the weather forecast for a winter’s day. Comfortable, stout walking boots/shoes, suitable for walking on formed bush tracks and walking tracks. LEADER: Don Vogt | Email  LeaderDonV.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com  if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Play a game or two of 500 cards online via the Trickster Cards website, with fellow Nomads 500 card players.  TYPE: Social ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy playing a social game of 500 cards, in groups of four, from anywhere in Australia or even overseas, from the comfort of your own home, while enjoying your favorite beverage or nibbles. You will be able to see and hear the other players and enjoy the banter of your fellow Nomads members.  BOOKING: By Tuesday 27th June. To register click on Get Tickets. You will be e-mailed the link to play the game prior to 7pm on Wednesday 28th June.  Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: At 7pm click on the link that will be e-mailed to you on Wednesday prior to the game.  LEADER: Stephan C. | Email LeaderStephanC.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 circuit walk of Riddells Creek, including Conglomerate Gully. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 5 km walk. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Conglomerate Gully is a few km out of town, so I would like to share cars to get to the start of that walk, and then do a stroll around the village of Riddells Creek afterwards. Conglomerate Gully is a prominent nature reserve where the Western Grassland Plains meet the hills of the Macedon Ranges. It has conglomerate rock formations and a small seasonal waterfall. The walk boasts native fauna and flora, including six species of wattle. This 3 km walk can be completed in an hour and takes you through healthy dry forest and grassy dry forest vegetation types. Wildlife abounds and the parklands are home to kangaroos, echidnas and currawongs. It is a bit rocky underfoot, so it is advisable to wear a good pair of hiking shoes. Conglomerate Gully is a hidden gem waiting to be explored! Evidence of a bygone era can be found at the Walter J Smith Reserve on the Main Road. Here you’ll find a heritage-listed rail bridge spanning Riddells Creek. Constructed in 1859, it’s a fine example of 19th century bridge design and is one of the earliest bridges of its type constructed in Victoria. The reserve is home to ducks, geese and shady trees. BOOKING: By Friday 23rd June. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:15am at Riddells Creek Station. This is the official starting point. From here we'll load some cars to get everyone to Conglomerate Gully. Please let me know if you're bringing a car. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Buses will be replacing trains on the Bendigo Line.  The timetable ATM is for bus to leave Southern Cross Station at 10:06am, arriving 11:08.  See https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/Uploads/NSB-disruptions/2023/June/300-304-Bendigo-Echuca-temp-timetable-web-24-250623-v1.pdf Thus I'm delaying the start till 11:15am-ish.  I shall forward timetable to those who book for the day. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 H10 | Google map: goo.gl/maps/czjmdJR9DGSz78gF9. 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  

Nomads annual Winter Solstice Dinner, this year at the Nam Nam Vietnamese restaurant in Northcote. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is the Nomads annual winter get together where we get to stuff ourselves with delicious food and catch up with our fellow Nomads on a Sunday evening - traditionally the largest event on the Nomads social calendar. Enjoy a three course buffet dinner of 3 entrees, 5 main courses and a simple dessert. BOOKING: By Thursday 15th June. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6:30pm at Nam Nam Vietnamese Street Food, 209 High Street, Northcote. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 30 grid E9 | Google map goo.gl/maps/L7PfUoxvffnAuaZ47. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch a Mernda line train to Northcote Station. It's an 8 minute walk from the Northcote Station. Or catch tram 86 (which passes through Bourke Street in the CBD) to stop 31 (Northcote Town Hall) at the top of the High Street Hill in Northcote. FOOD: Three entrees and five main courses in a buffet style, plus dessert for a total cost of $52. No corkage charge. Vegetarian options available. If vegetarian please state that in the dietary preference when booking. For other dietary concerns please contact event leader. LEADER: Greg W. | Email LeaderGregW.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  

Bendigo Art Gallery has curated a unique collection of art and design to explore key chapters in our history through to the present day. This free exhibition concludes on Sunday 25 June 2023. Also at the gallery is another free exhibition celebrating 90 years of the Australian Women's Weekly magazine. Our route to the gallery will pass a number of historic and cultural sites in the inner area of this Gold Rush City. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate, approximately 6 km, circuit walk on flat paths.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We'll head off to Bendigo by train, car travel optional. After arriving, it's a short walk to inspect some of the historic buildings funded and/or inspired by the gold rush era. These include the Post Office, Court House, Hotel Shamrock, the Conservatory in Rosalind Park, the Chinese Village Garden attached to the Golden Dragon Museum and the Old Bendigo Gaol. By 12:30pm, lunch will be taken at the Rifle Brigade Hotel before crossing the road to enter the Art Gallery on View Street.   Depending on time, we will stop for refreshments before catching the train home. BOOKING: By Thursday 15 June, to register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION:  Australiana Designing A Nation and vline.com.au.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 8:55am at Southern Cross Station, in the front car of the Echuca train (unreserved). Check monitors for platform. The Echuca train departs at 9:05am. MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station: Melway map 1A grid A7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/LAmusKZNy8A69YfZ9. Bendigo Station: Melway map X921 grid D9  | Google map  goo.gl/maps/Pdj6fd522P11Rc9q8 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 146 km, approximately 1 hour 41 minutes to drive, around 2 hours by train. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Depart Southern Cross at 09:06am on the Echuca train. Arrive Bendigo at 10:57am. Picks up at Footscray at 09:13am and Sunbury at 09:35am. Return trains depart Bendigo at 4:01pm, 4:26pm, 5:26pm, 6:29pm. Arrives Southern Cross 6:09 pm, 6:24pm, 7:24pm, 8:30pm. Cost: Return train travel, Myki weekend cap: Full $6:70; Concession $3:35 (Includes Suburban Travel). FOOD: Enjoy lunch at the historic Rifle Brigade Hotel  OR  BYO a picnic lunch to enjoy in nearby Rosalind Park. Bring at least 500 mls of water for the walking portion of the day. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. 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  

Take a scenic stroll from Victoria Park Station to Bellbird Park for a King's Birthday Picnic, then on to Fairfield Station afterwards. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate, approximately 9.5 km, point-to-point walk with public transport connections, though this is at the Easy end of the Moderate scale. Some sections of the path are rocky or could be slippery after rain, and there are some short, steep sections. The distance to lunch is approximately 6 km, and after lunch about 3.5 km. It's also possible to drive to the park to meet the group there for a purely social event. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Nomads member David R. has been holding Queen's Birthday picnics at Bellbird Park for many years. In 2023, this tradition will continue, but as a King's Birthday Picnic, and David is inviting other Nomads to join him. From Victoria Park we'll head to the Main Yarra Trail and follow that to Dights Falls, where we'll enter Yarra Bend Park. We'll more or less follow the Yarra River within the park to Kanes Bridge, where we'll cross to the Studley Park Boathouse side. From there we'll continue following the river, on the other side, around to Bellbird Park. NOTE: We'll be following some sections of track that are officially closed due to landslips. These were judged on Wednesday 7 June to be safe, providing appropriate caution is observed. Some rock scrambling is required, so solid footwear (preferably boots) is required. After lunch, we'll continue beside the Yarra around to the pipe bridge near the Fairfield Boathouse, using that to cross to Alphington / Fairfield and follow some quiet streets to Fairfield Station.  BOOKING: By Saturday 10th June. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am at Victoria Park; meet in front of the Victorian-era turnstiles on the corner of Lulie and Turner Streets. If travelling by train from the CBD, exit the station and take either ramp, then cross under the railway line and walk a short distance along Lulie Street to the Victoria Park entrance turnstiles.  MAP REFERENCE: Victoria Park Station: Melway map 2C grid J7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/3zvRuhk4J9sceNwb9. Bellbird Park: Melway map 2D grid K6 | Google map goo.gl/maps/8yGh9nw8npMneKeB9.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch a Mernda or Hurstbridge line train to Victoria Park. The Mernda line train that departs from Flinders Street platform 1 at 9:47am arrives at Victoria Park at 10:05am. After the picnic, you can return via a Hurstbridge line train from Fairfield Station (departures every 20 minutes) or a bus from Heidelberg Rd. FOOD: BYO Everything – there are electric BBQs available, or else bring a picnic lunch. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking 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  

Enjoy a very pleasant day out at Bacchus Marsh experiencing frequent sightings of native birds and trees as well as colonial era deciduous treed avenues,travelling there by train, then on foot exploring the area surrounding the Werribee River and some colonial points of interest -including Bacchus Marsh's connection to Captain Moonlight-Australia's only known gay bushranger and the Georgian home of Captain William Bacchus after whom Bacchus Marsh is named. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, approximately 10 km, circuit walk on sealed and unsealed footpaths, with shorter options of 6.5 km or 4 km available. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is a relatively easy walk with shorter options of 6.5 km and 4 km available for anyone who chooses. The Werribee River flows between the township and the railway line and we’ll walk along the foot tracks beside the river and enjoy magnificent specimens of River Red Gums.  A reserve on the banks of the river with undercover picnic tables will be our lunch spot. After lunch we’ll head in an easterly direction along the river then turn to flank the township passing by market gardens and several handsome Edwardian and Victorian houses including Captain William Bacchus's Georgian home.  We’ll head through to Masons Lane Reserve and take in the scenic vistas of the hills to the north and navigate our way to the site of Captain Moonlight's connection with Bacchus Marsh-Holy Trinity Anglican Church. We will stop for an afternoon tea in the cozy Baby Black Expresso Bar in Church St built in 1868. A final crossing of the river and a wander through Maddingley Park will take us back to the station for the return journey to the city. Our choice of trains are scheduled to arrive back at Southern Cross Railway Station at 3.48pm or 4:48pm. BOOKING: By Friday 9th June. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am for a 10:14am departure from Southern Cross Station. Meet in the front carriage of the Wendouree train departing Southern Cross Railway Station at 10:14am or join the group en route by arrangement with the event leader. The train will arrive in Bacchus Marsh at 10.58am. We will assemble in the station carpark. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 333 grid J10 | Google map: www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1UhpUyRJBrbL_OYxj2XA-pp4zJ2Rczlk&usp=sharing PUBLIC TRANSPORT:  We travel by V/Line train with a 45 minute journey to Bacchus Marsh on the Wendouree (Ballarat) train departing Southern Cross Railway Station at 10:14am. For the return journey we will aim to catch the 2:56pm or 3:56pm train from Bacchus Marsh which are scheduled to arrive at Southern Cross Railway Station at 3:48pm and 4:48pm, respectively. All travel is within myki zones 1 & 2 with weekend daily caps of $6.70 full fare, $3.35 concession and free for seniors. If travelling by car, parking is available in the station car park entered from Station St. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.  LEADER:   Don Vogt  LeaderDonV.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com  Please contact if you have any questions.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Arcadia Hotel. 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. This month's social night is at the Arcadia Hotel, which has an extensive menu offering a range of pizzas and bar snacks, popular pub classics, healthy salads and weekly specials - Tuesday is $16 parma night (including vegetarian parmas). BOOKING: By Monday 5th June. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure what you've booked for? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Arcadia Hotel, 2 Toorak Rd, South Yarra. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2L grid E5/F5. | Google map goo.gl/maps/kp7jhogCy5kXQLzeA. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram #58 to stop 125 (Punt Rd & Toorak Rd) Train: Sandringham, Frankston, Cranbourne or Pakenham line to South Yarra Station Bus: #246 (Elsternwick to Clifton Hill) along Punt Rd to Punt Rd & Toorak Rd 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  

Enjoy a day travelling all the way around Port Phillip Bay via public transport, interspersed with a few short walks. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy short walks and travel via public transport. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Have a leisurely day travelling with Nomads friends all the way around Port Phillip Bay. We'll catch a V/Line train to Geelong then have a short walk to and along the Geelong foreshore and CBD. We'll catch a #56 bus to Queenscliff, where we'll alight at Fort Queenscliff to walk around the fort and along the beach to our lunch spot, Nelly's at the Pier. After lunch, a short walk will take us to the ferry terminal to catch the ferry to Sorrento. The 40 minute ferry trip gives you time to have a coffee (or dessert) on board, or just relax and enjoy the view. Upon arrival in Sorrento, we'll walk along the beach to catch a #788 bus to Frankston, from where trains depart regularly for Flinders Street. Detailed Itinerary: Meet at 8:55am at Southern Cross Station to catch the 9:10am Waurn Ponds service to alight at Geelong Station at 10:13am. Walk to and along the Geelong foreshore. 11:03am catch #56 Queenscliff bus from Geelong to arrive at Mercer St/King St, Queenscliff (Fort Queenscliff) at 12:06pm (or Queenscliff Pier at 12:10pm). Walk to the lunch spot, Nelly's at the Pier, 1 Tobin Drive (Princess Park) where we have a lunch booking for 12:30pm. Walk to the ferry terminal by 1:40pm to catch the 2pm ferry to Sorrento, arriving in Sorrento at 2:40pm. Walk to Websters Corner/St Pauls Rd (13 min) to catch the 3:03pm #788 bus to Frankston, arriving in Frankston at 4:41pm. Catch a Metro train from Frankston to the CBD, for example 4:58pm (arriving 6:04pm at Flinders Street), 5:08pm (arriving 6:14pm at Flinders Street) etc. Alternative: This program leaves us with very little time for walks around Queenscliff and/or visiting the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum (full $10, concession $8). If the group wishes to have more time in Queenscliff, we could take the subsequent (3pm) ferry to Sorrento, which would get us to Flinders Street at 7:24pm. (We would take the 4:23pm bus from Sorrento to Frankston, arriving in Frankston at 6:01pm to catch the 6:19pm Metro train to Flinders Street). BOOKING: Nomads: By Friday 2nd June. To register click on Get Tickets. Ferry: You will also need to book a ferry passage via Searoad Ferries (but this can be booked at any time prior to boarding).  Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 8:55am at Southern Cross Station to board the 9:10am Waurn Ponds (Geelong) service. Check electronic panels upon arrival to determine the platform number.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2E grid K6 | Google map goo.gl/maps/UJFmgf3zD41g1cit5.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: This tour is designed to be accessed by public transport: Outbound: Catch the 9:10am Waurn Ponds service from Southern Cross Station. Return: Trains depart regularly from Frankston Station bound for Flinders Street. En route we will catch the #56 bus from Geelong to Queenscliff, the Searoad Ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento, and the #788 bus from Sorrento to Frankston. COST:  Trains and buses: Bring your Myki card. The Weekend Saver cap now applies for travel anywhere within Victoria, hence you will pay $6.70 full, or $3.35 concession, for the entire trip except for the ferry (with no additional charge for any extra train, tram or bus trips you make the same day). Lunch: Pay for whatever you purchase for lunch at the Nelly's at the Pier cafe. Searoad Ferry: $15 full or $13 concession for tickets booked online at searoad.com.au. If we change to the 3pm ferry, your 2pm ferry ticket will be valid on that service. FOOD: Carry snacks if desired and a little drinking water. Lunch will be purchased in Queenscliff. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Be sure to bring layers for warmth, wind and rain protection.  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  

THERE IS ONE VACANCY (DUE TO A CANCELLATION) FOR THE FIRST PERSON TO PAY THE DEPOSIT. Join the tall ship "South Passage", Queensland's sail training ship, for a sailing trip to and from Townsville with stops for bush walks on the iconic islands of Magnetic, Hinchinbrook and Dunk in June 2023. Participate in sailing the ship, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, walking on a deserted island, and feeling the wind in your hair. Everyone sleeps in a communal cabin, and there are shared toilet facilities, which is a small discomfort to pay for the experience of sailing in the same manner that Captain Cook did. This trip will be similar to 2022 with some differences. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: A basic level of fitness and dexterity is required to move around the ship while it is moving. You need a spirit of adventure, and to embrace working as a team to assist sailing the ship. However no prior sailing experience is required and you will be trained on the job. At times you might have to be awake at night for up to 2 hours to assist in running the ship. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The ship is named South Passage. She is built on the same lines as a New York Pilot Schooner, and has a total length of 30 metres.  Each day we will find a picturesque anchorage, set foot on an enchanted island off the Barrier Reef for a bushwalk, or go snorkelling. The locations are likely to include Magnetic Island, Orpheus Island, Hinchinbrook Island and Dunk Island.  The emphasis is on having a good time and getting a range of experiences – not just hard-core sailing. You will never be bored!  The voyage is for 7 days, and will cost $1,750 including accommodation of Friday 2nd June. This cost does not include transport to/from Townsville but includes everything once you are on board including all on-board meals. The evening meal on Friday 2nd is a group dinner on shore at your expense.  South Passage does not have any powered winches, so we rely on your manpower to sweat the lines and do all tasks required to run the ship, in the same manner as the ancient mariners.  Of note, South Passage is a dry ship, and there's no smoking on board. My experience is that you will not miss this since there are so many activities to challenge your senses and keep you occupied. A great chance for a detox. Also no naturism is possible. BOOKING: ASAP! Numbers are limited to 18, and will be on a first in first served basis to pay a $200 deposit to South Passage (follow this link to the booking form). This sailing is open to the general public, but Nomads members are being offered early booking, so don't wait too long! Please also click Get Ticket in this event so Roger knows you are planning to attend.   Not sure if you've already registered? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: southpassage.org.au or view the brochure for this event. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Townsville before 10pm on Friday 2nd June 2023 (boats don't wait). All sailors need to be on board South Passage by 10pm on Friday 2nd June, and the voyage is expected to end at 4pm on Friday 9th June. Further updates will be provided to people who have expressed interest. MAP REFERENCE: Townsville: Google map g.page/BreakwaterMarinaTSV?share. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: A long way. Best to fly to/from Queensland. This cost is not included in the voyage cost above.  FOOD: All meals are provided on board. All preferences are catered for. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: It is generally balmy. However, if we get some rain it can be cool. A packing list will be provided. 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.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS