Visit some little-known inner Melbourne gems via a walking tour that includes a meander through the Burnley Gardens, punt rides to/from Herring Island to see an outdoor art exhibition, and a wander through Como Park and Kensington Road South Yarra. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 8 km point-to-point walk on varied surfaces, mostly off-road and with no significant hills.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Our visit is designed to be accessed by public transport, beginning at Riversdale Junction Tram Stop - #29 (Routes #70 and #75) on the corner of  Power Street and Riversdale Road (opposite the old Hawthorn Tram Depot) and finishing at South Yarra Station. From Riversdale Road we'll head to the nearby nine-hectare Burnley Gardens, home to nearly 1000 different species of plants, including some of the oldest trees in Melbourne. After exploring the gardens, we'll follow the Main Yarra Trail around to the Como Landing (beside the Kanteen cafe), where a free punt ride will get us onto Herring Island (an island in the Yarra River). The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival runs until 10 April, with an outdoor art exhibition on Herring Island celebrating the diversity of contemporary art produced by artists from all across the states and territories of Australia. Over 193 artists have contributed to the colourful, enchanting and imaginative exhibition of over 600 affordable artworks in the show. In addition we will explore the Island's permanent sculpture collection, a must-do for anyone visiting the island. There are many pleasant locations for lunch, either on the island, beside the Yarra, or in Como Park. You can optionally get a coffee and snack from the Kanteen cafe beside the punt jetty. After lunch we'll wander through Como Park prior to making our way to the South Yarra Station. As well as visiting the expansive Como Park, you can optionally visit the National Trust listed Como House (charge applies) if you wish. BOOKING: By Thursday 30th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION:  Herring Island - Parks Victoria Notes, Friends of Burnley Gardens. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at Riversdale Road outside the old Hawthorn Tram Depot.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 45 grid B 12 | Google map goo.gl/maps/aTtEtdxkc6kYib3eA  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch either a tram #70 or #75 along Flinders Street or a Belgrave, or Lilydale line train to Hawthorn Station to catch a South Vermont bound #75 Tram. The Belgrave line train that departs Flinders Street at 10:05am is scheduled to arrive at Hawthorn at 10:23am. Note that the bus replacements scheduled on the Belgrave line should only affect services between Camberwell and outer suburb destinations. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking 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. Image: Visit Victoria.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

A naturist walk of medium difficulty through a couple of farms in the spectacular granite boulder country north of Lancefield. We have often admired a small white house in the forest, high on a nearby hill on the Great Dividing Range. We now have permission to walk there in our birthday suits. The views should be great. If hot, we can cool off afterwards in a lovely creek pool with a sandy beach. In the evening we will be able to relax with a BBQ dinner, spa, massage, and socialising around an open fire. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium 6 to 7 km naturist circuit walk. There is some easy walking through grassy paddocks, but a bit more effort will be required to walk up the farm hills for a view. We will also pass through an open native forest and then down a 4WD track for great views of the farmland below. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: SATURDAY WALK: This walk is for naturists. We will meet and unload the cars at the overnight farmhouse anytime between 10am and 10:30am. Hot drinks and nibbles will be available until 11am. We will then have a briefing for the day and do a short car pool to the start of the walk. Lunch will be eaten at a good spot along the way when we get hungry. If the day is hot we can have a nude swim after the walk in a farm dam, or the great waterhole in Mollison Creek. Following the walk and swim we plan to head back to the overnight farmhouse for drinks and snacks a bit after 4pm. The spa should be operating by then with the BBQ to follow around 6pm. OVERNIGHT: Optional evening BBQ, overnight, breakfast and lunch at the farmhouse. After the Saturday walk we have been invited back for further naturist socialising at the very comfortable farmhouse with its great open fire. There will also be a spa and massage tables to use. SLEEPING: For those staying overnight, there is floor space for 14 people in the house. There is carpeted floor space in the library, lounge room and dining room - please BYO sleeping bag, sleeping mat/lilo, pillow etc. There is a spare double air mattress, a single air mattress, one spare doona, some blankets, a few sleeping bags and a couple of spare foam sleeping mats at the property. Or if you like, you can put up your tent on the back lawn. There is also room for campervans etc. BBQ: BYO meat and drinks. Basic salads and bread will be supplied. Dinner desserts or morning tea snacks would be appreciated. TOWELS: Please BYO towels about 3 or 4 of them. 1. for sitting on. 2. for the massage table. 3. for your shower or spa. 4. after swimming. BREAKFAST: Breakfast is supplied, including eggs and bacon, and for Sunday lunch there are always plenty of leftovers from the night before. SUNDAY MORNING SHORT WALK: For those who would like a further walk, we will arrange a short walk either to the Gorge, along picturesque Mollison Creek or elsewhere in the area. This will be followed by lunch to eat up the spare food. BOOKING: By Friday 31st March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Choose the ticket that provides the options you wish to participate in. RSVP FOR OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION: If you wish to stay overnight, you will need to SEND AN EMAIL TO COLIN, our farmhouse host, on LeaderColinP.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com to book your accommodation. Please state what accommodation you would like - floor, tent or campervan. Please also include a contact phone number. Sleeping places in the house are limited to 14. The number of people attending the event is limited to 22 so that we can all sit down to eat inside the house. There is no limit on tents and campervans. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. COST: There are two ticket types available for this event. Please choose the ticket that suits your wishes. 1. Walk & overnight with bbq, spa, massage, breakfast: Nomads members $25 | Non-members $30 2. Walk only: Nomads members $0 | Non-members $5 The cost of the overnight tickets covers the cost of a spa for all those staying overnight. For Day Walkers who would like to use the spa before they leave on the Saturday please pay $15 cash to Colin on the day. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Any time between 10am and 10.30am at the farmhouse 15 km north of Lancefield. The exact address will be sent to those who have purchased a ticket by 10am on Thursday 30th March. We plan to walk off from the farmhouse at about 11am. Tea, coffee and snacks will be provided at the farmhouse on Saturday morning. If you'd like egg and bacon sandwiches/rolls and a latte etc before you arrive at the farmhouse on Saturday morning, the best place to get these would be from a cafe in the towns of Romsey or Lancefield. Sandwiches for Saturday lunch are generally available from the Ampol Petrol Station Foodary in Romsey, 29-31 Main St Romsey. Sandwiches are also available at the Shell Service Station in Lancefield (hiding on the bottom shelf in their fridge), though the Romsey sandwiches are better. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909/609 grid J7 | Google Map: goo.gl/maps/5tjy71DBz9waYR9a6. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 87 km and 1 hour 15 minutes from the GPO. The farm and the town of Lancefield are due north of Tullamarine Airport. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch the 7:48am Metro train from Southern Cross to Sunbury station arriving at 8:32am. At Sunbury catch the 8.50am regional bus to Lancefield, arriving 9.24am at the corner of High St and Main Rd. From there we will need to arrange a ride to the farm for you. It probably would be easier for you to email the leader, Russell, on LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com to see if he can arrange a lift for you from Melbourne. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and water for the Saturday naturist walk. BYO meat and drinks for the BBQ on Saturday evening. Sunday breakfast is supplied by our host. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Wear comfortable walking shoes/boots. A small towel to dry off after a swim in the farm dam or creek swimming hole if it's warm enough. 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  

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 Sunday 26th March. To register click on Get Tickets. You will be e-mailed the link to play the game prior to 7pm on Monday 27th March.  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 Monday 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  

Travel by ferry to Portarlington to explore one of the largest areas of native bushland and ephemeral wetlands on the Bellarine Peninsula- guided by an expert ranger from the Bellarine Coastal Management team who care for the Reserve. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 9 km circuit walk on flat terrain. There is a slightly steeper 5 minute walk up from the pier area to the main street of Portarlington where we will have an afternoon tea. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We will depart from the Docklands Ferry Terminal at 10:40am and arrive at Portarlington at 11:50am. Coffee/tea is available to purchase on the ferry. We will  walk along the foreshore for some 45 minutes and arrive at the entrance of the reserve around 12:45am. At 62 hectares, the reserve is one of the largest areas of native bushland and ephermeral wetlands on the Bellarine Peninsula. It is dedicated to the conservation of indigenous plants and wildlife. Jane Shearer, who is the Coastal Projects Officer at Bellarine Bayside Coastal Management, will meet us as we eat lunch near the entrance, and provide a history of the reserve, guide us along some of its walking tracks and describe some of the flora and fauna within the reserve. We will spend approximately 1.45 hours walking within the reserve before then returning to Portarlington town again along the foreshore. Once back at the pier, we will ascend a short 5 minute incline from the pier to Daniel's Donuts cafe in Newcombe St for a 30 minute afternoon coffee /milkshake/ sweet or savoury donut break.  We will return down the hill to the pier by 4:15pm in order to be on the return ferry for its 4:30pm departure. We will arrive back at Docklands at 5.40pm BOOKING: Nomads: By Friday 24th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Ferry: book via Port Phillip Ferries (Cost $18.50 full or $17 concession). Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am at the Port Phillip Ferries Terminal, Harbour Esplanade, Docklands ready to catch the ferry at 10:40am.    MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2E grid G5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/wFGk6tWUjMMTPJdj6.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO THE FERRY TERMINAL: Train: Any train to Southern Cross Station.  Tram: 35, 70 or 75 to stop D3 (beside the terminal) or tram 30 or 86 to Central Pier / Harbour Esplanade. Tram: 11 or 48 to stop D16 then walk towards Victoria Harbour one block north. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.  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  

** This event is now booked out due to accommodation limits. If you wish to join us, email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com in case something can be organised. ** Enjoy a scenic cycling long weekend in North East Victoria. We'll be exploring the Albury / Wodonga region on Friday, then on Saturday and Sunday following the High Country Rail Trail from Wodonga to Tallangatta and back, with overnights in Wodonga and Tallangatta.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium grade cycling of roughly 40 km per day. The Rail Trail from Wodonga to Tallangatta is 43 km long. The surface of this section of the rail trail is of reasonable quality, partly sealed and partly packed gravel. The trails around Albury/Wodonga are generally sealed paths of a high standard. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This trip is designed to be accessed via public transport, but if you prefer, you can drive to Wodonga, carrying your bike in your vehicle. The group will aim to catch an early train departing from Southern Cross Station at 7:07am, arriving in Wodonga at 10:27am. (If you can't manage that, or we can't get all our bikes on the early train, the alternative option is to catch the train departing from Southern Cross at 12:04pm, arriving in Wodonga at 3:24pm). On Friday we will explore some of the urban trails in the region, guided by two cyclists who live locally. For lunch, there are excellent dining options in both Albury and Wodonga. Our Friday night accommodation is a 4-bedroom house located in Killara (just past Bandiana, on the outskirts of Wodonga), close to the rail trail. This is approximately 13 km from the beginning of the High Country Rail Trail (which starts near Wodonga Station). On Saturday we'll cycle along the rail trail to Tallangatta, staying there overnight at the Tallangatta Hotel. On Sunday we'll return along the same trail back to Wodonga to catch the train that departs from Wodonga at 5:38pm and arrives at Southern Cross at 10:05pm. Note: if any bikes can't get on that service, some of us might need to stay an extra night in Wodonga! There are many points of interest to investigate, including wetlands beside the Murray River, the former migrant camp at Bonegilla, which housed tens of thousands of migrants who fled Europe and elsewhere soon after the cessation of WW2 hostilities, the Hume Dam wall and the Bandiana Army Museum.  BOOKING: By Monday 19th March, or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out - accommodation is very limited. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION:  High Country Rail Trail: lots of information about the rail trail High Country Rail Trail Master Plan: some interesting information about how and why the trail was developed MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6:45am at Southern Cross Station to catch the service that departs at 7:07am.  Option 1: Train departing from Southern Cross Station at 7:07am and arriving in Wodonga at 10:27am. Option 2: Train departing from Southern Cross at 12:04pm, arriving in Wodonga at 3:24pm. Option 3: Your own vehicle, meeting up with the group in Albury/Wodonga as arranged with the event leader. MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station: Melway map 2E grid K6 | Google map goo.gl/maps/X5Grxth8Bb25TLEdA.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 330 km, approximately 3 hours 35 minutes via the M31/Hume Freeway. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The 7:07am Albury train that departs from Southern Cross Station at 7:07am terminates in Albury at 11:03am (see MEETING TIME | LOCATION for alternative options). There are only 9 designated bike spaces on each train, and no way to reserve those, so it pays to arrive 30 minutes prior to the train departure time to be at the front of the (virtual) queue. To return to Melbourne, we'll be aiming to catch the service that departs from Wodonga at 5:38pm, arriving at Southern Cross at 10:05pm. (If any bikes can't get on that service, some of us might need to stay an extra night in Wodonga)! FOOD: Carry snacks and a litre of water. We'll organise meals as a group. The meal plans are: Friday lunch: a cafe or pub in Albury/Wodonga (excellent options available) Friday evening: the Blazing Stump Hotel (located about 3 km from our accommodation) Saturday breakfast and lunch: we'll need to purchase supplies on Friday as there are limited options along the trail Saturday evening: dinner in Tallangatta - we'll check out the dining scene upon our arrival; one option could be the Tallangatta Hotel (where we'll be staying) Sunday breakfast: Tallangatta Bakery, 39 Towong St, Tallangatta Sunday lunch: probably purchased from the bakery for eating on the trail Sunday dinner: purchased in Wodonga or from the buffet on the train (very limited options on the train) COSTS: There will be V/Line travel costs, accommodation charges for Friday and Saturday nights and food costs: ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation costs will be calculated based on the number of attendees. Friday Night: Each bedroom in the 4-bedroom house (total cost $292.09) has a double bed, and there are two pull-out single beds in the living room. Note that two participants live locally, so don't require beds on Friday night. Saturday Night: We have booked: Family Room $100: Queen size bed plus 2 single beds + Twin Room $60: two single beds (2 adults) + Queen Room $100: Queen size bed plus a single bunk bed (up to 3 adults) + 2 x single rooms $60 (1 adult each).  TRAIN: This route is outside the Myki Zone. Tickets cost $41.20 full or $20.60 concession/seniors each way. The cost is the same to Albury or Wodonga. (The new $9.20 per day maximum fare will not begin until 31 March). FOOD: Everybody will be responsible for individually ordering and paying for whatever food they want.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Bring your bike, helmet and cycling gear for the three days, being sure to allow for all possible eventualities (i.e. bring layers, including a waterproof layer in case we encounter rain). 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 pleasant urban walk along a little creek and through many reserves with a few historic sites. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 16 km point to point walk, mostly flat, on bitumen and concrete paths.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: From the station we make our way to the Merri Creek which we follow for most of the day. We will view the Koonda Lat Bridge, which is the rail bridge across the Merri Creek between Rushall and Merri Stations. Next we have a look at a historic water fountain. We will go through many reserves and cross the creek several times including via the Harding Street Suspension Bridge; also, we'll pass under the historic 1870 Murray Road Bridge and 1865 Newlands Road bridge before stopping at the Coburg Lake for our lunch break. Continuing on, we go through more reserves until we turn off onto the Western Ring Path and follow that for a short distance to the Upfield railway line and on to Gowrie Station.  BOOKING: By Friday 17th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:20am at Clifton Hill Railway Station. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2D grid J2 | Google map goo.gl/maps/kfeRSJ7LKJFVDP6u5  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 9 km, approximately 20 minutes by train via the city loop from Flinders Street. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey/ PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Depart Flinders Street on the 09:58am Hurstbridge train. Arrives Clifton Hill at 10:18am.  FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. Bring extra water if a hot day. No shops along the walk. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.  LEADER: Paul K. | Email LeaderPaulK.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 to the top of Babbington Hill in the Wombat State Forest, passing by a hidden reservoir and an historic mineral spring.  ** Note: this event was originally scheduled for Sunday 13th November, but had to be postponed due to the thunderstorms predicted then ** GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 10.5 km circuit walk.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This scenic walk highlights some of the interesting history of Lyonville, located in the Daylesford Spa Country. The farmlands at the start quickly give way to the densely treed Wombat State Forest, which is what originally attracted James Lyon, after whom the town is named, to build large sawmills in the region. We pass by, and hopefully around, the Bullarto Reservoir then climb Babbington Hill (822m) before descending to the historic Lyonville Spring to taste its waters. The walk will start and end at the Radio (Radium) Springs Hotel, once owned by Ernie Sigley, which will be able to welcome us for after-walk refreshments and a little more history.  BOOKING: By Friday 10th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION:  Bushwalking Victoria: Babbington Hill Wombat State Forest. Associated Nomads activities during the ChillOut Festival: Friday-Monday: Labour Day Long Weekend – Nomads ChillOut Camping at the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. Saturday 10am: The Nomads ChillOut Saturday Morning Community Walk. Saturday 2:30pm: The Nomads Daylesford Naturist Walk during ChillOut. Saturday evening: BYO BBQ at the Jubilee Lake Park, and/or many ChillOut events around town. Sunday: The ChillOut Festival Street Parade   Sunday evening: An evening meal at the Radio Springs Hotel (https://www.radiospringshotel.com.au/) The pub's open for drinks, coffee etc after our walk but I have booked provisional tables for meals from 6pm. PLEASE let Rob Hewson (walk LEADER, contact below) know that you are attending dinner afterwards if interested. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 1:30pm in the car park of the Radio Springs Hotel, 1 High St, Lyonville.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid D10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/AcrfAxJF7GPZj8Pt6.  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 10:45am. From the bus stop walk south 350m along Main St to the Radio Springs Hotel. 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  

This event is part of the Nomads 3-day Chillout Event Program. 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. Nonconformists will be politely asked to leave the event without a refund. This event caters for the beginner and experienced naturist in a friendly, supportive and accepting environment where one can reconnect with nature. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3, Moderate, approximately 9km circuit walk. The country is generally undulating, though there are some rough tracks with a sharp ascend on the return track with obstacles in parts. 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 Daylesford Reservoir with an opportunity for a swim during our afternoon tea break. The walk should finish by about 5:15pm at the starting point in time for preparing for your evening social events. BOOKING: By COB Friday 10th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 2:15pm 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 goo.gl/maps/dAhBF9DD144kfVMR9. 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. However, as the walk is relatively short you may just wish to have a drink before we depart, and have another when we return to the cars for a snack and a drink. Food is 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.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Choice of two circuit walks. Medium 4 km walk, or Hard 6 km walk with some challenging off-track hills to climb and descend. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy the ambiance of being out amongst the trees and picturesque creeks in the uninhabited Hepburn Regional Forest. There will be a choice of two walks: Medium 4 km, or Hard 6 km walk. Both walks will stop for a 20 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 10th 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-Monday: Labour Day Long Weekend – Nomads ChillOut Camping at the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. Saturday evening: BYO BBQ at the Jubilee Lake Park, and/or many ChillOut events around town. Sunday: The ChillOut Festival Street Parade followed by the ChillOut Carnivale or the Nomads Radio Springs Hotel to Babbington Hill, Lyonville walk, with optional afternoon tea or dinner afterwards at the Radio Springs Hotel (Lyonville). Sunday evening: An evening meal at the Spice of India Restaurant, within easy walking distance of the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at 7 Geake St, Daylesford. It is 2 km and 5 minutes drive from the Daylesford Town Hall. Both walks will start and finish at this point. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid C9 | Google map goo.gl/maps/6a71shSiaJJP6SZZ7. 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, 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  

** There are no further free spots on Saturday night. If you would like to camp on Saturday, please get a Waitlist ticket, and you will be contacted if a spot becomes free. (There are often cancellations) ** 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 2:30pm: The Nomads Daylesford Naturist Walk during ChillOut. 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 Carnivale or do the Radio Springs Hotel to Babbington Hill, Lyonville walk, with optional afternoon tea or dinner afterwards at the Radio Springs Hotel (Lyonville).  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. BOOKING: by Tuesday 7th 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 be 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 10th 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 this year 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 Monday 6th 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 easy walk along the Port Melbourne Light Rail line though little parks. a pub lunch, then along the beach to St Kilda with a possible swim along the way. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 11 km point to point walk, flat, on bitumen, concrete and sand.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: From Southern Cross, a short walk through Docklands, crossing Web Bridge over the Yarra River which was originally built for a railway line to Web Dock. Stop briefly at Polly Woodside, an 1885 barque built in Belfast. Then make our way past the South Melbourne Tram Depot where we will follow the Port Melbourne Light Rail line towards the bay.  We will stop for a pub lunch at The Local, Port Melbourne. The rest of the afternoon is spent walking along the foreshore to St Kilda, perhaps a stop for an ice cream and/or a swim en route if it is warm enough.  Afternoon tea, drinks can be had at Acland St before catching a tram home. BOOKING: By Saturday 4th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 1030am Southern Cross Railway Station, Bourke St Pedestian Bridge outside Platforms 15/16.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 1A grid A5 | Google map  goo.gl/maps/rnqVUGKrZLV1eTYE7 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 1 km, approximately 15 minutes walk. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey   FOOD: Snacks and one litre of water. Extra water if hot. Lunch at The Local Hotel, Port Melbourne. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Bathers and towel if warm and you would like a swim.        LEADER: Paul K | Email LeaderPaulK.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  

(Pleae note: This event was originally scheduled to take place on Sun 26th Feb, but has now been changed to Sat 25th Feb to avoid a clash with another naturist event.) Enjoy a pleasant naturist bushwalk, on a new walking route from the western side of the reservoir, through the Pyrete Forest to get great views of the reservoir and have a skinny dip if it's hot. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 9.5 km walk. The route is generally undulating on walking tracks, 4WD tracks and kangaroo pads. There is the occasional short steep spot. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is for Naturists. We will meet at the very countrified Toolern Vale General Store for coffee, snacks and a chance to catch up with each other. From there we will carpool 10 km to the start of the walk. Once into the forest we can remove our gear and enjoy our naturist bushwalking. We will have our lunch along the way and there will be the opportunity for a swim when we reach the reservoir. Later we will return to the cars. As the General Store will probably be closed by then, we can if desired drive 9 km to Mac's Hotel at 322-332 High St, Melton for a cool drink, coffee and snacks. If you're hungry you can also get meals there in the bistro or the bar. BOOKING: By Wednesday 22nd February. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Meet at 10:30am at the Toolern Vale General Store for coffee and checking attendance. The exact address is 1486 Diggers Rest-Coimadai Rd, Toolern Vale 3337. We plan to drive to the start of the walk at about 11am. There is a good car park opposite the General Store. Though watch for fairly fast moving traffic when crossing the road. MAP REFERENCE FOR MEETING PLACE: Melway map 331 grid G5 | Melway Key Map 7 grid E3 | VicRoads Map 78 grid B3. | Google map goo.gl/maps/nZfzrbFUSJr. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 50 km, 45 minutes. Travel via the Calder or Western Highways. WALK LOCATION: Entry is via a private property west of Toolern Vale. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is no public transport to Toolern Vale. Please email the Leader who may be able to arrange a lift for you from Melbourne. FOOD and BEVERAGES: Lunch, snacks, water/drink to take on the walk. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable shoes/boots. Shorts or similar to wear at the start and finish of the walk, while on private property. Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses. Towel to dry off after swimming. If you need protection from the sun, or the day is a bit cool, clothes can be worn to keep you comfortable. Lightweight sandals or thongs would make it easier to walk on the small stones at the edge of the reservoir when you go in for a swim. 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  

** There has been a last-minute cancellation, so there is a spot available for either a COUPLE or SINGLE. Please email leaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you're interested ** Mt Buffalo National Park offers spectacular scenery, moderately challenging walks through varying terrain, and rich diversity of flora and fauna, as well as unique geological formations. This Nomads walking and social weekend in group accommodation in Victoria's North-East is now in its eighth year, and David R. will again head up the walk leaders' team. Bookings are limited and it always books out, so don't delay and risk missing out! GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Arriving Thursday for those joining the Friday and weekend walks, or arriving Friday for the weekend walks only. (Optional) Friday 24th February walk: Hard; approx 6-8 hrs; Saturday 25th February walk: Medium-Hard; approx 5-6 hrs; probable circuit walk. Booking includes the cost of evening communal BBQ dinner. Sunday 26th February walk: Easy; a walk in the Ovens Valley rather than on the mountain, thus shortening the drive back to Melbourne after lunch.   ACCOMMODATION: The weekend will follow the successful formula of previous years and will be based on accommodation at Restaway Holiday Units in Porepunkah. Accommodation is in shared holiday units, with each unit having: two bedrooms (one with a queen bed, the other with 2 single beds), a living area, a bathroom and kitchenette.  Our booking is for the nights of Thursday (for those wishing to do the Friday walk), Friday and Saturday. The maximum number of people for the walks is 30. Depending on room options selected, Restaway accommodates about 24 people, so there is only limited capacity for off-site campers (e.g. local caravan park of your choice) for a maximum of 6 people who wish to walk. Confirmed bookings will be on a first booked basis, booking will be closed when capacity is reached, and a wait list will be available. Cancellations will be offered in the order of wait-listed bookings. We expect to book out all of Restaway again, so we will have exclusive use of the swimming pool, large garden and BBQ area, within walking distance of Porepunkah village. Some may want to stay at Restaway for Sunday evening or longer. If you remain in your weekend unit (no room service) the owners are giving you a "special rate" for the whole unit.   Please email LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com for questions on accommodation, meals or booking.   THE WALKS: We will drive from our group accommodation in Porepunkah to Mt Buffalo on Friday and Saturday, enjoy the walk, and return in the late afternoon. On Sunday we will drive to a nearby walk in the Ovens Valley, after which most people will return home. FRIDAY: For those arriving Thursday night and wishing to do the optional Friday walk, it will be a relatively hard walk on Mt Buffalo, in an area to be decided depending on weather and park conditions. Alternatively, you can have a restful day at Restaway or visit local wineries, the brewery or the Bright region. SATURDAY: On Saturday there will be a day-walk on Mt Buffalo and the communal BBQ dinner at Restaway on Saturday evening. SUNDAY: On Sunday we will drive to a nearby walk in the Ovens Valley, after which most people will return home. This schedule enables people to drive up after work on Friday (or on Thursday if they're able) and return home Sunday afternoon or evening.   FOOD & MEALS: Porepunkah village only has a pub and service station, and no food store so it is essential to bring all your food and drink needs with you. Bring your own breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks for all days.  During the walks it is essential you carry your own lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water; no food is available on the mountain. Dinner Thursday and Friday night: Either bring your own dinner and eat in (BBQ available on-site, and each unit has a basic kitchenette), or eat out at the local hotel. A group booking will be made for 6.30pm on Friday night at the Porepunkah Pub for those who selected that option when getting tickets to the event. Dinner Saturday night: Booking and payment includes the famous Nomads communal BBQ dinner (including meat or vegetarian option, plus dessert) on Saturday night, but BYO drinks. The organiser will ask volunteers to also bring pre-dinner nibbles or salad. Sunday: we won't drive up the mountain this year, so having lunch at a local eatery could be an option on Sunday (but it can get very crowded)!   BOOKING: To join this weekend you need to book and pay by Friday 16th December 2022 (if not booked out earlier): (i) This is a popular event; in every previous year the event has been fully booked. (ii) A booking can only be made through the Nomads website, and include full payment; if you find it is fully booked, please take out a WAITING LIST ticket and you will be contacted (in the order of ticketing) if there is a cancellation. (iii) Maximum walking group size is 30, limited to ensure a quality environmental experience and individual and group safety. (iv) The event is a mixed social and bushwalking event, based on accommodation at Restaway and walks on Mt Buffalo.  Visitors: This event is generally not open to Visitors. Please contact LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you are a Visitor and would like to attend. Roles: It is a big, big task organising this weekend, so the roles are being split again this year. David is organising leadership of the walks, and Ian Gould is organising the accommodation and communal Saturday dinner. Booking Guide: Bookings are taken in the order of booking, and must be by Friday 16th December if not sold out prior. To book, click on Get Tickets. The Ticket includes participation in the walks, the cost of accommodation and Saturday night's BBQ dinner (meat or vegetarian BBQ). As noted above you may also be asked to bring pre-dinner nibbles or salads as an additional contribution towards dinner. NIGHTS? Firstly, decide if you will be arriving on Thursday or Friday. SHARED? Secondly, choose if you want 'Shared bedroom' accommodation, in which you will share the room with one other person (separate beds, or, share a queen bed with your partner or friend), OR, want a 'Single room' which gives you a room for your use only. GET TICKETS: Buy the ticket(s) you want. Note: if buying Shared accommodation, see the ROOM-MATE item below. PREFERENCES: When booking, indicate your preferences: * Do you need transport to the event? If you need, or can provide, transport, please indicate your postcode also. * Friday Dining Preference: Choose the 6.30pm Porepunkah Pub group booking or Own arrangements.  * Dietary Preference: for Saturday night: vegetarian, meat or other? ROOM-MATE? If buying Shared accommodation and you book for two people, you and the person you book for will both be allocated into one room with a queen bed. Email the leader LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com when you book if you want a different arrangement. If buying Shared accomodation and you only book for yourself, then you will be allocated a single bed in a 2 bed room - if you wish to share the room with a particular person (or share a queen bed) please email the leader  LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com when you book and we will try to arrange this. If buying a Single accomodation you will be allocated a single bed or a queen bed, in a room that is not shared. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.   FURTHER INFORMATION: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/mount-buffalo-national-park and www.restawayholidayunits.com.au. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Arrival time is from 3pm onwards on either the Thursday or Friday at Restaway Holiday Units, 6852 Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah. Car pooling arrangements from Restaway to Mt Buffalo will be organised each day at the compulsory pre-walk briefings held at Restaway prior to leaving for each day's walk. MAP REFERENCE: Meeting point at Restaway Holiday Units: Melway map X922 grid F9 | Google map www.google.com.au/maps/place/Porepunkah+VIC+3740. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 320 km, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes driving time, via Hume Hwy, Snow Road, Myrtleford to Porepunkah. TRANSPORT: Car sharing or public transport is preferred - we'll try to avoid single-occupant car trips. There is a V/Line bus stop in Porepunkah, with connections to Wangaratta Station. FOOD: See above. Bring your own food -  breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks for all days, there is no food store in Porepunkah, only a pub and service station. During the walks you must carry your own lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots, walking poles (if you wish), sun hat / wool beany and rain/wind proof jacket. While weather forecasts are useful, cold, windy and wet weather can occur in any season, so walkers must be prepared even in February. LEADER: Ian G. | Email LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions or to advise on Shared accommodation preferences. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME  BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS  MEMBERSHIPS  

All welcome; enjoy a relaxed day out at the Somers naturist beach! GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 7 km circuit walk. It is a pleasant 3.5 km walk along the beach from the car park in Somers towards Sandy Point to a good setup place in the sand dunes. The sand is fairly firm. Walking time is generally about 55 minutes to the setup place. Most of the beach walk can be done minus clothes once we get past the local dog walkers close to Somers. Of course it is another approx 3.5 km back to the cars at the end of the day.   ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is for naturists. An easy day with no real time restraints to enjoy a pleasant relaxing beach day - walk, swim and sunbathing with other naturists, then, as and when people are ready... Later optional social for a bit of fellowship, post beach drink, meal (or both) at the Westernport Hotel, 16 High Street, Hastings.  BOOKING: By Thursday 16th February. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:00 am in the car park at 121 Miramar Rd, Somers. There is no cafe near the meeting place sorry, you will need to bring your coffee with you. (You can get coffee in Bittern at Remuce Cafe or the Bittern Bakery and Cafe).  We plan to depart from the car park for the beach at about 11.15 am. If you should miss us, or wish to come at a different time, walk to the side of the car park nearest the beach and go down the steep steps to the beach. At the bottom of the stairs (approx 110 of them) turn left and walk for about 45 minutes and you should find our camp. TIDE FORECAST: High 11.03am (2.39m, an average high) - Low 5:23pm. The tide will be up when we leave from the carpark for the beach and low when we leave the beach to come back in the afternoon. (For those who haven't been to Somers, it can be quite difficult to climb over some of the fallen trees on the beach at high tide.) MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 194 grid F11 | Google map goo.gl/maps/6AUdGMw3E9BwtP38A.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 86 km, about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 mins depending on which route you take. FOOD and BEVERAGES for the BEACH DAY: Carry lunch, water and any other food/drinks you may like for the beach day. APPAREL: Sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, footwear if the sand is hot. Shorts required to get from car park to the naturist beach. EQUIPMENT: Towel. A picnic blanket with plastic backing or a large plastic sheet is handy, because in some places the grass seeds stick tightly to your towel and are very hard to get out. You may wish to bring a sun shelter. The tea tree provides quite good, but not complete, shade cover. Bring any sporting equipment such as a frisbee, tennis ball, larger ball, small cricket bat etc; this could be fun. 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