Enjoy an outing on Port Phillip Bay, lunch in Portarlington and an easy coastal walk, subsequently returning to Melbourne by bus and train. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy: ferry ride, lunch, walk along a coastal path, bus and train ride.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a relaxing 1.5 hour cruise to Portarlington, then a short stroll to the Grand Hotel for lunch. After lunch, we will go for a walk along the foreshore before catching the bus to Geelong Station, from where we'll catch a train back to Southern Cross Station (Melbourne). We'll walk along the foreshore towards St Leonards. Bus #60 departs from St Leonards at 2:58pm, and passes along the foreshore, so we'll terminate the walk at an appropriate bus stop in time to catch that bus. BOOKING: By Friday 19th August. To register, click on Get Tickets. You should also book your ferry ticket on the Port Phillip Ferries website. Unsure if you've already booked with the Nomads? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking events. FURTHER INFORMATION: portphillipferries.com.au. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am for a 10:40am departure from the Port Phillip Ferries Docklands Terminal, beside Central Pier, Docklands. Boarding commences at 10:25am, and the ferry departs at 10:40am, to arrive in Portarlington at 11:50am. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2E grid G5 | Google map: g.page/PortPhillipFerriesDocklands?share. COST: Ferry: Full $16.50 | Concession / Seniors $15 Bus (Portarlington to Geelong, Myki zones 4-5): maximum fare: Full $7.20 | Concession $3.60 V/Line train (Geelong to Melbourne, Myki zones 1-4): Full $9.66 | Senior/Concession $4.83 FOOD: Snacks and coffee can be purchased on the ferry. Lunch will be purchased at the Grand Hotel, Portarlington. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, hand sanitiser, comfortable walking boots and dress according to the weather forecast.   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  

A lovely 10 km coastal winter's walk, from historic Williamstown following coastal paths and walkways around to Altona. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 10 km, point-to-point walk on sealed paths with no hills.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Starting in historic Williamstown we'll follow coastal paths and walkways around to Altona with opportunities to take in the local flora and fauna and breathe some good old sea air. Local history and points of interest will be provided en-route. Although there will be an opportunity for a short coffee break in Williamstown, and in Altona at the end of walk, bring your lunch (hot soup in a thermos, a good winter idea), snacks and water. Dress to the weather, with plenty of layers to take off/put on. It could be wet and cold that day.  BOOKING: By Thursday 11th August. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking events. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:33am at Williamstown Station, Ann St, Williamstown. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid C9 | Google map: goo.gl/maps/3n2r6q5nCnMAnnbt9 PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take the Werribee line train that departs Flinders Street Station platform 9 at 10.07am (meet front carriage), then change at Newport to the Williamstown line train, which should arrive at Williamstown Station at 10.33am, where the walk will commence. Trains back to town from Altona depart every 20mins (e.g. 15:42pm reaching Flinders Street at 16:14pm). FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, hand sanitiser, comfortable walking boots and dress according to the weather forecast.   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  

The area now known as Lysterfield Park (1,398-hectare) has been assigned many different roles since the first European settlement in 1838. This very scenic circuit bushwalk will explore some of the remnants of its history. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 11 km, circuit walk.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This walk takes us along some of the walking tracks around Lysterfield Lake – one of Melbourne’s older reservoirs that is nowadays a bushland park. Most of our route is on well-made tracks – some gravel, some formed earth. We will pass by the site of Donelan’s homestead, the Boy’s Farm dairy and the Lysterfield Tramway that includes one of the best view points of the lake on the west side. After walk refreshments: Time permitting, refreshments can be taken at the nearby Stellas Kitchen on Horswood Road, part of the Monague Apple Farm (https://montague.com.au/the-orchard-at-montague/stellas-kitchen/) The venue closes at 4 PM.  BOOKING: By Friday 5th August. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/lysterfield-park. https://caseycardinialinkstoourpast.blogspot.com/2014/03/lysterfield-short-history.html NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking events. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am in the Spotted Gum Car Park, Horswood Rd, Narre Warren North. Horswood Road which runs westwards off the Belgrave-Hallam Road (C404). MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 108 grid D2 | Google map: goo.gl/maps/grZmRZrfdG1oqNeP7 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 44 kms taking 45 minutes by car via the Monash Freeway. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, hand sanitiser and sturdy walking shoes or boots. Dress for the weather forecast. Some parts of the walk may be cold and windy.   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: wikipedia   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Duke of Wellington Hotel, CBD.  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. See the Duke of Wellington Hotel website for more details, including the menu.  BOOKING: By Monday 1st August. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Duke of Wellington Hotel, 146 Flinders St, Melbourne. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 1B grid R9. Google map g.page/thedukeofwellingtonmelbourne?share. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Duke of Wellington Hotel is close to Flinders Street Station, and trams #70 and #75 stop right at the door (stop 6). 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 gentle walk alongside Lollipop Creek & the Werribee River. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: An easy 10 km point-to-point walk with public transport links. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This urban walk follows creek, floodway and river reserves which offer a combination of parkland and natural landscapes to enjoy along the way. Our walk commences at Wyndham Vale Railway Station with a short stroll through Manor Lakes Linear Park which takes us into the Lollipop Creek Reserve. The walk along the Lollipop Creek Trail takes in some of the re-vegetation and conservation measures along the waterway and surrounding wetlands. The croaking of frogs and chirping of birds are likely to be heard coming from the creek and wetlands. Approximately 4 km into the walk we leave Lollipop Creek to follow a path along grassy open space and floodway to reach the Werribee River Linear Reserve. For the remainder of the walk we will follow the Werribee River passing by natural vegetation including some impressive River Red Gums. On reaching Werribee the trail passes under the railway line near the station. Trains depart Werribee Railway Station every 20 minutes for the 50 minute journey back to the city. BOOKING: By Friday 29th July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking events. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am in the front carriage of the Waurn Ponds train departing Southern Cross Railway Station at 10:30am or meet the group en route by arrangement with the event leader. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 43 grid E9 | Google map goo.gl/maps/bCGTVY7pXX72. DISTANCE / TIME FROM GPO: The walk commences at Wyndham Vale Railway Station which is 40 km and 35 minutes by train from the city. Our return journey takes 50 minutes from Werribee Railway Station which is 32 km from the city. TRANSPORT: Access to and from this walk is by public transport only. We will travel to Wyndham Vale Railway Station in the front carriage of the Waurn Ponds train departing Southern Cross Railway Station at 10:30am, arriving at Wyndham Vale at 11:03am, or you may choose to meet the group en route by arrangement with the event leader. For the return journey trains depart Werribee Railway Station every 20 minutes. All travel is within Myki zones 1 & 2 with weekend daily caps of $6.70 full fare, $3.35 concession and free for seniors. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and water for your needs throughout the day. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Wear comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress to meet the forecast weather conditions. 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  

Explore some of the history of Sunbury in this urban walk in outer Melbourne. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 9 km circuit walk. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This circuit walk explores the township of Sunbury, which was established in the 1850s. Firstly, we will walk up to Rupertswood Mansion, built in 1874. It is well known as the birthplace of The Ashes urn which was presented to the English cricket captain in the 1882-83 Test match series between Australia and England. It is one of the largest houses constructed in Victoria and, although now subdivided, still has significant farm land. The estate also had its own private railway station and artillery battery. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. Although private property, owned by Salesian College, you can visit the grounds.  We will then follow sealed shared linear paths under a grand bluestone rail viaduct and along natural creeks (Blind and Kismet), although we will need to walk along some suburban streets to get between creeks and to and from the station. BOOKING: By Friday 22nd July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking events. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:00am at the Sunbury Railway Station, East side bus station.  If driving, parking will be easier on the West side PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Both V/Line and Metro trains go to Sunbury.  The last suitable V/Line train leaves Southern Cross at 10:06am, and last Metro at 9:46 MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 382 grid D4 | Google map: goo.gl/maps/boS8A29TzUnJ9UtG7 FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, hand sanitiser, 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. Image: Rupertswood Mansion gatehouse, Pavement Pounder, YouTube   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

This Winter Spectacular closes on Sunday 7 August 2022. Enjoy this unique exhibition with Your NOMADS Friends. BUT HURRY - Tickets are selling Fast - Book Online ASAP GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 2 km, through paved walkways in the Gardens.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Explore Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne like never before this winter at the after-dark, illuminated spectacular Lightscape. Celebrate the beauty of nature on a 1.8km trail featuring installations made up of over half a million dazzling lights. Walk through the thousands of fairy lights that light up the Winter Cathedral, be mesmerisd as bursts of colour explode through trees like fireworks and linger at waterside reflections. It’s an illuminating winter walk in an iconic natural wonderland that you won’t want to miss. LightScape 2022 BOOKING: B Y O your ticket directly via this Link - Ticket Light Show Bookings Afterwards, click on Get Tickets to get your free Nomads ticket so we know you're coming. FURTHER INFORMATION: F A Q's For Lightscape MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 19:55 PM at the Observatory Gate entrance for The Royal Botancial Gardens on Birwood Avensue opposite the Shine of Rememberance. Tickets are selling FAST - at 12 Noon on Friday 15 July - the earliest available booking time is 20:00 (8 PM). The venue closes at 10pm on Saturdays. Two hours is deemed a suitable time allocation to view Lightscape. Please purchase your Free Ticket on the NOMADS website so I know how many are planning to attend. Once inside, we can all catch up if your booking is for 8:15pm, etc. The show will proceed irrespective of the weather - e.g. if its raining it's still on !!!! MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2 G  grid A 12 | Google map: goo.gl/maps/vpnBUUoSLqDJEMs5A GETTING THERE: Best option is via Tram (Routes # 3A, 5, 6, 16, 67 & 72) along St Kilda Road to Stop # 19 - Shrine of Remembrance. There are NO night events at either the MCG or AAMI Park that night. So, for those needing to drive in, parking around the River and St Kilda Precincts shouldn't be too difficult. FOOD: Read the FAQ document (link above) with details of food and beverage services available on site. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.   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  

CosmeX is an acronym for Clothing Optional Swim Massage Exchange. Events are run at Laverton, usually twice a month, at the Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre. You can enjoy a relaxed evening socialising in the spa, heated pool, sauna, or with a massage. The pool is a 6 lane 20-metre lap pool, and you will be able to do laps, exercise or partake in organised games in the pool. There will be a massage workshop, where you can learn and practice a relaxation massage technique. This is a non-sexual social event. Join in whatever activities and level of undress you choose.   EVENT TYPE: Social. Some people just relax and socialise in the spa, sauna, and pool. Others do laps or partake in a massage exchange.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join our friends at CosmeX on a special combined night at the Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre. If you are new to the CosmeX, you will be welcomed with an induction to the facility and some guidelines to follow so that all can enjoy the facilities.   There will be eight massage tables available to use throughout the night. At 7:15pm there will be a free massage workshop where Steve will demonstrate a relaxation massage technique, which you can then practice with guidance. Massage oil is provided, but you must use a towel that is large enough to cover the table. Allergy warning: massage oil provided may contain nuts.  CosmeX is an all-inclusive event. All are welcome. You can choose whatever level of undress you are comfortable with. The rules of public society also apply at CosmeX. Inappropriate behavior in any part of the complex by anyone, and the taking of photographs, will not be tolerated.   BOOKING: By Thursday 21st July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking events. Please note it is a requirement of CosmeX's covid safe plan that requires ALL participants are at least double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination will be requested at the time of entry into the venue. FURTHER INFORMATION: Please check out their website at: cosmexmelbourne.com for more information. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6:00pm at Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre, Jennings St, Laverton.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Approximately 20 km, 15 minutes. Due to roadworks on the Westgate Freeway, time from Melbourne CBD may be longer.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Laverton train station is 1 km from the venue. If you walk along Maher Rd, and Watts St, you can cut across McCormack Park to the swim centre. To get back to the station afterwards, someone may be able to give you a lift - just ask one of the organisers.  FOOD: There is to be no sharing of food for this event, however you can bring your own food. Bring your own non-alcoholic drinks (no glass due to safety considerations around the pool). Tea, coffee and water are supplied.  COST: $15 for Nomads members and visitors alike. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Bring two or more towels, one to dry yourself and another to sit on and use for massage. Thongs and a small bag to keep your belongings would also be useful. Swimwear if you choose. Please do not bring valuables to the venue.  COVID SAFETY: You will be required to log in at the venue via QR code or by providing your name and phone number. Social Distancing is still required, and there are limits in the spa and sauna. Hands must be sanitised before and after giving a massage.   LEADER: Jason T. | 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  

This is a chance to experience snow camping in relative civilisation. We will be camping near JB Hut, about 2 km west of the Dinner Plain village, and just off the Omeo to Mt Hotham Road, about 12 km south-east of the Mt Hotham alpine resort.  This event is a re-scheduled version of the planned event in July 2021 that was cancelled due to a lockdown ** Limit of 12 participants ** GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium grade. Snow-camping experience is not required, but previous other camping experience, and possession of good quality camping equipment for the weekend, are both essential. The main daytime activity will be cross-country skiing; if you wish to participate in this, previous cross-country skiing experience is highly recommended. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: A chance to safely test your alpine survival skills and to go cross-country skiing; the details of which will depend on the experience of the group. There is excellent beginner terrain in the vicinity of JB Hut and Dinner Plain, and more challenging terrain further up the mountain. You can access this event by public transport, or a combination of car and public transport. If only using public transport, you will need to leave Melbourne on Thursday and return on Monday - see PUBLIC TRANSPORT for details. BOOKING: By Wednesday 20th July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking events. CANCELLATION CONDITIONS: JB Hut is at 1600m elevation, about 200m lower than the Mt Hotham alpine resort, and typically has snow cover for part of winter only. If the snow cover will be inadequate for cross-country skiing on that weekend, this trip will be cancelled. The final decision on this will be made on Tuesday 19 July 2022, and the decision will be based on the Dinner Plain snow report for that day, plus the weather forecast for the next five days. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am Saturday 23 July at JB Hut, 2 km west of the Dinner Plain village. There is an optional extra day on Friday 22 July, but if travelling to the location by public transport, it will be necessary to arrive on this day, as there are no V/Line buses between Bright and Mt Hotham on Saturdays. It is generally possible to be dropped off, upon request, at JB Hut (rather than at the Dinner Plain village, 2 km further on). If so, there will still be a 200m walk-in from the road.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X922 grid H11 | Google map goo.gl/maps/YCgnWaxzn7DBAsAS9.  TRAVELLING BY CAR:  RECOMMENDED ROUTE: Melbourne to Dinner Plain, via Omeo, is 445 km, 5 hours 40 minutes. If you are travelling from Melbourne late on Friday, and will be arriving at night, staying at Omeo overnight on the Friday is suggested – this allows you to travel up to the snowline in daylight. ALTERNATIVE ROUTE (NOT RECOMMENDED): Melbourne to Dinner Plain, via Bright and Mt Hotham, is 388 km, 5 hours 30 minutes. This route is not recommended in winter for self-driving, unless you are experienced in driving on snow and ice, including in fitting of chains. You may also choose to leave your car in Bright (on the Friday) and catch a bus for the remainder of the journey - see PUBLIC TRANSPORT below.  NOTE: If you drive, overnight camping will involve parking on the side of the Mt Hotham road, and a 200m walk-in.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Melbourne to Bright, via V/Line (approximately 4 hours 30 minutes) PLUS Bright to Dinner Plain, via V/Line (approximately 3 hours). NOTE: The alpine service generally does NOT connect with the Melbourne to Bright (and return) V/Line service, and so it will probably be necessary to stay overnight in Bright on the Thursday and Sunday nights. Thursday Service - Melbourne to Bright (train to Wangaratta + coach to Bright): depart Southern Cross 9:26am - arrive Bright 3:50pm depart Southern Cross 12:05pm - arrive Bright 4:33pm depart Southern Cross 6:02pm - arrive Bright 10:29pm Friday Alpine Service: The bus leaves the Bright V/Line stop (outside the Alpine Hotel, Anderson St, Bright) at 7:15am (recommended to catch this) or at 3:30pm. If you catch the afternoon service, you will arrive at Dinner Plain/JB hut at night, and so will be setting up camp in the dark, which is NOT recommended. Sunday Alpine Service: The return service leaves Dinner Plain village at 5pm on Sunday, and arrives at Bright at 7:10pm. Note that it may not be possible, when travelling in this direction, to be picked up by the bus at JB Hut (you may need to walk 2 km to the Dinner Plain village).  Monday Service - Bright to Melbourne (coach to Wangaratta + train to Melbourne): depart Bright 6:14am - arrive Southern Cross 10:35am depart Bright 11:54am - arrive Southern Cross 4:40pm depart Bright 2:08pm - arrive Southern Cross 9:45pm FOOD: You will need to carry all food supplies for your time on the mountain. The leader will give you further advice regarding food after you have registered. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Warm clothing (at least two changes), beanie, gloves and a waterproof outer layer (jacket and pants) are essential. For cross-country skiing, wearing three or four thin-ish layers of clothing works best for thermal insulation and avoiding over-heating while on the move. Your waterproof outer layer should be a “shell”, rather than an insulated garment. LEADER: Paul W. | Email LeaderPaulW.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 Sunday walk from Wendouree Railway Station to Ballarat Station via the Ballarat Tram Depot and Lake Wendouree. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 7 km walk into Ballarat along gravel and bitumen tracks.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: An easy walk to visit the Botanical Gardens and view a line of Australian Prime Ministers' statues before a visit to the Ballarat Tram Depot (Ballarat Tramway Museum) for an informative history of Ballarat trams. Have a picnic lunch beside Lake Wendouree or at the nearby cafe/restaurant. An easy walk back to central Ballarat via the imposing cricket ground stadium and historical buildings. A 3:20pm departure from Ballarat Station should arrive back at Southern Cross at 4:48pm. BOOKING: By Friday 15th July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking events. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9am at Southern Cross Station, in time to catch the Wendouree train that departs at 9:14am. We'll travel in the front carriage. Alternatively, meet the train when it arrives at Wendouree Station at 10:51am. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: This event is designed to use public transport to travel to the start, and from the end of the walk. Outbound: the Wendouree train that departs from Southern Cross Station at 9:14am arrives at Wendouree Station at 10:51am.  Return: trains depart hourly for Southern Cross from Ballarat Station, for example at 3:20pm, 4:20pm and 5:20pm. The journey takes 1 hour 28 minutes.  MAP REFERENCE:  Southern Cross Station: Melway map 1A grid A7 | Google map: goo.gl/maps/eZyC4YRk3dDhQq51A Wendouree Station: Melway map X909 grid A11 | Google map: goo.gl/maps/tGN7yMLurs3cthVm7 COST: Wendouree and Ballarat are in Myki zone 8. The return fare costs $31.92 full or $15.96 concession (which includes travel to and from Southern Cross Station in metro Melbourne). FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and some drinking water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, hand sanitiser, comfortable walking boots 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  

PLEASE NOTE: - This walk will NOT proceed in the event of rain or total cloud cover. An opportunity to "frock up" in your best winter outfits and head outdoors. July's full (or new) Moon is to be a super moon. Of the possible 12 or 13 full moons each year, usually three or four may be classified as supermoons, as commonly defined. A supermoon is a full moon or a new moon that nearly coincides with perigee - the closest that the Moon comes to the Earth in its elliptic orbit - resulting in a slightly larger-than-usual apparent size of the lunar disk as viewed from Earth. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, approximately 8 km, circuit walk.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The July 2022 full moon is due to be observed in Melbourne on Thursday 14th July. We will venture out on Thursday night (with good public transport options) for a sneak preview. Winter provides the best possibility of clear skies to maximise viewing the stunning moonlight. Yarra Bend Park provides an area with minimal artificial light thus maximising the impact of moonlight. The surface for this walk is 100 percent pavement or compacted “blue metal”. Totally flat or undulating except for two small “huff and puff” inclines: from Kane’s Bridge up to The Boulevard, and from the Water Pipe Bridge up past the Pavilion at Fairfield Park. The walk will commence at the car park and head south along Yarra Bend Road past the old Fairfield Hospital (now Melbourne Polytechnic) to cross the Yarra at Kane’s bridge. The walk will then proceed along The Boulevard in Kew past Bellbird Park (home to the Fruit Bats), crossing the Eastern Freeway; an area which is a “hot spot” for watching New Years Eve fireworks. Crossing the Yarra River via the Water Pipe Bridge we will re-enter Fairfield Park.  BOOKING: By Tuesday 12th July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking events. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7:30pm at the car park opposite the Fairfield Cricket Club Rooms and Oval, Lot 113C Yarra Bend Rd, Fairfield. Access this from Yarra Bend Road. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 30 grid H12 | Google map goo.gl/maps/EE9kCEsq3a4bood46.  TRANSPORT: Dennis Railway Station (Hurstbridge Line) is nearby. If coming from Dennis Railway Station head south along Victoria Rd and Jeffrey St, turn right into Heidelberg Rd (200m only) then left into Yarra Bend Rd. Collection from Dennis Station is possible if pre-arranged. WHAT TO BRING: Suitable clothing for a night-time event that will see the temperature drop. Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Bring a torch; preferably one you can wear on your head. Make sure you have a litre (minimum) water bottle with you. 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: Herald Sun   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Find out about some great resources, and take a look behind the scenes at what's involved in being a leader of a Nomads event. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: In this online Zoom session, we'll show you where you can find information about walking, cycling and other activities around Victoria, or even further afield. We'll also give you a sneak preview of the TidyHQ tools that we use to help make it easy to manage the "paperwork" (not that we actually make much use of paper these days)! Some leaders will talk about their personal experiences, and we'll also tell you about some of the other forms of training that we provide from time to time: bushcraft days where you can learn basic survival skills in the bush, like navigating with a compass; overnight backpacking trips; first aid training sessions; and a host of useful online information.  Do you have an idea about something that would make a great Nomads event? Perhaps a little-known, idyllic camping spot, a beautiful walk, or a more exotic activity? Or have you attended a few of our events, and are starting to think of perhaps leading one yourself? The good news is that we can either lead an event based on your inside knowledge, or mentor and train you to lead it yourself. It's a bit of work, but a lot of fun, and your fellow Nomads members will really appreciate the effort. Or are you simply curious about what's involved in running our events?  TO BOOK: Click Get Tickets, preferably by midday on 12th July so you get an invitation email with your link to join the session. If you haven't used Zoom before, be sure to register for a FREE Zoom account prior. See: zoom.us/freesignup TO ATTEND: At 7pm on Tuesday 12th July, click on the Zoom link in your invitation email. (Tip: add a reminder in your phone)! Once you've joined, sit back and relax, though you're welcome to ask questions at any point throughout the evening. LEADER: Jason T. and Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com or 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  

Enjoy a pleasant winter outing in a little-known botanic park on the outskirts of Melbourne - one of Melbourne's hidden treasures! This event is designed to be easily accessible by Metro train. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy approximately 9 km, circuit walk, mostly on off-road paths, but with a number of ascents and descents.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Wilson Botanic Park is a total gem in the historic town of Berwick, a town that has now been engulfed by metropolitan Melbourne. Not only is the park incredibly photogenic, including views over Melbourne, it is also of significance for its geology and important fossil discoveries. The area has an interesting geological history starting with ancient sedimentary layers from when the area was covered by the ocean, followed by periods of volcanic activity, with the most recent, and violent, eruption being some 22 million years ago, resulting in large deposits of basalt (bluestone). Fossils discovered here tell us that the region has had both tropical and temperate forests in bygone eras. The fossil discoveries at the park are significant because flowering and coniferous plants, tropical and temperate species, and micro and macro specimens have all been found. It's the only known fossil site that contains specimens of both Nothofagus and Eucalyptus and is of significant geoheritage importance because it is where the oldest usable Eucalypt fossils have been found in Australia, which has been important for our understanding of the evolution of the modern Australian flora. In 1859 William Wilson began quarrying bluestone from the site, since it had the highest quality basalt in the vicinity of Melbourne. The quarry operated almost continually up to 1976. In 1973, the Wilsons donated 17 hectares to the City of Casey, and in 1985 the council purchased a further 13.34 hectares, then in 1992 the 39 hectare Wilson Botanic Park was opened.  The City of Casey has sensitively and intelligently developed the park with many points of interest for humans, birds and the local fauna. Our circuit will begin and end at the Berwick Railway Station. We'll initially walk along leafy Gloucester Avenue to the main street of Berwick, then take a tree-lined path to Wilson Botanic Park. There we'll initially make a circuit of the two lakes, with optional stops for coffee and toilets. Afterwards we'll climb to the rim of the park for great views over surrounding suburbs. (Note: the park looks a little like a conventional volcano, but the "crater" was formed more by quarrying than from volcanic activity). Upon completing our rim circuit, we'll return to the town via Kramer St and the Pioneers Park. A warming beverage can be had in High Street prior to our return to the train station.  BOOKING: By Friday 8th July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking events. FURTHER INFORMATION: casey.vic.gov.au/facilities-hire/wilson-botanic-park-berwick. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at Berwick Railway Station, Reserve St, Berwick. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Pakenham line train that departs from Flinders Street platform 6 at 10:02am arrives in Berwick at 10:58am. We'll travel in the front carriage of the train. For our return, trains depart from Berwick Station every 20 minutes. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 111 grid D10 | Google map: goo.gl/maps/HUpJqUaY5xi5pL7M8 FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, hand sanitiser, comfortable walking boots 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. Video courtesy of https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/facilities-hire/wilson-botanic-park-berwick   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Our quarterly planning night, in conjunction with the 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. At the quarterly planning meetings, in addition to the monthly social activities the draft program, which will have been prepared via Zoom 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 meeting as an orientation to Nomads activities. The extensive Arcadia menu offers a range of pizzas and bar snacks, popular pub classics, healthy salads and weekly specials. BOOKING: By Monday 4th July. 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  

Preparing the draft Spring program - online via Zoom. GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The bulk of the planning for the 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 4th 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 what you've booked for? Click View my bookings. DRAFT PROGRAM: Nomads Draft Program. 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