ONLINE BOOKINGS HAVE NOW CLOSED. IF YOU WOULD STILL LIKE A TICKET, PLEASE CONTACT THE EVENT LEADER USING CONTACT DETAILS BELOW. Join us for a fun evening of nude 10 pin bowling at a location in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. We have hired the whole venue and therefore have exclusive use. The event is open to Nomads members and visitors. Ticket holders will receive address details of the venue by Wednesday 4th May 2022. We are only able to share the venue details, including the suburb, with confirmed ticket holders. DINNER AFTER THE BOWLING: Some of us may like to go for dinner after the Bowling night, so we have booked a table with a local Chinese Cafe/Restaurant in Box Hill - everyone is invited to come along. The table is booked for us under the name of "Russell" from 10.20pm to midnight. You will have to wear your clothes in this venue, sorry. If you could send an email to Russell and Michael to let us know that you would like to come along that would help with the seating arrangements. Please send your email to Assistant Leader Russell The restaurant is Hills BBQ Noodle Shop, 586 Station St, Box Hill. There is some parking in Station St and also around the corner in Bank St.  See you there. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We will meet out the front of the venue at 7.30pm if the weather is fine, or inside the foyer if it is raining. Please do not block the entrance, as other patrons may be leaving the building. We would ask that everyone is respectful of the venue staff, who are assisting us to make this event happen. Covid considerations are subject to change as we get closer to the event. Please check the event listing on Nomads website for the most up to date information. There is no longer a requirement to be vaccinated against Coronavirus to attend this event. QR code checkin is no longer required. Facemasks are not required to be worn but you may wear a mask if you would prefer. Hand sanitiser will be provided. Once introductions are completed, we will proceed to the bowling area. When advised by the Event Leader, everyone may then undress. All clothes can be left at the rear of the bowling alley. You may wish to bring a small bag for your clothes. There should be no problem with security, but we recommend that you do not bring valuables into the venue, as we are unable to take responsibility for any losses. The time allocated for bowling is 8pm until 10pm. Bowling shoes will be provided for all. You will each be able to select a suitable bowling ball to use during the evening, and then can join in with others at any one of the lanes. Do not worry if you are on your own, we will ensure that everyone finds a group to bowl with. You do not need to be experienced in 10 pin bowling. This is all about having fun with like minded people. Depending on the number of bowlers at each lane, you can typically expect to complete up to two games. There will be a small competition with prizes which will be awarded based on the individual scores of the first game.  In order to maintain everyone's privacy, please note that no photographs will be permitted except as advised by the Event Leader on the night. Phones are not to be used during the evening, and we thank you for assisting us with this. Please see the Event Leader if you have any concerns. It would be appreciated if everyone could promptly depart the venue at 10pm. We would welcome the assistance of a few people to help the organisers with packing up after the night. BOOKING: By Friday 29th April 2022. To register, click on Get Tickets. Tickets may sell out for this event, so book early. Tickets will be allocated on a "first come, first served" basis. No tickets will be available for purchase at the venue. Ticket prices for this event are the same for Nomads members and visitors to cover the cost of hire of the venue. Please note that the event will be cancelled and full refunds will be made if we are unable to achieve sufficient numbers by 29th April 2022, as we need to fully cover the cost of hiring the venue. No refunds on tickets will be available after 29th April 2022, except for inability to attend due to Coronavirus restrictions, or if the event is cancelled by the Event Leader.   Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Nomads COVIDSafe Checklist: 10 Pin Bowling. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7.30pm at the entrance to the venue, ticket holders will receive address details by Wednesday 4th May 2022. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 20-25 km, approximately 30 minutes to drive, or 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport and walking. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The venue is accessible by public transport. Approx 50min train journey from Flinders Street railway station, followed by a 15-20min walk. More precise public transport details will be provided to ticket holders by Wednesday 4th May 2022. FOOD: You may bring your own drinks to the venue. Alcoholic drinks for personal consumption are permitted in the supper room adjoining the bowling area, but not in the room where we are bowling. No glass, please for safety, and ensure that no drinks at all are taken into the bowling lane area. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: This is a naturist event, not clothing optional, so everyone is asked to be naked while bowling. The only exception is for women during their periods, who may wear a bikini bottom or similar. Bowling shoes will be provided and most be worn. Please bring your own towel to sit on for hygiene reasons. LEADER: Michael J. | Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. 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Our Annual General Meeting, in conjunction with the regular monthly social night. GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join us in a private room for the AGM followed by dinner in lieu of our regular social gathering. The first part of this night will involve the formal business necessary to satisfy the requirements of our incorporation as an association, including presentation and acceptance of financial and other reports, and the election of office bearers for the next 12 months. After this, please stay for a meal or for socialising. There will be a special mail‐out to all members in advance of the AGM. Drinks can be purchased at the Bar (outside of the meeting room). Dinner will be served in the private room at 8 PM SHARP. Attending online via Zoom: If you wish, you can attend the AGM online via Zoom. Just select "Online - via Zoom" as the "Attendance Mode" when you get your ticket. In any case, the Zoom link will be emailed prior to the meeting to everybody who has registered. BOOKING BOOKING TO ATTEND: By Monday 2nd May. To register your intention to attend, click on Get Tickets. BOOKING YOUR MEAL: A link will be provided here (and in an email sent to those who have registered) a little before the event to enable you to book your meal online. It will then be delivered to the room after the AGM. You will also be able to order in person on the night, but your meal then won't arrive at the same time as the others. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Bleakhouse Hotel, 97 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park (on the corner of Victoria Ave and Beaconsfield Pde).  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2J grid H10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/594ZX3oiqidEZrrRA.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The tram route #1 terminus is right outside the hotel. 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  

Have a relaxing camping weekend just outside Castlemaine, enjoy an easy walk in the Muckleford Forest on Saturday morning, join the Castlemaine Pride Picnic for the afternoon, and a longer walk in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park on Sunday morning. This is also an opportunity to meet members of Castlemaine’s gay men’s social group ‘The Alluvians’.   GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Friday evening: Social - welcome BYO BBQ. Saturday Morning: Easy walking, approximately 5-6 km circuit walk on flat tracks. Saturday Afternoon: Social – join the fun at the Castlemaine Pride Picnic in the Botanic Gardens, including the Castlemaine Pride Choir, dog show and other entertainment. Sunday: Medium walking - approximately 8-10 km circuit walk on paths that are at times rocky and steep (with an easier option available upon request).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is being run in collaboration with Castlemaine Pride 2022 and ‘The Alluvians’, Castlemaine’s gay men’s social and walking group. Activities are based about 7 km from town in the grounds of Nomads members' home, so there are limits on camping and BBQ numbers. You may book via Nomads to (i) camp on-site, join the walks, picnic and BBQs, or (ii) arrange your own accommodation off-site (motel, friends, caravan park etc) and join the walks, picnic and BBQs. The property has livestock in adjoining paddocks and roaming kangaroos at night but has no dog proof fencing. Therefore, guests are unable to bring dogs unless they have prior agreement of the Leader (any dog will need to be on a leash 100% time).  The planned weekend’s activities below are a guide, and may be varied to suit prevailing weather, pandemic or other situations: FRIDAY EVENING: Welcome Pool Party and outside ‘cater-yourself’ BBQ dinner, from 6pm. BYO food, utensils, glass/mug, drink, chair and suitable outdoors clothing.  SATURDAY MORNING: Departing about 9am, there is a short drive to the start of a 5-6 km circuit walk, which will likely be through the historic Muckleford Forest to the Red, White and Blue mine; starting and finishing at Muckleford Old School Road junction (See Forest Fire Management Victoria notes). The walk is on graded roads or paths. Members of the Alluvians are invited. After the walk we will return to our accommodation. SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Departing at noon, we will drive to the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens (about 10 minutes) to join in the fun and entertainment at the Castlemaine Pride Picnic – bring your picnic lunch, drinks (alcohol permitted), chairs and rug and enjoy the entertainment and stalls; there may be a food / coffee stall. Within a short stroll from the Picnic is the Castlemaine Mill – the former carpet mill is now a busy antique, arts and food precinct (Viennese Coffee House, Shedshaker Brewery, chocolatier, Sprout Bakery, cheesery etc) which people may wish to visit. SATURDAY EVENING: Saturday Pool Party and outside BBQ from 6pm, catered by Nomads and hosts, with assistance requested from Nomads members. BYO: Drink, cutlery, plate, glass/mug. Members of The Alluvians are also invited. SUNDAY:  Departing about 9am, there is a 10-15 min drive to the Garfield Waterwheel, where we leave our cars and walk through parts of the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park towards the Welsh Village, then gain more height to emerge from the bush at the Expedition Pass Reservoir.  We return downhill on the easy Forest Creek track, calling in at the Monster Meeting Place, site of a pre-Eureka Stockade rally against gold license fees, and back to the cars at the Garfield Waterwheel. The Alluvians are also invited to join this walk. The walk is graded Medium, 8-10 km circuit walk on paths that are at times rocky, possibly slippery and steep. Those wanting an easier walk can meet at Expedition Pass Reservoir to participate in the second part of the walk, via the Monster Meeting Place to Garfield Wheel and a car shuffle back to Expedition Pass Reservoir. Alternative Activities: Those not wishing to do the Sunday walk, or wishing to stay extra days, may explore Castlemaine, where options include:  Return steam train Castlemaine to Maldon (departs 11.30am on Wednesdays and Sundays, with two hours in Maldon for lunch and look around, returning 3.30pm).  Castlemaine Art Museum opens 12 noon to 4pm Thursday to Sunday. Buda house and gardens. Castlemaine Farmers Market.  Castlemaine’s main shopping streets including bookshops, cinema etc. Castlemaine’s renowned hot-rod and motoring businesses and museums. There is an opportunity for early morning birdwatching along an ephemeral creek with views across a neighbour’s dam which is being developed as a bird sanctuary. The Castlemaine Golf Course is close by. BOOKING: By Sunday 24th April. Be quick as numbers are limited. This event is only available to Nomads or Alluvians members. Nomads members should register in the usual way by clicking on Get Tickets. Alluvians members are being independently invited to attend some activities, and they should register as they normally do by emailing the leader. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS: In addition to Government requirements our hosts are concerned about their and their guest’s health and wellbeing. Only those who are double vaccinated and can show this by phone App or paper document may attend their property. All activities at the property will be outside, not in the house. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220429: Camping, Walks and Pride Picnic in Castlemaine. FURTHER INFORMATION: Walking Tracks: mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Walks_tracks_and_trails What's On: mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Whats_on Weather: Average daily temperatures in late April range from 6-18 deg C; you should consult the BOM Castlemaine Detailed Weather Forecast (not Melbourne) a day or two before the event and wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear for camping and walking. MEETING TIME | LOCATION:  Arrival: preferably from 4pm-6pm Friday 29th April; if arriving later please email LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com by 28th April with details of your tent / campervan etc space requirements and estimated time of arrival, so a site can be reserved for you. If you get delayed along the way or need further directions, please phone the leader on 0414 654 872. Address: The address will be supplied during the week before the event, and after booking and payment is confirmed.   MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 193 grid H9 | Google map: goo.gl/maps/sdYnHCVEz2HzpVyS7. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 130 km, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to drive to Castlemaine via the Calder Highway, exiting at the marked B180 turnoff to Castlemaine.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is a regular ~ hourly train service from Southern Cross Station to Castlemaine (the Bendigo line) that takes about 1.5 hours. Please advise the leader if you wish to be collected from the Castlemaine station; he can suggest a local taxi service, or may be able to collect you.  FOOD: Bring breakfasts, lunch and BBQ dinners (see below for details). During the walks we suggest you carry snacks and at least 1 litre of water.  You need to provide your own food for: breakfast Saturday and Sunday; picnic lunch Saturday and Sunday; and your food for a BBQ on Friday night. A BBQ dinner on Saturday night will be prepared by the Nomads and our hosts, and you may be asked to assist in preparation (cost included in bookng fee).  Bring your cutlery, plates and drinking mug/glass etc. (If you are staying offsite, this is required for the BBQ). Please indicate when booking if you wish to eat meat or vegetarian for Saturday nights BBQ meal. A ‘Camp kitchen’ will be set up in the new shed (if completed) or else the carport, with a BBQ, drinking water, electric urn / kettle, kitchen bowl for washing, a food preparation table and possibly a microwave oven and fridge.  CAMPING ACCOMMODATION: Bring your tent, swag, campervan, camper trailer, slide-on or caravan; esky or self-powered fridge; and outdoor weather-suitable clothing. Bring an outdoor chair too. Campsites are within about 100m of the house, cottage and shed; if weather is wet or cold, there is (if completed) a large 10m x 12m shed to shelter in or sleep in if wet. Alternatively, book your own accommodation off-site. Due to limits on the property’s ‘Biolytics’ wastewater system, two ‘Port-A-Loos’ will be provided (cost included in booking fee).  There is one shared shower in the cottage and limited water, so patience, short showers, your own towel and coordination will be needed. There is an under-cover solar-heated swimming pool, so bring togs and a towel. Fire restrictions are likely to still be in force, so we cannot have fires or gas stoves in the open; if this changes we will advise you. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes, jacket, hat, and dress according to the Castlemaine (not Melbourne) weather forecast.   LEADER: Ian G. | Email LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com or phone 0414 654 872 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 2nd of four parts in this series of walks in the Bendigo area. We continue along the Bendigo Creek Trail from Bendigo to Epsom visiting local attractions along the way. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, approximately 11 km, point-to-point walk on flat concrete and bitumen paths.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Our 2nd trip to Bendigo to continue along the Bendigo Creek Trail. In central Bendigo, the creek is mostly a brick lined drain and runs underground for a short distance under Pall Mall. Travel to Bendigo will be by train with the option of going by car. From the station we will walk past the Alexandra Fountain (1800) and into Rosalind Park where we will climb the Peppers Head Lookout Tower for views of Bendigo and the surrounding area. From there we will visit the nearby Conservatory Gardens before moving on to Lake Weeroona where we will have lunch. Continuing on along the BCT we pass through the Bendigo Creek Streamside Reserve, then wander around the historic White Hills Cemetery before visiting the Bendigo Botanical Gardens, Est 1857 and the Gardens of the Future. Leaving here we will walk to the Epsom Railway Station to catch our train home, which departs at 5:05pm and arrives back in Melbourne at 7:24pm. This is the only train from Epsom this afternoon, alternatively, there is a bus service to Bendigo Station if we miss it.   BOOKING:  By Saturday 23rd April. 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: vline.com.au.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 09:00am at Southern Cross Station, in the front car of the Echuca train. Check monitors for platform number. MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station: Melway map 1A grid A6 | Google map goo.gl/maps/a3ZRtaXqkYp4vs6V8.  Bendigo Station: Melway map X921 grid D9 | Google map  goo.gl/maps/wxbhpebw9pSKaPgf9. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 216 km, approximately 1 hour 46 minutes to drive, 1 hours 51 minutes by train. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Echuca train departs Southern Cross at 09:05am, picks up at Footscray at 09:13am and Sunbury at 09:35am, arrives Bendigo at 10:57am. Departs Epsom at 5:05pm, arrives Sunbury at 6:52pm, Footscray at 7:14pm and Southern Cross at 7:24pm. Note: This is the only train from Epsom this afternoon. COSTS: Return train travel: Myki Public Holiday Cap: Full Fare $48.16; Concession $24.08 or Free Travel Voucher (includes suburban travel). FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water.     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  

The Brimbank Park Loop is a 10 km trail located near the airport in Melbourne’s North West, that follows part of the upper Maribyrnong River and Brimbank Park. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy-Medium, approximately 10 km, circuit walk with a total rise of 150m. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Brimbank Park sits approximately 55 metres below the surrounding western plains. It was first settled by Europeans in the 1830s. The name is thought to have originated from the farmers moving their sheep and cattle 'around the brim of the bank' of the Maribyrnong River. This is a loop walk starting at Green Gully. The route uses a combination of sealed and well maintained gravel paths. There is one short, but fairly steep climb on the walk (70m), plus the ascent out of the valley at the end. A wetlands area has been extensively revegetated. Birds commonly seen in the park include blue wrens, yellow-tailed thornbills, flame robins, parrots and galahs, and a variety of water birds. Residing in the river red gums are brushtail and ringtail possums. You may see a blue-tongued lizard sunbaking, or catch sight of some swamp wallabies. The former Dodd farm is of regional historical significance for its association with the original European settlement and farming of the Maribyrnong Valley Note: Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead at all times. BOOKING: By Thursday 21st April. 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: https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/melbourne/see-and-do/nature-and-wildlife/national-parks-and-reserves/brimbank-park. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:30am at the parking area near Green Gully Reserve playground, McCrae Blvd, Keilor Downs, off Green Gully Rd, not the cafe.  This is a fairly large parking area, but if sporting events are on, you may have to try surrounding streets. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 14 E8 | Google map goo.gl/maps/AxSpZu2M1GWVwELh6. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 25 km, approximately 30 minutes to drive. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is possible by train via Sunbury Line to Keilor Plains Station, then Bus #421 (St Albans) to Green Gully Rd/Driscolls Rd, about 50-60 minutes. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water.  We will be stopping near the cafe for lunch, if you want to buy something there. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Much of the walk is exposed, so wear sunblock and hat. 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  

Escape the city and enjoy a full-day spring hike through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, on what will be a unique event, taking in the lush scenic forest, birds, views of the city, walking tracks, falls and the crisp/fresh air. This event caters for the experienced/ fit hiker who demands a 'real hike' and wants to break out a sweat. This event is graded 'hard to challenging' with a number of steep short inclines throughout.  This is intended to be a public transport friendly event where the start and end points will be accessible by train. There is no carpooling for this event, however, you may organise your own lift with fellow walkers if you wish. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Hard -> Challenging (in sections), approximately 12.5 km, this event caters for experienced hikers and those with fitness levels that are able to climb short steep tracks. This event is not suitable for first timers or those with limited fitness abilities. If in doubt, contact the leader prior to booking to discuss your fitness levels/suitability for the hike.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We will meet at Croydon Station before boarding a bus for our first section of the hike at Kalorama.   Part 1: Kalorama GPO to Five Ways lookout (incline) with a stop at the coffee shop. From here we take a steep incline along the Trig/Kyeema Track and will explore the Kyeema crash site, followed by views near Burke's lookout. Then after a steep descent, we will arrive at Doongalla Picnic Reserve for lunch. Part 2: From the reserve we will walk through the dense scrub incline along the Dandenong Creek Track and make our way through a steep incline to arrive at Sassafras township. After exploring the township, we will make our way back by bus to Croydon Station. BOOKING: By Friday 22nd April. To register, click on Get Tickets. View my bookings (log in required). NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 210606: Mt Dandenong Hike - Kalorama to Olinda Falls via Doongalla Forest. FURTHER INFORMATION: explorethedandenongs.com.au/western-slopes-trail-mt-dandenong MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 09:45am at Croydon Train Station, Railway Grove. Exact meetup points will be provided prior to the event by email.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 50 grid J3 | Google map goo.gl/maps/LhvezYQ8CpHcSDoy7. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 35 km, approximately 35 minutes to drive, 50 minutes by public transport. There is car parking available at the train station for those who wish to drive. We will all take the bus to the starting point regardless of whether you drive to the meeting spot or not. You will need a Myki card for this event and a face mask to ride on public transport.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: This is a public transport friendly event. By Train: Take the Lilydale train from Flinders Street and get off at Croydon Station. We will then catch the 688 bus to the starting point as a group. At the conclusion of the walk, the same bus will take us back to Croydon, with a connecting train back to the CBD. FOOD/DRINKS: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1-2 litres of water. Also bring sunscreen and a hat, your facemask and hand sanitiser. Bring your Myki card for the return trip by train/bus. We will stop briefly at a coffee shop where you can buy a coffee, and there may be options to purchase food for lunch (although this may be costly). There will also be a late afternoon tea stop in Sassafras at the conclusion of the official hike. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Suitable boots/hiking shoes and dress according to the weather forecast (layering). The mountains are usually a few degrees cooler but you will quickly warm up as you begin the hike! Ensure your shoes are waterproof as some of the paths most likely will be a little wet/muddy and a bit slippery if it has rained heavily prior to the event. Your boots will get some dirt/mud on them! 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

Enjoy an Easter Monday bike ride on the (relatively) new bike paths following the Mernda train line. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium 32.3 km, point-to-point cycling, mostly off-road, with sealed paths and few hills.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The ride will start at the new Mernda Station. There's a kiosk at the station if you'd like a coffee before heading off. If you are keen for a holiday breakfast, or coffee and cake, to start your day, you can arrive early and make an excursion 1 km up Schotters Rd to the atmospheric Turners Bakery before returning for the start of the ride. From the station we'll follow the new trail down to South Morang Station then Epping Station, after which we'll follow the Darebin Creek Trail south to exit near Dunne St and travel through quiet suburban streets for lunch at the Northside Cafe, 255 Broadway, Reservoir. After lunch we have the choice of making our way to the Northern Pipe Trail (along St Georges Rd) and following that all the way to the Capital City Trail, or of returning to the Darebin Creek Trail and following that back to Fairfield. Either way, there are many options for cycling home or catching a train, as well as a number of train station early exit points along the way.  BOOKING: By Saturday 16th April. 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 at Mernda Station. The Mernda train that departs from Flinders Street platform 1 at 9:28am arrives at Mernda at 10:29am. MAP REFERENCE: Google map: goo.gl/maps/A1B52YKqFdN3gHki6 FOOD: Lunch will be purchased at the Northside Cafe. Carry snacks if you wish and a 1 litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, helmet and dress according to the weather forecast.  A spare tube is recommended. LEADER: George W. | Email LeaderGeorgeW.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 the comfort of a home base, together with access to the world class Wilsons Promontory National Park for day walks. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy/Medium – day walks and beach activities.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION:  We have a private house at Yanakie overlooking Corner Inlet just outside the park entrance. You can come down for as many days as you like. It is quite flexible. There are many nice day walks in the area. We will decide where to walk each day taking into account the condition of the weather and the participants. The base offers hot showers, comfortable accommodation and a log fire to warm up if the day is cold.  Shower and toilet facilities are available in the house. Camping is available on the property. Bed and floor space is limited in the house, so it will be allocated on a needs basis. Alternatively you can look for accommodation close by, but book early as Easter time is busy. There is very limited shopping in the area. Bring your own breakfasts and lunches. On Friday night a BBQ is offered. Bring your own meat/veggie burger and anything you like to accompany that. Saturday and Sunday night meals are provided for a small donation. Roger no longer owns the property, so there is now a small fee of $7 per person, per night (Fri/Sat/Sun) to cover costs. To make things simple it is the same fee whether you camp, or squash into the house. Visitors should take out a Temporary 1 month membership (cost $8) prior to selecting Get Tickets. BOOKING: By Friday 8th April. To register, click on Get Tickets. There is a limit of 30 people, and it is on a first-booked first-served basis. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220418 Yanakie/Wilsons Promontory Walks. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/wilsons-promontory-national-park. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: You can arrive any time from Thursday as arranged with the leader. You will be given location details after registering.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X928/628 grid C10 | VicRoads map 103 grid D7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/A8fupz5R28HgD9Ec9. Detailed directions will be provided after the RSVP date.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Approximately 195 km. Yanakie is 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne towards Wilsons Promontory. TRANSPORT: Public transport not available. We will try to maximise car-pooling as parking is limited at the house. FOOD: Bring supplies for your own breakfast and lunch. Communal night meals will be arranged once the numbers are known. There are staples at the house like sugar, tea etc. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, hand sanitiser, warm waterproof gear and changes of clothing. Summery attire is also likely to be needed. It might be warm enough to dive into the sea. Light comfortable walking footwear. ACCOMMODATION: There are a limited number of beds for the early birds, some floor space and plenty of tent space in the garden. Bring linen and towels. COST: Accommodation charge of $7 per person per night (to be paid when you "Get Tickets"). Free entry to the National Park. Donation towards any meals that are 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  

Enjoy a walk along the Bendigo Creek Trail and parklands. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate, approximately 12 km, point-to-point walk on flat paths.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We'll head off to Kangaroo Flat (Bendigo) by train, car travel optional. After arriving we walk briefly through the Kangaroo Flat Botanical Gardens (native bushland) to Crusoe Reservoir, then backtracking slightly, we continue along the Bendigo Creek Trail past the Kangaroo Flat Bushland Reserve. Depending on time, we will stop for refreshments before catching the train home. BOOKING: By Friday 8th April. 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: vline.com.au.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9am at Southern Cross Station, in the front car of the Echuca train (unreserved). Check monitors for platform. The Echuca train departs at 9:06am. MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station: Melway map 1A grid A7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/LAmusKZNy8A69YfZ9. Kangaroo Flat Station: Melway map X921 grid D9  | Google map  goo.gl/maps/uX1vncfMwvULvUXz9. 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 Kangaroo Flat at 10:50am. Picks up at Footscray at 09:13am and Sunbury at 09:35am. Return trains depart Bendigo at 4:26pm, 5:26pm, 7:02pm. Arrives Southern Cross 6:24pm, 7:24pm, 9:12pm. Cost: Return Train Travel, Myki Weekend Cap: Full $48.16; Concession $24.08; or Free Travel Voucher. (Includes Suburban Travel). FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. 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  

Our quarterly planning night, in conjunction with the regular monthly social night - this month at the Temperance 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. BOOKING: By Monday 4th April. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure what you've booked for? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Temperance Hotel, 426 Chapel St, South Yarra. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2L grid J8. Google map goo.gl/maps/8jh5oWmraU2Vn1BE6. PUBLIC TRANSPORT and PARKING: The Temperance Hotel is well served by public transport, but parking is limited. Suggested options: Tram 72 to stop 30 (Prahran Market / Commercial Rd) Tram 6 to stop 30 (Prahran Station / High St) Tram 58 to stop 128 (Chapel St / Toorak Rd) Tram 78 to stop 48 (Wilson St / Chapel St) Train: Cranbourne, Pakenham, Frankston or Sandringham line to South Yarra 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 Winter program - online via Zoom. GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The bulk of the planning for the Winter program will be done in this pre-planning meeting via Zoom in readiness to present the draft program the next night at the Social Evening, where attendees will be invited to provide additional suggestions and help fill any gaps. BOOKING: By 5pm Monday 4th April. To register, click on Get Tickets. Alternatively, simply click on the Zoom link in the reminder email sent to members a few days prior to the event. Unsure 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

A naturist walk of medium difficulty through two farms in the spectacular granite boulder country north of Lancefield. A picturesque creek, some untouched forest and great views from two of the nearby rocky hills. This walk will be a different route from what we've done before.  To relax after the event we are endeavouring to hire a spa. (To cover the cost for this we have needed to raise the cost of some of the tickets for this event. We hope you like it and that it is worthwhile.) GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium 6 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 forest and 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 take some of the cars 3 km to a neighbouring property. From there we plan to get ourselves comfortably unattired and start our walk through the deserted open paddocks and over to some hills for the views. We will then circle around through the boulder-strewn forest and down a 4WD track for inspiring views of the valley below. 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 in a farm dam or a waterhole in Mollison Creek. Following this we plan to head back to the overnight farmhouse for drinks and snacks at around 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 walk we have been invited back for further naturist socialising at the very comfortable farmhouse with its great open fire. SLEEPING: For those staying overnight, there are two made-up queen size beds. Other people can sleep on the carpeted floor in the library or the lounge room - please BYO sleeping bag, sleeping mat/lilo, pillow etc. There is one spare doona, 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. A few desserts and other snacks would be appreciated. TOWELS: Please BYO towels for sitting on and for a shower. BREAKFAST: Breakfast is supplied, including eggs and bacon, and for Sunday lunch there are always plenty of leftovers from the night before. OTHER OPTIONS: For those who would like to have a look around the very picturesque scenery at the overnight farm on the Sunday morning, we plan to do a short naturist walk of about 1.5 to 2 hours along Mollison Creek, or to the gorge, or to the host's back paddocks. This will be followed by lunch to eat up the spare food. BOOKING: By Wednesday 30th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. One ticket covers all activities you may wish to participate in - walk, BBQ and/or overnight.   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 - bed, floor, tent or campervan. Please also include a contact phone number. Sleeping places in the house are limited to 18. The number of people attending the event is limited to 23 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. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking events. COST: There are four ticket types available for this event. Please choose the ticket that best suits your wishes. 1. Walk, overnight, spa: Nomads members $25 | Non-members $30 2. Walk overnight, no spa: Nomads members $5 | Non-members $10 3. Walk and spa: Nomads members $20 | Non-members $25 4. Walk only: Nomads members $0 | Non-members $5 The increased cost for some tickets is to cover the cost of a spa we are endeavouring to hire. If we are unsuccessful, all participants who have paid for the spa will be refunded $20. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Any time between 10am and 10.30am at a farmhouse 15 km north of Lancefield. The exact address will be sent to those who have purchased a ticket by 10am on Thursday 31st March. We plan to drive 3 km to the start of the walk at about 11am. Tea, coffee and snacks will be provided at the farmhouse. If you'd like egg and bacon sandwiches/rolls and a latte etc beforehand, the best place to get these would be from a cafe in the towns of Romsey or Lancefield. 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 9am regional bus to Lancefield, arriving 9.33am 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. 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  

Join in on the final leg of the GVRT from Bonnie Doon to Mansfield.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE:  Moderate (due to distance), 19 km point-to-point walk on a formed track. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: After meeting in Mansfield at the Visitor Information Centre, at 09:50am, we will carpool to the Bonnie Doon Hotel and then commence the final leg of the rail trail to Mansfield. The trail follows close to the highway most of the way. On arrival at Mansfield, it will complete the 134 km (plus some) walk from Tallarook via Alexandra. Note: We will not be viewing or crossing the rail bridge across Lake Eildon, as this adds another 2 km to the walk. This could be done on the return drive home. We will stop for refreshments before heading home. BOOKING: By Friday 25th March. 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: www.greatvictorianrailtrail.com.au. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 09:50am for a 10:00am SHARP departure, at the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre, 175 High Street, Mansfield. (Maroondah Highway, former Mansfield Railway Station site). MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X907 grid K8 | Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/ZQwuxwMDMKBfPTBa6. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 190 km, approximately 2 hours 34 minutes to drive via Lilydale or 212 km, 2 hours 36 minutes via Hume Fwy. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: V/Line bus: Melbourne to Mansfield (Saturday): departs 08:30am and 6:00pm - Arrives 11:50am and 8:55pm. Requires an overnight stay, own arrangement. Mansfield to Melbourne (Sunday): departs 6:00pm - arrives 9:05pm. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 - 2 litres of water. 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  

Discover two lesser known gems of the Mornington Peninsula with this scenic walk through The Briars Park Wildlife Sanctuary and Balcombe Creek Estuary Boardwalk. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: An easy 12 km point-to-point walk. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The meeting point for this walk is on Craigie Road, Mount Martha about 100 metres east of the roundabout junction with Dunns Road, Mount Martha. If you are driving from Melbourne via the Nepean Highway, take the Craigie Road exit on the left and drive through the roundabout at the Dunns Road intersection.  If you are driving via the Peninsula Link and Moorooduc Highway, take the Craigie Road exit. As there is only limited parking on Craigie Road and as this is a point-to-point walk, we will do a car shuffle leaving most of the vehicles at Mount Martha village. We will take a track through a bushland reserve to reach The Briars Park. Before entering the park we will walk to the old farm and take in the views. The farm holds a restaurant (now closed), old farm equipment and a nursery which had an unusual connection to Napoleon. We will then walk through the park's wildlife sanctuary. After that we will return to the park’s visitor centre where there is a choice of undercover or outdoor picnic tables for our lunch break. You can also buy a coffee. After lunch we'll then head through to the Mount Martha township on the Balcombe Creek Estuary Boardwalk. A coffee or a drink in the village will be an optional extra at the end of the walk before we do a car shuffle back to pick up the other vehicles. BOOKING: By Friday 18th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220320: The Briars Park and Balcombe Creek Walk - Mount Martha. FURTHER INFORMATION: The Visit Mornington Peninsula website has further information about The Briars Park Walking Trails and Balcombe Creek Estuary Boardwalk. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am on Craigie Road, 200 metres south-east of the junction between Craigie Road and Dunns Road, Mount Martha. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 145 grid F9 | Google map goo.gl/maps/8pshS4cCdoqSzE3Q8. DISTANCE / TIME FROM GPO: Allow 1 hour 15 mins from Melburne CBD. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Frankston train that departs from Flinders Street Station platform 8 at 8:57am arrives at Frankston Station at 10:04am. Transfer to the #788 bus that departs from Bay F at 10:09am. The bus arrives at the corner of Craigie Rd & Nepean Highway at 10:39am. From there, walk east along Craigie Rd to the meeting point, 200m past Dunns Rd. 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: Cahal F. | Email LeaderCahalF.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 to medium naturist walk through a remote, spectacular gorge north of Melbourne. We will stop for a relaxed lunch and swimming breaks at some great waterholes. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: An easy to medium walk including a couple of moderate climbs. It is approximately 6 km in length. For quite a bit of the walk there is a small track through the gorge. At other times we are stepping across bluestone river rocks. The walk to the top of the valley is a rarely used 4WD track and along the top of the escarpment is quite a nice kangaroo pad. Approximately 3 hours walking time plus 1.25 hrs lunch and swim stops.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This walk is for naturists. Stroll down to the valley of Deep Creek and view the spectacular rock walls along the side of this valley. It is in an unexpectedly remote area of the countryside and appears not to have been visited by anyone for a very long time. The waterholes are wonderful, deep with crystal clear water and they appear to last well until the end of summer! Deep Creek is one of the main tributaries to the Maribyrnong River. Along the river course are beautifully large and shady river red gums. Enjoy the atmosphere in this relatively unknown ravine. A good chance you'll see a kangaroo or two as well. Back at the cars by 4pm approx. The cars will be parked in Kennedy's Lane, close to Chintin Rd, Chintin. This spot is 20 minutes (18 km) from Wallan. BOOKING: By Sunday 20th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220320: Walk at Deep Creek, Chintin. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am for morning coffee and catch up at Pretty Sally Bakehouse, 84 High St, Wallan (mask & double vaxxed required to enter). This is the single storey brick building next to Hogan's Hotel (and is on the Melbourne side of the hotel). Entry to the carpark behind the Bakehouse, is between Hogan's Hotel and the Bakehouse. 10.40am in the rear carpark for the day's briefing and car transport arrangements. If you'd like  something to eat at the bakehouse you will need to arrive well before 10.00am. The cafe only seats about 40 people and when we all arrive the service will be very slow. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 646 grid A10 | VicRoads map 60 grid H8 and map 638 grid D8 | Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/eUm6vi6G5kUaUdq86 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 60 km, 1 hour. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: At this stage I can't find any suitable public transport arriving in time on Sunday morning. We may be able to arrange a lift for you from a train station in the Metro area. Please email Russell on LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you would like a lift. Transport back to Melbourne should be no problem as many cars are coming back at various times. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask (& double vaxxed to enter the bakehouse). Sunscreen, hat, dark glasses, comfortable walking boots/shoes, towel to dry off after swimming/paddling. Shorts etc. will be required when we walk from the cars 1/2 km to the gorge. FOOD: Carry lunch and snacks. Most people take at least 600ml to 1 litre of water, though some people need more, especially if hot. COST: Nomads financial members free, non-financial members $5. 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