A short walk in the Churchill National Park in the southern Dandenongs, with panoramic views and a high probability of sighting native wildlife. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, about 8 km circuit walk with a total climb of 225 metres. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Churchill National Park, located in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs, remains an example of the original landscape found in the region before clearing and settlement took place. Although most of the park is open regrowth woodland, there are small areas of original forest. There are many kangaroos in the park (several seen on the preview). We shall be mostly following gravel tracks, with a rise of 225 metres to the Lysterfield Hills Trig Point, and panoramic views over eastern and southern Melbourne. FURTHER INFORMATION: parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/churchill-national-park. BOOKING: By Thursday 2nd December. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 211205: Churchill National Park Walk. MEETING TIME | LOCATION:  11am | The walk begins at the Churchill Picnic Area, Army Track, off (and near) Churchill Park Drive. There are several small parking areas – meet at the covered BBQs. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 82 grid C11 | Google map goo.gl/maps/wPoFMUTfLuUgD6R17. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO:  38 km, 45 minutes. There is no viable public transport.  FOOD: Pack food for lunch and snacks. At least 1 litre of water should be carried. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Wear a hat or beanie, clothing to meet the forecast weather conditions and footwear suitable for walking along mostly gravel paths. 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  

Enjoy a scenic walk from West Footscray to the Maribynong Valley path to Victorian Kensington and then on through tree-lined streets in North Melbourne to Collins Street.  This walk commemorates the 1938 peaceful protest march led by William Cooper. The exact path of his route is not known now unfortunately so while this walk will commence from his house, where he started his walk and will end up at the former German Consulate in Collins St where his protest march ended, our route is designed to take in a more scenic walking route than his 1938 route probably was. Afternoon tea/coffee can be enjoyed in a nearby cafe in Collins St to conclude the walk. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, approximately 15 km, point-to-point walk mostly on flat paths though with a descent to the Maribynong River path and with some slightly steeper street walking through North Melbourne.   Public transport connections along the way.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: William Cooper was an inspiring indigenous leader whose public advocacy of justice for the Aboriginal people of Australia commenced on a soap box on the banks of the Yarra River in the 1920s. He founded the Aboriginal Advancement League from his home in Footscray. He attempted to present a petition to the German Consul protesting at the physical abuse of Jewish people, the burning of their synagogues and stores by the Nazi SA paramilitary forces on the nights of 9th and 10th November 1938. This infamous escalation in Nazi violence against German Jews is called Kristallnacht - in English, Crystal Night, from the broken glass. Despite the opression and neglect of his own people, William Cooper responded with empathy and righteous anger at the oppression of another group of human beings.  PODCAST (4 November 2021, 28 minutes 25 seconds): Historian Bain Attwood shares his insights into the long and productive life of William Cooper in an interview by Phillip Adams on Late Night Live (ABC Radio National).  BOOKING: By Thursday 25th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 211128: William Cooper Kristallnacht Walk. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at the West Footscray station entrance in Cross St --on the Whitten Oval side of the station. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 41 grid K4 | Google map goo.gl/maps/6fWUHjuYy3jUkRzd7. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Sunbury line train that departs Flinders Street Station platform 9 at 9:43am arrives at West Footscray Station at 9:56am. Please double check the platform number when you arrive at Flinders St in case of platform changes. Parking available beside the station. 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: 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. Image: globalreconciliation.org   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

This is a chance to experience some magnificent scenery in Victoria’s High Country, as well as to get some quite serious exercise. It involves one night's camping on the track. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Hard backpacking. Previous overnight hiking experience is highly recommended and a reasonable level of fitness is essential. Walk is up and down a long, steep track (1,100m vertical drop over 11 km).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: While originally planned as a one-way hike, starting at Diamantina Hut near Mt Hotham, due to adverse weather conditions, this is now an out-and-back walk from Harrietville. SATURDAY A strenuous 6 or 7-hour walk up Bungalow Spur brings us to Federation Hut. The hut is of relatively recent construction, and has a long-drop toilet nearby. There are spacious adjacent lawns on which to set up your tent. There is the option of a return excursion (3 km, 2 hours) from our campsite to the summit of Mt Feathertop, although Sunday morning may be a better window to do this. SUNDAY After an optional return excursion (3 km, 2 hours) from our campsite to the summit of Mt Feathertop, we return down Bungalow Spur from our campsite to Harrietville. This section of the walk will take about 3-4 hours.  BOOKING: By Tuesday 23rd November. To register, click on Get Tickets. The event is limited to 12 participants. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 211126: Mt Feathertop overnight hike. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Pioneer Park, Great Alpine Road, Harrietville (first left after crossing Ovens River), at 9:30am on Saturday 27 November 2021.   MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X922 grid G10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/fBARmsJT4h8RT3sB6. TRAVELLING BY CAR: Melbourne to Harrietville is 340 km, 4.5 hours. FOOD: You will need to carry all food supplies for your two days on the mountain. The leader will give you further advice regarding food after you have registered. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: One set of warm clothing, one set of lightweight clothing, plus a waterproof outer layer (jacket and pants) are essential. Hiking boots (rather than shoes) are strongly recommended. The campsite is at 1,700m elevation, and is likely to be cold, particularly at night – but it is relatively sheltered from the wind. High winds can occur on and around the summit of Mt Feathertop, even if it is a calm day elsewhere. 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  

After driving along the Geelong Road just looking at the You Yangs, why not go on a walk there to be rewarded by the splendid views? GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium, 12.5 km circuit walk, climbing up and down 400M. It is on formed track, and undulates, but there is no sustained climbing. There are options to shorten the walk if required. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This walk includes climbing 450 steps to the top of Flinders Peak at 350M, the highest point of the You Yangs. It traverses  a number of varying trails including West Walk, Northern Range Walk, Branding Yard Trail, Saddleback Track and East Track. There are rewarding views over Port Phillip Bay and the CBD on clear days. There are no facilities during the walk, and we will have a picnic lunch along the way. BOOKING: By Friday 19th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 211121: You Yangs Peaks Circuit Walk. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the Turntable Car Park, Little River.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X911 grid F5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/cMZRVzpzn5bcCwbg6.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 60 km, approximately 1 hour to drive. Travel via the Geelong Road (M1, Princes Fwy) and take the Little River exit. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is no public transport to the You Yangs, but if you would like to be collected from Werribee Station, contact leaderRogerH.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com. FOOD: Bring lunch, and also at least 1 litre of water depending on how hot the day is. There are no shops on the way. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Light, comfortable walking footwear and dress according to the weather forecast. It can be very hot and sunny, or quite cool and windy. LEADER: Roger H. | Email LeaderRogerH.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Image: Only 1 In Village.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Due to storm damage, park closure and poor weather forecasted, this event has been cancelled until further notice!  Enjoy a pleasant clothes-free stroll in the forest followed by an optional swim and dinner at Daylesford. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate, approximately 8.5 km circuit walk. The country is generally undulating, though there are a couple of short steep sections. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is for naturists. Enjoy a pleasant clothes-free stroll through the tall trees and along the picturesque creeks in the forest near Daylesford. A good chance for a chat, or just enjoy the pleasure of being in the forest, without clothes. The walk should finish by about 4pm. We can head then for our swimming place and can swim until about 5:30pm.  The swimming place is about 10 minutes' drive from Daylesford.  Dinner at a chosen restaurant will follow to close off an enjoyable day in the country!  BOOKING: Preferably by Thursday 18th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 211113: Bushwalk with optional Swim & Dinner - Daylesford. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:45am at Bolton's Takeaway, 31A East St, Daylesford. There is plenty of parking on the vacant grassy block on the SE corner of East St and Mink St. This shop is 1.2 km east of Vincent St (Daylesford's main street).   MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid C9 | Google map goo.gl/maps/ETcZnnjGD1R2.  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: Face mask, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, hat, dark glasses, repellent (maybe). Wear comfortable walking shoes/boots. Shorts etc. for the start and end of the walk. A small towel to dry off after the swim. 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  

A series of interconnected walks to check out scenic Warrandyte’s gold mining past. The focal point of our walk will be a memorial cairn that has been erected on Fourth Hill. Travel via public transport is possible. ** This event has postponed due to the poor weather forecast for Sunday ** GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate to medium walk (due to hills and terrain). The estimated total walk distance is around 9 km.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The first activity will be the circuit walk around the Fourth Hill area with ample time to inspect the eight protected sites in this sector. Then the walk will proceed along the Wildcat Gully and Whipstick Gully Tracks to another circuit walk around the site of the Victory Mine. The area is well sourced with storyboards. Additional walks will be taken along the many interconnecting management vehicle tracks. The first discovery of gold in Victoria was in 1851 at Warrandyte; now an outer suburb. Detailed mining of the area did not occur until after other areas in the State were exhausted. Many of the mining sites are available for observation. Optional Afternoon Tea in the nearby village of Warrandyte will be organised at the conclusion of the walk. BOOKING: By Thursday 11th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've booked already? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 211114: Warrandyte State Park - Gold Heritage Circuit Walk. FURTHER INFORMATION: parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/fourth-hill---gold-memorial and  parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/fourth-hill---whipstick-gully. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the Gold Memorial Picnic Area in Gold Memorial Road Warrandyte - located on the left when coming from Harris Gully Rd, shortly after the Gold Memorial Cairn.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 35 grid E2 | Google map goo.gl/maps/7q2b3EG1MbiQARwv9.   DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 25 km from the Melbourne CBD, 1 hour by car using the Eastern Freeway, Springvale Rd then Old Warrandyte Rd into Tindals Rd then Harris Gully Rd. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Three bus options: #364 (Ringwood Station) | #578/#579 (Eltham Station) | #906 (City via Victoria Parade, Hoddle Street then Eastern Freeway) to Warrandyte Rd/Harris Gully Rd then a short walk to the entry point. Timetables at ptv.vic.gov.au. All travel is within Myki zones 1 & 2 with weekend daily caps of $6.50 full fare, $3.25 concession and free for seniors. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Dress for a mid winter day (layers recommended). Check the weather forecast on bom.gov.au. Wear sensible footwear since the walking track is steep in parts and may be slippery, especially after rain. 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. Image: Weekend Notes.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Victoria Hotel, Footscray.  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 Victoria Hotel website for more details, including the menu.  BOOKING: By Monday 8th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Victoria Hotel, 43 Victoria St, Footscray. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2S grid C9. Google map goo.gl/maps/MCvdPVENFaUDWKEv7. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Victoria Hotel is close to Middle Footscray Station on the Watergardens/Sunbury line. 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  

Escape the city and enjoy a full-day spring hike exploring the unique piece of landscape that European settlers saw in the 1840s. The park has a 150‐year old homestead, Indigenous canoe trees, native woodland and grassland and plenty of kangaroo spotting opportunities. There are also opportunites to visit a number of ruins on site and learn about the history of the park and its significance to the Wurundjeri people, whilst exploring the many trails and wildlife this hike has to offer. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate walk (due to length) of mostly flat well formed tracks with a number of dense scrub tracks of approximately 10 km. There are a number of small incline tracks rated as moderate. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The day will be broken up into a number of sections of the park to explore, with a lunch spot at the old Woodlands homestead which has picnic and limited seating within the grounds to relax and watch the planes from Melbourne Airport across the road. Woodlands Homestead and Living Legends Woodlands Homestead offers a rare example of a large pre‐fabricated timber house brought to colonial Australia from Britain. Visit the homestead to learn about its construction and significance. Just in front of the Homestead are real Living Legends! Established to bring retired champion horses back to the public, the front paddocks are home to some of Australia's finest retired racehorses. Back Paddock where we will explore 1840's character of vegetation and wildlife as we look for the endangered bandicoots. Gellibrand Hill, a highlight of the trip to enjoy a 360‐degree view of the city, the bay, the Great Dividing Range and Melbourne Airport whilst exploring the many granite boulders. Visit the ruins of the Cumberland & Dundonald Homesteads. Visit the ruins of the old Greenvale Sanatorium used through the majority of the 20th century and learn about its fascinating history.  Visit the old water towers and water pumps used to provide water to the sanatorium before mains connections were established. And much more! BOOKING: By Saturday 6th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. View my bookings (log in required). NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 211107: Day hike through the Woodlands Historic Park - Greenvale. FURTHER INFORMATION:  Woodlands Historic Park (parks.vic.gov.au) MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at Weeroona Cemetery Car Park, Providence Road, Greenvale. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 50 grid J3 | Google map goo.gl/maps/LhvezYQ8CpHcSDoy7. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Woodlands Historic Park is 22km north of Melbourne CBD. Follow the Tullamarine Freeway and turn off at Mickelam Road exit and then left onto Providence Road. There are a number of entrances to the park, but we will meet at the car park for the Weerona Cemetery located off Providence Road. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is no direct public transport available for this event, carpooling is an option for anyone who needs a lift or you may arrange a lift with another attendee.  Contact the leader if you need a lift. FOOD/DRINKS: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1-2 litres of water. Also carry sunscreen and a hat, your facemask and hand sanitiser.  The homestead does serve tea/coffee and limited food/cake (bring your own packed lunch just in case). APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Suitable shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. There may be one or two light showers on the day.  Most of the tracks are formed but there may be some wet sections so wear appropriate footwear. 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

SPECIAL NOTE: The 2021 Archibald Exhibition concludes on Sunday 21 November. No extension is possible as the exhibition is on a national tour. The Gippsland Line will see buses replace trains for the period Friday 12 November to Sunday 21 November inclusive. Thus, assuming the Covid-19 Health orders are modified to allow travel to Regional Victoria, the event will proceed on Sunday 7 November. And a reminder that the First Aid Course will take place on Saturday 6 November - all members welcome to register for the uniquely designed course specially for The NOMADS.  Celebrate 100 years of the Archibald Portrait Prize with a visit to the Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale for the only Victorian venue to display the touring exhibition. NOTE: A separate exhibition to celebrate 100 years of the Archibald with a selection of 100 portraits (refer to the Rachel Griffiths hosted series on ABC TV earlier this year) is scheduled for Geelong Art Gallery and will be a NOMADS activity in early 2022. Travel options include (1) by return train travel or (2) by vehicle to meet up at Sale Railway Station by 10:45am. Prior to viewing the Exhibition there will be a walking tour of Sale, including the Port of Sale and lunch at the Star Hotel, 173 Raymond St, Sale. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, approximately 6 km, circuit walk on flat paths around the City of Sale.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Sale is the major city in the eastern area of Gippsland, with a population in excess of 15,000 people. The then Sale Regional Art Gallery moved to the Port of Sale site in 1995 and changed its name to Gippsland Art Gallery. The building underwent a major re-fit over the years 2015 to 2017. It now contains six exhibition spaces. The Gallery has a permanent collection of approximately 1,750 items.  After arrival in Sale, there will be a walk through Sale before a 12:30pm lunch at the Star Hotel in Raymond St. Some 90 minutes is allocated for lunch before the short walk from the Star to the Art Gallery in Foster St. Entry to the Exhibition is every 30 minutes on a 15 / 45 cycle. So, attendees need to book for the 2:15pm or 2:45 pm session. The Gallery recommends at least 45 minutes to view the Exhibition.  Entry fees are: Adult @ $17 | Concession @ $11 | Seniors @ $15. Tickets can be purchased online at archibaldprizegippsland.com.au. BOOKING: By Friday 5th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. COVIDSafe CHECKLIST: Checklist 211107: Archibald Portrait Touring Exhibition With Walk & Pub Lunch. FURTHER INFORMATION: archibaldprizegippsland.com.au and vline.com.au. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:45am at Sale Railway Station, Pettit Drive, Sale.  MAP REFERENCE: Sale Station: Melway map 628 grid G7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/j5Kc2kEnHoWpRxuR9. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 212 km from Melbourne, approximately 2 hour 35 minutes to drive, 2 hours 51 minutes by public transport. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bairnsdale Train (Vlocity) departs Southern Cross Station at 07:54am with pick-up stops at Flinders Street, Richmond, Caulfield and Dandenong. The return train departs Sale at 5:47pm and arrives back at Southern Cross at 8:44pm. Out travel will be in the front carriage. The return trip allows for exit at the same stops as the morning journey. Fares are $61.60 return for an Adult and $30.80 for Concession Holders and Seniors. Free travel vouchers can also be used. NOTE: Sale is a paper-ticket station - not myki ! FOOD: Pub lunch at 12:30pm at the Star Hotel, 173 Raymond St, Sale. Please advise if you DO NOT wish to join the group at the pub. 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. Image: Archibald Packing Room Prize - Kate Ceberano by Kathrin Longhurst.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

THIS EVENT IS FILLED UP AND CLOSED. Undertake a First Aid Training Course with Nomads leaders and members to ensure you're able to competently manage those crises that we all hope never happen! GRADE: A comprehensive first aid training course suitable for anybody who doesn't have a current first aid certificate.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Nomads are subsidising the course for current Nomads leaders, but others are welcome to join us. It will be a private course, tailored for The Nomads, focusing on outdoor events. (Maximum attendees is 20). We will undertake a tailored version of course HLTAID011 (the full day version, which requires no pre-study). This is a comprehensive first aid course covering a range of topics to enable participants to confidently manage emergency situations and provide a first aid response to a casualty. It covers the most common first aid injuries and illnesses. The course topics include the DRSABCD action plan and responding to emergency situations, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), burns, asthma, anaphylaxis, sprains and strains. This course is delivered by St John trainers with over 100 years of combined experience and backgrounds in Nursing, Education and Leadership. They are ready to share their experience and passion with you that creates confidence to perform first aid should you ever need to. COST: $170 (but half the cost, namely $85, will be paid for current Nomads leaders - those who have led events in the past 12 months, or are scheduled to do so). An attendee who becomes a leader within the next 12 months will receive an $85 refund when they create their first event. (Note that the standard course cost is $195 per person, but The Nomads has negotiated a group discount). BOOKING: ASAP. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've booked already? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 8:15am for an 8:30am start | St John Training Venue, level 6, 310 King St, Melbourne.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 1A grid D1 | Google map goo.gl/maps/PT4khyowrd73vdQCA.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: TRAIN: Any train to Flagstaff Station TRAM: Tram #58 to stop 7 or tram #30/#35 to stop 3. FOOD: Lunch is not provided as part of the course, but there are many cafes to choose from nearby (or BYO). 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  

Have a relaxing Cup Day public holiday with other NOMADS and friends. Take a stroll through these 150 year old gardens. Travel via public transport is possible. There are a number of TAB venues near the gardens to place your once-a-year Cup bets and collect your winnings on the way home!!! GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy/social with approximately 2 km walking around the gardens on flat paths.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The St Kilda Botantical Gardens have been open for 150 years, having been established on an old gravel pit and rubbish dump. The site is 6.5 hectares and some of the key features are the rose garden, ornamental pond with Rain Man fountain and subtropical rainforest conservatory. In October 2010 City of Port Phillip provided funds for the design of four distinctive new gates, to celebrate the gardens' 150th anniversary. The gates were installed on Tennyson, Dickens and Herbert Streets. They were designed and sculpted by designer/blacksmith David Wood of Bent Metal. BOOKING: By Monday 1st November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: portphillip.vic.gov.au/explore-the-city/parks-plants-and-playgrounds/find-parks-and-playgrounds/st-kilda-botanical-gardens  COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 211102: Cup Day Picnic - St Kilda Botantical Gardens.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Noon onwards at a sheltered lawn spot inside the Gardens. The Leader will be wearing the distinctive NOMADS Polo shirt for identification. Dogs on-leash are allowed. BYO chairs and/or rugs. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2P grid D10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/LxiTgdZ3YRwLrzxK8.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 8 km, approximately 20 minutes to drive from the CBD. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram 96 to the Acland Street and Barkly Street junction then walk along Blessington Street to the Gardens. Or take the Tram 67 to Brighton Road and Mozart Street junction and walk along Mozart Street. Inter-suburban Tram 16 travels along Carlise Street, exit at the Barkly Street stop then walk along Foster Street that ends at the Gardens. Finally, Bus routes 246, 600, 922, and 923 run along Barkley Street St Kilda. Get off near the corner of Barkly Street and Blessington Street and walk one block to the gardens.  Costs for public transport are: Myki Pass is Free, Myki Money is capped at $6.50 full fare and $3.25 for Concession and Seniors on public holidays.   FOOD: Carry picnic hampers, snacks and all beverages. Alcohol is permitted from noon each day. 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. Image: PortPhillip.vic.gov.au    HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Enjoy a coastal walk in Melbourne's western suburbs to appreciate the variety of scenery and sites on offer. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 11 km point-to-point walk accessed by Metro train.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This walk follows the coast from Altona Pier to Point Gellibrand at Williamstown. Along the way we will pass through Altona Coastal Park on the site of the former Williamstown Racecourse, Jawbone Nature Conservation Reserve, Williamstown Beach and Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park. A large amount of coastal birdlife can be observed in the area. The coastal salt marsh ecosystems we pass by are unusual to find so close to a major city. The industrial, residential and boating activities of the area add to the variation of landscapes to be observed throughout the walk. Cafes at Altona and Williamstown Beach provide options for a coffee at the start or near to the end of our walk.  Starting from Altona Pier, the walk follows waterfront walkways in the direction of Williamstown and Melbourne through a mixture of interesting urban, coastal, wetland and parkland environments, with the sea always in sight. There are two more coffee/food opportunities to be had before reaching Williamstown station where we'll catch a Flinders Street / Frankston train.  BOOKING: By Thursday 28th October. To register, click on Get Tickets. View my bookings (log in required). MORE INFO: Altona to Williamstown Foreshore Walk: Notes about some of the sites and sights along the way. COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 211031: Altona to Williamstown Walk. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:56am at Altona Station, or at Flinders Street Station in time to catch the Werribee line train departing from platform 9 at 10:26am, arriving at Altona at 10:56am. We'll travel in the front carriage.  MAP REFERENCE: Altona Station: Melway map 54 grid H11 | Google map goo.gl/maps/1Ly2XrWNDzzdpkMr5.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Access to and from this walk is by public transport. We will travel to Altona Station in the front carriage of the Werribee train departing Flinders Street Station at 10:26am. For the return journey, trains depart Williamstown Station every 20 minutes. All travel is within Myki zones 1 & 2 with weekend daily caps of $6.50 full fare, $3.25 concession and free for seniors or those holding a Myki Pass. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and some drinking water, though there will be opportunities to purchase lunch en route. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Wear warm layers to meet the forecast weather conditions, and footwear suitable for walking along concrete, asphalt and unsealed footpaths. A wind-proof layer is important. LEADER: Michael C. | Email LeaderMichaelC.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Enjoy a scenic walk in the Dandenong Ranges and Lysterfield Lake region. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium 14 km point-to-point walk, with a small number of hill climbs.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Starting from the southern side of Belgrave Station, the walk will traverse the residential areas around Belgrave heading towards McNicol Road. At the end of McNicol Road we will enter Birdsland Reserve, once farmland owned by the Bird Family. Taking the Dargon Track to Wellington Road the walk will continue on the Logan Park Track into Lysterfield Park. The key feature of Lysterfield Park is the de-commissioned water reservoir, which has a nice beach section suitable for swimming. There will be a break at Lysterfield Park for lunch and a chnace to explore tha area before walking along Reservoir Road and Heatherton Road to the bus #841 terminus in Claire Robinson Park @ Heatherton Rd, Narre Warren North. BOOKING: By Thursday 28th October. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/Parks-Recreation/Birdsland-Reserve. COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 211030: Spring in the Dandenongs Walk. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:35am at the Belgrave Railway Station, Belgrave.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 75 grid F10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/7pK7bESu7YmeLEnu5. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 43 km by train, 1 hour 26 minutes. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Access to/from this walk is by public transport ONLY. A Lilydale train departs from Flinders Street at 09:06am via the City Loop. Change at Ringwood to the 10am train to Belgrave, which arrives at 10:32am. Departure from Lysterfield Park will be via a short walk to Narre Warren North and Bus Route #841 (daytime service every 45 minutes on Saturday) to Narre Warren Station for the return home. FOOD: Carry snacks for breaks plus lunch and at least 1 litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Footwear suitable for unmade dirt tracks plus a hat and clothing to match 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: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

I have had to CANCEL this event due to Covid restrictions. However will post it again sometime in 2022. Take advantage of the Melbourne Cup "long weekend" for a camping escape near Mildura, in a beautiful, peaceful part of Victoria. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy – day walks from a base camp on the banks of the Murray River near Mildura.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: There are picturesque and secluded campsites overlooking the river. We can light a fire (not during fire ban days, though they're unlikely at this time). There is limited mobile phone coverage. There are many nice day walks in the area. We would decide what to do each day depending on our energy levels. There is great dirt bike riding in the park, bird watching, as well as swimming in the river if it is warm. BOOKING: By Tuesday 26th October. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Park Notes: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/hattah---kulkyne-national-park. MEETING LOCATION: Campsite beside the Murray River in the Hattah Kulkyne National Park. We do not plan to stay in the main campgrounds at Lake Hattah, or Lake Mournpaul. Detailed directions to the remote campsite will be provided once event details are finalised. Some people may drive there on Thursday to reserve a nice campground as Cup Day can be busy.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X914 grid C8 | Google map goo.gl/maps/vL2fRxtypgCcREDz5.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 500 km, 6 hours drive from Melbourne towards Mildura via the Calder Highway.  TRANSPORT: Public Transport not available. We will try to maximise car pooling. Note – the final access into the campsite will be on an unimproved track that will require some care for low clearance vehicles (the leader will ensure a spot in a suitable vehicle for you if needed). COST: Since we will not be camping in the main campsites, the camping is free.  However you need to bring in everything you need. FOOD: Bring all supplies, drinking water and camping equipment. There is a small store about 30 minutes drive from the campsite for basic supplies but we do not plan to visit it. ACCOMMODATION: Provide your own tent as there are no facilities. There are no toilets, so you'll have to dig a hole in the ground. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: It can be quite warm, or could rain. Come prepared after having had a good look at the weather forecast. 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 stroll beside the Maribyrnong River with a picnic lunch at the Afton Street Conservation Reserve, optionally followed by a more strenuous but very scenic hike further upstream. Travel via public transport is recommended. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy approximately 11 km, or Moderate 13.5 km, point-to-point walk on mostly flat paths, with some gentle climbs for those continuing after lunch.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Starting from Footscray Station, we'll head to the Maribyrnong River via Newells Paddock Wetlands. From there we walk upstream beside the river past Flemington Racecourse, through assorted parks and wetlands to get to the Afton Street Conservation Reserve, where we'll stop for a picnic lunch beside the Maribyrnong River. (The original incarnation of this event was going to have lunch at the Anglers Tavern, but that is not feasible at present, so we'll have a picnic lunch instead). After lunch you can walk back about 2 km to catch a tram on Maribyrnong Rd, or continue with the group to Lily Reserve, for some great views of Melbourne's skyline. After that we follow Steele Creek and the Maribyrnong River around to Canning Reserve. From nearby you can catch the #57 tram to the CBD or walk a tad further to catch the #82 tram to take you back to Footscray Station or towards Moonee Ponds. Because we're limited to a maximum group of 15 vaccinated attendees, we're organising two separate groups: Group 1 - led by Alan Drummond: departure from the bus stop in front of Footscray Station at 10:30am.  Group 2 - led by Garry Oliver: departure from the bus stop in front of Footscray Station at 11am.  When you get a ticket, you will be asked to nominate which group you prefer to join. Members who registered for the 29th August version of this walk will be contacted to determine whether you can still attend, and which group you would prefer.  BOOKING: By Friday 22nd October. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MORE INFO: Maribyrnong: Footscray to Canning Reserve: some history of the region the walk passes through. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 211024: Maribyrnong River Walk with picnic lunch. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Two independent walks will be run: 10:30am at the main exit of Footscray Station (the western exit) - we'll meet beside the bus stop directly opposite the Footscray Market.  11:00am at the main exit of Footscray Station (the western exit) - we'll meet beside the bus stop directly opposite the Footscray Market.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2S grid G9 | Google map goo.gl/maps/mtqJSKcQsgqV7FzH8.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: For 10:30am walk departure: The Werribee line train that departs Flinders Street Station platform 9 at 10:07am arrives at Footscray Station at 10:19am. The #82 tram that departs from Moonee Ponds Junction at 9:54am terminates at Footscray Station at 10:23am. For 11am walk departure: The Watergardens (Sunbury line) train that departs Flinders Street Station platform 5 at 10:42am arrives at Footscray Station at 10:53am. The #82 tram that departs from Moonee Ponds Junction at 10:25am terminates at Footscray Station at 10:54am.  For other options see ptv.vic.gov.au. FOOD: BYO lunch for a picnic, plus snacks if you require them. A small water bottle is recommended - there are some refill points along the way. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. LEADER: Alan D. and Garry O. | 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