The Heathcote-Graytown National Park is located in the North Central region of Victoria and is a great place for bushwalks. Viewing Rock provides views of Heathcote and surrounding areas. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Mod-Med, approximately 8.5 km, circuit walk with a rise of 220m (total). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION:The 12,833-hectare (31,710-acre) national park, which includes sections of the Great Dividing Range, adjoins a number of state forests, including the McIvor Ranges State Forest and is located just outside the town of Heathcote. The park lies within the Rushworth Box-Ironbark Region Important Bird Area, identified as such by BirdLife International because of its importance for swift parrots and other woodland birds. The area was gazetted as a national park by the Victorian Government on 30 October 2002. It was primarily proclaimed to protect Victoria's diminishing box-ironbark forests, crucial in retaining Victoria's biodiversity. The walk is an 8.5 km lightly trafficked loop trail that features a cave and is rated as Moderate-medium. Though shortish, the trail is partly on stony trails, and is a little uneasy underfoot. The track sets off past the Powder Magazine and up the incline through the forest to the rock for a great view of the town. The powder magazine was constructed by the Public Works Department in 1864, built to store explosives used in gold mining, located away from residential areas in case of accidental explosion. A slight deviation close to the top leads to Devil's Cave where Aboriginals, and later, gold miners sheltered. BOOKING: By Thursday 3rd March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220306: Heathcote Graytown NP Walk. FURTHER INFORMATION: parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/heathcote-graytown-national-park MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:30am at the Heathcote Powder Magazine Carpark, 250 Forest Dr, Heathcote.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 J5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/PJBb9debPoc9L4TP6. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 130 km, approximately 2 hours. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is possible by train to Bendigo, then bus to Heathcote, but takes 4 hours. 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: 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  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Mt View Hotel in Bridge Rd, Richmond.  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. We'll meet in the rooftop bar, which has great views of the CBD skyline. See mtviewhotel.com.au for further details and the menu.  BOOKING: By Monday 28th February. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm | Mt View Hotel, 68-70 Bridge Rd, Richmond - Rooftop Bar. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2G grid H6 | Google map goo.gl/maps/E7uvkw4KKwaVTD5w5. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram #48 (via Collins St) or #75 (via Flinders St) to stop 15. 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  

A challenging overnight backpacking hike in the Victorian Alps.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Challenging 5-day (4 nights camping) overnight backpacking hike.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This challenging overnight backpacking hike in the Victorian Alps will incorporate Quartz Ridge, the Bogong High Plains and Ropers Hut, probably starting and finishing in the Falls Creek Village. More details will be provided shortly.  BOOKING: ASAP. To register, click on Get Tickets. Even if uncertain that you can attend, please register and the event leader will contact you with further information. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Monday 28 February (or preferably the night prior) at Falls Creek. Further details to be provided shortly. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/4vuRnf5w6rpF1Hjr5.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 390 km, approximately 5 hours drive. FOOD | APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: All food for the period will need to be carried in your pack. A suggested packing list, including food requirements, will be sent to those who register. Weather conditions can vary significantly and rapidly in alpine regions, so you will need to be prepared for all possibile eventualities, including the potential for snow falls. 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  

Accomodation at Restaway is now fully booked - any cancellations will be offered to those who have registerd on the WAITING LIST, and will be offered by date / time order of registration. Booking and payment by Friday 17th December is essential to participate in this popular February 2022 Nomads weekend of walking on Mt Buffalo, socialising and exclusive-use accommodation in Porepunkah. Mt Buffalo National Park offers spectacular scenery, moderately challenging walks through varying terrain, and rich diversity of flora and fauna, as well as unique geological formations. This Nomads walking and social weekend in Victoria's North-East is now in its seventh year, and David R. will again head up the walk leaders' team. Bookings are limited and it always books out, so book early!   GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Each day we will drive from our group accommodation in Porepunkah to Mt Buffalo, enjoy the walk, and return in the late afternoon. (Optional) Friday 25th Feb walk: Hard; approx 6-8 hrs; Saturday 26th Feb walk: Medium-Hard; approx 5-6 hrs; probable circuit walk. Booking includes the communal BBQ dinner (you will be asked to bring something for dinner) at our accommodation. Sunday 27th Feb walk: Easy; approx 2 hrs; After departing Restaway, a circuit walk ending with lunch at Lake Catani and the opportunity for a swim. This enables a drive back to Melbourne after lunch on Sunday. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The weekend will follow the successful model of previous years and will be based on accommodation at Restaway Holiday Units in Porepunkah. Accomodation is in shared holiday units, with each unit having: two bedrooms (one with a queen bed, the other with 2 single beds), a living area, a bathroom and kitchenette).  Our booking is for the nights of Thursday 24th February (for those wishing to do the Friday walk), Friday 25th and Saturday 26th February. The maximum number of people for the walks is 30. Depending on room options selected, Restaway accommodates about 24 people, so there is only limited capacity for off-site campers who wish to walk. Those wanting the limited off-site camping places, before booking please email LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com - as they are managed on a first-come basis. Only book an OFFSITE ACCOMMODATION ticket if advised by the leader to do so. For those arriving Thursday night and wishing to do the optional Friday walk, it will be a relatively hard walk, in an area to be decided depending on weather and park conditions. Alternativerly, you can have a restful day at Restaway or visit local wineries, brewery, or the Bright region. On Saturday there will be a one-day walk on Mt Buffalo and the communal BBQ dinner at Restaway on Saturday evening. On Sunday there will be a shorter half-day walk on Mt Buffalo, followed by a BYO picnic lunch at Lake Catani (there are no shops on Mt Buffalo, so bring lunch) with the opportunity for a swim (bring towel) before you leave. This schedule enables people to drive up after work on Friday and return Sunday afternoon or evening. Some people might want to stay at Restaway for Sunday evening or longer.  If you stay in your weekend room, the owners are giving you a "special rate of $137 per Unit" (i.e for two bedrooms, living area, bathroom and kitchenette) Please contact LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com for details of how to book. We expect to book out all of Restaway again, so we will have exclusive use of the swimming pool, large garden and BBQ area.  It is a big, big task organising this weekend, so the roles are being split again this year. David is organising leadership of the walks, and Ian Gould is organising the accommodation and communal Saturday dinner. Bookings can only be made through the Nomads website; if you find it is fully booked, please take out a 'wait list' ticket and you will be contacted (in the order of ticketing) if a place becomes available.  To join this weekend you need to book and pay by Friday 17th December 2021 (if not booked out earlier) - enabling the Nomads to secure booking of all units. The Restaway owners have indicated that their cancellation policy is more flexible than normal, should you/we need to cancel due to COVID-19. Please note: (i) This is a popular event; in every previous year the event has been fully booked. (ii) A booking must include full payment for accommodation and be via our website. (iii) Maximum walking group size is 30, limited to ensure a quality environmental experience and individual and group safety. (iv) The event is based on accommodation at Restaway and walks on Mt Buffalo. Please contact LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com to discuss staying elsewhere; only a small number can camp or stay off-site. This event is generally not open to Visitors. Please contact LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you are a Visitor and would like to attend. BOOKING: By Friday 17th December if not sold out prior. To register, click on Get Tickets. Your payment will be fully refunded if it becomes necessary to cancel due to COVID-19. Firstly, decide if you will be arriving on the afternoon/evening of Thursday 24th or Friday 25th February 2022. Secondly, choose if you want 'Shared bedroom' accommodation, in which you will share the room with one other person (separate beds, or, share a queen bed with your partner or friend), OR, want a 'Single room' which gives you a room for your use only, usually a single bed. The Ticket includes the cost of accommodation, Saturday night's BBQ dinner (you will also be asked to contribute some food too) and participation in the walks. Buy the ticket you want, noting: if you and your partner / friend wish to share a booking, you will need to buy two 'Shared room' tickets (see below); Indicate if you prefer vegetarian or non-vegetarian food for the communal BBQ; and, if you are wanting to 'hitch a ride' with a Nomad for the drive up. If buying Shared accommodation and you wish to share with a particular person, it is necessary to email LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com to advise him of the name of the person you will be sharing with, and preferred room sharing arrangements. i.e. (i) are you wanting to share a Queen bed with your partner or friend (who needs to buy a ticket too), OR (ii) have a preference to share a twin room with a particular person. If you buy Shared accommodation and do not send the Leader an email, he will allocate you with another person in a shared room. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220224 Mt Buffalo Weekend Walking. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/mount-buffalo-national-park and www.restawayholidayunits.com.au. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Arrival time is from 3pm onwards on either Thursday 24th or Friday 25th February at Restaway Holiday Units, 6852 Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah.  Car pooling arrangements from Restaway to Mt Buffalo will be organised each day at the compulsory pre-walk briefings held at Restaway prior to leaving for each day's walk.  MAP REFERENCE: Meeting point at Restaway Holiday Units: Melway map X922 grid F9 | Google map www.google.com.au/maps/place/Porepunkah+VIC+3740.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 320 km, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes driving time, via Hume Hwy, Snow Road, Myrtleford to Porepunkah.  TRANSPORT: Car sharing is preferred - we'll try to avoid single-occupant car trips (COVID-19 guidelines permitting). There is a V/Line bus stop in Porepunkah, with connections to Wangaratta Station. FOOD: Bring your own breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks for all days. Bring you dinner for all evenings except Saturday, if you intend cooking at Restaway. During the walks carry your own lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. Only very limited food was available in the nearby Porepunkah service station last year, so it is essential to bring all your food and drink needs with you. Dinner Thursday and Friday night: Bring your own dinner (BBQ available on-site; limited kitchen in each Unit) and eat in, or, eat out at the local hotel. If you wish to join a block booking for the Porepunkah Hotel please contact the leader. Saturday night: Booking and payment includes the famous Nomads communal BBQ dinner (including meat or vegetarian option, plus dessert) on Saturday night, but BYO drinks. The organiser will ask you for a contribution of a salad or pre-dinner nibbles to this dinner. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots, walking poles (if you wish), sun hat / wool beany and rain/wind proof jacket. While weather forecasts are useful, cold, windy and wet weather can occur in any season, so walkers must be prepared even in February. LEADER: Ian G. | Email LeaderIanG.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions or to advise on Shared accommodation preferences. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Get away from the heat with a scenic walk around Warburton in the Upper Yarra Valley. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate approximately 12 km circuit walk. Most of the walk will be fairly flat but there will be some short climbs and descents, steep at times. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Warburton is a beautiful small town sitting beside the Yarra River and surrounded by forests. This walk, starting from central Warburton, will encompass sections of the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, the Yarra River Walk and an unofficial extension of the Warburton Rail Trail. From the meeting point, we'll cross the river then walk uphill, mostly on a gentle gradient to meet the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail. We'll follow that trail eastwards, surrounded by tall trees and ferns, with many spectacular vistas over the Yarra Valley. Afterwards, we head down to the river to walk back to the start point via an extension of the Warburton Rail Trail and the Yarra River Walk. Those who would like some refreshments afterwards can linger for a while at the Alpine Hotel prior to heading back home. BOOKING: By Friday 18th February. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220220: Warburton Circuit Walk. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:15am | At the bus stop in front of the Alpine Hotel, 3340 Warburton Hwy, Warburton. There is parking on site, but Warburton is very busy on the weekends, so allow plenty of time to find a parking spot. You can park along the Warburton Highway in front of the Alpine Hotel or on Station Rd (which is behind the Alpine Hotel), then walk over the Rail trail and down through the hotel grounds to the bus stop. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X912 grid S3 | VicRoads map 80 grid D7 | Google map g.page/Alpine-Hotel-Warburton?share.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: You can use public transport to get to and from this walk: Getting There: Catch the Lilydale train that departs Flinders Street Station at 9:06am (or Richmond at 9:19am), arriving in Lilydale at 10:15am. From there catch the 10:22am #683 Warburton bus, which should arrive at the Alpine Retreat (aka The Alpine) at 11:07am. Returning: #683 buses depart from Warburton for Lilydale Station at 3:39pm, 4:39pm, 5:23pm, 6:29pm... DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 73 km, approximately 1.5 hours to drive, 2.5 hours by public transport. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Sunscreen, hat and insect repellent are recommended. LEADER: Johnathon M. | Email LeaderJohnathonM.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: Cycling along the O'Shannassey Aquaduct trail (courtesy of Warburton Holiday Park).   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Enjoy a relaxing summer's day exploring the Merri Creek/Yarra River including the mighty Dights Falls and Yarra Bend Park reserve on a fun and challenging hike! Situated within inner Melbourne's largest area of bushland, the area including Studley Park, provides the perfect setting for enjoying some of the Yarra's natural and cultural heritage. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium-Hard (with a few rough unformed tracks), some short steep hills and narrow rocky unsealed sections of track in some parts.  Other sections of track are sealed and well maintained. Some bushwalking experience is recommended. Length of approximately 10.5 km.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Explore the Merri Creek and Yarra River trails on a 10.5km walk through the natural bushlands of the area, grassy woodlands and open forest that provides significant habitat for the park's native wildlife including Rainbow Lorikeets, Cockatoos and the Eastern Pobblebonk frog. A short way downstream, the Merri Creek meets the mighty Yarra River which marks an important traditional gathering place for the Wurundjeri people.  Here we will spend time at Dights Falls which was originally a natural rock barrier in the Yarra River that was first converted into a weir in the 1840s. The purpose of the weir was to divert water to drive a flour mill on the northern bank of the river which we will get to explore. We will spend time exploring the park's bushland trails, take a walk across a 1930's suspension bridge and visit Melbourne's oldest public boathouse. We will enjoy an hour for lunch picnicking among the gum trees at Studley Park Reserve before exploring Dights Falls from the opposite bank of the Yarra.  The walk will conclude at Collingwood train station. The tracks are uneven in parts so good footwear is encouraged. BOOKING: By Friday 18th February. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Yarra Bend Park (parks.vic.gov.au) NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220219: Merri Creek/Yarra River & Dights Falls Hike. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:45am at Merri Train Station, Northcote (South Park Street Side) MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 193 grid H9 | Google map https://goo.gl/maps/jxg3p2WGL7ioMAss9 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 6 km, approximately 15 minutes to drive, 20 minutes by public transport. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: This is a public transport friendly event. Take the Mernda train from Flinders St and alight at Merri Station. The walk will terminate at Collingwood train station (same line) where you can continue your journey home.  For those driving you may park your car at Merri or Collingwood and collect your car at the conclusion of the hike. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. We will spend approximately an hour at the Studley Park Reserve. Food and drinks can be purchased at the Boathouse as well. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Hiking boots/shoes preferred.  There are quite a few rough sections of track with loose rocks and some short steep hills.  Sturdy foot attire is recommended.  Dress according to the weather forecast, bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses as the UV level will be quite high. BRING MYKI CARD: Bring a Myki Card even if travelling by car, as we will need to return to the starting point to collect your car, or if leaving the car at the end of the hike, you will need to take the train to the start of the walk. Don't forget to bring a face mask with you as this is a requirement for taking public transport. You may also make use of carpooling or the use of Uber if you are concerned with using the train to return to the starting point. 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 a relaxing cycle ride from Federation Square to Port Melbourne, then following Port Phillip Bay to Brighton Beach, and optionally on to Mordialloc. This event is part of Midsumma Festival. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 16 km, or Medium 35 km, point-to-point cycling with lunch at Brighton Beach Hotel.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Starting from Federation Square, we'll cycle along Southbank then the trail beside the 109 tram to Port Melbourne. From there we follow the Bay Trail via St Kilda and Elwood to Brighton, where we'll stop for lunch at the Brighton Beach Hotel, overlooking the beach. This is an easy 16 km ride entirely on cycle paths and quite flat. After lunch you can return via train from the Brighton Beach Station, or continue for a further 19 km at a slightly faster pace via the Bay Trail to Mordialloc. From Mordialloc Railway Station trains depart every 10 minutes to either Flinders Street or Frankston Stations.  Some leisure cycling experience is advisable. There's a cap on lunch numbers, so book early to ensure you don't miss out!  BOOKING: By Thursday 10th February. To register, click on Get Tickets in this listing or register via midsumma.org.au. Unsure if you've already booked via The Nomads? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220212: Midsumma Cycling by the Bay. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the Birrarung Marr bike parking (Federation Square).  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X893 grid J10 or 1B grid Q12 | Google map goo.gl/maps/wQohZA3HZWN2GDPt5.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Any train to Flinders Street Station. FOOD: Lunch will be purchased at the Brighton Beach Hotel. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable cycling gear and dress according to the weather forecast. Bring swimwear if you might be tempted by a swim. LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Gather your friends together, and your Nomads polo shirt, and head along to Fitzroy St, St Kilda to march with The Nomads in the annual Midsumma Pride March. GRADE |  TYPE: Easy, social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Midsumma Pride March in 2022 will still have a few COVID-19 hoops to clamber through, but should be less restrictive than in 2021. It will be occurring as a physical march on 6 February, and the general public should be permitted to attend this time.  The best view of the parade is always from within it, so register via Get Tickets to join The Nomads in marching proudly down Fitzroy Street. See midsumma.org.au closer to the date for comprehensive details. BOOKING: By Friday 4th February. To register, click on Get Tickets. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: probably 9:30am - we will be notified of our assembly time closer to the event | Ian Johnson Oval, Fitzroy St, St Kilda. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2P grid B3 | Google map goo.gl/maps/rNZFmL1Pz16aCqD18. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: 12 to stop 143 | tram 96 to stop 132 | any St Kilda Rd tram to stop 30 (these tram stops will be serviced even while the march is proceeding). 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: Zack M.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Arcadia Hotel, South Yarra.  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. The extensive Arcadia menu offers a range of pizzas and bar snacks, popular pub classics, healthy salads and weekly specials.  BOOKING: By Monday 31st January. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Arcadia Hotel, 2 Toorak Rd, South Yarra. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2L grid E5/F5. | Google map goo.gl/maps/kp7jhogCy5kXQLzeA. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram #58 to stop 125 (Punt Rd & Toorak Rd) Train: Sandringham, Frankston, Cranbourne or Pakenham line to South Yarra Station Bus: #246 (Elsternwick to Clifton Hill) along Punt Rd to Punt Rd & Toorak Rd LEADER: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Enjoy Melbourne's big 260 hectare backyard. This event is part of Midsumma Festival. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 10 km point-to-point walk with public transport connections.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join the experienced leaders of the Nomads Outdoors Group Inc to explore one of Melbourne's underrated gems - Yarra Bend Park, which hugs both sides of the Yarra River at the back door of central Melbourne. The park contains both natural bushland and a built environment. It has many historical connections to the development of Marvellous Melbourne in the late 1800s together with the early years of the 1900s. It also has many LGBTI connections. Never static, the park continues to evolve to better serve the city's citizens. The walk starts at 10:30am sharp at the historic entrance to Victoria Park, which has easy access to multiple public transport services (bus and train). The walk will be mostly on dirt paths, so closed footwear is essential. BYO water container plus snacks and lunch. The lunch break will be taken in Fairfield Park which has access to toilets and water. Expect the walk to conclude around 4pm at Kew Junction with access to tram and bus routes. Other exit points to public transport are available en route. BOOKING: By Thursday 27th January. To register, click on Get Tickets in this listing or register via midsumma.org.au. Unsure if you've already booked via The Nomads? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAVE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220130: Nomads Midsumma Outdoors - Yarra Bend Explorer. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at Victoria Park, cnr Lulie & Turner Sts, Abbotsford.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 44 grid E4 | Google map goo.gl/maps/QtRzqaPfAkuD3nKYA.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Hurstbridge/Mernda line train to Collingwood. Bus 200, 207, 246, 302-305, 905-907 to Johnston & Hoddle Street area. FOOD: BYO snacks and Lunch plus at least a 1 Litre water container - there is limited access to food in Fairfield Park on weekends. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable closed-toe shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.  LEADER: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

This event will continue as scheduled. Check your email for further details of the event. Enjoy a pleasant naturist beach day, with a leisurely lunch and swim. An optional late afternoon clifftop hike with spectacular views followed by dinner is also being offered as part of this event.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, approximately 1.5 km walk from the car park to the lunch spot on the beach. There are quite a few steps from the road down to the beach, but you can always take your time. The afternoon/evening hike is graded as moderate (the Ironbark Basin Trail is rather flat with a few uphill steps and tracks on a long gradual climb with a few steeper sections through the basin and along the cliffs).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a pleasant clothes-free beach day, with a leisurely lunch and swim. Optional activities include body surfing in a moderate surf and a 1 km beach walk to the rocky headland towards Southside. As the tide will go out during the day, we could if you like walk around the headland for another kilometre to the very end of the naturist beach at Southside.  A beach game or two will also be played. The optional afternoon clifftop hike through the Ironbark Basin will take place after the official beach day finishes. If time permits and there is enough interest, we will also visit the red ochre rocks at Black Rock Beach, about 2 km away. This beach boasts amazing rich red and black rocks, with a secluded beach and plenty of photo opportunities to be had. This beach will require a 2 km walk (easy to medium walk with some steps) along the Surf Coast Track to get to it. The evening hike is proposed to run from about 4:30pm/5pm to about 7pm. At the conclusion of the walk, all participants are invited to an optional dinner (approx. 7:30pm) at the local Chinese restaurant in Torquay to end a most enjoyable day out. IronBark Basin Hike (Clothed): (3 km return trip): Moderate A very pleasant hike through the Ironbark Basin, which is part of the massive Great Otway National Park.  A mostly sheltered forest trail with features of spectacular clifftop views of Addiscott Beach. At first the trail enters a stringybark woodland, scattered with ironbark trees and an understory of wattle, grass trees and ground covers. The walk affords not only spectacular views of the coast, with opportunities for animal and birdwatching, but also insights into the local Indigenous culture explaining the use of bush food by the local Koori people. Bring your cameras! The Day's Runsheet: 10:30am - Start of beach day/swim at Point Addis 4:30pm - Start of the Ironbark Basin hike (optional) 7:00pm - Head to the local Chinese restaurant in Torquay or another venue of choice for dinner (optional) 9:30pm - Leave Torquay bound for Melbourne BOOKING: By Thursday 27th January. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220129: Pt Addis Beach Day with hike and dinner. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at Point Addis Beach car park in Pt Addis Rd (this is on the right-hand side of the road and is about 500 metres before the end of the road on the Pt Addis headland).  If you arrive later, you can meet us on the beach. Instructions will be emailed prior to the event with the exact spot.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway key map 15 grid A21 | Google map goo.gl/maps/w3hMeN4CigLwvQiV6.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 107 km, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to drive via the M1 freeway. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Apollo Bay coach has a stop at Pt Addis Rd, but you would arrive late to the event. FOOD: Bring lunch, snacks and drinking water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat, repellent, beach towel, footwear if sand is hot. Shorts required to get from the car park to the appropriate section of the beach. Beach umbrella or shade equipment could be useful. Hand sanitiser and a face mask when a minimum of 1.5 meters cannot be achieved. 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 a casual picnic on 26 January on the property of a Macclesfield member, which includes a swimming pool, expansive outdoor picnic area, historic features and some delightful walking trails. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Social - picnic with optional camp out overnight at "Blanchfields", a private home overlooking the Yarra Valley.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION:  We are very privileged to be invited to a picnic in the private and beautiful gardens of the home of member Robert A. It is a rural property with a large garden of exotic trees and shrubs, grasslands and some bushlands overlooking the Yarra Valley. Robert has also invited guests to stay the night after the day of revelry if you wish. You are welcome to set up your tents or trailers in the gardens and leave the next day. In that case, Robert will direct you where you can set up camp. The event starts from midday onwards. There are a limited number of chairs and tables as well as a toilet and bathroom for use. Note – this is not a barbeque. Fires are not allowed in a high fire danger area. Enjoy the swimming pool and stay over in your tent or camper if you wish. There will be access to the oven/stove if anything needs cooking or heating up. Plus, the vegetable garden should be in full production if we need additional ingredients. Updates will follow closer to the date. There will be a short walk around the property later in the afternoon. BOOKING: by Sunday 23rd January. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220126 BYO Picnic at Blanchfields on 26 Jan. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: From midday onwards at the private home of member Robert A. located in Macclesfield (past Emerald). Address will be forwarded once you have booked a ticket. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X912 grid R4 | Google map goo.gl/maps/KBZiiJpW2uj. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 1 hour – about 60 km. TRANSPORT: No public transport. Travel by car and carpool with someone else if you can. Take the Monash or Eastlink Freeway and exit at Wellington Rd then continue to Macclesfield. The full address and travelling directions will be provided to you upon receipt of your RSVP. FOOD: Bring your own food and drink. For those staying the night, there will be shared drinks, nibbles and meal on the deck at sunset. Until we know how many will be taking part, let’s just call it a “potluck dinner”, any contributions gratefully received. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Bring your own hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Dress according to the weather forecast. LEADER: Robert A. | Email LeaderRobertA.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