This event has been POSTPONED until a future date due to high chance of showers and windy conditions forecast + low numbers. Escape the city and enjoy a full-day spring hike exploring the unique piece of landscape as European settlers saw it 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 opportunities 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: Grade 2: Moderate walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System) of approximately 10 km, mostly on flat well-formed tracks with a number of dense-scrub tracks. 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 1840s style 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 and 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 Friday 14th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION:  Woodlands Historic Park (parks.vic.gov.au). MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am at Weeroona Cemetery Entrance Gate, Greenvale. The car park is off Providence Road. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/kS4VCdEEiYyLEbQs5. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Woodlands Historic Park is 22 km north of Melbourne CBD. Follow the Tullamarine Freeway and take the Mickleham Road exit, then turn left onto Providence Rd. 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@nomads.org.au 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 Postmaster Hotel in Kew. The Hotel was the original Kew Post Office completed in 1888 in the Queen Ann style as part of a civic complex including a Court House and a Police Station on the High Street side. NOTE: Access to the hotel is via sets of bluestone stairs. 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. Everyone is welcome to these monthly Nomads social evenings. Tuesday night is parma night - chicken parmas for $20, or see the Postmaster Hotel Menu for other options.  BOOKING: By Sunday 9th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure whether you've booked already? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Postmaster Hotel, 186 High St, Kew. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/4UbJmPEuC1yrZ7rT8. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take tram #48 to stop 33 (Kew Shopping Centre/High St) or tram #109 to stop 34 (High St/Cotham Rd). Tram #16 terminates at Cotham and Glenferrie Roads and is a 5-minute westerly walk to the Hotel. Buses #200 and #207 stop at Kew Junction with a 4-minute easterly walk LEADER: AlanD. | Email LeaderAlanD@nomads.org.au 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 2025 Archibald Exhibition is on display in Victoria from Saturday 30th August to Sunday 9th November. As our visit is the last day of viewing - purchase your tickets (online is best) for the 2 PM slot well in advance - see links below The annual Archibald Prize is eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike. Judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW, the prize is awarded to the best portrait painting. Since 1921, it has highlighted figures from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes, reflecting back to us the stories of our times. This touring exhibition at the Geelong Gallery (only site in Victoria) is an opportunity to see the finalists in the Archibald Prize 2025. Travel by public transport is recommended as the event will include a scenic walk from North Geelong Station via Corio Bay to enjoy a pub lunch then an easy short walk to the Gallery for a 2pm entry. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 1 - Easy and Social, 6 km point-to-point walk on sealed paths (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Departing the train at North Geelong Station, we will walk across the Princes Highway and continue through suburban Rippleside to enter the paths along the Western Beach section of Corio Bay. Upon reaching Cunningham Pier, the walk will continue into the CBD to the lunch venue.  For 2025 there were 903 Archibald Prize entries from which 57 were selected for judgement and display. For the first time, there are more finalist works by women artists than men. From the remainder, the S. H. Ervin Gallery at The Rocks in Sydney selected a further 32 works for an alternative display called the Salon Des Refusés, which has existed since 1992.   Archibald Prize 2025 is a timed-ticket exhibition, with entry at sixty-minute intervals on the hour until the last entry at 4pm. Adult entry is $24, while Concession is $20. Group bookings of 10+ attract a price of $22 per person via the gallery website plus a booking fee (TryBooking system).  The Nomads booking will be scheduled for 2pm. At the conclusion of lunch it's a short walk to the Gallery for the exhibition. NOTE: Backpacks, umbrellas of all sizes and large bags are not permitted within any Gallery room. You can cloak these items at the Visitor Services desk. Return trains leave Geelong every 20 minutes from Geelong Station, across the park from the gallery.   BOOKING: by Friday 7th November or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out on getting tickets for the gallery!  Entry Tickets: Purchase your ticket for 2pm on Sunday 9 November via GeelongGallery.org.au. Nomads: To register for the walk and lunch, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Geelong Gallery | Archibald Exhibition - FAQ's | Vline trains | Sporting Globe. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9:40am at Southern Cross Railway Station (for 09:50am departure) or at stations en route. We will travel in the front carriage. Check monitors for the allocated platform. Be wary of last-minute platform changes. MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station - Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/uoapb4qq1C4nSNYb6. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Geelong 72 km, 60 minutes by train. TRANSPORT:  Train: Southern Cross Railway Station, meet at the train, first carriage, North Melbourne end. Check monitors for platform and be wary of any last-minute platform changes. Train Return: Return trains leave Geelong every 20 minutes (:15 + :35 + :55 cycle plus an express train at 17:45) for the trip back to Southern Cross. Car: via Princes Freeway (M1) to Geelong. Park at or near station. Make way to main waiting area inside the Station. Meet train that arrives at 10:47am. FOOD: Pre gallery tour lunch at the Sporting Globe Bar and Grill, 175-177 Ryrie Street (corner of Union Street).  Participants must register to join the group booking for this communal lunch. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Casual clothing, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, repellent and camera. COST: Geelong Gallery: Adult $24 | Concession $20 | Gallery Members $17 Trains: Myki money (no paper tickets) - weekend caps apply at $7.60 full; concession and Seniors at $3.80. LEADER: Garry Oliver. | Email LeaderGarryO@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.

This event has been cancelled due to poor/wet/cold weather forecasted this weekend. The event will be held at a future date, the tracks will be too slippery and unsafe to hike on this weekend. Escape the city and enjoy a full-day autumn hike through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, taking in the lush scenic forest, birds, walking tracks, reservoir and 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 Grade 4 'hard' with a number of steep short inclines during the second part of the hike. 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.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 4: Hard (in limited sections), approximately 13.5 km, this event caters for experienced hikers and those with fitness levels that are able to climb short steep tracks and terrain (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). 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 Silvan Reservoir Lookout - Downward descent through the forest 400m to 300m elevation. (3.2 km) Part 2: Explore the Silvan Reservoir walking along the west side enjoying the views and stop for lunch. (Flat elevation) (5.11 km) Part 3: Start our ascent making our way to the Olinda township 300m to 560m elevation (4.84 km). At the end of the walk, we will explore the township and enjoy tea/coffee and afternoon tea. From here we will head back to Croydon Bus Station. 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. BOOKING: By Thursday 6th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've booked already? Click View my bookings (log in required). FURTHER INFORMATION: Silvan Reservoir Park MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9:45am 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.  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. Bring your Myki card for the return trip by train/bus. There will not be an opportunity to buy food and drinks during the walk. We will stop for late afternoon tea at the conclusion of the walk. 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.@nomads.org.au 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 long weekend of activities in the Rawson / Walhalla region over the Melbourne Cup Day holiday weekend, from Friday 31st October to Tuesday 4th November. This follows the very successful event held there over the King's Birthday weekend in 2024. ** If there are no further beds available of the type you want, please get a WAITLIST ticket, and indicate what you would like via the "Further details about what you would like" question. ** GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Various, depending on the activities undertaken - a range of activities will be on offer. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We have booked out the Mountain Rivers Lodge at Rawson, which has six standalone units plus a comfortable communal lounge, dining area and external decking with BBQ. Each self-contained unit has a queen size bed plus 2 bunks (upper and lower). We've also provisionally booked additional bunkhouse accommodation in the expectation that the accommodation in The Lodge will be insufficient. People staying elsewhere than in The Lodge will probably need to bring their own linen (sleeping bag, pillow and towel).  Like last time, a vintage train ride with the Walhalla Goldfields Railway and gold mine tour of the Long Tunnel Mine will be offered (on Sunday this time), but alternative activities will be on offer for those who don't wish to do those. The train and mine tour require prior booking so we need your early commitment. Note that the mine is not as claustrophobic as many mines, since you can walk into it via a large-diameter horizontal tunnel drilled into the hillside, and there are some quite cavernous spaces inside. ITINERARY: A draft itinerary is presented below, but except for Sunday, the actual activities undertaken will depend on the weather forecast and the wishes of the participants: Friday: settle in to accommodation after 2pm. Own arrangements for dinner - dine en route (e.g. in Moe), BBQ or BYO pre-prepared meal. Saturday: Activities: A walk on the Baw Baw Plateau if the weather is reasonably clear, otherwise a circuit from Thomson Station to Walhalla via the Mormon Town Track and/or the Australian Alps Walking Trail - see POTENTIAL WALKS below. Picnic lunch. Saturday Evening: Dinner in The Lodge (provided by The Nomads for a small fee). Sunday:  Option 1a: Vintage Train Ride on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway: gather in Walhalla by 9:30am to be at the train station by 9:40am for a 10am departure. The train returns to Walhalla at 11am, or Option 1b: everybody to date has opted to do the train ride, but a short walk will be organised for anybody who doesn't wish to do the train ride. Wally Pub for lunch at noon. Option 2a: Long Tunnel Mine Tour at 2:30pm (gather there at 2:10pm) and walk along part of the Tramline Track, or    Option 2b: A walk around Walhalla incorporating the (steep) Cricket Ground Track and the extended Tramline Track. Sunday evening: Dinner in The Lodge (provided by The Nomads for a small fee). Monday:  Activities: A circuit from Thomson Station to Walhalla and back or a walk on the Baw Baw Plateau if that wasn't done on Saturday - see POTENTIAL WALKS below. Picnic lunch. Monday Evening: Dinner at 6:30pm at the Erica Hotel  Tuesday:  Activities: A relatively short walk from Thomson Station to the Poverty Point Bridge will be done as a circuit, but there will also be an alternative option involving a steep climb at the end and a car shuffle.  Lunch: individual choice - perhaps in Moe on the way home, or else a picnic lunch. BOOKING: By Sunday 26th October, or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out. To register click on Get Tickets. Visitors should purchase a 1-month Temporary Membership (cost $8) prior to booking for this cabin weekend. IMPORTANT: If sharing a Queen bed with your partner, please specify their first and last name in the PARTNER NAME field, but do NOT purchase a separate ticket for your partner. You will be asked to indicate your preference regarding the Sunday train ride and mine tour. This is to help us organise the bookings. This is just an EOI at the time of booking - you will have an opportunity to change your mind closer to the event date.  Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. POTENTIAL WALKS: Check out Walks around Walhalla, a document we've put together outlining some of the walks in the Walhalla / Rawson region. Options of particular interest are: The track to the historic Poverty Point Bridge (west of the Thomson River) and the Mormon Town Track Loop (including part of the Australian Alps Walking Trail).  If the weather is good then venture up to the Baw Baw plateau and also visit the Thomson Dam (see AllTrails).  The Cricket Ground Track circuit and the Tramline Walk will be done on Sunday.  The Tyers Junction Rail Trail a less-formal rail trail that may eventually join the Walhalla Rail Trail at Erica. Walhalla Rail Trail Walk (Erica to Thomson) and optionally continue a further 4.5 km to our accommodation via Old Depot Rd (part of the Old Depot Road via Steel Bridge Track walk). We did this last time in the rain - worth repeating! Horse Shoe Bend Tunnel walk: a repeat of this relatively short but interesting walk. COSTS: There are several components making up the proposed package of activities: LODGE ACCOMMODATION OPTION 1 - Queen Bed: $254 for 4 nights (bed can be shared by 2 people) LODGE ACCOMMODATION OPTION 2 - Bunk Bed: $127 for 4 nights TRAIN - Thomson to Walhalla, and back: $30 for the return trip if we have a group of at least 15 people attending, otherwise standard costs are $40 Full or $35 seniors/concession for a return trip, or $35/$30 for a one-way trip. MINE TOUR: $15 (requires more than 12 attendees) EVENING MEALS: A small fee will be charged for each evening meal provided by The Nomads. NOTE: If you (and perhaps a partner) don't wish to share your unit, you can get a Queen Bed ticket plus 2 x Bunk Bed tickets, at a total cost of $508 for the four nights. Payments for the mine tour, train trip and evening Lodge meals will be collected on the weekend. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Any time after 2pm on Friday 31st October at the Motel Lodge, Mountain Rivers Tourist Park, 11 Depot Rd, Rawson.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/C8weMRNA982D1Ysk9.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 170 km, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes via the M1 Fwy to Moe, exit onto the C103 followed by C466 and C481 to Rawson. Car Pooling is encouraged. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: No suitable public transport options are available. FOOD: Bring food for breakfast and lunch each day (except Sunday, when we'll have lunch at the Wally Pub), a 1-litre water container plus snacks as required. There are options for purchasing food and/or supplies in Erica, Walhalla, and to a lesser extent in Rawson. Moe (on the route between Melbourne and Rawson) has excellent supermarket and cafe options. See the itinerary above for proposed evening meal options. There are excellent kitchen facilities at The Lodge, including an outdoor deck with BBQ. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. A walking pole(s) could prove useful. The Rawson and Walhalla region can be a lot cooler and wetter than Melbourne. LEADER: Alan D. and Roger H. | Email LeaderAlanD@nomads.org.au or  LeaderRogerH@nomads.org.au if you have any questions.  Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Join the camaraderie and cycle with thousands of other keen cyclists around part of Port Phillip Bay. We start in Geelong and finish at Albert Park Lake in Melbourne, travelling via Queenscliff and Sorrento.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Challenging 135km cycling on sealed roads. We will have an average speed of 20-25km/hr. We will be cycling in pelotons and need to follow correct cycling etiquette.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This activity is part of the United Energy Around the Bay 2025 event. Follow this link for all details: bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/around-the-bay/routes-prices/135km/ We meet in Geelong at 6am on the Sunday. There is a bus transfer from the city early Sunday morning (a bus will depart from 100 Canterbury Road, Middle Park at 4:45am. Supplementary cost $89). From Geelong we would ride generally together to Albert Park. Due to the large number of cyclists on the road it is sometimes difficult to keep exactly together. The Bicycle Network entry ticket includes lunch, support along the way, and the ferry trip from Queenscliff to Sorrento. There are other options to complete the "Classic" ride of 220 km, but we have chosen the 135 km option to make it easily achievable. If you have not ridden Around-The-Bay-In-A-Day before, it is a spectacle, full of camaraderie, and a great personal achievement. Most importantly you will have done some training, and be confident riding in pelatons. We need to average 20-25km/hr which is partly governed by wind, but also by efficient drafting technique and training.  BOOKING: Around The Bay: You need to register and pay Bicycle Network: bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/around-the-bay/routes-prices/135km/. Nomads: To register with The Nomads, click on Get Tickets. Getting a Nomads ticket does NOT grant you entry (but please do it so we know who is riding and can coordinate the group). Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6am on Sunday morning at Cunningham Pier, Geelong waterfront. There is a bus shuttle offered (not free) from Albert Park on the morning.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map - Cunningham Pier: maps.app.goo.gl/bCdE6M8dnEiorW9M9 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 77 km, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via Geelong Road. But better to take the bus option. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: A shuttle bus service is offered (extra $89 cost) from Albert Park on the early morning.  Refer to the Around The Bay event. FOOD: Lunch (sandwich and fruit) as well as nutrition at rest stops along the ride will be provided. Additional high-protein snacks are recommended. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Dress for the conditions (check the weather for the day). You will have been on training rides and know what to wear. LEADER: Roger H. | Email LeaderRogerH@nomads.org.au 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 circuit walk in the west of Melbourne, from Werribee Station.  This is a replacement of the walk cancelled in July GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Easy 7 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This easy and pleasant walk loops around the Werribee River. It is an easy, paved path with hardly any elevation, and it's a beautiful track, considering it passes through suburbia. Generally considered an easy route, it is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.  There are three spots where you can cross the river by jumping across big rocks, perfect for exploring. You can continue north and south on this track for a longer route. BOOKING: By Friday 17th October. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at southern side of Werribee Station. This is on Station Place at the top of the ramp. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take a Werribee train from Flinders Station at 9:47am, or 10:07 absolute latest. Go to first carriage. MAP REFERENCE: Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/Khz7KwjjYoFkVZYZ8 FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water.  As it's a short walk, we will have a late lunch or afternoon tea in Werribee after walk. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots and dress according to the weather forecast.   LEADER: Richard C. | Email LeaderRichardC@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

PLEASE NOTE: 1. This event is now fully booked for the Day Walk and the BBQ evening. There are Waitlist Tickets available (free). If you get one of the early ones you have a good chance of getting in. 2. The Overnight is also fully booked. If you would still like a spot, email Colin on LeaderColinP@nomads.org.au and ask to be placed on the Waitlist. _______________ Enjoy a naturist day out, walking in the beautiful and spectacular country near Lancefield courtesy of one of our members who has a farm in the area. Meet at the farm for tea, coffee and refreshments before you walk off for the day. Note that this is a day event only, though we are planning an optional BYO BBQ dinner for those wishing to extend their stay on the farm into the evening. For people planning to attend the Men's Massage Swap at Castlemaine the following day, Sun 12th Oct, we are offering a place to stay overnight with light breakfast. There is a maximum of 8 places for people who would like to stay overnight. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate 6 km circuit walk in quite hilly open country. Walking is on 4WD tracks, animal pads and through grassy paddocks (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We will meet at the farm property. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available when you arrive. After introductions and the briefing for the day, the group will car pool about 2 km on good gravel and bitumen roads to the start of the walk on a neighbouring farm property.  Clothes can be shed once we park the cars amongst the trees on the neighbouring farm. We will walk for a while to build our appetites and then stop for lunch at a good spot with a view. After lunch, we continue our exploration of the picturesque farm and the spectacular rock boulder formations before returning to our cars to drive back to the farmhouse. There you can have tea, coffee, nibbles and a drink while enjoying the lovely open fire before departing for home or staying on for the optional dinner. For those wishing to stay on, the optional BBQ dinner has been planned around 6pm. BYO meat and drinks and anything else you wish to contribute. Salads, bread, sauce, tea, coffee etc will be provided. The BBQ dinner is planned to wind up around 10.30pm. BOOKING: Walk and optional BBQ: By Thursday 9th October. To register click on Get Tickets. Overnight Stay: For people wishing to attend the Men's Massage Swap in Castlemaine on the following day, Sunday 12th Oct, Colin has offered to provide places to stay overnight on Saturday with a light breakfast on the Sunday. To be eligible for accommodation you will need to have a paid ticket for the Men's Massage Swap, (details for how to book for this event are at the end of this paragraph.) To request accommodation at the farm, email Colin on LeaderColinP@nomads.org.au to see if he can provide a place for you. There are a maximum of 8 places. Please pay a cash payment of $5 direct to Colin on the day, to cover the cost of breakfast and a light snack for Sunday lunch. Those going to the Sunday Massage are planning to leave the farm at 12.30pm on the Sunday to drive to the event near Castlemaine. They should arrive at 1.30pm in good time for the massage start at 2pm. (NOTE: To book for the Men's Massage Swap go to the CosieVic website at https://cosievic.org.au/ then click on the Calendar tab. Then go the 12th October event to find the details of how to book.) Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:00am at the farm which is 14 km north of Lancefield. The exact address will be sent out on Thursday 9th October to all those who have registered by midnight Wednesday 8th October. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/y5sn4nWk3PpjFjBVA.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 82 km, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to drive. If you are returning home at dusk it is safer to drive at 80 km/h or less and keep an eye out for wombats and kangaroos on the road when driving from the farm to Lancefield, and from the farm to Kilmore. After Lancefield and Kilmore on the way to Melbourne, you are on main country bitumen roads and kangaroos are quite rare. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport will only get you to Lancefield, 14 km short of the farm. It would be better to see if the Leader can assist you in finding car transport from your suburb. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and water for your day out in the country. If after the walk you'd like cheese, biscuits, nibbles and a drink other than tea or coffee, could you please bring a contribution. For those staying overnight our host Colin will provide Sunday breakfast (cereals, toast, spreads, tea & coffee. Light snacks will be provided for Sunday lunch. Note: there is always a good afternoon spread provided at the Men's Massage Swap. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunhat and sunscreen. Sunglasses could be useful. A warm top and beanie if there is a fresh breeze. If the day should unfortunately be a bit cool, feel free to put on clothes to keep youself comfortable. The nearest town to get an appropriate weather forecast is Pyalong, just north of the Great Dividing Range. Wear comfortable walking shoes for walking on 4WD tracks, animal tracks and through the paddocks. LEADER: Jason T. | Email Jason at LeaderJasonT@nomads.org.au  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  

Participation in the annual Federation Walks event is one of the benefits of our membership of Bushwalking Victoria. Bookings for the Federation Walks weekend based in The Grampians on 10-12 October are now open and are likely to close in late August.   GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: 23 different walks are available. The walks range from Easy 2 km to Hard 18 km (with significant climbing). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The FedWalks weekend happens in a different part of Victoria each year - this year it will be in The Grampians. Detailed maps and descriptions of all the walks on offer are available - see Walks Program on the Fedwalks website for details.  The Grampians are a series of five spectacular sandstone ridges running north to south with steep and craggy slopes on the eastern side and gentler slopes to the west. They are the result of earth movements lifting and tilting the hard sandstones to create an impressive landscape of peaks and valleys. There are lookouts with stunning panoramic views as well as a number of impressive waterfalls. Many thanks to the volunteers for taking on responsibility for organising this FedWalks program: Grampians Bushwalking Club and the Boroondara Bushwalkers Club. BOOKING: 31 August, or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out! This event is open to members of all clubs affiliated with Bushwalking Victoria. The steps for booking are: Check out the BWV Walks Program to decide which walk(s) you would like to do. Click the TryBooking link, select the walks you wish to do on Saturday, and on Sunday, select the Saturday Night Dinner option if you wish, and pay the Registration Fee. Select Get Tickets on this Nomads events listing, so we know who is attending, to help with coordination. IMPORTANT: You must book, select the walks you wish to do, and pay $20 per walk ASAP. A ticket with The Nomads is not sufficient to grant you access to the weekend! Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Summary of Walks: See Summary of 2025 Grampians FedWalks. FedWalks website: Detailed information is available on fedwalks.org.au. Overview Map: See FedWalks 2025 Overview Map (PDF, 13.5 MB). MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Register at the Event Hub (Centenary Hall, 115 Grampians Rd) to receive your information pack, and to check for any late changes to the walks program or start times. Friday Registration (optional): 3pm-6pm Saturday - Registration from 7:45am Sunday - Registration from 8am MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/t5vBUMcd72Qf63gB7.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 253 km, allow 3 to 4 hours to drive from central Melbourne.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is no public transport available. When booking, please indicate if you need, or can offer, a ride. COST: WALKS: The minimum cost is $20 per person per walk, payable to FedWalks, which includes participation in your selected Saturday and Sunday walk. ACCOMMODATION: Up to 6 camping spots are available for a charge of $20 per night at a Nomads member's property in Halls Gap, close to the FedWalks hub. There is also a single king-size bed ensuite available at the Nomads member's property at $60 per night. SATURDAY DINNER: The optional Saturday night FedWalks dinner costs $45, but that has now sold out. The Nomads will organise a group booking at a venue in Halls Gap for dinner on Saturday night. ACCOMMODATION: There is space for up to 6 people to camp at a Nomads member's property in Halls Gap (a few minutes walk from the Centenary Hall hub). Alternatively, you can arrange your own accommodation in the area.  FOOD: BYO breakfasts. For your walks, you will generally need to carry lunch, snacks and drinking water. Afternoon tea will be provided at the end of each walk. You can book and pay for a Saturday evening meal ($45) when you book with FedWalks for the weekend. The Nomads will organise a group booking for Saturday dinner in Halls Gap. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Be sure to bring plenty of warm, waterproof layers. The weather in The Grampians can be quite changeable, though is generally warmer and drier than in Melbourne. LEADER: The walks will be organised by different leaders from the FedWalks team. For queries about participating in activities with other Nomads over the weekend, email Alan D. on LeaderAlanD@nomads.org.au. 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 Junction Club in Moonee Ponds.  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. Everyone is welcome to these monthly Nomads social evenings. Tuesday night is curry night - a delicious curry for $20, or see the Junction Club Menu (scroll down) for other options.  BOOKING: By Sunday 5th October. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure whether you've booked already? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Junction Club, 740 Mount Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/VmZhjqUhFnbjMKWQ9. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take tram #59 (Flinders Street Station to Airport West) to stop 32. Alternatively, the Junction Club is a 640m walk from Moonee Ponds Station, on the Craigieburn line. LEADER: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO@nomads.org.au 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 Summer program of events - online via Zoom. GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The bulk of the planning for the upcoming Summer 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 5th October. 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 if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. DRAFT PROGRAM: Nomads Draft Program. You may add your suggestions to this online spreadsheet - be sure to click to some other cell once you've finished, so that your suggestion gets saved. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm online via Zoom. Those who registered will be sent the Zoom link by 6pm on Monday evening. LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD@nomads.org.au 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

NOTE -  RACV Members save 15% off festival passes with the code RACV2025 Pound the streets in the historic inner precinct of Ballarat, visiting the multiple locations hosting exhibitions for the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFO). Travel via public transport is possible. First action will be to collect FREE maps of the displays (indoor and outdoor) at the Biennale Office on Lydiard Street (just up the street from the Station); which is also a venue for some of the smaller exhibitors.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 1: Easy 7 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System) on flat and well-sealed walkways.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Ballarat is home to the National Centre for Photography (NCFP) housed in the old Union Bank building on Lydiard Street North. It's the base for the team behind BIFO. The Ballarat International Foto Biennale was founded in 2005 and attracts significant international and Australian photographers as one of Australia's pre-eminent photographic festivals. The multiple exhibitions, both free and ticketed, are housed in various historic buildings, laneways and cafes. Full details of the program are available online at ballaratfoto.org. Most exhibitions are open daily from 10am to 5pm.  The featured ticketed events this year include two exhibitions by internationally based artists that may be of interest to NOMADS Members: ENNINFUL x MAPPLETHORPE an exclusive event to BIFO. This selection of Robert Mapplethorpe’s work is curated by Edward Enninful OBE, Ghanaian-born British editor and stylist who was Editor in Chief of British Vogue and European editorial director for Conde Nast magazines, and Campbell Addy’s major solo exhibition, an Australian exclusive by the British-Ghanaian fashion photographer featuring a newly conceived set of photographs, original paintings and a short film shot on location in Ghana. BOOKING: Ballarat Foto Biennale: Book for Sunday 5 October. Check ballaratfoto.org for details of purchasing 1-day passes to visit the multiple ticketed events. Nomads: Book by Friday 3rd October. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:45am at the Ballarat Railway Station, Lydiard Street North. Travel options are (1) by train (see details below) or (2) driving and parking on the fringes of the Ballarat CBD, as on-street parking in the CBD is time limited and fees may be payable. MAP REFERENCES: Southern Cross Station - Melway map 1A grid A7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/s6DUsRG8CWz2K97eA  Ballarat Station - Melway map 611 grid A12 | Google map goo.gl/maps/KjS3JEEYfng9UvaE7. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 114 km, approximately 1 hour 25 minutes to drive, 1 hour 29 minutes by public transport. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The trip is on the train departing Southern Cross Station at 9:15am arriving at 10:41am. It's suggested that we gather in the first carriage (North Melbourne end). Return trains depart Ballarat every 40-minutes, for example: 3:24pm, 4:04pm, 4:44pm, 5:24pm and 6:04pm. FOOD: A booking will be made for a 12:30pm lunch at Aunty Jacks Brew Pub, 315-317 Mair Street, Ballarat (opposite the Ballarat Civic Centre) for those interested. Otherwise do your own thing in between visiting exhibition sites. COST: Trains: Weekend fares for Myki money are capped at $7.60 (Full) and $3.80 (Concession & Seniors) per day. Ballarat Foto Biennale: Full day pass $42 | Concession day pass $36 APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. LEADER: Garry Oliver | Email LeaderGarryO@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Image: Garry Oliver     HOME | BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS | MEMBERSHIPS