Visit Yammerbook Nature Reserve and the Edithvale Wetlands to get back to nature without leaving the metropolitan area! GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: An easy 12km point-to-point walk with public transport links. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: In the front carriage of the Frankston train departing Flinders Street Railway Station at 10:03am or meet the group en route by arrangement with the event leader. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: The walk commences at Carrum Railway Station which is 36km from the city and takes 55 minutes by train.  Our return journey takes 53 minutes from Mordialloc Railway Station, which is 27km from the city. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Access to and from this walk is by public transport only.  We will travel to Carrum Railway Station in the front carriage of the Frankston train departing Flinders Street Railway Station at 10:03am or you may choose to meet the group en route by arrangement with the event leader.  For the return journey trains depart Mordialloc Railway Station every 10 minutes. COST: Myki money: full fare capped at $6.30; concession fare capped at $3.15; Seniors free. FOOD | MEALS | WATER: Pack food for lunch, and snacks.  At least 1 litre of water should be carried. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Wear a hat and clothing to meet the forecast weather conditions and footwear suitable for walking along concrete, asphalt and unsealed footpaths. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Our walk commences at Carrum Railway Station with a short walk along the street to Patterson River.  We walk along the riverside path past Patterson Lakes Marina across the river before turning off and following a pathway through to Chelsea Bicentennial Park.  We’ll stop for lunch in the park, hopefully finding a picnic table free.  After lunch we will walk through Edithvale Wetlands and stop off at the Edithvale Wetlands Discovery Centre.  The walk continues through Yammerbook Nature Reserve and along the Edithvale Wetlands Trail to reach Mordialloc Creek.  We will follow the creek through to the railway line then on to Mordialloc Railway Station.  There are cafes near the station should we wish to go for coffee before taking the train back to the city.  Trains depart every 10 minutes for the 53 minute journey back to the city. LEADER | RSVP: Peter T. | RSVP by Thursday 21st June at www.thenomadsinc.org.au.

A gold fields walk incorporating the ghost town remnants of the historic town of Steiglitz. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate, medium grade circuit walk of about 8.5km, estimated 4 hours. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the Steiglitz Courthouse car park, which is on the Geelong-Steiglitz-Meredith Road (C142). MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X911 grid D4; Google map goo.gl/maps/PDjqUgdMSMN2.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Approximately 95km, allow about 1 hour 30 minutes from Melbourne.  Steiglitz is north of Geelong and south of Ballan.  Drivers should look at a map before they leave, as some local roads are not signposted (e.g. exiting Lara) and some roads may not be on your GPS.  The easiest is along the Princes Hwy / Freeway, continue on the new Geelong Bypass, take the exit after Bacchus Marsh (possibly signed Lovely Banks, Ballan or Meredith) and follow the Lovely Banks Road (north west) [do not take the Anakie Road from Lovely Banks] until you meet the Geelong-Meredith Road C142, and follow it to Stieglitz.  FOOD | MEALS | WATER: There is no food or drink shop at Steiglitz, so bring your lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Dress for the weather forecast, and carry rain/wind jacket, beanie or sun hat and sunscreen as appropriate.  Walk in boots or walking shoes that are suited to poorly made and potentially wet tracks. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This 8.5km walk in the southern part of the Steiglitz Historic park is through more varied country than the 9th July 2016 circuit walk along the Burchell Trail in the north of the park.  It is also shorter in recognition of the shorter daylight hours.  Starting from the Courthouse car park, the walk follows tracks southwest towards the Sutherland Creek then swings north to the The Crossing Picnic Area (probable lunch stop).  We will then head east along the Burchell Trail to The Pines car park and New Chum Mine, and return to the Courthouse via Hay Track and wander through the old village. Gold was discovered in the Brisbane Ranges in 1860, and by the 1890s Steiglitz became established adjacent to the Sutherland Creek.  It had a population of 2000 plus, with its busy streets including dozens of buildings - houses, banks, several schools, a public library and a courthouse.  It is now the home of only a few residents, and an interesting set of name plates marking former buildings.  After the walk, some may wish to stay and wander around the historic remains of the town. FURTHER INFORMATION: Parks Victoria: Steiglitz Historic Park Visitor Guide (Map and Park Note). RSVP: by Wednesday 13th June via www.thenomadsinc.org.au. LEADER CONTACT: Ian G. via ian.gould@iosphere.net.au or 0414 654 872.

Attend Johnathan Harvey's production of Beautiful Thing at Chapel Off Chapel in the company of a group of your Nomads friends. Super Deal: also attend The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh on Friday 25 May (7:30pm at Chapel Off Chapel) for no additional charge! GRADE: Social. COST: $26.50 per person. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram 72 to stop 31 | tram 78 to stop 47 | Sandringham line train to Prahran. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: A group booking is being organised to attend this heartwarming, gay-themed play at Chapel Off Chapel. Attendees will be invited to join the group at a nearby restaurant prior to the show, if they wish to. The performance will be in the smaller Loft auditorium. For that reason, the group size will be limited to a maximum of 20 people and Nomads tickets need to be booked by midnight on Friday 18 May. If it's not possible to purchase tickets, your payment will be fully refunded. "Beautiful Thing is an urban love story between two young men set on a housing estate in South-East London during the 90s. What makes this play remarkable is the sheer normality of it. Jamie starts a relationship with his classmate and neighbour, Ste and together the two boys find comedy, warmth and acceptance from Jamie’s Mum, Sandra and loud mouthed friend, Leah.". "The Pillowman follows writer, Katurian, as he is arrested by police in a totalitarian state, brutally interrogated by two fierce police officers about the gruesome content of his short stories, and their remarkable similarities to a number of child-murders that are happening in his town. Martin McDonagh’s writing is described as ferociously poignant, searingly funny and savagely engaging.". RSVP: by midnight Friday 18 May. Note: this event will be booked through our new Nomads TidyHQ website, as part of the ongoing testing of the site, and we'd welcome any feedback or suggestions you may have. You will be asked to provide identification details as part of the process, so please record those details, which may be helpful in matching up your login when we switch your membership across to the new website later in the year.

MEETING POINT | TIME: Pride of our Footscray Community Bar, 1/88 Hopkins St, Footscray at 7:30pm. MAP REFERENCE:  Melway map 2S (that’s 2-ess, not 25) grid G8.  Google map goo.gl/maps/TeNoBvUseAu. DISTANCE / TIME FROM GPO:  6km, 15 minutes.  Train to Footscray Station, or buses 216, 219, 223, 402, 406. 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 have chosen this very gay oriented bar to cater for some of our members in the west, however transport and parking is excellent, so our “wise men from the east” have no excuse not to go! RSVP:  By Monday 4th June online at   www.thenomadsinc.org.au.

A walk through beautiful old Melbourne suburbs, with a twist.  Learn about some of this city’s more colourful past. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 12km point-to-point walk using footpaths. MEETING POINT | TIME: Albert Park Station/Light Rail, stop 128, cnr Bridport and Ferrars St, South Melbourne at 10am. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram 96 (East Brunswick to St Kilda via Bourke St) to stop 128. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2K grid C6.  Google map goo.gl/maps/5Kd5W5QHfsr. TIME FROM GPO: Allow 20 minutes by tram. FOOD: Pack food for lunch as we will have lunch in the Flagstaff Gardens.  Food outlets are available en route. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable footwear suitable for walking mostly on sealed footpaths. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This walk will follow the Melbourne locations in the double life of John Freeman, who was born Edward Oxford and who at the age of 18, attempted to assassinate a young 21 year-old Queen Victoria on 10th May 1840 as she rode out of Buckingham Palace with Prince Albert.  Edward changed his name when he arrived in Melbourne in 1857 following 24 years in Bethlam Lunatic Asylum.  He transformed his life and made a great contribution to colonial life in Melbourne.  No-one ever knew of his double life background. The walk will commence at his residence in Albert Park, then proceed through South Melbourne and Docklands onto St James Old Cathedral in West Melbourne, Melbourne's oldest church and a beautiful example of Georgian architecture.  Edward/John became church warden there and ironically, the church holds a personal gift to the Colony of Victoria from Queen Victoria.  We will lunch in the nearby Flagstaff Gardens then proceed through leafy Victorian Carlton to the Melbourne General Cemetery where Edward /John is buried.  The walk will include some background on Edward's early life, the assassination attempt and his subsequent trial for treason, the legal repercussions on the nature of policing throughout the then British Empire as a result of his actions that May day in 1840, and his transformed life during the decades of 19th century Marvellous Melbourne.   The walk will end in Carlton at the cemetery at approximately 4pm followed by an arvo tea in Lygon St, Carlton.  Frequent trams run down nearby Swanston St back to the City. RSVP: Don V. by Thursday 31st May by email to vogtdon38657@yahoo.com.au or phone 0422 367 032 or online at www.thenomadsinc.org.au. Image: A lithograph of Edward Oxford's assassination attempt on Queen Victoria, courtesy of the British Museum via The Age.

Grade/ Length/ Type:  Easy – Day walks from a base camp on the banks of the Murray River (Near Mildura).  Some people may drive there on the Thursday. Meeting Point: 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. Map Ref:  Detailed directions to the campsite will be provided once event details are finalised. Approx Distance: 6 hours drive (500 km) from Melbourne towards Mildura up the Calder Highway. Public Transport:  Not available.  We will try to maximise car pooling. Note – the final access into the campsite will be an unimproved track that will require some care for low clearance vehicles (I will ensure a spot in a suitable vehicle for you if you do not have one). Meals: 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 have to dig a hole in the ground. Apparel: It can be quite warm, or can rain. Come prepared after having a good look at the weather forecast. Cost:  There is a fee for back-country camping in the park. I estimate this to be $10 per person per night. Activity Description:  There are picturesque campsites overlooking the river. We can light a fire (not during fire ban days). 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. Further Information: Park Notes: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/hattah-kulkyne-national-park   Further information:  Roger H on 0400283623  or rmearsh@gmail.com   RSVP:  By 7th May 2018.  Apply by registering on this website.

Grade | Length | Type: Easy 16 or 35km point-to-point cycling with public transport connections. Meeting Point | Time: Meet beside the Visitor Centre at Federation Square for a 10:30am departure. Map Reference: Melway map 1B grid N10. Distance | Time from GPO: 900 metres, 5 minutes. Food: Lunch will be at Milanos Tavern in Brighton - bookings essential.  Apparel | Footwear: Wear suitable cycling attire to match the weather forecast.  Bring at least 1 litre of water, and snacks if required.  Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and helmet of course. Activity Description: Starting from Federation Square, we’ll ride to Port Melbourne for a coffee near Station Pier.  From there we follow the Bay all the way to Milanos Tavern, overlooking Brighton Beach, for lunch - total distance 16km.  After lunch, return by train from Brighton Beach Station or cycle a further 19km to Mordialloc Station.  Limit of 20 riders.  RSVP: by Thursday 1st February online, on meetup.com/Nomads-Outdoors-Group or by email to drummond.alan@gmail.com or phone 0415 771 220.

Grade | Length | Type: Easy, 12km point-to-point walk with public transport.  There are many moderate inclines and several short steep climbs. Meeting Point | Time: Hawthorn Railway Station, outside platform 1 (city bound side) at 10:30am. Public Transport Options: Tram route #75 to stop 26 (12 minute service in either direction on Saturdays). Any train on the Belgrave or Lilydale lines that arrives by 10:30am.  Use PTV Journey Planner to plan your journey. Map Reference: Melway map 45 grid A10. Distance | Time from GPO: 9km, 20 minutes by train.  Allow 25 minutes by car. Food: Bring lunch and 1 litre of water. There are no shops en route but there will be opportunities for coffee along the way. Apparel | Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes suitable for hard pavement.  Dress to suit a summer period weather forecast.  Something dry to sit on may be appropriate. Activity Description: This urban walk is an opportunity to appreciate both houses and gardens from an era referred to as “Marvellous Melbourne”.  The walk starts at the area of the former Palmer Estate and tracks around Yarra St, Isabella, Shakespeare and Coppin Groves to reach the Yarra at Bridge Rd.  Following the Boulevard around to Swan St, the next attraction is the seldom visited gardens of the Melbourne School of Land and Environment, Burnley Campus.  Next, the route is across the Yarra River to Heyington and Toorak, where contemporary wealth is displayed in the houses of Lansell Rd and St Georges Rd.  Alexandra Ave offers some glimpses of classic houses, but it will be a relief to escape from the traffic into the Botanic Gardens and through the Domain to Princes Bridge. Further Information: “120 Walks in Victoria” by Tyrone Thomas (Seventh edition, 2006).

Grade | Length | Type: Social - Australia Day picnic with optional camp out overnight @ "Blanchfields", a private home overlooking the Yarra Valley. Meeting Point | Time: From midday onwards at the private home of member Robert A. located in Macclesfield (past Emerald). Map Reference: Melway X912 grid R4. Distance | Time from GPO: 1 hour – about 60km taking the Monash or Eastlink Freeway and exiting at Wellington Rd then continuing to Macclesfield.  The full address and travelling directions will be provided to you upon receipt of your RSVP. Public Transport: Not available.  Travel by car and carpool with someone else if you can. 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. Activity Description: We are very privileged to be invited to an Australia Day picnic in the private and beautiful gardens of the home of member Robert A.  You will remember Blanchfields if you enjoyed the Australia Day Picnic in 2017.  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 those who wish, to stay the night after the day of revelry.  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. RSVP: by Tuesday 23rd January on www.thenomadsinc.org.au.