This is a spectacular trail skirting rugged coastline by the waters of Bass Strait.   (Note: this event had originally been scheduled for Sunday 23 September). GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium 13km circuit walk.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at the start of the Bushrangers Bay Walk and Cape Schanck Walk.  When coming from Cape Schanck, this is in the car park on the right (not the first car park on the left) on Boneo Rd (C777: the Rosebud Flinders Rd) in the Mornington Peninsula National Park.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 259 grid K8 | UBD map 513 grid A7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/R48zXxjF9Ty. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 109km from Melbourne, allow 1.5 hours. FOOD: Bring your own lunch and at least 1 litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sturdy walking footwear, dress for the weather forecast and bring a raincoat just in case! ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We follow the Main Creek Trail from the car park to Bushrangers Bay.  The eucalypt forest gives way to shady thickets of coastal banksia and then to an isolated sandy beach at Bushrangers Bay.  From there we follow the trail to Cape Schanck.  We’ll have lunch near the 1850s Lighthouse.  After lunch, we return the same way and then hopefully, time permitting, have coffee and cake at Flinders Bakehouse. FURTHER INFORMATION: bushwalkingblog.com.au.  LEADER | BOOKING: Cahal F. | by Thursday 6th September. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

Our regular monthly social night - at Loi Loi Restaurant in Victoria St, Richmond. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7:30pm at Loi Loi Restaurant, 364 Victoria St, North Richmond. See Google map goo.gl/maps/dz57CP2C1o12. 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. LEADER | BOOKING: Don V. | by Monday 3rd September.Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

Please be aware that the start date has changed to Monday 3rd September. This is due to the Broken Heel Festival starting on the Friday, and plans to visit Lake Mungo en route.  The first weekend (Friday to Sunday) coincides with the Broken Heel Festival in Broken Hill.  Those that don’t want to attend that could join the following Monday 10th September in Broken Hill. This event is being held in conjunction with Motafrenz. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy – car based camping in the National Parks and station camps along the Darling River, and possibly into Southern Queensland.  In July we will get in contact and finalise the proposed itinerary taking into account what the participants want to do. DISTANCE: It takes a long day to drive to Broken Hill (850km) from Melbourne, from where we would drop the pace.  This is one long day. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/bJEe4MyMuEN2. TRANSPORT: We will share vehicles to minimise costs and make the sometimes long drives more interesting.  4WD is not essential, but a vehicle with reasonable clearance is prudent since we will drive on some rough roads.  You do not need your own suitable vehicle.  Once we know who is interested, we can decide which vehicles to take. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: There are many picturesque and tranquil camping places, outback stations that open for travellers and stunning National Parks.  The trip would include attending the Broken Heel Festival (LGBTI) in Broken Hill.  This is a peculiar and most unlikely event not to be missed. Highlights would be camping in remote places, experiencing the tranquillity and beauty of the Great Australian Outback, sunsets, sitting around the campfire, birdwatching, strolls, stargazing, visiting historic towns and more.  We would not have a rigid program, but would take advantage of nice places we find, and move at the pace that suits us.  Two weeks is a minimum to slow down to the pace of the Outback.  However you are free to join and leave the group when you wish. Here are some links to some of the national parks to inspire you.  Have a surf on the web to see what there is to do:  www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/mutawintji-national-park www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/kinchega-national-park www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/willandra-national-park www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/paroodarling-national-park    LEADER | BOOKING: Roger H. | ASAP but by 1st August at the latest.

This walk provides grand views over Bass Strait, with its rugged ocean cliffs and beaches. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 8km point-to-point walk, along the beach, then up over the headland, on tracks all the way. MEETING POINT | TIME: Carpark at the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club at 10.30am. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 732 grid H10 and map 734 grid D12; Google map goo.gl/maps/Xzacwnzzb9x. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO:  132km, allow 2 hours. FOOD: Take lunch since there are no shops on the way, and sufficient water for the duration. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable footwear and warm waterproof clothing - dress for the weather forecast. It can be cold if the wind is strong. And bring the swimming togs for the brave. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This delightful coastal walk will take us along a surf beach and then up over Cape Woolamai with its rugged and spectacular scenery. It then descends on the sheltered side of the Cape.  We will walk along Safety Beach, then cross back over the narrow isthmus to the ocean side and the cars. There are plenty of cafes in San Remo for afternoon tea afterwards. LEADER | BOOKING: Roger H. | by Thursday 30th August. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

A scenic urban walk through the Darebin Parklands and along the Anniversary Trail, incorporating the superb new river crossing linking the Darebin Parklands to the Main Yarra Trail. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium 12km point-to-point walk (the medium rating is due to the distance plus one embankment ascent/descent). MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Alphington Railway Station outside Platform 1.  Hurstbridge line train departs Flinders Street via the City Loop at 9:58am arriving at Alphington at 10:25am. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 31 grid C10; Google map goo.gl/maps/Dgu9aaLhM9Q2.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 11km, 30 minutes by train. COST: Myki money – full fare capped at $6.30; concession fare capped at $3.15; Seniors free. FOOD: Carry at least 1 litre of water, snacks, plus food for lunch. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Layered clothing to match the weather forecast for a late winter’s day. Comfortable, stout walking boots/shoes, suitable for walking on formed bush tracks and walking tracks. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Departing from Alphington Station, the walk transverses Darebin Parklands through to Sparks Reserve then into Napier Waller Reserve.  At this point we will ascend an embankment to undertake an external inspection of the home and studio of the late Napier Waller.  The house features as a silent star of a recent TV series. Advisory: a hiking pole would be useful in particular for the ascent plus the descent. Returning to the reserve, we take the newly opened path and bridge across the Yarra River into Kew.  Proceeding through parkland we connect up to the Anniversary Trail, which started life as the Outer Circle Railway.  The walk continues along this paved trail through East Kew, Balwyn, Deepdene, Canterbury and East Camberwell to terminate at Hartwell. Lunch will be taken in one of the many parks that are integrated into the Trail.  Toilets and water bubblers are accessible in the later parts of the Trail.  At the conclusion of the walk, there is a choice of public transport to return home: Tram #75 on Toorak Road or Hartwell Station on the Alamein Line with a change at Camberwell. FURTHER INFORMATION: For trail notes, go to Darebin Yarra Trail Link plus Outer Circle Rail Trail. LEADER | BOOKING: Garry O. | by Thursday 23rd August. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

A cross-country ski, downhill ski and/or snowboard week staying in a cosy lodge at Falls Creek. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Your choice (choose slopes and equipment to match your skills).  One week cross-country ski, downhill ski and/or snowboard. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: any time | Cosela Ski Lodge, Falls Creek. MAP REFERENCE: Melway Map X922 grid H10; Google map goo.gl/maps/V7fBUEiNBb62. DIRECTIONS: There are coach services from Melbourne, Mt Beauty and many other locations to Falls Creek.  There are long-term parking facilities in Mt Beauty if you don’t wish to take your car up the mountain.  If driving, take the Hume Freeway (M31) to Wangaratta then the Great Alpine Road (B500), turning off to Mt Beauty.  On arrival at Falls Creek you should request to unload your luggage at the steps beyond the CFA station, which is lit at night, as you are staying at Cosela and don't need oversnow transport.  After unloading, you will return to the attendant to be directed to a parking place.  Cosela lodge can then be reached by travelling up the steps and across Snowgum Lane (see map at www.cosela.com.au/HTML/Map.html). DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 391km, 4.5 hours. FOOD: It's advisable to bring food for the week; group catering arrangements will be organised after registration. Breakfast cereal, milk, bread, jam, condiments, tea and coffee are provided by the lodge.  There’s a local food store for last minute supplies and oversights. COST: The accommodation cost will be $740 per person for the 7 nights.  You can come for the full time or part thereof.  The weekend charge for Friday and Saturday is $240 and you have to pay for the two nights, you can’t stay for one weekend night. The cost for staying between Sunday and Thursday is $100 per night. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Bring sheets and pillowcases, towel, washer and toiletries, plus ski gear to suit all possible conditions (or hire it in Mt Beauty or Falls Creek).  Don’t forget warm, comfortable clothing for after-ski activities.  If driving you will be required to carry chains (these can be hired in Mt Beauty), and you should ensure your radiator has antifreeze. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: A 7-day, or part thereof, ski trip to Falls Creek is being planned for Friday 24th to Friday 31st August.  We will be staying at the cosy Cosela Ski Lodge which provides ski-in ski-out access from Wombats Ramble with no oversnow transport requirements.  This will be a cross-country ski, downhill ski and/or snowboard week leaving Melbourne on Friday and leaving Falls Creek the following Friday.  FURTHER INFORMATION: www.cosela.com.au/Winter/index.html. LEADER | BOOKING: Les B. | ASAP.

A steam train ride from Castlemaine to Maldon for Lunch, and return, on the Victorian Goldfields Railway. GRADE | TYPE: Easy, social. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am | Southern Cross Station - inside the front carriage of the 10:22am Bendigo service. MAP REFERENCE: Castlemaine: Melway map X909 grid D6; Google map: goo.gl/maps/xeiTrzC8rvD2. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Castlemaine: 129km, approximately 1.5 hours by train. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: We will travel on the 10:22am Bendigo service from Southern Cross to Castlemaine in Central Victoria.   COST: Return fares on the steam train are: $56/52.  Please purchase tickets online now & advise leader when purchase completed.  Return Vline fares will be around $33/16 . FOOD: All available in Castlemaine and Maldon or BYO.  A litre of water should be carried. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Dress appropriately for forecast weather conditions. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Step back in time to the steam era of the Victorian Railways with a ride on a former country branchline, clickety clack, in an area where there were "Gold in them there hills" as we choof choof choof our way between Castlemaine and Maldon in Central Victoria on the VERY POPULAR Victorian Goldfields Railway, tooootttt!! Our step back in time will commence at Castlemaine Station, after we alight from the V/line service, where we will board our steam "express" for the leisurely 45 minute journey to Maldon where we can enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery after which we will board our return steam service, chugga chugga chugg, woooooo!!, back to Castlemaine, so long as they have kept that steam pressure up, to connect with the return V/line service. FURTHER INFORMATION: Victorian Goldfields Railway (www.vgr.com.au). LEADER | RSVP: Peter N-G on 0414503046 or hym@telstra.com by Thursday 16th August.

See Procedure to add new event to Website for instructions ------------------- The pro forma description is below. It has been pre-filled with our standard fields and formatting to prompt you. However if you are copying from the Newsletter, just over-write everything. Afterwards, delete this line and everything above it! This walk provides grand views over Bass Strait, with its rugged ocean cliffs and beaches. {provide a short precis} GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 8km point-to-point walk. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10.30am at the carpark of the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 732 grid H10; Google map goo.gl/maps/Xzacwnzzb9x. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO:  132 km, allow 2 hours. FOOD: Take lunch, since there are no shops on the way, and sufficient water for the duration. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable footwear and warm waterproof clothing - dress for the weather forecast. It can be cold if the wind is strong. And bring the swimming togs for the brave. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This delightful coastal walk will take us along a surf beach and then up over Cape Woolamai with its rugged and spectacular scenery. It then descends on the sheltered side of the Cape.  We will walk along Safety Beach, then cross back over the narrow isthmus to the ocean side and the cars. There are plenty of cafes in San Remo for afternoon tea afterwards. LEADER | BOOKING: Roger H. | by Thursday 30th August. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

Bay views and beaches feature in this walk with many points of interest to enjoy along the way including Red Bluff Lookout and Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: A moderate 12km point-to-point walk with public transport links.  The walk includes some short steep paths and steps as we cross between beaches and cliff tops. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:12am | In the front carriage of the Sandringham train departing Flinders Street Railway Station at 10:12am or meet the group en route by arrangement with the event leader.  The walk commences at Sandringham Railway Station. MAP REFERENCE: Sandringham Station: Melway map 76 grid F6; Google map goo.gl/maps/bC4Rovn2TDT2. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Sandringham Railway Station is 19km from the city and takes 30 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 Sandringham Railway Station in the front carriage of the Sandringham train departing Flinders Street Railway Station at 10:12am 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 sandy paths. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Our walk commences at Sandringham Railway Station with just a short stroll to reach the bay. The first section of the walk includes cliff top views as we walk along the sandy cliff top tracks of the coastal reserves.  As the walk progresses we’ll also walk along beaches and beachside paths.  Some steps and short steep paths will be encountered as we move between beaches and cliff tops.  We’ll walk through to Mordialloc passing through the beaches of Beaumaris, Mentone and Parkdale.  Our walk finishes at Mordialloc Railway Station with cafes nearby for those who wish to stop for coffee before taking the train back to the city.  Trains depart Mordialloc Railway Station every 10 minutes for the 53 minute journey back to the city. LEADER | RSVP: Peter T. | by Thursday 9th August 2018. Image: satterley.com.au.

Our regular monthly social night - in a special venue, yet to be announced. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7:30pm | Kingston Hotel, 55 Highett St, Richmond. 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. LEADER | RSVP: Garry O. | by Monday 6th August.

Visit the historic City of Ararat, including Ararat's Old Gaol and Lunatic Asylum and the infamous J Ward, in the Grampians region of Western Victoria, where Gold was the flavour during the 19th century. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy urban walk and historic site visits, though we may encounter some minor inclines as we walk around town. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 8am for an 8:16am train departure | Southern Cross Station - meet inside the front carriage of the Ballarat/Ararat service. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X926 grid F2; Google map goo.gl/maps/pdd7zLUzJh52.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 205km, approx 2.5 hours by train. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: We will travel from Southern Cross Station on the 8:16am Ballarat/Ararat service to arrive in Ararat at 10:41am. Return journey will be on the 5:45pm coach to connect with a train at Ballarat but for those who wish to return earlier there is a return train departing at 4:10pm. Those wishing to meet us in Ballarat or Ararat please arrange with event leader.  COST: Entry to Ararat's Old Gaol and Lunatic Asylum, and the infamous J Ward, costs $30. Entry to the Railway Museum is by gold coin donation. Please refer to www.ptv.vic.gov.au and www.vline.com.au for info regarding train fares. FOOD: All available in Ararat but not on train, or BYO. A litre of water should be carried. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Wear comfortable footwear for walking around town for moderate distances and dress appropriately for the weather forecast. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We will start our tour at the railway station where we purchase our combined tour tickets at the visitors centre then take a taxi or two to the former Aradale Asylum for our 2 hour guided tour (www.aradale.com.au).  Afterwards we'll enjoy some lunch at the nearby cafe then walk back into town, approximately 30 minutes, via the Cemetery Creek walking track to visit the Railway Museum then on to "J Ward" (www.jward.org.au) for our second tour.  After that we can take a stroll down the historic main street to inspect the many historic buildings and maybe enjoy some afternoon tea before heading to the railway station to join the coach for our return journey via Ballarat. LEADER | RSVP: Peter N-G. | by Thursday 2nd August. Photo: Darren West via www.jward.org.au.

A short walk in the Churchill National Park in the southern Dandenongs, with panoramic views and a high probability of sighting native wildlife. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE:  Easy, about 8km circuit walk with a total climb of 225 metres. MEETING TIME | LOCATION:  11am | The walk begins at the Churchill Picnic Area, Army Track, off (and near) Churchill Park Drive.  There are several small parking areas – meet at the covered BBQs. MAP REFERENCE:  Melway map 82 grid C11; Google map goo.gl/maps/fpNmjsjRtJz. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO:  38km, 45 minutes.  There is no viable public transport. FOOD:  Pack food for lunch and snacks.  At least 1 litre of water should be carried. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR:  Wear a hat, clothing to meet the forecast weather conditions and footwear suitable for walking along mostly gravel footpaths. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION:  Churchill National Park, located in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs, remains an example of the original landscape found in the region before clearing and settlement took place.  Although most of the park is open regrowth woodland, there are small areas of original forest.  There are many kangaroos in the park (several seen on the preview).  We shall be following mostly following gravel tracks, with a rise of 225 metres to the Lysterfield Hills Trig Point, and panoramic views over eastern and southern Melbourne. FURTHER INFORMATION: parkweb.vic.gov.au. LEADER | RSVP: Richard C. | by Thursday 26th July.