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.

These two inner ring suburbs are noted for their preserved period neighbourhoods with grand homes from Victorian, Italianate, Edwardian, Queen Anne and Federation eras and tranquil leafy streets.  Lesser know is the area’s leadership of the 1920s temperance movement that still sees both suburbs (and others nearby) as legally dry areas.  Also, the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) syndrome leads to regular battles over land planning applications. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 11km circuit walk. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:35am | Outside Camberwell Railway Station on the corner of Cookson and Holly Streets.    PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Belgrave line train departs Flinders Street via the City Loop at 10:06am arriving at Camberwell at 10:31am.  Trams #70, #72 and #75 pass nearby. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 45 grid J11; Google map goo.gl/maps/eaFiHVFwjqw.   DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 9km, 25 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 mid winter’s day.  Comfortable walking shoes suitable for asphalt and concrete paths. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Departing from Camberwell Station, the walk traverses the tranquil back streets of the two suburbs to view the multiple layers of the built environment in the area.  The focus will be on: historic homes and public buildings (many are recorded on registers);  the unique Golf Links Estate, the birthplace of Barry Humphries;  art deco buildings; and  examples of new high and medium density developments.  Lunch will be taken in one of the many parks that dot the two suburbs.  If wet weather prevails, we will camp in the historic rotunda in Canterbury Gardens.  The walk will conclude back at Camberwell Station. LEADER | RSVP: Garry O. | by Thursday 19th July.

This walk follows Taylors Creek and the Maribyrnong River with a combination of parkland, natural landscapes, aircraft spotting and two impressive man-made structures to enjoy along the way. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: A moderate 14km point-to-point walk, mostly flat with two short steep sections.  Access to the walk is by public transport only. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9:39am | in the front carriage of the Sunbury train departing Flinders Street Railway Station at 9:39am or meet the group en-route by arrangement with the leader. MAP REFERENCE: Flinders Street Railway Station: Melway map 43 grid J9; Google map goo.gl/maps/np21GtDguLL2. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: The walk commences at Watergardens Railway Station which is 24km and 35 minutes by train from the city. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: We will travel to Watergardens Railway Station in the front carriage of the Sunbury train departing Flinders Street Railway Station at 9:39am or you may choose to meet the group en-route by arrangement with the event leader.  For the return journey we will catch a bus from Military Road, Avondale Heights which will take us through to Footscray Railway Station for a train to the city.   COST: Myki money: full fare capped at $6.30; concession fare capped at $3.15; Seniors free. FOOD: 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 Watergardens Railway Station heading first through the adjacent shopping centre which straddles Taylors Creek.  The walk along Taylors Creek passes through both natural and manmade habitats.  The creek and surrounding wetlands are home to a variety of species of water birds.  The creek gully deepens along the way and there is a short steep section where we need to come out of the gully to cross Green Gully Road.  A little further along, the creek runs into the Maribyrnong River near Brimbank Park.  Picnic tables shortly before or within the park will provide an ideal place for our lunch break.  We will follow the Maribyrnong River for the remainder of the walk alongside many large river red gums.  The river gully is quite deep in this area and our walk takes us to the base of the second and third highest bridges in Victoria.  The EJ Whitten Bridge is part of the Western Ring Road and stands 54 metres above the river level.  The Maribyrnong River Viaduct, also known as the Quarter Mile Bridge or Albion Viaduct, is a trestle railway bridge completed in 1929 and is 55 metres high.  This section of the walk also features a good dose of aircraft spotting, being directly under a flight path for Tullamarine Airport.   Shortly after passing under the bridges we will make our way out of the river valley with a short steep walk up to the street.  A short walk along the street will take us to the bus stop for the bus to Footscray Railway Station where we will take the train back to the city. LEADER | BOOKING: Peter T. | by Thursday 12th July. Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Day trip to Queenscliff on 8th July, with one direction walking and the other by steam train. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy to Medium, Rail Trail walk approx 8km then walk around town, with no steep sections. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9:30am for 9:50am train departure | Southern Cross Station – meet inside front carriage of Waurn Ponds service. MAP REFERENCE: Queenscliff: Melway map 500 grid E1; Google map: goo.gl/maps/xeiTrzC8rvD2. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Queenscliff approximately 102km and 2.5 hours by Public Transport. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: We will travel from Southern Cross Station in the front carriage of the 9:50am Waurn Ponds service to Geelong connecting with the 11:18am bus to Queenscliff then return on the 4:54pm bus back to Geelong for a connecting train to Southern Cross.  Contact leader if you wish to meet up in Geelong or Queenscliff.   COST: One way fare on the tourist train is $10 full or $7 for Seniors.  Please refer to www.ptv.vic.gov.au and www.vline.com.au for info regarding public transport fares. FOOD: All available in Queenscliff or BYO, probably not available on train or along the Rail Trail. Carry a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable footwear for walking and clothing appropriate for weather forecast. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a day on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula and in the picturesque seaside town of Queenscliff where on arrival we will enjoy a relatively quick lunch then board one of the tastefully restored trains, hopefully steam, of the Bellarine Peninsula Railway brought back to life by dedicated volunteers from the days of the country branchline operations of the Victorian Railways.  We will then alight at Lakers Siding and return to Queenscliff walking along the Bellarine Rail Trail.  Once back in town we can have a leisurely wander around including along the foreshore and enjoy afternoon tea before boarding the bus back to Geelong.   LEADER | RSVP: Peter N-G | by Thursday 5th July.

Our quarterly planning night, in conjunction with the regular monthly social night. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Skinny Dog Hotel, 155 High St, Kew for planning followed at around 7:30pm by the monthly social event. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 45 grid C6; Google map goo.gl/maps/bwK96JUAv5t. DISTANCE / TIME FROM GPO: 6km and 20 minutes by tram from Collins St. PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND PARKING: The Skinny Dog is right outside stop 33 on tram routes 48 and 109.  The terminus of tram route 16 (Cotham Rd and Glenferrie Rd) is a short walk away.  Bus routes 200 and 207 from the City via Johnston St stop in Studley Park Rd at Kew Junction before turning left into Princess St.  Ample FREE parking is available on-street and right behind the hotel (enter via Brougham St). FOOD: Information about the Skinny Dog can be found at www.skinnydoghotel.com.au.  Click on “Sports and Entertainment” for details of the Tuesday night steak specials or “Food and Drink” for other options. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Do you want to see more of a particular activity, or do you have a particularly favourite area of Victoria you would like to share with others?  Do you have an idea for something apart from the regular walks?  Come along to the planning meeting, and then stay for our monthly social evening where members talk about upcoming events, share a meal and compare notes on past activities.  All members are welcome – you don't have to volunteer for an activity.  New members are especially invited to this meeting as an orientation to Nomads activities. LEADER | RSVP: Garry O. | by Monday 2nd July at www.thenomadsinc.org.au.

An easy and relatively scenic cycle ride up the Darebin Creek for lunch at the friendly Lady Bower cafe in Reservoir, with an optional return via the St Georges Rd Trail. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE:  Easy 16km cycling ride, with optional 11km extension after lunch back to the starting point. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am | Yarra Edge Cafe, Yarra Bend Rd, Fairfield. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 44 grid H1; Google map goo.gl/maps/37c8c47Jo992. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There are good cycling connections from all directions to Fairfield Park.  However, if you need to travel by public transport, take a Hurstbridge or South Morang line train to Clifton Hill Station - the Hurstbridge line train that departs Flinders Street Station platform 1 at 9:58am arrives at Clifton Hill at 10:18am.  From the eastern exit, ride along Spensley St to the end.  Continue a short distance through the park and turn left onto the cycling path, which you should follow to Heidelberg Rd (only about 200 metres - don’t turn right down the steep descent).  At Heidelberg Rd, turn right and use the footpath on the bridge to cross the Yarra, then immediately turn right to follow the bike path to meet Yarra Bend Rd at the small car park.  Turn right at Yarra Bend Rd, and the cafe is about 200 metres on your left. FOOD | WATER: Bring a litre of water, but no lunch - we’ll have lunch at The Lady Bower cafe in Reservoir. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Wear helmet and cycling gear suitable for the forecast weather conditions.  It will be chilly, so don’t forget gloves, scarf, warm layers and a waterproof layer in case of rain.  Hybrid or mountain bikes are best, but road bikes should be OK - most of the ride will be on off road trails though, with the chance of striking the occasional gravel section. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: After having a coffee at the Yarra Edge Cafe, we’ll cycle to the Main Yarra Trail via the Chandler Highway - an opportunity to inspect the progress of the new Chandler Highway bridge.  We’ll follow the Main Yarra Trail for a short distance, then use the scenic new link through to the Darebin Trail, which we’ll then follow to Dunne St, just prior to Bundoora Park.  From there we'll take some quiet suburban streets for lunch at The Lady Bower, 1A Marchant Ave, Reservoir.  After lunch, there's the option to exit the ride via Reservoir Station, or to head south a short way beside High St to pick up the bike path that runs along St Georges Rd and follows the South Morang train line, with train station exit options never more than a kilometer or two away.  At Westgarth Street, we'll turn left onto the Merri Creek Path, which connects with the Capital City Trail and options to disperse in whichever direction you wish to, or catch a train home from stations such as Rushall, Clifton Hill, Royal Park, Flemington Bridge or Fairfield.  There are some short, minor climbs but the ride is predominantly flat. LEADER | RSVP: Alan D. | by Friday 29th June online at www.thenomadsinc.org.au.

Our annual special dinner - non-members welcome! GRADE | TYPE: Easy – Social Event. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6:30pm at The Terminus Hotel, 492 Queens Pde, Fitzroy North, upstairs in the private function room. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 30 grid E12; Google map goo.gl/maps/X9XCvpo53v42. DISTANCE / TIME FROM GPO: 5km and 15 minutes. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram 86 from Bourke St to stop 25; train to Rushall Station on the South Morang Line; buses 246, 250 or 251.  COST: see www.terminus.com.au for the menu. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join us for our annual Winter Solstice Dinner, the largest annual social event on the Nomads calendar.  The evening will consist of each person ordering their own meals and drinks.  We will aim to order our meals around 6:45pm. LEADER | RSVP: Greg W.  | by Thursday 21st June.

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.