Darren is going to lead the bike ride, for a circuit from Essendon to the CBD via Airport West, going to Roasting Warehouse for coffee and brunch! NOTE: booking required by 5pm Thursday 17 April. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium grade ride of 35 km to Docklands. It's 11.5 km to the brunch stop, then a further 23.5 km to Southern Cross, making a total of 35 km. For the route map, see Essendon - Airport West - Anglers Tavern - Docklands. There are easy train exit options after brunch via South Kensington, Footscray or Moonee Ponds stations. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: No time for coffee at the station! Instead we ride for 11.5 km to the Roasting Warehouse, 9 Marshall Rd, Airport West for coffee and brunch. We'll cycle via Buckley St, the Moonee Ponds Creek path and a reasonably steep climb up Mascoma St. After coffee, we ride through the wonderful Airport West Green Spine Linear Park, then Steele Creek and the Maribyrnong River trails. We'll ride on to Southern Cross Station via the Maribyrnong River and Footscray Road trails. BOOKING: By 5pm Thursday 17th April. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: We'll plan to depart at 10am from the east side of Essendon Station, opposite Augustus Gelatery, 13-21 Russell St, Essendon (see Google map). Trains will be running to a Sunday timetable as it is a public holiday. The Craigieburn line train that departs from Flinders Street platform 5 at 9:37am arrives in Essendon at 9:53am. Note: No coffee is envisaged prior to departing - we'll instead stop for coffee and brunch in Airport West! There will not be a lunch stop on this ride - brunch instead. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/H8t2eg2raMAeFATMA.  FOOD: Brunch will be purchased at the Roasting Warehouse, 9 Marshall Rd, Airport West. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable attire that's suitable for the weather forecast, in addition to your bike and helmet. A spare bike tube is advisable as well as a waterproof layer if any chance of rain is forecast. LEADER: Darren M. | Email LeaderDarrenM@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  

ConFest (Conference/Festival) is a gathering of people wishing to share talents, skills, ideas, concerns and philosophies in a caring, fun loving and tolerant atmosphere. The presentation of workshops, demonstrations, entertainments and the maintenance of site facilities are all performed by volunteers, monetary payment is neither accepted nor made. The event works with the energy and participation of the people who attend. Everyone is encouraged to get involved and help out where possible. At ConFest, everybody shares the responsibility of making the event as fantastic as possible. For more information please see: Confest - Australia's leading Alternative Lifestyle Festival ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Nomads will be present at Confest and you are welcome to join us at Nudies or Rainbow villages. Email the event leader if you wish to learn more about attending the event as a first timer. There is plenty of information on the Confest website, including what to bring. The Nomads will run 1-2 clothing optional 2-3 hour easy walks during the event around the property. Meet Sat/Sun 10am at the information tent. The information boards for 'Nudies' will contain more information. Bring with you a hat, sunscreen, towel, sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes. Also advisable to bring 1L of drinking water on the walk. You are welcome to also come along and experience Confest with friends or even make new friends during your time at Confest. BOOKING: By Friday 18th April (although entry to site is across the entire festival period). Earliest check-in is from midday on Thursday 17th, and you must be off-site by midday Tuesday 22nd April. To register: NOTE: There are no ticket sales at the gate. All ticket purchases are online via website: Confest - Tickets ONLY.  Photo ID will be requested upon initial entry to ConFest. Please ensure your ticket name matches the name on your identity document. Please have this ready for presentation before you arrive at the scanning point. We will also need your vehicle registration for traffic direction to your booked section onsite. Standard Ticket (16 years of age and over) - $180 + 2 hours volunteer contribution Child Ticket (15 Years old and under) - $10 Vehicle Ticket (includes camper/Popup trailers, vans up to 1 ton, ("Examples Hiace/Sprinter"): Ticket  - $10 Motor Home & Caravan Ticket (includes Vehicle)  - $20 * There are no day or shorter term tickets FURTHER INFORMATION: Important Note: Vehicles Are Restricted From Moving Around The Grounds At Night due to safety reasons. Arriving during the the day allows for ease of setting up your campsite. Please arrive before 7pm otherwise you will be directed to a holding area overnight. You may be able to walk into the ConFest site at night. For more information, please visit the arriving at night page. For more Parking Info Please note that there are no permanent toilets or showers on site. There are outdoor public showers at the Arts village and portable toilets around site. It is a good idea to bring hand sanitiser with you! LOCATION: 7599 Pretty Pine Road, Moulamein NSW MAP REFERENCE: Google map Click here to view the ConFest location on Google Maps. GETTING THERE: From Melbourne - via Echuca and Deniliquin 385km Take the M31 from Melbourne (Hume Hwy) and take the exit B75 (Cobb Hwy) to Echuca.  Continue on the B75 to Deniliquin (these are the last shops before ConFest). From Deniliquin follow the B75 north of town and turn left at Pretty Pine towards Moulamein. The festival is around 70km along this road on the left hand side. From Melbourne - via Kerang and Moulamein 373km Take the M79 (Calder Fwy) from Melbourne and continue along the A79 past Bendigo.  Turn right into the C274 towards Serpentine and follow B260 towards Kerang.  From Kerang head to Barham along the C264 and from Barham take Moulamein Rd following signs to Moulamein.  In Moulamein follow signs to Deniliquin, festival site is short drive on the right. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Weekly bus From Swan Hill to Moulamein Wakool Shire office and Swan Hill Visitors Information Centre now have the following information: A bus departs from outside the Swan Hill Visitors Information Centre, in Campbell Street, directly across from the train station, for Moulamein, each Thursday only. Departing at 1.30pm it arrives at Moulamein at 2.30pm, passing by the ConFest site.  It is a private business service and as seating is limited, advance bookings are required. Phone Wayne or Andrea DAVIES on 0431 593 155 to make a reservation and for any further information on the bus service eg when does it depart Moulamein for Swan Hill? Carpooling and Transport Facebook Page Looking for a lift or have one to offer? Visit our carpooling and transport forum section to view and post regarding carpooling and transport to ConFest. You may just find that lift you're looking for or be able to help someone in need. ConFest Rideshare ConFest Transport & Rideshare FOOD: Food (Vegan only) and drinks can be purchased at the onsite Market but it is advisable to also bring your own food/drinks/snacks to the event as you would for a 3-4 day camping trip. There is drinking water available all over the site and is very safe to consume. Please note this will most likely be an alcohol free event. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. A pair of thongs and comfotable shoes during the event. Moulamein can be several degrees hotter than Melbourne during the day and cooler in the evenings. If camping in the forest, bring your usual camping equipment, sleeping bag and warm clothes in the evening. Try to pack light as you will need to walk approx. 1 km from the car park to the camping area. Trolleys are available onsite and there is also a bus to drop you off at certain stops. The Welcome crew can help direct you if using this service. 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  

BOOKINGS CLOSED-Enjoy the comfort of a home base, together with access to the world class Wilsons Promontory National Park for day walks. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2 or 3 | Easy/Medium – day walks and beach activities.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We have a private house at Yanakie overlooking Corner Inlet just outside the park entrance. You can come down for as many days as you like. It is quite flexible. There are many nice day walks in the area. We will decide where to walk each day taking into account the condition of the weather and the participants. The house offers a hot shower, comfortable accommodation and a log fire to warm up if it is cold.  Shower and toilet facilities are available in the house. Camping is available on the property. Bed and floor space is limited in the house, so it will be allocated on a needs basis. Alternatively you can look for accommodation close by, but book early as Easter time is busy. There is very limited shopping in the area. Bring your own breakfasts and lunches. On Friday night a BBQ is offered. Bring your own meat/veggie burger and anything you like to accompany that. Saturday and Sunday night meals are provided for a small donation. Roger no longer owns the property, so there is now a small fee of $7 per person, per night (Fri/Sat/Sun) to cover costs. To make things simple it is the same fee whether you camp, or squash into the house. Visitors should take out a Temporary 1 month membership (cost $8) prior to selecting Get Tickets. BOOKING: By Friday 11th April. To register, click on Get Tickets. There is a limit of 30 people, and it is on a first-booked first-served basis. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/wilsons-promontory-national-park. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: You can arrive any time from Thursday as arranged with the leader. You will be given location details after registering.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X928/628 grid C10 | VicRoads map 103 grid D7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/A8fupz5R28HgD9Ec9. Detailed directions will be provided after the RSVP date.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Approximately 195 km. Yanakie is 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne towards Wilsons Promontory. TRANSPORT: Public transport not available. We will try to maximise car-pooling as parking is limited at the house. FOOD: Bring supplies for your own breakfast and lunch. Communal night meals will be arranged once the numbers are known. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Warm waterproof gear and changes of clothing. Summery attire is also likely to be needed. It might be warm enough to dive into the sea. Light comfortable walking footwear. ACCOMMODATION: There are a limited number of beds, some floor space, and plenty of tent space in the garden. Bring linen and towels or a sleeping bag if sleeping inside. COST: Accommodation charge of $7 per person per night (to be paid when you "Get Tickets"). Free entry to the National Park. Cash donation towards any meals that are provided. 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  

Enjoy a scenic ride along the 'Gippsland Plains Rail Trail' from Traralgon to Stratford, with an overnight stay in Stratford. Then ride back to Traralgon the following day. ** Limit of 8 attendees ** GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 126 km return ride. Day 1: 63 km ride, Day 2: 63 km ride. There is the option to exit the ride by train from Stratford, should that become necessary. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is a two day cycling trip riding along the 'Gippsland Plains Rail Trail' staying at the end of the rail trail in Stratford overnight. Then riding back along the rail trail on Sunday.  Due to difficulty in fitting all our bikes on trains, it may be necessary to travel on consecutive trains. If you're able to travel to Traralgon with your bike by car, that will minimise the stress of fitting all the bikes on the trains. You would need to leave your car overnight in Traralgon on Saturday night though.  BOOKING: By Monday 7th April, or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Gippsland Plains Rail Trail  RIDE START TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am departure from Traralgon Station, 35 Princes Hwy, Traralgon.   MAP REFERENCE: Google map (Traralgon Station): maps.app.goo.gl/V9ZdX7UXP3GzFLjB7.  Route map: Traralgon Station to Stratford Station via Gippsland Plains Rail Trail. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 163 km, approximately 2 hours by car, or 2 hours 15 minutes by train. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Traveling to and from this event can be done via V/line train from Southern Cross Station to Traralgon (or board from a station on the line): Saturday: Options are: 6:34am Southern Cross - 8:49am Traralgon (provision for 6 bikes). Super early option! There are several cafes near the station while you're waiting for the rest to arrive. 7:54am Southern Cross - 10:08am Traralgon (provision for 12 bikes). ** Recommended service due to the capacity for 12 bikes. Sunday: There are fairly regular services returning from Traralgon on Sunday, for example departing at 2:47pm (arrival at Southern Cross at 5:05pm), 3:47pm (arrival 6:05pm), 4:27pm (arrival 6:45pm), 5:27pm (arrival 7:44pm) etc. ACCOMMODATION: Bookings will be made at the Avon River Inn, 26 Tyers St, Stratford (close to Stratford Station). When booking, you will be asked to nominate your preferred sleeping arrangement: Private Room - Solo Private Room with Partner (in this case, please answer the BED PARTNER question also) Shared Room. Twin Rooms (1 x Double Bed, 1x Single Bed) cost: $140.00 per room Queen Rooms (1 x Queen Bed) cost: $120.00 per room FOOD: Carry snacks and a litre of water. Food will be purchased en route for lunches and for dinner on Saturday. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Your bike, helmet and suitable cycling gear, plus a change of clothes for Saturday evening. A spare tube(s) is highly recommended, as is either Bicicyle Network Rider Rescue or RACV Bike Assist. LEADER: Stephan C. | Email LeaderStephanC@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  

Bringing to conclusion my series of walks from Greenborough to Mernda, following the picturesque Plenty River up-stream, this walk links up the conclusion of my last, at Morang, with the start of an earlier walk from Hawkestowe Station to Mernda, taking you through some lovely Plenty Gorge parklands and scenery. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3: Moderate 13.5 km (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). Some reasonably steep ascents and climbs on rough cycle tracks in places requiring adequate footwear and reasonable level of sure-footedness recommended - tracks could be muddy and slippery due to any recent rain. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: From South Morang Station, this walk will take us through/ skirting some uban spaces and across some serious roads before reaching the bush with picturesque gorge views. We descend to the river to pass under the Gorge Road bridge, following the river into the parklands then ascending into flat and open country to reach Hawkestowe Station for the train replacement bus ride back to South Morang, with time there maybe for refreshments, possibly at The Sporting Globe - Plenty Valley, before catching a train back towards the city. BOOKING: By Friday 4th April. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am below the South Morang Station, at ground level near the toilets.   MAP REFERENCE: Google map - South Morang Station: maps.app.goo.gl/3dcuX6Gg22Ln43C77.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch the 9.29am Mernda line train from Flinder's Street (usually platform 1), I will very likely join you and the train at Northcote. We reach South Morang at 10:24am - the meet-up point is below the station at ground level (near the toilets) for the start of the walk.  Due to forecast line maintenance work, it will be necessary to catch a train replacement bus back from Hawkestowe Station to South Morang at the end of the walk to pick up the homeward train. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. We are coming into our cooler and wetter season and the rough cycle tracks could be muddy and slippery. LEADER: Michael Cowan. | Email LeaderMichaelC@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 Plough Hotel, Footscray.  GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join us for our monthly social evening where members can enjoy a meal, talk about upcoming events, compare notes on past activities and float ideas on events they would like to see run. April is planning month, where we sketch out the program of events for the upcoming winter quarter. Most of the planning will have been done via a Zoom pre-planning meeting the previous night, but in this social evening we also welcome additional suggestions to fill any gaps.  Tuesday evening at the Plough Hotel is Steak Night: "$25 Porterhouse Steak or $32 steak deal - with glass wine or beer". See the Plough Hotel Menu for other options. BOOKING: By Sunday 30th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Plough Hotel, 333 Barkly St, Footscray (cnr Barkly St and Victoria St). MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/t8PSqR7ZXbLJFe1c6. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Sunbury/Watergardens line to Middle Footscray Station (plus 9 minute walk) Tram 82 to Geelong Rd/Droop St (plus 9 minute walk) Werribee or Williamstown line to Footscray Station (plus 13 minute walk) Bus 216, 220, 410, 472 to Barkly St/Victoria St 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 Winter program of events - online via Zoom. GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The bulk of the planning for the upcoming Winter 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 31st March. 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

Please Note: The 'Overnight places' are currently Sold Out, with 29 people booked in. There are a few 'Day Walk Only' tickets left for Sat and for Sun. This is a naturist weekend for men, and provides the options of two naturist bushwalks, one on Saturday and a shorter one on Sunday. You can come for the whole weekend, or just for the Saturday bushwalk, or just for the Sunday bushwalk. The walks are of medium difficulty on nearby farms near the top of the Great Dividing Range. The properties have great views and spectacular granite outcrops. After the walks, if the day is hot we could go for a swim in the local waterhole, or if cold, we can soak in the hot tub/spa or have a warm-up in front of the large open fire. On Saturday evening we will be able to relax with a BBQ dinner, spa, massage, and socialising around the open fire. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Saturday: Grade 3: Medium approximately 6 km naturist circuit walk. We will be walking through grassy paddocks and along sheep trails. The hills are moderate and not that steep. Sunday: A shorter Grade 2 naturist walk of about 3 km either to a picturesque native forest, or to the Mollison Creek Gorge with its huge boulders and rock pools suitable for skinny dipping. If arriving for the first time on Sunday, please arrive by 10.30am. Walk gradings are according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: SATURDAY WALK: This walk is for naturists. We will meet and unload the cars at the overnight farmhouse anytime between 10.15am and 10:45am. Hot drinks and nibbles will be available until 11.15am. We will then have a briefing for the day around 11.40am and do a short carpool to the start of the walk. Lunch will be eaten at a good spot along the way when we get hungry. After lunch we will continue on for a bit to get more views and then circle around to get back to the cars to return to the farmhouse. If the day is hot we can then go for a nude swim in the lovely Mollison Creek swimming hole, or if it is cool have a soak in the hot tub. There will be drinks, snacks, cheese and nibbles available at the farmhouse after the walk. It is planned to start the BBQ around 6pm. OVERNIGHT: Optional evening BBQ, overnight, breakfast and lunch at the farmhouse. After the Saturday walk we have been invited back for further naturist socialising at the very comfortable farmhouse with its great open fire. There will also be a spa and massage tables to use. Numbers are limited to 24 for the overnight. SLEEPING: For those staying overnight, there is floor space for 14 people in the house. There is carpeted floor space in the library, lounge room and dining room - please BYO sleeping bag, sleeping mat/lilo, pillow etc. There is a spare double air mattress, a single air mattress, two spare doonas, some blankets, a few sleeping bags and a couple of spare foam sleeping mats at the property. Please email our host Colin, if you would like any of this equipment. If you wish, you can put up your tent on the back lawn. There is also room for campervans etc. BBQ: BYO meat and drinks. Basic salads and bread will be supplied. Dinner desserts or Saturday morning tea snacks would be appreciated. TOWELS: Please BYO towels, about 3 or 4 of them: 1. for sitting on | 2. for the massage table | 3. for your shower or spa | 4. after swimming. BREAKFAST: Breakfast is supplied, including eggs and bacon, cereal, toast and spreads, tea and coffee, and for Sunday lunch there are always plenty of leftovers from the night before. SUNDAY MORNING SHORT WALK: For those overnighters who would like a further walk, or for those who couldn't come on Saturday, we will arrange a short walk either to the Gorge along picturesque Mollison Creek, or elsewhere in the area. Or if you'd prefer, you can relax at the farm on Sunday morning. This will be followed by lunch to eat up the spare food. If you are arriving at the property on Sunday morning (by 10.30am) could you please bring a contribution for lunch after the short walk. BOOKING: By Wednesday 26th March. However please note that this event often books out early, so it is advisable to book early to ensure a spot. We can provide refunds up to 4 days before the event if your plans change, and possibly even later if there are people on the waitlist. To register, click on Get Tickets. Choose the ticket that provides the options you wish to participate in. RSVP FOR OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION: If you wish to stay overnight, you will need to SEND AN EMAIL TO COLIN, our farmhouse host, on LeaderColinP@nomads.org.au  to book your accommodation. Please state what accommodation you would like - floor, tent or campervan. Please also include a contact phone number. Sleeping places in the house are limited to 14. The number of people staying overnight is limited to 24 so that we can all sit down to eat inside the house. There is no limit on tents and campervans. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. COST: There are three ticket types available for this event. Please choose the ticket that suits your wishes. 1. Walk & overnight with bbq, spa, massage, breakfast: Nomads members $30 | Non-members $35 2. Saturday Walk only : Nomads members $0 | Non-members $5 3. Sunday Walk and Lunch only : Nomads members $0 | Non-members $5 The cost of the overnight tickets covers the cost of a spa for all those staying overnight. For Day Walkers who would like to use the spa before they leave on the Saturday or Sunday could you please pay $5 cash to Colin on the day. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: On Saturday, any time between 10.30am and 10.50am at the farmhouse 15 km north of Lancefield. The exact address will be sent by 11am on Thursday 27th March to those who have purchased a ticket. We plan to drive off from the farmhouse at about 11.30am. Tea, coffee and snacks will be provided at the farmhouse on Saturday morning. If you'd like egg and bacon sandwiches/rolls and a latte etc before you arrive at the farmhouse on Saturday morning, the best place to get these would be from a cafe in the towns of Romsey or Lancefield. Sandwiches for Saturday lunch are generally available from the Ampol Petrol Station Foodary in Romsey, 29-31 Main St Romsey. Sandwiches are also available at the Liberty Service Station in Lancefield, though the Romsey sandwiches are usually better. On Sunday you may arrive as early as 9am. However the Sunday bushwalk will organised to leave at about 10.30am. MAP REFERENCE: Google Map: goo.gl/maps/5tjy71DBz9waYR9a6. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 87 km and 1 hour 15 minutes from the GPO. The farm and the town of Lancefield are due north of Tullamarine Airport. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport to the meeting place is not available. Please email the leader Russell who can generally arrange a lift for you. The email address to use is LeaderRussellW@nomads.org.au   FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and water for the Saturday naturist walk. BYO meat and drinks for the BBQ on Saturday evening. Sunday breakfast is supplied by our host. Sunday walkers, please bring a contribution for the communal lunch. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Wear comfortable walking shoes/boots. A day backpack is useful for carrying your food and water. LEADERS: Russell W. and Colin P | Email LeaderRussellW@nomads.org.au  or LeaderColinP@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  

Postponed to 25 October. 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 20th March. 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  

** All accommodation at Restaway Holiday Units has booked out. If you would like to attend, please get a Waiting List ticket in case there are cancellations. ** Mt Buffalo National Park offers spectacular scenery, moderately challenging walks through varying terrain, and rich diversity of flora and fauna, as well as unique geological formations. This Nomads walking and social weekend in group accommodation in Victoria's North-East has been held annually since February 2016, and David R. will again head up the walk leaders' team. Bookings are limited and it always books out, so book now to ensure you don't miss out! GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Arriving Thursday for those joining the Friday and weekend walks, or arriving Friday for those doing the weekend walks only. Walks are graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System. FRIDAY: For those arriving Thursday night and wishing to do the optional Friday walk. It will be a relatively hard grade 3 or grade 4 walk on Mt Buffalo, in an area to be decided depending on weather and park conditions. Alternatively, you can have a restful day at Restaway or visit local wineries, the brewery or the Bright region. SATURDAY: On Saturday there will be a day walk (grade 2 plus probably a grade 3 option) on Mt Buffalo and the communal BBQ dinner at Restaway on Saturday evening. SUNDAY: We plan to offer two morning options (probably grade 2) in the Ovens Valley and or Bright area. Both options will allow returning home on Sunday afternoon.   SAFETY POINTS: APPAREL: Walkers must carry enough clothing and gear for all weather eventualities irrespective of the starting weather and forecast, as mountain weather can change very rapidly; you should wear comfortable walking boots or shoes and carry a minimum of a sun hat, a warm hat and a rain and wind proof jacket. Please be aware that as the event is several weeks later than in previous years, we must expect shorter days and lower temperatures at the ends of the day, and walkers on the mountain must be even more prepared than usual for adverse conditions.  BRIEFING: Attendance at the daily briefing is a requirement and a prerequisite for participation on that day. FUEL: Please note that there is no fuel available on the mountain; anyone driving up must have adequate supply from the valley.   ACCOMMODATION: The weekend will follow the popular formula of previous years based on accommodation at Restaway Holiday Units in Porepunkah. Accommodation is in shared holiday units, with each unit having two bedrooms (generally one with a queen bed, the other with 2 single beds), a living area, a bathroom and a kitchenette.  The booking for this event is for Friday and Saturday nights, and Thursday is an optional extra. The maximum number of people for the walks is 30. Depending on room options selected, Restaway accommodates about 24 people, so there is limited capacity for up to six off-site campers (e.g. local caravan park of your choice). Confirmed bookings will be on a first booked basis, booking will be closed when capacity is reached, and a wait list will be available. Cancellations will be offered in the order of wait-listed bookings. We expect to book out all of Restaway again, so we will have exclusive use of the swimming pool, large garden and BBQ area, within walking distance of Porepunkah village. Some may want to extend their stay at Restaway, arriving early or staying beyond Sunday. If you remain in your weekend unit (with no room service) for the duration, the owners are offering a "special whole-unit rate". Please email LeaderAlanD@nomads.org.au for questions on accommodation, meals or booking, or if you wish to extend your stay.   FOOD & MEALS: Porepunkah village has only a pub, daytime cafe and service station, and no food store, so it is essential to bring all your food and drink needs with you. Bring your own breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks for all days. During the walks it is essential you carry your own lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water; no food is available on the mountain. Dinner Thursday and Friday night: Either bring your own dinner and eat in (BBQ available on-site, and each unit has a basic kitchenette), or eat out at the local hotel. A group booking will be made for 7pm on Friday night at the Porepunkah Pub for those who select that option when getting tickets to the event. Dinner Saturday night: Your payment includes the famous Nomads communal BBQ dinner (including meat or vegetarian option, plus dessert) on Saturday night, but BYO drinks. Those staying at Restaway are asked to bring a small salad or pre-dinner nibbles.   Sunday: participants may need to carry lunch.   BOOKING: To join this weekend you need to book and pay ASAP by clicking Get Tickets. Note: This is a popular event; in every previous year the event has been fully booked. A booking can only be made through the Nomads website, and needs to include full payment; if you find it is fully booked, please take out a free WAITING LIST ticket and you will be contacted (in the order of ticketing) if there is a cancellation. Maximum walking group size is 30, limited to ensure a quality environmental experience as well as individual and group safety. The event is a mixed social and bushwalking event, based on accommodation at Restaway and walks on Mt Buffalo.  Visitors: This event is not open to Visitors.  Roles: The roles are being split again this year. David is organising leadership of the walks and the Saturday BBQ, while Alan is taking care of all administrative matters and enquiries. Booking Guide: Bookings are taken in the order of registration. To book, click on Get Tickets. The Ticket includes participation in the walks, the cost of accommodation and Saturday night's BBQ dinner. Cancellations within a month of the event will only receive a refund if somebody else is able to take their place.  NIGHTS? Firstly, decide if you will be arriving on Thursday or Friday. SHARED? Secondly, choose if you want 'Shared bedroom' accommodation, in which you will share the room with one other person (separate beds, or, share a queen bed with your partner or friend), OR, want a 'Solo room' which gives you a room for your use only. GET TICKETS: Buy the ticket(s) you want. You will be asked to specify a number of preferences when booking: * Bed Partner: if you are sharing your bed please name your bed partner.   * Non-bed partner: If you already know the person you wish to share your room (but not your bed) with, please list them. If you elected to share a room but haven't specified a room-mate, we will allocate a room-mate for you.  IMPORTANT: A separate ticket needs to be purchased for your bed or room partner (on which they name you as their bed or room partner). * Do you need transport to the event? If you need, or can provide, transport, please indicate your suburb also. * Friday Dining Preference: Choose either the Porepunkah Pub group booking or else Own arrangements.  * Saturday Dietary Preference: for Saturday night: vegetarian, meat or other? (for 'other', please email the leader with your needs) * Saturday Meal Contribution?: indicate the type of salad or pre-dinner nibble you have in mind to bring. (Only one contribution per couple; off-site participants are not expected to bring any contributions). Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.   FURTHER INFORMATION: Walks: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/mount-buffalo-national-park  Accommodation: www.restawayholidayunits.com.au. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Arrival time is from 3pm onwards on either the Thursday or Friday at Restaway Holiday Units, 6852 Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah. Car pooling arrangements from Restaway to Mt Buffalo will be organised each day at the compulsory pre-walk briefings held at Restaway prior to leaving for each day's walk. MAP REFERENCE: Meeting point at Restaway Holiday Units: Melway map X922 grid F9 | Google map www.google.com.au/maps/place/Porepunkah+VIC+3740. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 320 km, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes driving time, via Hume Hwy, Snow Road, Myrtleford to Porepunkah. TRANSPORT: Car sharing or public transport is preferred - we'll try to avoid single-occupant car trips. There is a V/Line bus stop in Porepunkah, with connections to Wangaratta Station. FOOD: See above. Bring your own food for breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks for all days, there is no food store in Porepunkah, only a pub and service station. During the walks you must carry your own lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water.  LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. NOTE: David R (LeaderDavidR@nomads.org.au) will be organising the walks and the Saturday evening meal, but please contact Alan D with any enquiries about administration of the event or requests for information. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Image: by Alwin L — Nomads at Mt Buffalo in February 2024.    HOME  BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS  MEMBERSHIPS  

Naturist event, enjoy a sans clothing beach day. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 1 (but not wheelchair accessible): Easy stroll from carpark to beach of about 200 metres (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a casual and social day on the beach, relaxing, sunbathing, crashing waves. Bring beach games, Frisbee, ball games. Optional drinks and a bite to eat at Bomboras Beach Bar after the beach day. BOOKING: By Thursday 13th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Meeting from 10am on beach. At beach turn left onto beach and look for pink flagpole.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/4DbXKvCBbz7mQVjY8.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 105 km, 1.35 hours. TRANSPORT: Public Transport is not recommended for this event. Instead, select the appropriate transport option, indicating when getting your Nomads ticket whether you need or can provide a ride, and the leader will try to organise car pooling. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and plenty of fluids. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Hats, sunscreen, repellent, sunglasses, umbrella or shade tent. LEADER: Peter H. | Email LeaderPeterH@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 relatively short circuit walk in the Wombat State Forest between Lyonville and Newbury. This walk is especially designed to be enjoyed by those heading back towards Melbourne after their ChillOut long weekend. However, it can also be easily accessed from Melbourne, including by public transport. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate 9.2 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). The walk will mostly follow forest tracks and 4x4 roads through gently undulating goldfields country. You can optionally do an additional 6 km self-guided circuit walk to the Lyonville Mineral Springs. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: From the car park of the Radio Springs Hotel, we head to the nearby Domino Rail Trail, which follows part of the former railway line between Daylesford and Carlsruhe. We'll only follow the rail trail for a short section, turning off at the trestle bridge to head southwards through the forest (initially on the Old Lyonville Track) to the hamlet of Newbury. From Newbury we'll deviate to the Miller Cutting Track and follow that back to where it joins the Domino Rail Trail. There we'll turn west (left) and follow the rail trail back to the Radio Springs Hotel, where it was envisaged that those who wished to could have lunch, but the hotel has now closed down. Lunch options that are now proposed are: Have a picnic lunch near the trestle bridge (1 km from the startpoint / endpoint of the circuit walk), or Drive to the Lyonville Mineral Springs Picnic Area (3 km) and have a picnic lunch there (it has toilets and a sheltered area with seating), or Drive to Trentham (9 km) for lunch at Hotel Trentham (located on the way back to Melbourne). Optional Walk Extension (additional 6 km): If you wish to extend your walk, you can use the supplied route map for a self-guided walk from the trestle bridge on the Domino Trail to the Lyonville Mineral Springs Picnic Area, then back through the Wombat State Forest to the Radio Springs Hotel. If you load the route map into the Avenza Maps app, you can use that map to navigate the route (a blue dot will show your location as you move along). BOOKING: By Saturday 8th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:50am in the car park of the Radio Springs Hotel, 1 High St, Lyonville.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map (meeting point): maps.app.goo.gl/DHbn6CYPtkheSRPe6.  Route Map: FedWalks2023-Walk04_Newbury to Lyonville Springs20231002.pdf (PDF, 10.4 MB) DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 102 km, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via Calder Fwy/M79 to Woodend, then follow directions to Daylesford, taking the Tylden-Woodend Rd, then the C318 Kyneton-Trentham Rd, and finally the C317 Trentham-Daylesford Rd to Lyonville. The meeting point is 20 minutes by car from the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park in Daylesford. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The V/Line bus stop is just 400m from the Radio Springs Hotel. The public transport options from Melbourne Southern Cross are: Outbound: Catch the V/Line train to Echuca that departs at 9:05am and change at Woodend to the Daylesford coach, which should arrive at Main St/Daylesford-Trentham Rd, Lyonville at 10:45am. Return: Catch the V/Line coach service departing from Main St/Daylesford-Trentham Rd, Lyonville at 2:31pm (arriving Southern Cross at 4:24pm) or at 5:31pm (arriving Southern Cross at 7:24pm). Tickets: Your Myki card cannot be used on the Woodend-Daylesford bus service. You can purchase your ticket from vline.com.au. Weekday public transport fares are capped at $11.00 full or $5.50 concession for travel anywhere in Victoria. FOOD: Carry lunch (unless planning to dine in Trentham), snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Lyonville can be several degrees cooler than Melbourne. The tracks could be quite slippery if there has been recent rain. 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.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS