Events

The 2026 Archibald Exhibition is on display in Victoria from Saturday 5th September to Sunday 1st November.  The annual Archibald Prize is eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike. Judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW, the prize is awarded to the best portrait painting. Since 1921, it has highlighted figures from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes, reflecting back to us the stories of our times. This touring exhibition at SAM (only site in Victoria) is an opportunity to see the finalists in the Archibald Prize 2026. Travel by public transport is recommended as the event will include walks to/from Shepparton Station.  Time to enjoy a pub lunch then a walk to the Museum for a 2PM entry (last entry is at 3 PM). SAM traces its history back to 1936. The current purpose built complex, sitting opposite the man made Lake Victoria on the main north/south route in the city, was opened in 2021. SAM holds over 4,000 artworks, including one of the largest ceramic art collections in Australia. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 1 - Easy and Social, 4 km in total via multiple walks on sealed paths (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Departing the train at Shepparton Station, we will walk some 7 minutes or 500 metres to the GV Hotel for lunch. Following lunch there will be a 22 minutes or 1.5 kms walk to SAM. The final walk will be via a different route of 20 minutes or 1.4 kms to Shepparton Railway Station to catch the final train back to Melbourne at 5:03 PM (arriving at Southern Cross at 7:39 PM).  For 2026 there were 1,034 Archibald Prize entries from which 59 were selected for judgement and display. A total of 42 per cent of Archibald finalists were painted by first-time nominees. From the remainder, the S. H. Ervin Gallery at The Rocks in Sydney selected works for an alternative display called the Salon Des Refusés, which has existed since 1992.   Archibald Prize 2026 is a timed-ticket exhibition, with entry at sixty-minute intervals on the hour until the last entry at 3pm. Adult entry is $24 (+47 cent fee), while Concession is $19 (+44 cent fee) (Humanitix system).  The Nomads booking will be scheduled for 2pm. BOOKING: by Thursday 15th October or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out on getting tickets for the gallery!  Entry Tickets: Purchase your ticket for 2pm on Saturday 17 October via Humanitix Archibald Tickets Nomads: To register for the walk and lunch, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: SAM Information Page | NSW Art Gallery - 2026 Archibald  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9:05am at Southern Cross Railway Station (for 09:16am departure) or at stations en route. We will travel in the front carriage. Check monitors for the allocated platform. Be wary of last-minute platform changes. MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station - Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/uoapb4qq1C4nSNYb6. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Shepparton 191 km, 2 hours 33 minutes by train or by car. TRANSPORT:  Train: Southern Cross Railway Station, meet at the train, first carriage, North Melbourne end. Check monitors for platform and be wary of any last-minute platform changes. Train Return: Return train leaves Shepparton at 5:03 PM for the trip back to Southern Cross. Car: via Hume Freeway (M31) onto the Goulburn Valley Highway (M39) to Shepparton. Park at or near station. Make way to main waiting area inside the Station. Meet train that arrives at 12:09 PM. FOOD: Pre gallery tour lunch (Seniors Meals available) at the GV Hotel Menu  223 High Street (corner of North Street).  Participants must register to join the group booking for this communal lunch. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Casual clothing, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, repellent and camera. COST: Shepparton Art Museum: Adult $24 | Concession $19 | Trains: Myki money, Mastercard or Visa - weekend caps apply at $4 full; concession at $2 and Seniors FREE. LEADER: Garry Oliver. | Email LeaderGarryO@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.

A walk from Spotswood to Williamstown Beach via the Bay Trail West.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate 12.2 km point to point walk walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We walk along Hall Street to the Westgate Bridge where we join the Stoney Creek Walk to the Yarra River which we then follow for 3 km to its mouth, and will be viewed from Greenwich Reserve. Continuing on, we arrive at Williamstown for our lunch stop. After lunch we go via Point Gellibrand to Williamstown Beach, with time for a swim and or refreshments. It is then a short walk to the station for our train home. BOOKING: By Friday 16th October. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Transport Victoria |  Customs House Hotel MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am near Spotswood Station in Hall Street near Hudsons Rd (level crossing).  MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/jKGccXiRzNYEMGLD8. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 10.2 km, approximately 18 minutes by train from Flinders Street Station. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch the 10am Werribee train from Flinders Street to Spotswood, arriving 10:18am. Return train from Williamstown Beach. Fares are at 1/2 price - myki money weekend daily cap is $4.00 + Seniors FREE. FOOD: If you would like something to eat or drink before the walk, plan to arrive 30 to 60 minutes earlier. There are several cafes along Hudsons Rd, Spotswood to choose from. Carry snacks and 1 to 2 litres of water. Lunch will be at the Customs House Hotel, Williamstown: See Menu, including seniors menu or BYO for lunch in Commonwealth Reserve, opposite the hotel. Please select the "Pub Lunch" or "BYO lunch" option when Getting Ticket. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Bathers if warm enough for a dip at Williamstown Beach. LEADER: Paul K | Email LeaderPaulK@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Please Note: This event will be rescheduled to Sunday 25th October if there is poor weather forecast for Saturday 24th October. This is a day event only. Please respect the wishes of the host that no provisions for overnight stay at the property will be made before or after the event. Enjoy a naturist day out, walking in the beautiful and spectacular country near Lancefield courtesy of one of our Nomads members who has a farm in the area. Meet at the farm for morning tea, coffee and refreshments before the hike. We are planning an optional BYO BBQ dinner for those wishing to extend their stay on the farm into the evening.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate 6-8 km circuit walk in quite hilly open country (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). Walking is on 4WD tracks, animal pads and through grassy paddocks. Please ensure that you are fit enough to hike 6-8 km up and down hills, and over sometimes rocky and slippery terrain. Please contact one of the event leaders if you have any concerns. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We will meet at the farm property. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available when you arrive. After introductions and the briefing for the day, the group will carpool about 3 km on good gravel and bitumen roads to the start of the walk on a neighbouring farm property. Clothes can be shed once we park the cars at the designated location on the neighbouring farm. We will walk for a while to build our appetites and then stop for lunch at a good spot with a view. After lunch, we continue our exploration of the picturesque farm and the spectacular rock boulder formations before returning to our cars to drive back to the farmhouse. There you can have tea, coffee, nibbles and a drink while enjoying the lovely open fire if the weather is cool before departing for home or staying on for the optional dinner. For those wishing to stay on, the optional BBQ dinner has been planned around 6pm. BYO meat and drinks and anything else you wish to contribute. Salads, bread, sauce, tea, coffee etc will be provided. The BBQ dinner is planned to wind up around 10:30pm. BOOKING: By Thursday 22nd October. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:45am at the farm, which is 14 km north of Lancefield. The exact address will be sent out on Friday 23rd October to all those who have registered by 11pm on Thursday 22nd October. Please do not arrive before 10:00am on the day, to give the host enough time to finish preparing for our arrival. MAP REFERENCE: Google maps goo.gl/maps/y5sn4nWk3PpjFjBVA (approx location).  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 82 km, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to drive. If you are returning home at dusk it is safer to drive at 60 km/h or less (between the farm and Lancefield and Kilmore-Lancefield Rd) and keep an eye out for wombats and kangaroos on the road when driving via that route. Please be alert to the possibility of wildlife on any of the country roads and drive accordingly. PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE WITH TRANSPORT: Public transport will only get you to Lancefield, 14 km short of the farm so is not a practical option. Anyone without transport to or from the property can seek the limited assistance of LeaderMichaelJ@nomads.org.au to co-ordinate a pick-up using the following procedure: 1   The person seeking a lift needs to email LeaderMichaelJ@nomads.org.au requesting assistance with transport. 2   The email is to contain the full name, mobile phone number and pick up suburb requested. 3   A person requesting a lift must agree that their full name, mobile phone number and pick up suburb be provided to all people registered to attend the event. 4   LeaderMichaelJ@nomads.org.au will email all participants as at the time of the request and provide full name, mobile phone number and pick up suburb for the person requesting a lift. 5   It is up to those who receive the email to decide if they will be prepared to provide a lift and make their own arrangements directly with the person who seeks a lift as per the provided details. 6   If no one contacts the person seeking a lift, then unless they are able to make other arrangements, they will be unable to attend the event. 7   There will be no other coordination of lifts provided by the event leaders. Please understand that we are extremely busy arranging other events and with life in general.  8   Anyone who has purchased a ticket but is unable to attend due to not having transport will be entitled to a refund of ticket cost. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and water for your day out in the country. If after the walk you'd like cheese, biscuits, nibbles and a drink other than tea or coffee, could you please bring a contribution. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunhat and sunscreen. Sunglasses could be useful. A warm top and beanie if there is a fresh breeze. If the day should unfortunately be a bit cool, feel free to put on clothes to keep yourself comfortable. Wear walking shoes or boots suitable for hiking on 4WD tracks, animal tracks and through the paddocks. As this is a naturist event, we ask that everyone brings a towel to sit when at the house. No bare bums on seats please. WEATHER REPORT: The nearest town to get an appropriate weather forecast is Pyalong, just north of the Great Dividing Range. LEADER: Jason T. and Michael J. | Email Jason on LeaderJasonT@nomads.org.au  or Michael on LeaderMichaelJ@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  

Short precis of the event, for example: A climb to the top of Babbington Hill in the Wombat State Forest, passing by a hidden reservoir and an historic mineral spring.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate 9.5 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Add a descriptive narrative here ... a few lines or a few paragraphs, as appropriate depending on the complexity of your event.  BOOKING: By Friday 11th November. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: If appropriate, add links to relevant online references. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am in the car park of the Radio Springs Hotel, 1 High St, Lyonville.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/AcrfAxJF7GPZj8Pt6.  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. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Provide public transport details, if public transport is an option. FOOD: Carry lunch, 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. LEADER: TBA. | 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  

** If your desired option is unavailable, please get a Waiting List ticket and indicate exactly what preferences you have. We currently have 1 Premium Queen bed (with ensuite, 2 others in the room) plus Standard Queen or Single beds available. (If you want a private room, you can book a Standard Queen + Standard Single). ** The event is a mixed social and bushwalking event, based on accommodation at Cosela Alpine Lodge and walks on the Bogong High Plains. We're hopeful of booking out the Cosela Alpine Club in Falls Creek for four nights over the 2026 Melbourne Cup weekend and will do day walks on the Bogong High Plains from that base.  Please select your bed preferences as an expression of interest. If everything goes to plan, on 1 or 2 September you'll be asked for payment once our booking of the lodge has been locked in. Once your payment is received, you will then have a firm booking and a commitment to attend. It will be first in best dressed, so be sure to get a waiting list ticket if all suitable bed spaces are booked.   GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Various. The walks will be selected based on the weather forecast plus the abilities and wishes of the attendees. It will also be possible to do easier self-guided walks closer to the Falls Creek village. WALK OPTIONS: There are a great number of walks available in this very special region. The walks actually selected will depend on the weather forecast plus the abilities and wishes of the attendees. The following links give some examples, but there are many available options: Victoria's High Country: The High Country - Walks around Bogong High Plains and Mountain Creek. AllTrails: Bogong High Plains Loop. AllTrails: Best Trails in Bogong. ACCOMMODATION: We have booked out the entire Cosela Alpine Lodge. The lodge is centrally located in the Falls Creek Village. (In winter it provides ski-in, ski-out access to the snow fields). The deal is for Friday + Saturday + Sunday + Monday nights (i.e. four nights). If not present for part of the period, you still need to pay for the full period.  There are two standards of accommodation: Standard Rooms (with shared bathrooms) and Premium Rooms (each with an ensuite bathroom). There will be a 20% surcharge for Premium Rooms. The cost for a queen bed is double the cost for a single bed/bunk. All attendees need to bring their own sheets, pillowcase and towel. The bed cost will depend on the number of attendees - the more attending, the cheaper the cost for everybody.  ESTIMATED BED COST: The actual cost will be calculated based on the number of attendees. We suggest you budget for the following approximate accommodation costs for the four nights: STANDARD Single Bed: $205 | PREMIUM Single Bed: $245 | STANDARD QUEEN bed: $410 | PREMIUM QUEEN bed: $490. In rooms with single beds, two beds can be pushed together to form a double bed.  The room quality varies somewhat. Rooms will be allocated on a best-available basis in the order that bookings are received (for the requested room type). Above Photo: Communal area in Cosela Lodge. The Lodge has room duties that need to be completed every day so the lodge is kept clean and tidy. So be prepared to clean bathrooms, vacuum, sweep and mop floors. Those that choose an ensuite room only need to clean their own bathroom before leaving.   BOOKING: To join this weekend you need to book ASAP by clicking Get Tickets. Payment will not be requested until closer to the date of the event. Places will be allocated in the order of registration. Cancellations within a month of the event will only receive a refund if somebody else is able to take your place. If you find the event is fully booked, please take out a free WAITING LIST ticket and you will be contacted (in the order of ticketing) if a bed becomes available. This event is not open to Visitors (but Visitors can take out a 1-month membership, cost $8, prior to booking).  Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. Booking Guide: When booking, you will be asked the following questions: Optional: Name of the PARTNER you wish to share a BED with? You will only be asked this if booking a Queen bed. Further details about what you want? You can use this free text field to make any special requests. For example, you might list the people, other than a named partner, who you wish to share your room with; or you might request a private room with your partner. Dietary Needs. You will be asked to select from the available options to assist with planning, so that attendees can be grouped into appropriate food teams. How are you travelling to the event? & My Suburb: Please select the appropriate option so that we can maximise car pooling. 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.   BRIEFING: A briefing will be given each day about the planned walks. FOOD & MEALS: There are very limited options for purchasing food in the Falls Creek Village in summer, so it is essential for us to bring all food and drink needs with us. Due to the limited kitchen space, the attendees will be divided into four teams, with each team providing a three-course meal on one of the four evenings. The ingredients for the evening meals will be organised collectively, but 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. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Arrival time is from 3pm Friday onwards at Cosela Alpine Lodge, 5 Snowgum Lane, Falls Creek. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/V7fBUEiNBb62. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 391 km, 4.5 hours. GETTING THERE: To drive from Melbourne, take the Hume Freeway (M31) to Wangaratta then the Great Alpine Road (B500), turning off to Mt Beauty. There are train/coach services from Melbourne to Mt Beauty, but in summer the options for getting from Mt Beauty up the mountain to Falls Creek are very limited.   LEADER: Les B. and Stephan C. | Email LeaderLesB@nomads.org.au or 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  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Junction Club in Moonee Ponds.  GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Nomads hold a social night each month, where members and guests can enjoy a meal, talk about upcoming events, compare notes on past activities and float ideas on events they would like to see run. Everyone is welcome to these monthly Nomads social evenings. Tuesday night is curry night - choose from 3 delicious curries each priced at $20, or see the Junction Club Menu (scroll down) for other options. They also have a seniors menu. BOOKING: By Sunday 8th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure whether you've booked already? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Junction Club, 740 Mount Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/VmZhjqUhFnbjMKWQ9. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take tram #59 (Flinders Street Station to Airport West) to stop 32. Alternatively, the Junction Club is a 640m walk from Moonee Ponds Station, on the Craigieburn line. LEADER: Paul K | Email LeaderPaulK@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  

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 12th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've booked already? Click View my bookings (log in required). FURTHER INFORMATION: Silvan Reservoir Park MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at Croydon Train Station, Railway Grove. Exact meetup points will be provided prior to the event by email.  MAP REFERENCE: 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: Catch the Belgrave line train departing Flinders Street Station at 8:46am, or Richmond at 8:59am, then change in Ringwood to the Lilydale line train that will be waiting on the other side of the platform, which will arrive in Croydon at 9:47am. 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

Nomads Financial Members are welcome to attend the November meeting of the committee of The Nomads Outdoors Group.  GRADE: Social. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Nomads committee holds four online meetings each year, generally on the third Monday in the months of February, May, August and November. The meetings are held online via Zoom, and Nomads Members are welcome to attend (though are not able to vote). A fifth committee meeting is held in person prior to the AGM (Annual General Meeting), which is usually held on the first Tuesday in May. Much of the business associated with running the club is performed via email throughout the year, but the committee meetings provide the opportunity for further discussion, and to formally adopt and record any decisions made within the previous quarter. BOOKING: By Sunday 15th November. To register click on Get Tickets. Only current full financial members of The Nomads are eligible to attend. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm online via Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to current committee members and to any members who register by the RSVP date. LEADER: Chris S. | Email LeaderChrisS@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Image designed by rawpixel.com / Freepik   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

This is an enjoyable walk through Bunyip State Park, about 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Melbourne. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3: Medium 11-12 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  Elevation gain is 470m.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is an enjoyable walk through Bunyip State Park. The trail features well-maintained, wide walking tracks with a few challenging sections, to the Four Brothers rock formation. Some of the tracks intersect with gravel roads used by cars. These trails are also used by horse riders and mountain bikers, and some sections cater to dirt bikes. No dogs allowed. BOOKING: By Friday 20th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at Mortimer Picnic Ground, Triangle Rd, Gembrook.  Note that this may change after preview, as I'm going to shorten it a little. MAP REFERENCE: Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/5jzjNbEH7MjG5eNw5. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots and dress according to the weather forecast.   LEADER: Richard C. | Email LeaderRichardC@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

** PLEASE NOTE: We have temporarily put a hold on joining this group - it's simply too big at present ** Do you enjoy cycling, and are you sometimes free on Fridays? You're welcome to join the Nomads Friday cyclists. ** See Archive - Friday Bike Rides for the upcoming Friday's cycling details (posted on Wednesday night). ** GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Rides are of varying length and difficulty, mostly in metro Melbourne, but sometimes in Regional Victoria. The typical distance is between 30 and 50 km, though there are usually options to either extend or shorten the ride. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Time off on Fridays? Join a small group of Nomads and friends for a leisurely cycle on trails around metro Melbourne, and occasionally into Regional Victoria. Emphasis is on the social aspect, not on breaking world speed records! All rides are designed to either start in central Melbourne, or to start and finish close to train stations. The rides usually start at around 10:30am to avoid needing to travel with bikes on trains in peak hour. We often meet in, or near, a cafe so you can have a coffee prior to starting the ride if you wish. We generally have lunch in a cafe or pub along the way, though occasionally you will need to bring a picnic lunch if there are no suitable options available - in that case the ride description will clearly indicate the need to BYO lunch. The upcoming ride details are usually posted on the prior Wednesday evening at the start of the Archive - Friday Bike Rides document, by which time the weather forecast for Friday is fairly reliable. That way, a ride can be chosen to suit the forecast, for example to keep the wind behind us as much as possible, and to ensure there are bailout train station options if there’s a likelihood of rain. If you have any additional enquiries or requests, email Alan Drummond on LeaderAland@nomads.org.au or phone 0415 771 220. If you're not sure if your bike fitness level will match, contact Alan to plan your first foray. BOOKING: Mailing List: To join the mailing list so that you receive an email (usually on Wednesday evening) about the upcoming Friday ride, click on Get Tickets in this event. Afterwards click the "+" to set the number of tickets to 1, click Checkout and follow the prompts to provide your contact details. You only need to do this once. If you decide in future that you don't wish to receive the weekly emails, please email LeaderAland@nomads.org.au to be taken off the mailing list. Riding: When you plan to ride, please put your name in a free cell of the Friday Attendees spreadsheet on the day prior (be sure to click out of the cell afterwards, so that your name gets automatically saved). If a blank cell has a coloured box around it, somebody else is currently entering their name in that cell, so select the next cell instead. Your first name plus the first letter of your surname will suffice. If having difficulty, just reply to the weekly email or email LeaderAland@nomads.org.au. COST: Free. Note that for most Nomads activities, visitors need to pay a small fee, but as an introductory offer that fee is waived for the monthly social nights and the Friday bike rides - a way for you to meet some club members and find out a little more about the club. After attending 5 or more rides, you will be asked to become a member though. FURTHER INFORMATION: Please see Cycling Tips for some things to consider prior to hopping on your bike. 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  

Join us for the popular annual Christmas BBQ beside the Yarra River in a tranquil, little-known park in Hawthorn.  GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join your friends on the banks of the Yarra River at Hawthorn for a pre-Christmas BBQ in lieu of our monthly indoors social evening. The venue is a secluded spot that is protected from wind and extreme sun. The reserve has four tables with bench seats and two BBQs. Water is on tap and a public toilet is located nearby on Creswick St. BOOKING: By Sunday 29th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: From 6:30pm at Yarra Bank Reserve, on the Hawthorn side of the Yarra River (“under” the Bridge Rd bridge).  MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/mjZWxZRLASy.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 5 km by car – enter the reserve via the corner of Creswick and Denham Streets, Hawthorn or else park in Creswick St. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Trams are best, to tram stop 23 - Hawthorn Bridge (aka Burwood Road / Church Street junction) via either route 48 (from Collins St) or route 75 (from Flinders St). Alternatively, it's a 15 minute walk in a westerly direction from Hawthorn Station, on the Lilydale, Belgrave and Alamein lines. FOOD: The Nomads will supply pre-meal nibbles plus bread and salads to accompany the main meal. You need to BYO your preferred main meal item for the BBQ. All beverages are BYO. A limited supply of disposable plates, cups and cutlery will be available. NOTE: single use plastic cutlery is no longer sold in Australia - thus - You are recommended to bring your preferred utensils. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Daylight saving will be active. Bring insect repellent plus a lightweight and waterproof jacket if showers are forecast. It is likely to turn cool once the sun sets. 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  

A challenging multiday backpack in the Victorian Alps. Only consider this if you have recently done similar overnight hikes. This is an expression of interest at this stage.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 5: Challenging 5-day (4 nights camping) overnight backpacking hike (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This challenging overnight backpacking hike in the Victorian Alps will incorporate Quartz Ridge, the Bogong High Plains and Ropers Hut, probably starting and finishing close to the Falls Creek Village. More details will be provided once I know who is interested..  BOOKING: ASAP. To register an expression of interest, click on Get Tickets. Even if uncertain that you can attend, please register and the event leader will contact you with further information. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Friday evening 4th Dec in Porpunkah. This means we can get a resonable start on Saturday. MAP REFERENCE: Google map Porpunkah.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 390 km, approximately 5 hours drive. FOOD | APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: All food for the period will need to be carried in your pack. A suggested packing list, including food requirements, will be sent to those who register. Weather conditions can vary significantly and rapidly in alpine regions, so you will need to be prepared for all possibile eventualities, including the potential for snow falls. LEADER: Roger H. | Email LeaderRogerH [at} thenomadsinc.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