Events

Follow the Yarra River from Federation Square to Victoria St, Abbotsford with an optional short extension to Collingwood. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate 10.8 km point to point walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: After meeting at Federation Square, we head off along the Birrarung Marr walk, formally Batman Avenue before the development of Federation Square. This shortly becomes the Main Yarra Trail and we will walk along the north bank of the Yarra River. There is also a Main Yarra Trail on the south bank that goes from St Kilda Rd to Burnley, where it crosses the river to join the north bank trail. These are shared paths with many cyclists using them. The first half of the walk mostly follows Citylink out to Burnley which is above the walking trail. Our lunch break will be at McConchie Reserve, with Herring Island across the river. After lunch we continue walking along Yarra Blvd for 3 km then a further 2.4 km on the walking trail. After-walk refreshments can be had at the Terminus Hotel or the Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre. (An optional 1.4 km walk to Collingwood Station can be done if we are early). BOOKING: By Friday 2nd October. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOTE: Daylight Saving starts on this day, clocks FORWARD 1 hour. FURTHER INFORMATION: Transport Victoria  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am, Birrarung Marr Walk, Federation Square at Princess Bridge.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/RnYiBebtJZmFgLfm7.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 400m, approximately 15 minutes.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch a train or tram to Federation Square, Swanston Street. Return to city by tram #12 or #109 (Train from Collingwood}. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. 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  

SORRY WALK IS FULL NOW.  Explore the enchanting Dandenongs on a 16.5 km hike starting from Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station and ending at Mt Dandenong Hotel, Olinda. This event is ideal training for the December overnight hike in Victorian Alps. It is not technically difficult, but we need to keep up 3-4 Km/hr to complete it. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 4: Medium to Hard 16.5 km point-to-point walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System), with public transport access at each end. There is quite a bit of climbing, and descending, on this walk, though there are no prolonged climbs. The total vertical climb is 967 m, and total descent is 588 m. The walk is expected to take at least 6 hours. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Is there a more enchanted forest than the Dandenongs? Tall mountain ash stretch to the sky whilst Gondwana ferns decorate the mossy gullies. With such Tolkien-like scenery, the bushwalker soon becomes convinced that pixies must surely live among the ferns. This hike follows little used trails from Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station to Mt Dandenong Hotel. Mainly on track, with the occasional wombat trail, the route has a total elevation gain of almost a kilometre. Thankfully, not all this elevation comes at once. Rather there's a little uphill, then a little downhill, and so it goes until you reach your destination. On the way there are several sights including One Tree Hill and the Doongalla Picnic Ground, set in an English garden next to an historic homestead. It's probably the most romantic picnic ground you can find. There's also a number of hillbillies who live on the route and if you're lucky to get one talking, you will be spun a yarn about the history of the area. From the end of the walk, a bus will take you back to the start (or to Croydon Station if you prefer) following a charming route that is worth the price of the Myki pass alone. On weekends buses leave hourly. First though, a refreshing beverage at the Mt Dandenong Hotel is strongly recommended.  BOOKING: By Friday 02 October. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: TrailHiking.com: The Dandenong's Pixie Waltz. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9:20am at Railway Ave, at the top of the exit ramp (northern) exit of the Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station (though an earlier start is being considered).  MAP REFERENCE: Google map (starting point): maps.app.goo.gl/H6PaBXCHQGG7dZMD7.  Route Map: TrailHiking.com Dandenongs Pixie Waltz DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 40 km, 1 hour 10 mins by train from Flinders Street Station.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT:  GETTING THERE: Take the Lilydale line train that departs from Flinders Street at 8:06am and change at Ringwood (on the other side of the platform) to the Belgrave line train, arriving in Upper Ferntree Gully at 9:15am. RETURNING: From the Mt Dandenong Hotel take a #688 bus from Ridge Rd/Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd (Olinda) to either Croydon or Belgrave, then catch a train back to the CBD. The bus stop for Upper Ferntree Gully is in front of the Mt Dandenong Hotel, and for Croydon is in front of Kelly's. Potential PT options: Olinda 3:55pm-5:27pm Flinders Street Station via Upper Ferntree Gully and Belgrave line Olinda 4:47pm-6:17pm Flinders Street Station via Croydon and Lilydale line Olinda 4:59pm-6:27pm Flinders Street Station via Upper Ferntree Gully and Belgrave line Olinda 5:45pm-7:17pm Flinders Street Station via Croydon and Lilydale line Olinda 5:54pm-7:36pm Flinders Street Station via Upper Ferntree Gully FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and two litres of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. The Dandenongs are generally cooler than central Melbourne, but you won't be! Wear layers that can easily be added or removed. Bring a waterproof layer if there's any chance of rain. LEADER: RogerH. | 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  

A warm invitation to join Wayne and Bryan on their (pretty) regular fortnightly Sunday morning ride from Kooyong to Hampton (and sometimes Mordialloc). As we are preparing for Round The Bay on Oct 18, we will probaly ride to the Chain of Fools cafe (68 Beach Road Mentone) for a coffee and snack, then ride back home. There are plenty of stations along the way for bail out options.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Ride distance is approx 34 km from Kooyong to Hampton station. 48 km if you ride to Mordialloc. You add on your ride distance to home - or you catch the train back from Hampton or Mordy.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is a 'working-on-our-riding-fitness' ride. We do it every second Sunday morning - more or less. We begin at Kooyong Tennis Stadium at 7.25am and take Gardiners Creek Trail into the city. You are free to join at several points along the way. Kooyong (7.25am); Birrarung Marr Walk (7.50am); Port Melbourne Beach (8.40am). We ride the same route each time. We pick up Gardiners Creek at Glenferrie Road and ride to Birrarung Marr Walk, then through Southbank onto Lorimer Street - Westgate Park to Port Melbourne, Beaconsfield Parade to St Kilda and Beach Road to Hampton. We ride on trails, on quiet roads and a choice of bike path or road from Port Melbourne to Hampton. For the Beach Road section, riders choose whichever option (bike path or road) they are most comfortable with. At Hampton we stop for coffee - right next to Hampton station. We don't stop much on the ride apart from road crossings at lights and a toilet stop in Westgate Park. Oh Yeah :) We ride at a steady pace. We surge a bit down Lorimer Street. We take it carefully on Beach Road or bike paths where there are other forms of traffic (runners/ walkers/cyclists/cars etc). Coffee in Hampton is for about 30 mins, then we move on. Post-coffee choices are to ride onto Mordy, head home on your bike or catch the train. It's a morning ride and we aim to be back home by 11.00 - 11.30am. The rest of the day is yours and you're feeling great, having done a beautiful Sunday morning Melbourne ride.  BOOKING: We communicate via SMS if required, such as - "it's raining we're not going" or "good weather - we're on!". This generally happens on the morning of the ride. Early. Around 6.30am. Check your messages before you leave home. If you are keen to join this ride email Bryan and we can exchange numbers for communication purposes. Proposed ride dates at this stage are 12 & 26 July; 23 & 30 August; 13 September. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Gardiner's Creek( next to Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club) at 7.25am. Birrarung Marr Walk at 7.50am. Port Melbourne Roundabout at 8.40am. All meeting times are sharp! MAP REFERENCE: Google map of the route: Kooyong Tennis Centre - Fed Square - Westgate Park - Hampton - Mordialloc. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The ride interlinks with trains at Flinders Street, Hampton and Mordialloc stations. FOOD: Water, rain gear, tube/pump, phone, helmet, glasses, $ for coffee/muffin APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Your riding gear. You know the drill.  LEADER: Bryan S. | Email Bryan on LeaderBryanS@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  

NO FURTHER TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE. Join us for a fun evening of nude 10 pin bowling at a location in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. We have hired the entire venue. The event is open to Nomads members and visitors. Ticket holders will receive address details of the venue by Wednesday 30th September 2026. Location given is approximate. We are only able to share the venue details, including the suburb, with confirmed ticket holders. Participants are not permitted to share the venue name or location with anyone. Please leave that to the organisers. SUPPER AT BOWLING VENUE: We are planning a bring-and-share supper in the room next to the bowling alley. This has been popular during previous similar events.  FOOD: Everyone is requested to bring a plate of food to share for supper. If you bring food that needs to be heated, please be aware that we only have access to a pie warmer. Please do not bring food on non-reusable plastic plates as these are not allowed at this type of event. It would be appreciated if everyone could bring your own cold drinks. Free tea and coffee will be provided. You may bring your own non-alcoholic drinks to the venue to sip on between bowls in the carpeted area behind the bowling lanes. Alcoholic drinks for personal consumption are only permitted in the large supper room adjoining the bowling area. No drinks of any type are to be taken into the bowling lane area. Also, for safety, no glass is permitted in the area of the venue where we are bowling. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We will meet out the front of the venue at 7.30pm if the weather is fine, or inside the foyer if it is raining. Please do not block the entrance, as other patrons may be leaving the building. We would ask that everyone is respectful of the venue staff, who are assisting us to make this event happen. Facemasks are not required to be worn but you are free to wear mask if you would prefer or need to. Hand sanitiser will be provided. Once introductions are completed, we will proceed to the bowling area. When advised by the Leader, everyone may then undress. All clothes can be left at the rear of the bowling alley. You may wish to bring a small bag for your clothes. There should be no problem with security, but we recommend that you do not bring valuables into the venue, as we are unable to take responsibility for any losses. The time allocated for bowling, presentation of prizes and supper is 8pm until 10pm. Bowling shoes will be provided for all. You will each be able to select a suitable bowling ball to use during the evening, and then can join in with others at any one of the lanes. Do not worry if you are on your own, we will ensure that everyone finds a friendly group to bowl with. You do not need to be experienced in 10 pin bowling. This is all about having fun with like minded people. Depending on the number of bowlers at each lane, you can typically expect to complete up to two games. There will be a small competition with prizes which will be awarded based on the individual scores of the first game. Once everyone has finished the first game, we will stop for presentation of prizes, and to share supper together. ACTIVITIES AFTER THE PRESENTATIONS: Once presentations have been made, you are free to continue with supper and talking to people, you may return to bowling, or for a fee of $8.50 payable at the front desk, you can have a swim in one of the indoor heated swimming pools on site. It would be appreciated if everyone could promptly depart the venue at 10pm. We would welcome the assistance of a few people to help the organisers with packing up after the night. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: 10 pin bowling is a relatively safe activity. However, we have had a number of injuries during past events. A safety briefing will be provided prior to the event. No one is to handle bowling balls enless wearing footwear with a covered in toe (no bare feet). A bowling safety line, also known as a foul line, separates the safe walk up approach from the extremely slippery, oil treated bowling lane. No one is to step onto or past the foul line. Select a bowling ball which is not too heavy and which has holes large enough to easily release the ball. This is to prevent injuries to the fingers or wrist. Never reach into the ball return when a ball is approaching.  PHOTOGRAPHY: In order to maintain everyone's privacy, please note that no photographs will be permitted except as advised by the Leader on the night. Phones are not to be used during the evening, and we thank you for assisting us with this. Please see the Leader, Michael, if you have any concerns. BOOKING: By 4pm on Wednesday 30th September 2026. To register, click on Get Tickets. Tickets will cost $38 for Nomads members and $43 for everyone else. We ask you to consider booking prior to 1pm on Wednesday 9th September, as if we do not have enough people booked by that time to cover the hire cost of the venue, then we may need to cancel the event and refund everyone who had purchased a ticket. NO REFUNDS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR TICKETS PURCHASED AFTER 1PM ON WEDNESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2026, as per the advice listed with the ticket conditions. The only exception will be if the event is cancelled by the Event Leader.  Tickets may sell out for this event, so book early. The last time that we ran this event, it was a sell out. Tickets will be allocated on a "first come, first served" basis. No tickets will be available for purchase at the venue. Ticket prices for this event are set at a rate required to cover the necessary cost of hire of the entire venue. Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7.30pm at the entrance to the venue, ticket holders will receive address details by Wednesday 30th September 2026. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 20-25 km, approximately 30 minutes to drive, or 1 hour 20 minutes by public transport and walking. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The venue is accessible by public transport. Approx 50min train journey from Flinders Street railway station, followed by a 30min walk. More precise public transport details will be provided to ticket holders by Wednesday 30th September 2026. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: This is a naturist event, not clothing optional, so everyone is asked to be naked while bowling. The only exception is for women during their periods, who may wear a bikini bottom or similar. Bowling shoes will be provided and must be worn. Please bring your own towel to sit on for hygiene reasons. No bare bums on any seats out of respect for the venue. LEADER: Michael J. | Email the Leader 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 delightful ramble on boardwalks and paths along the Hastings foreshore, through unrivalled coastal wetlands, including mangroves.  Note to future leaders: If this event is repeated in future, an enjoyable way to finish the walk (time permitting), is for people to optionally board the 3:21pm Stony Point service in Hastings (arriving in Stony Point at 3:41pm), then return to Frankston from Stony Point on the service departing at 4:05pm. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3: Moderate 11 km, out-and-back walk, almost entirely on off-road paths and board walks, with no hills (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a relaxing day out on the Westernport coast, in this public transport-accessed event, walking along coastal tracks and board walks around Hastings. Travel via Metro train or car to Frankston, from where the group will catch the #782 bus to the northern outskirts of Hastings to begin the walk. You can also drive to Hastings and park near the bus stop on the corner of Thornhill St and Marine Parade ready to join the walk that starts from there at 10:40am. (The bus stop is beside the Babington Park Playground, which has tables and benches, and barbecues, but no toilets. There are plenty of trees and bushes nearby though). From the bus stop on the corner of Thornhill St and Marine Parade, we walk via paths and boardwalks to the Westernport Marina. From there we continue through open parklands then the Bittern Coastal Wetlands Boardwalk through woodlands and coastal marshes all the way to Jacks Beach. We'll have lunch at Jacks Beach, nestled amongst the trees, and right on the coast.  After lunch we retrace our steps to the Westernport Marina via the boardwalk. For further details see Hastings Boardwalks Walk. In Hastings there should be plenty of time for refreshments at the Westernport Hotel, prior to heading to Hastings Station to catch the 4:16pm V/Line train back to Frankston, or there are #782 bus departures from King St (close to the pub) at 2:43pm, 3:48pm or 4:43pm. If you parked near the start of the walk, it's an easy 1.5 km walk from the pub back to your car. From Frankston, there are Metro trains every 10 minutes at that time of day to return towards Flinders Street Station. BOOKING: By Friday 25th September. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: VisitMorningtonPeninsula.org: Warringine Park. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at Bus Bay B, Young Street, Frankston (in front of the Frankston Station, opposite the 7-Eleven store), to catch the #782 bus that departs at 10:09am. You could also meet the group at 10:40am in Hastings at the bus #782 Thornhill St/Marine Pde bus stop (near Babington Park Playground). MAP REFERENCE: Frankston Station Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/WXmQiYc9rKSpWmpC8 PUBLIC TRANSPORT: This walk is designed to be accessed via public transport. You can travel via Metro train to Frankston Station (or drive and park at Frankston Station or near Babington Park Playground in Hastings, opposite the intersection of Thornhill St and Marine Parade). Flinders Street-Frankston: The Frankston line train that departs Flinders Street Station at 8:47am should arrive in Frankston at 9:51am (grab a quick coffee while waiting to depart at 10:09 on the bus). Frankston-Hastings: Take the #782 bus that departs from Bus Bay B at 10:09am and alight at Thornhill St/Marine Parade at 10:40am. Hastings-Frankston: Catch the Stony Point V/Line train that departs from Hastings at 4:16pm, arriving in Frankston at 4:42pm. (You could alternatively catch the #782 bus at 2:43pm, 3:48pm or 4:43pm). Frankston-Flinders Street: departures every 10 minutes. Cost: This is a Myki zone 1-2 fare, which on weekends is capped at $4 full, $2 concession, free for Seniors. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots and dress according to the weather forecast.   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  

A beautiful bushwalk in the east of Melbourne, just past Warrandyte. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Easy-Moderate ~8 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is a superb walk with a lot of wildlife, and elevation that provides gorgeous views of the Yarra River. The track winds its way through the untouched bush in Warrandyte State Park, with sections where horses frequent, narrowing to a single track where you will need to walk single file. Sections of the track can be unsteady underfoot in terms of loose rock and there is a short section (5-10m) where you have to climb up a large boulder. It's recommended to wear appropriate flat shoes with enough grip. No dogs allowed. BOOKING: By Friday 18th September. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at the Yarra Store (Warrandyte Stonehouse Cafe) in Ringwood-Warrandyte Rd. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Train to Ringwood, then bus #364 to Mullens Rd/Yarra St. Bus 906 (King St, City) to Warrandyte Bridge, then 13 minute walk or take bus #364 to Mullens Rd/Yarra St. MAP REFERENCE: Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/rc74DDn7AgfWQZnM9 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