Enjoy Inner Melbourne from a different perspective. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy point-to-point 8 km walk on sealed and packed gravel surfaces, with no real hills. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The proposed route for the 2024 Midsumma community walk is from the Carlton Football Ground (tram route #19) to the Botanic Gardens (lots of public transport exit options) via Melbourne Cemetery, Carlton Gardens, Treasury/Fitzroy Gardens, Yarra Park and via Goschs Paddock into the Botanic Gardens. The walk will include checking out major buildings along the route - such as the Exhibition Building, Eastern Hill Fire Station, etc. BOOKING: By Friday 26th January. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am near city-bound tram #19 stop 16 on the corner of Walker Street and Royal Parade. This is outside the Carlton Football Club, Ikon Park, 400 Royal Parade, Carlton North. There is parking available, but public transport is recommended to get to the starting point, otherwise you'll need to use public transport to return to your car after the walk. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 29 grid G12 | Google map   maps.app.goo.gl/814zzg2PZaK8pSE57  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram #19 to stop 16 (Walker St/Royal Pde, also referred to as Visy Park/Royal Pde). The #19 tram that departs from the terminus at the corner of Flinders St and Elizabeth St at 10:07am is scheduled to arrive at stop 16 at 10:23am. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.  LEADER: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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 casual picnic on 26 January on the property of a Macclesfield member, which includes a swimming pool, expansive outdoor picnic area, historic features and some delightful walking trails. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Social - picnic with optional camp out overnight at "Blanchfields", a private home overlooking the Yarra Valley.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We are very privileged to be invited to a picnic in the private and beautiful gardens of the home of member Robert A. It is a rural property with a large garden of exotic trees and shrubs, grasslands and some bushlands overlooking the Yarra Valley. Robert has also invited guests to stay the night after the day of revelry if you wish. You are welcome to set up your tents or trailers in the gardens and leave the next day. In that case, Robert will direct you where you can set up camp. The event starts from midday onwards. There are a limited number of chairs and tables as well as a toilet and bathroom for use. Note – this is not a barbeque. Fires are not allowed in a high fire danger area. Enjoy the swimming pool and stay over in your tent or camper if you wish. There will be access to the oven/stove if anything needs cooking or heating up. Plus, the vegetable garden should be in full production if we need additional ingredients. Updates will follow closer to the date. There will be a short walk around the property later in the afternoon. BOOKING: by Tuesday 23rd January. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: From midday onwards at the private home of member Robert A., located in Macclesfield (past Emerald). Address will be forwarded once you have booked a ticket. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X912 grid R4 | Google map goo.gl/maps/KBZiiJpW2uj. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 1 hour – about 60 km. TRANSPORT: No public transport. Travel by car and carpool with someone else if you can. Take the Monash or Eastlink Freeway and exit at Wellington Rd then continue to Macclesfield. The full address and travelling directions will be provided to you upon receipt of your RSVP. FOOD: Bring your own food and drink. For those staying the night, there will be shared drinks, nibbles and meal on the deck at sunset. Until we know how many will be taking part, let’s just call it a “potluck dinner”, any contributions gratefully received. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Bring your own hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Dress according to the weather forecast. LEADER: Robert A. | Email LeaderRobertA.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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  

This event is now fully booked with 34 walkers registered as at 12 noon Friday 19th Jan, and bookings have now closed. The next naturist hike is scheduled for Sun 18th Feb to Carrolls Spring and the Upper Werribee River. We are meeting in Ballan. Also there are also two naturist beach days scheduled in early February. ____________________________ A medium (sometimes hard) grade naturist walk through a remote and spectacular gorge north of Melbourne following along the banks of a significant creek. We will stop for a relaxed lunch and swimming breaks at some pleasant waterholes. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: A medium to hard grade walk including a couple of moderate climbs. It is approximately 6 km in length. For quite a bit of the walk there is a small track through the gorge. At other times we are stepping across bluestone river rocks. There are 4 creek crossings where we will use wooden poles to assist us. The walk to the top of the valley is a rarely used 4WD track and along the top of the escarpment is quite a nice kangaroo pad. Approximately 3 hours walking time plus 1.25 hrs lunch and swim stops.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This walk is for naturists. Stroll down to the valley of Deep Creek and view the spectacular rock walls along the side of this valley. It is in an unexpectedly remote area of the countryside and appears not to have been visited by anyone for a very long time. The waterholes are wonderful, deep with crystal clear water and they appear to last well until the end of summer! Deep Creek is one of the main tributaries to the Maribyrnong River. Along the river course are beautifully large and shady river red gums. Enjoy the atmosphere in this relatively unknown ravine. A good chance you'll see a kangaroo or two as well. Back at the cars by 4pm approx. This spot is 20 minutes (18 km) from Wallan. BOOKING: Preferably by Wednesday 17th January. However these events are often booked out a week in advance. So if you'd like to come along, book early. It's much easier to cancel if you can't come, than be waiting on a Waitlist. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am for a morning coffee and catch up at Open House Cafe, Shop 4/51 High St, Wallan. Hopefully there is enough parking in front of the shop. If not you can park across the road in the carpark for the reserve. The cafe is quite large and offers a good breakfast menu. Arrive early if you'd like some, so that you have time to enjoy it.  10.45am. The day's briefing and car pooling arrangements outside the shop. From the cafe to the start of the walk is 18km which will take 20 mins to drive. The exact location in Chintin will be emailed to attendees 2 days before the event. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 646 grid A10 | VicRoads map 60 grid H8 and map 638 grid D8 | Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/F1H8ss7jrN4vGD4n9 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 60 km, 1 hour. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is no suitable public transport to our meeting place on Sunday mornings. Please contact the leader Russell at least 3 days before the event so that we can arrange a lift from Melbourne for you. You can email Russell on LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com Transport back to Melbourne should be no problem as many cars are coming back at various times. AFTER-WALK REFRESHMENTS: For those who would like some cool drinks, coffee or snacks after the walk we will be returning to a Wallan cafe, Vento Cafe Bar & Restaurant. It's in the Shopping Centre at 81 - 89 High St Wallan. It's on the southern end (Melbourne end) of the shopping Centre, and on your right hand side as you enter the main doors of the Shopping Centre. If you're in the mood you can stay on for dinner. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat, dark glasses, comfortable walking boots/shoes, towel to dry off after swimming/paddling. Shorts or similar could be required when we walk from the cars 1/2 km to the gorge. FOOD: Carry lunch and snacks. Most people take at least 600ml to 1 litre of water, though some people need more, especially if the weather is hot. COST: Nomads financial members free, non-financial members $5. LEADER: Russell W. | Email LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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 circuit walk east of Melbourne. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium 7 km circuit walk. Total rise 270m. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Explore this 7 km loop trail near Warburton, Victoria. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This mixes together sections of various routes to create a loop that circles around Warburton. A great sampler of some routes which are much longer. Super steep start up a section of the Donna Buang Trail. Then along a section of the Aqueduct trail to Donna Buang Road, then back down towards the village along the Yarra River bank. The Yarra Ranges is home to the world's tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash, which towers over lush tree ferns and mossy Myrtle Beech. The track can get muddy after the rain, so be sure to set out with good footwear if there's been recent rainfall.  BOOKING: By Friday 12th January. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:15am at Warburton Bakery, 3415 Warburton Highway, Warburton. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: 9:06am Lilydale train from Flinders St Station to Lilydale 10:15am, then bus #683 at 10:22am, arriving at Warburton at 11:08am.  We'll organise a lift back to Lilydale or other suitable station. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 290 grid B4 | Google map goo.gl/maps/63zB7PpYQEzBbJ6b9. 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.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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 relaxed day out at the Somers naturist beach. PLEASE NOTE: Running naturist outdoor events near Melbourne, Victoria can be quite risky weatherwise. Should we not get a pleasant warm, sunny day on Sat 13th Jan the event will be postponed to a later date. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 7 km circuit walk. It is a pleasant 3.5 km walk along the beach from the car park in Somers towards Sandy Point to a good setup place in the sand dunes. The sand is fairly firm. Walking time is generally about 55 minutes to the setup place. Most of the beach walk can be done minus clothes once we get past the local dog walkers close to Somers. Of course it is another approx 3.5 km back to the cars at the end of the day.   ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is for naturists. Enjoy a pleasant relaxing beach day - walk, swim and sunbake with other fellow naturists. After the beach we have been invited to a men's naturist drinks at a fellow nudist's residence in Bittern, 10 minutes drive away.  (Apologies, the afternoon tea is a men's-only gathering). BOOKING: By Thursday 11th January. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10.30am in the car park at 121 Miramar Rd, Somers. There is no cafe near the meeting place sorry, you will need to bring your coffee with you. (You can get coffee in Bittern at Remuce Cafe or the Bittern Bakery and Cafe).  We plan to depart from the car park for the beach at about 11am. If you should miss us, or wish to come at a different time, walk to the side of the car park nearest the beach and go down the steep steps to the beach. At the bottom of the stairs turn left and walk for about 55 minutes and you should find our camp. Food Drop off in the Morning: If you'd like to drop off food before you come to the beach, you may drop it at the house in Bittern between 9.45am and 10.15am. The house is 1 hour 20 minutes, and 82 km from Melbourne - a long way! Make sure you plan your time. From the house to the meeting place it is a 10 minute drive. Address of the Afternoon Tea House: This will be emailed to all those who have booked by 10pm on Thursday 11th January. It will also be given out on the beach day.  TIDE FORECAST: Best suited to our needs Low 10.30am 1.7 - 1.8mt- High 3:30pm 2.3- 2.4mt. The tide may be getting up when we leave from the carpark for the beach starting to getting lower when we leave the beach to come back in the afternoon. (For those who haven't been to Somers, it can be quite difficult to climb over the fallen trees on the beach if high tide is fully up. On this occasion we are not at max tides). MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 194 grid F11 | Google map goo.gl/maps/6AUdGMw3E9BwtP38A.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 86 km, about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 mins depending on which route you take. FOOD: FOOD and BEVERAGES for the BEACH DAY: Carry lunch, water and any other food/drinks you may like for the beach day. FOOD and DRINKS for the AFTERNOON: Please bring some food to share for afternoon at the Bittern residence after the beach day. Tea and coffee will be provided. Bring cold drinks if you would prefer those. APPAREL: Sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, footwear if the sand is hot. Shorts required to get from car park to the naturist beach. EQUIPMENT: Towel. A picnic blanket with plastic backing or a large plastic sheet is handy, because in some places the grass seeds stick tightly to your towel and are very hard to get out. You may wish to bring a sun shelter. The tea tree provides quite good, but not complete, shade cover. Sporting equipment such as a frisbee, tennis ball, larger ball, small cricket bat etc. could be fun. LEADER: Peter H. | Email LeaderPeterH.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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 quarterly planning night, in conjunction with the regular monthly social night - this month at the Mt View Hotel. 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. At the quarterly planning meetings, in addition to the monthly social activities the draft program, which will have been prepared via a Zoom pre-planning meeting the previous night, is presented so attendees can make suggestions or fill in any gaps. Do you want to see more of a particular activity, or do you have a particularly favourite area of Victoria you would like to share with others? Do you have an idea for something apart from the regular walks? We'd love to hear from you. Everyone is welcome – you don't have to volunteer for an activity. New members are especially invited to this, or any of the monthly Nomads social evenings. We'll meet in the rooftop bar, which has great views of the CBD skyline. See mtviewhotel.com.au for further details and the menu.  BOOKING: By Monday 8th January. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm | Mt View Hotel, 68-70 Bridge Rd, Richmond - Rooftop Bar. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2G grid H6 | Google map goo.gl/maps/E7uvkw4KKwaVTD5w5. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram #48 (via Collins St) or #75 (via Flinders St) to stop 15. LEADER: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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 Autumn program of events - online via Zoom. GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The bulk of the planning for the upcoming Autumn 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 8th January. 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 - see tab Autumn 2024 Draft Program. You can 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: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO SAT 20TH JAN, BECAUSE OF HEAVY RAIN FORECAST FOR SUN 7TH JAN. The event on Sun 7th Jan was fully booked. However there are now vacancies for the new date on Sat 20th Jan. _______________________________ A medium grade naturist walk through a remote and spectacular gorge north of Melbourne following along the banks of a significant creek. We will stop for a relaxed lunch and swimming breaks at some pleasant waterholes. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: A medium grade walk including a couple of moderate climbs and four creek crossings on large river stones. It is approximately 6 km in length. For quite a bit of the walk there is a small track through the gorge. At other times we are stepping across bluestone river rocks. The walk to the top of the valley is a rarely used 4WD track and along the top of the escarpment is quite a nice kangaroo pad. Approximately 3 hours walking time plus 1.25 hrs lunch and swim stops.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This walk is for naturists. Stroll down to the valley of Deep Creek and view the spectacular rock walls along the side of this valley. It is in an unexpectedly remote area of the countryside and appears not to have been visited by anyone for a very long time. The waterholes are wonderful, deep with crystal clear water and they appear to last well until the end of summer! Deep Creek is one of the main tributaries to the Maribyrnong River. Along the river course are beautifully large and shady river red gums. Enjoy the atmosphere in this relatively unknown ravine. A good chance you'll see a kangaroo or two as well. Back at the cars by 4pm approx. This spot is 20 minutes (18 km) from Wallan. BOOKING: Preferably by Wednesday 17th January. However these events are often booked out a week in advance. So if you'd like to come along, book early. It's much easier to cancel if you can't come, than be waiting on a Waitlist. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am for a morning coffee and catch up at Open House Cafe, Shop 4/51 High St, Wallan. Hopefully there is enough parking in front of the shop. If not you can park across the road in the carpark for the reserve. The cafe is quite large and offers a good breakfast menu. Arrive early if you'd like some, so that you have time to enjoy it.  10.45am. The day's briefing and car pooling arrangements outside the shop. From the cafe to the start of the walk is 18km which will take 20 mins to drive. The exact location in Chintin will be emailed to attendees 2 days before the event. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 646 grid A10 | VicRoads map 60 grid H8 and map 638 grid D8 | Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/F1H8ss7jrN4vGD4n9 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 60 km, 1 hour. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is no suitable public transport to our meeting place on Sunday mornings. Please contact the leader Russell at least 3 days before the event so that we can arrange a lift from Melbourne for you. You can email Russell on LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com Transport back to Melbourne should be no problem as many cars are coming back at various times. AFTER-WALK REFRESHMENTS: For those who would like some cool drinks, coffee or snacks after the walk we will be returning to a Wallan cafe, Vento Cafe Bar & Restaurant. It's in the Shopping Centre at 81 - 89 High St Wallan. It's on the southern end (Melbourne end) of the shopping Centre, and on your right hand side as you enter the main doors of the Shopping Centre. If you're in the mood you can stay on for dinner. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat, dark glasses, comfortable walking boots/shoes, towel to dry off after swimming/paddling. Shorts or similar could be required when we walk from the cars 1/2 km to the gorge. FOOD: Carry lunch and snacks. Most people take at least 600ml to 1 litre of water, though some people need more, especially if the weather is hot. COST: Nomads financial members free, non-financial members $5. LEADER: Russell W. | Email LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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 leisurely picnic and explore one of Inner Melbourne's hidden treasures - Wattle Park; located in the traditional country of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Picnic and short walk around the multi purpose Wattle Park. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The part heritage-listed Wattle Park is managed by Parks Victoria. The park is a great place for a picnic, a leisurely walk or just to relax in a tranquil bushland setting. The (then) Hawthorn Tramway Trust purchased 56 hectares from Mrs Eliza Welch (of Ball & Welch fame) on the condition by the seller it be used as public space. The Trust saw it as a way to increase tram patronage. The park has been the venue for monthly recitals by the Melbourne Tramways Band. The Park is in the later stages of major upgrade works to refresh the spaces and activities that can be undertaken. The gathering space is north-east of the Lone Pine Loop Car Park at the end of Monsborough Drive. There are BBQs. Access to the shelters is on a 1st-come basis. NOTE: this is not a grassed or paved area, thus "stilettos" or similar footwear are not suitable - LOL. BOOKING: By Saturday 31st December. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/wattle-park   wikipedia.org/wiki/Wattle_Park,_Melbourne MEETING TIME | LOCATION: From 12 Noon.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 60 grid J2 | Google map goo.gl/yUGVKzBjaHf4dr5o9.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 14 km, 40 minutes via Camberwell Junction and 350 metres from the intersection with Warrigal Road. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch a #70 Tram that travels along Swan Street Richmond and Riversdale Road Hawthorn and Camberwell. Exit the tram at stop #58 opposite the Monsborough Drive entrance to the park. Capped fares apply on public holidays if using myki money (currently $7:20 Full or $3.60 Concession/Seniors BUT could increase on 1 January 2024). FOOD: Bring your picnic lunch, snacks and drinks. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. A picnic rug and/or folding chair could be very useful as the Park only has "backless" seats. LEADER: Garry Oliver. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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 the Nomads Friday cycling group for their last ride of 2023. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate cycling tour of approximately 20 km, with the wind mostly behind us! There will be options to shorten the ride (by exiting at a train station), or lengthening it if you wish. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The group rides every Friday, but on this occasion the route has been specially designed to accommodate people who don't cycle regularly. You will still need to be a competent cyclist though, and able to ride at least 20 km at a gentle pace. The route will pass a number of train stations, so that in the unlikely event you're finding the going a bit tough, you'll be able to exit the ride a little early.  From Fed Square we'll cycle to the MCG then head northwards via on-road cycling paths to get to the Merri Creek Trail, which we'll follow to the Coburg Lakes. From there it's a short on-road hop to our lunch spot, The Boot Factory, 1/19 Pentridge Boulevard, within the former Pentridge Prison complex. After lunch you can exit the ride from the nearby Coburg Station, or ride with the group back towards the CBD via the Upfield Trail, which runs beside the Upfield railway line.   BOOKING: By Thursday 28th December. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10.30am at the bike hoops on Birrarung Marr, beside Federation Square. (The photo is taken at the meeting point). The bike hoops are located on Birrarung Marr, between Swanston Street and the MCG and between the river and the Federation Square Car Park. This is on the intermediate level - not the path right beside the river, and not the level of the main part of Federation Square. If you'd like a coffee, please get one (e.g. from Flinders Street Station) on your way to the meeting point.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 1B grid Q12 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/TjoPrdVDsuSDGjzV6.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take any line to Flinders Street Station. FOOD: Carry snacks if you wish and a litre of water. Lunch will be purchased at The Boot Factory in Coburg. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable attire for the weather forecast, in addition to your bike and helmet. A spare bike tube is advisable. LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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  

An easy walk in the Fishermans Bend area of Melbourne. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 7 km point to point walk. The track is flat - just what you need at Christmas. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Westgate Park is a green oasis located under the Westgate Bridge in the heart of industrial Melbourne, part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Bunurong People. The lake in the centre of the park turns a vibrant pink when conditions are right. Roughly once a year, when there is a long enough dry spell, the water from the lake evaporates enough to change from really salty to really, really, really salty, and the algae puts on its pink sunglasses to survive the extreme conditions. Hopefully we'll time it right. As soon as the rain comes and dilutes the water, or the weather gets cold and overcast, the pink colour disappears as the algae stops producing the pink carotenoids. See parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/westgate-park. We'll take the unsealed trails in Westgate Park around the lakes and wetlands to see the park’s plants and animals, as well as the Earth Series Sculptures. These artworks by Lyn Moore are made from natural materials and add to the unique landscape and character of Westgate Park.  After Westgate Park, we'll do a short detour to see the Yarra River/Spotswood Punt, then wend down to the beach in Beacon Cove, finishing at Port Melbourne to take the #109 tram home. BOOKING: By Friday 15th December. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:00am at the Fishermens Bend/Wharf Road bus stop. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus #235, from Southern Cross Station (Collins St) 10:40am, arriving at Fishermans Bend (end of the line) at 10:57am.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 42 grid E12  | Google map goo.gl/DYt32YW1U1qqenEFA. FOOD: As this is a short walk, we'll not have lunch en-route, but at the end at Port Melbourne Beach.  Bring your own, or buy locally.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots and dress according to the weather forecast.  Maybe bring your swimming gear too.  LEADER: Richard C. | Email LeaderRichardC.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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  

An urban country walk in and near Bendigo.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 14.5 km point to point walk on some flat bitumen and concrete paths in Bendigo but gravel on the O'Keefe Rail Trail.   ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: After meeting at Peppercorn Park, which is the former Longlea Railway Station site, we will car pool the 20 minute drive into Bendigo to Lake Weeroona where we will commence walking the long way around the lake. Joining the Bendigo Creek Trail for a short distance, we turn off onto the O'Keefe Rail Trail and pass the North Bendigo Railway Workshops site and stop for lunch at the Strathfieldsaye Railway Station site. After lunch, we walk the last 7 km to Longlea, crossing the 60 metre long Axe Creek Bridge just before we arrive. There are a couple of options for an after-walk drink. BOOKING: By Friday 8th December. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/About/Document-Library/okeefe-rail-trail-map-pdf MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 1030am at Peppercorn Park, the former Longlea Railway Station site. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid F3 | Google map goo.gl/maps/GtX54s4NWPnX5pGN7 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 151 km, approximately 1 hour 57 minutes via Calder Fwy/M79, take the Elphinstone exit and travel via Sutton Grange to Longlea. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Possible, but not recommended. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and 2 litres of water. Extra water if hot. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.  LEADER: Paul K. | Email LeaderPaulK.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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