RE-SCHEDULED TO THURSDAY 29th DECEMBER DUE TO EXTREME HEAT FORECAST FOR TUESDAY 27th DECEMBER Use up the leftover food from Christmas celebrations and take in some post Christmas exercise via a relaxing visit on the Tuesday public holiday, not too far from Melbourne, to view the stunning Australian Gardens at the Cranbourne site of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Travel via public transport is possible, but a bit slow, and will involve significant walking. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, up to 8 km walking around the site.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We have visited the Cranbourne site of the Royal Botanical Gardens a number of times in the past and each time there has been expansion and new developments to explore. The day will start with an exploration of the garden area followed by lunch and fellowship. Lunch will take place at the Woodlands picnic area, which is close to the main car park and offers shelter, BBQ facilities, toilets and water taps. It's recommended that a fold up chair be placed in your vehicle as a back-up option to guarantee a seat. Should Woodlands be too busy, the alternative site is the Stringybark picnic area. This will provide an opportunity to use up leftover food from Christmas.  BOOKING: By Sunday 25th December via Get Tickets.  Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am outside the Visitor Centre (in the Boon Wurrung Cafe complex). Entry to the gardens is via Ballarto Rd - if coming from Cranbourne on the South Gippsland Highway, turn right into Ballarto Rd about 500 metres past the racecourse.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 133 grid F10  | Google map goo.gl/maps/mHyVFk3BqhH2.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 56 km, approximately 1 hour to drive via the Monash Freeway, 1 hour 49 minutes by public transport. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take the Cranbourne line train to the Cranbourne terminus then bus #796 from the station to the intersection of Ballarto Rd and the South Gippsland Highway followed by a walk to the gardens. Capped public transport fees apply on public holidays - myki money at $6:70 Full and $3:35 for Concession and Seniors. FOOD: Bring lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water and other beverages of choice. NB: You must take home all your rubbish, etc. Optional afternoon tea in the on-site Boon Wurrung Café at 4pm sharp (it closes at 4:45pm). APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent if you have sensitive skin, plus your camera. Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. FURTHER INFORMATION: rbg.vic.gov.au/visit-cranbourne. The gardens are open from 9am to 5pm. No pets allowed. 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  

A leisurely day at the beach with a Port Phillip Bay vista in the distance. This is a mixed event. Everybody is welcome.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, social day with short walks along the beach. Some rocks to walk over to get from the carpark to the naturist beach. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a leisurely day sunbaking, walking, swimming and socialising with other Nomads on the beach. Sunnyside North Beach is the only officially designated clothing optional beach on Port Phillip Bay, and the closest legal naturist beach to Melbourne. Sunnyside North Beach is a very popular beach with naturists from all over Melbourne and beyond, for very good reasons. It is a safe beach, easy to get to, and offers good swimming and general beach fun. There are a number of rocky areas and reefs close to shore which may also provide snorkelling opportunities if you wish. Most of the beach is sandy with scattered small rocks. This is a family friendly beach, so behaviour needs to be appropriate at all times. The naturist beach is a very popular location on any sunny day, and the car parking spaces closest to the beach fill up quickly. Arrive early if you would like the best chance of a close park. There are additional all-day parking spaces along the side of Sunnyside Road, but ensure that you read the parking signs carefully as parking inspectors have been known to work over the weekends. We strongly suggest not leaving valuables visible in your car, which of course is good practice everywhere. And, as is common sense, do not leave anything unattended on the beach. In the main beach carpark (Sunnyside Beach - clothed) are several modern individual toilets and outdoor showers, but once we move to the clothing optional beach, there are no facilities at all. You need to be self-sufficient and bring your own food and drink, esky, sun shelter or wind protection if desired, sunscreen, sunnies and hat. Clothing must be worn between the carpark and the beach. Also, we recommend suitable footwear to protect your feet from the sometimes sharp rocks along the short walking track to the beach. The leader will bring a beach shelter which can be used as a communal place to keep small items out of the direct heat of the sun, and as a focal point for our group once on the beach. We will gather towards the Northern end of the main carpark at the end of Sunnyside Road at 10.30am. If you arrive late, no problem, just follow the rocky track north until the next sandy beach, you will have no problem locating and joining our group. Low tide at Sunnyside North Beach will be at 12.55pm, and high tide is forecast for 6.12pm. You are free to do as much or as little as you want on the beach, it is your day, so make the most of it. There is no planned finishing time, you are free to spend as much or as little time as you wish on the beach. If the weather forecast for the day is determined as unsuitable by the leader, this beach day may be cancelled, or alternatively may be changed to the following day. Any changes in event details due to adverse weather or other reason will be made to the Nomads event listing no later than 8pm on the evening prior to the event. If no changes to the event details by 8pm, the beach day will go ahead as planned and there is no need to check further. This is a free event, but to assist with planning, it is requested that you register your attendance. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on this naturist beach day. OPTIONAL FOOD OR DRINKS AT RESTAURANT IN FRANKSTON If you would like to extend the social atmosphere of the beach day a bit further, a group booking for 12 people has been made at a nice restaurant in Frankston commencing at 5pm. Sofia restaurant, at Waterfront, 5N Pier Promenade, Fankston has a nice selection of food and drinks. Please note that due to the time of year, there is a 10% surcharge which applies to their menu prices. They specialise in healthy Italian food in a casual beachfront venue, including specialty pizza and ice cream. Sofia is fully licensed for drinks.  Free on street parking is generally available on the side of the Nepean Highway, just a short walk away. The restaurant is approximately a 20min drive from the carpark at Sunnyside Beach. Attendance is entirely optional, but due to the popularity of the venue, we would need to confirm numbers as early as possible on the day. If we require more seats reserved for us, a change of booking at the restaurant can be requested, but there are no guarantees, as they are often fully booked. If you think that you might like to come along for food or drinks after the beach day, please contact the leader via the link in this event information. No obligation, just helps with planning. BOOKING: By Friday, 23rd December 2022. To register to attend, click on Get Tickets (no charge for this event). Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.melbourneplaygrounds.com.au/sunnyside-beach-mount-eliza#.XVd7kOgzZPY. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10.30am at the Northern end of the main beach carpark at the end of Sunnyside Rd, Mt Eliza. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 104 grid K5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/ggsox7nN4KDiCa5z9.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 66 km, 1 hour 10 minutes via M1 and M3 | 79 km, 1 hour 20 minutes via M3. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: From Flinders Street Station, catch the 8:23am Frankston train to Frankston, arriving at 9:28am. The 785 bus departs from Bay D at Frankston Station at 9:40am. Get off at the George Vowell Institute Blind/Nepean Hwy, Mt Eliza at 9:55am. From there it is a 1.3 km walk to the Sunnyside Beach car park. Alternatively, contact the leader, who may be able to arrange car sharing for you. FOOD: Lunch, snacks, plenty of water/drinks as there are no local facilities immediately available. 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 “Round The Bay Lite” scenic tour from Geelong to Frankston, with an overnight stay in Ocean Grove. ** Limit of 10 riders ** GRADE | TYPE | LENGTH: Hard 129 km point-to-point cycling (Day 1: Hard 51 km | Day 2: Ride or Rest day in Ocean Grove| Day 3: Hard 78 km). The route has many on-road sections as well as both sealed and unsealed cycling trails, and very limited early exit options. (The official Round The Bay ride of more than 210 km in a single day is totally off the Nomad’s grading scale)! There are some sections on busy roads. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is a three day cycling weekend with Fri/Sat overnight stay in a private house in Ocean Grove.  Friday: we'll travel via V/Line train to Lara, then cycle to Ocean Grove via Corio Bay and the Bellarine Rail Trail. Stay in Ocean Grove. Saturday: An optional ride, walk or rest day. Options are to walk along some of the rugged Bass Strait beaches, around Lake Connewarre, or a ride towards Torquay. Dependent on weather and inclination. Stay in Ocean Grove. Sunday: we'll cycle to Queenscliff to catch the ferry across to Sorrento. From there we'll cycle via the Bay Trail to Safety Beach after which we'll head inland. First through some quiet, scenic suburban streets, Bruce Rd and the Nepean Hwy to The Briars Community Forest. We'll cycle/walk through the wetlands then some quiet suburban streets to Old Moorooduc Rd, which takes us on a wide shoulder to the start of the Peninsula Link Trail. From there it's an excellent, wide path all the way to the Baxter Trail for the final 4 km descent to Frankston Station. Notes: You will need a sleeping bag (or similar), pillow slip and towel. There will be a car at Lara train station to deposit them in, and they will be transported to Ocean Grove for you. We will abort the Sorrento to Frankston ride on Sunday if any of the following occur: a threat of bad rain; a forecast for hot temperature; or the likelihood of a strong headwind. If that happens, we'll probably ride to Portarlington and catch the ferry to Southbank, or else cycle back to Geelong to catch a V/Line train from there. BOOKING: By Wednesday 14th December or ASAP. To register, click on Get Tickets. Limit of 10 participants. If sold out, email LeaderRogerH.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com to see if any other arrangements are possible. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.railtrails.org.au/trail?view=trail&id=139 MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 09.10am at Southern Cross Station to catch the 09.30 am Waurn Ponds service (though we will get off at Lara Station). It is prudent to arrive early to ensure we get all our bikes on the train. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 1E grid A9 | Google map goo.gl/maps/WUzR7kSmTVzW3yjx6.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: around 80 km to Lara Station, 54 minutes by train from Southern Cross Station. ACCOMMODATION: basic, but comfortable accommodation will be provided in a private house in Ocean Grove. Only 10 beds are available.  COST: Ferry: $14 full fare or $12 concession. Bikes are carried at no additional charge. Lunches: will be purchased individually en route each day. Accommodation & Meals: a small contribution is suggested to contribute to breakfast and accommodation expenses. At night we might go out for dinner, or buy ingredients for a BBQ at the Ocean Grove house. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Travel to and from this event is via public transport.  Fri 16 Dec: meet at Southern Cross Station at 09.10 am to catch the 09.30 am train to Geelong. Sun 18 Dec: trains depart Frankston every 10 minutes for Flinders Street. FOOD: Carry 2 litres of water. We will purchase lunch along the way, though there will be long stretches with no food options, so it would be advisable to bring some snacks. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: A hybrid bike is best due to the diversity in tracks. Quite a lot of the route will be on sealed trails or roads, but some of the tracks, including the sealed sections, can be quite rough. Bring clothing based on the weather forecast, but be prepared for changeable conditions.   You will need a sleeping bag (or similar), pillow slip and towel (drop off into car at Lara Station.  LEADER: Roger H. | Email LeaderRogerH.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 Image: railtrails.org.au

This event has been moved from November 19th to December 10th Escape the city and enjoy a full-day spring hike exploring the unique piece of landscape as European settlers saw it in the 1840s. The park has a 150‐year old homestead, Indigenous canoe trees, native woodland and grassland and plenty of kangaroo spotting opportunities. There are also opportunities to visit a number of ruins on site and learn about the history of the park and its significance to the Wurundjeri people, whilst exploring the many trails and wildlife this hike has to offer. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate walk (due to length) of approximately 10 km, mostly on flat well-formed tracks with a number of dense-scrub tracks. There are a number of small-incline tracks rated as moderate. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The day will be broken up into a number of sections of the park to explore, with a lunch spot at the old Woodlands homestead which has picnic and limited seating within the grounds to relax and watch the planes from Melbourne Airport across the road. Woodlands Homestead and Living Legends Woodlands Homestead offers a rare example of a large pre‐fabricated timber house brought to colonial Australia from Britain. Visit the homestead to learn about its construction and significance. Just in front of the Homestead are real Living Legends! Established to bring retired champion horses back to the public, the front paddocks are home to some of Australia's finest retired racehorses. Back Paddock where we will explore 1840s style vegetation and wildlife as we look for the endangered bandicoots. Gellibrand Hill, a highlight of the trip to enjoy a 360‐degree view of the city, the bay, the Great Dividing Range and Melbourne Airport whilst exploring the many granite boulders. Visit the ruins of the Cumberland and Dundonald Homesteads. Visit the ruins of the old Greenvale Sanatorium, used through the majority of the 20th century, and learn about its fascinating history.  Visit the old water towers and water pumps used to provide water to the sanatorium before mains connections were established. And much more! BOOKING: By Friday 9th December. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION:  Woodlands Historic Park (parks.vic.gov.au). MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am at Woodlands Park Car Park - Somerton Rd Entry, Greenvale. This is next to the Picnic Area. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 178 grid F10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/kS4VCdEEiYyLEbQs5. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Woodlands Historic Park is 22 km north of Melbourne CBD. Follow the Tullamarine Freeway and take the Mickleham Road exit, then turn left onto Providence Rd. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is no direct public transport available for this event, carpooling is an option for anyone who needs a lift or you may arrange a lift with another attendee.  Contact the leader if you need a lift. FOOD/DRINKS: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1-2 litres of water. Also carry sunscreen and a hat, your facemask and hand sanitiser.  The homestead does serve tea/coffee and limited food/cake (bring your own packed lunch just in case). APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Suitable shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. There may be one or two light showers on the day.  Most of the tracks are formed but there may be some wet sections so wear appropriate footwear. LEADER: Jason T. | Email LeaderJasonT.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  

** NOTE: This event was originally planned to take place in the Hattah Kulkyne National Park, but couldn't proceed there due to the Murray River flooding ** Car-based camping in a free camping area in the Western Grampians, with day walks in the region. Attend from Wednesday to Sunday, or whichever days you can manage within that period. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Varied day walks from a base camp at Deep Creek free campground in the Western Grampians (not to be confused with a second Deep Creek that Google finds on the eastern side of the Grampians). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is a picturesque campsite in the bush. It is just outside the National Park. We can light a fire (except during fire ban days). There is limited mobile phone coverage. There are many picturesque day walks to do in the area including The Fortress and Chimney Pots. We will decide what to do each day depending on the weather and our energy levels. You will need to be self sufficient. Drinking water is not available at the campsite but water can be used from Deep Ck for washing and cooking.  There are no public toilets so we will arrange a pit toilet.  BOOKING: By Sunday 4th December. To register, click on Get Tickets. All people who had registered for the cancelled Hattah event have been transfered to this event. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Parks Victoria Visitor Guide and Visitor Guide (PDF) MEETING LOCATION: The campground is located on a bend of Harrops Track (a dirt road). Details on how to get there will be provided to all registered attendees. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Four hours drive (350 km) from Melbourne (via Ballarat and Dunkeld). PUBLIC TRANSPORT:  Not available. We will try to maximise car pooling. Note – the final access into the campsite will be dirt but has been improved and suitable for normal cars if you drive carefully. MEALS: Bring all supplies, ample drinking water and camping equipment. There is no drinking water on the site, but Deep Ck will be flowing for washing and cooking water. Shops are available but only about 1 hour driving away. We might go for a counter meal in Dunkeld one day.  ACCOMMODATION: Provide your own tent as there are no facilities. There are no toilets, so we will dig a hole in the ground. APPAREL: It can be quite warm, or can rain. Come prepared after having a good look at the weather forecast. COST:  Back-country camping outside the park is free. LEADER: Roger H. | Email LeaderRogerH.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. Image: Parks Victoria   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 on Creswick St. BOOKING: By Sunday 4th December. 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: Melway map 2H grid H6 | 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 (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 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. 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.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 naturist walk along old logging trails amongst the tall timber just east of the Dandenongs. We will also get the chance to walk along some narrow forest trails through lush and atmospheric fern gullies and view picturesque ponds and creeks. ** This event was moved from 20 November due to the terrible weather forecast for that date ** GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate, approximately 8 km, circuit walk, mostly along wide 4WD disused logging tracks though with some of the route being along narrow forest trails requiring a bit of careful foot placement. There are some moderate inclines requiring a medium level of fitness. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We shall meet at the Yellingbo Central Store where we can register our arrival, have a cup of tea or coffee, catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Unfortunately on Sundays the Central Store is closed, so the walk organisers will provide some refreshments for us when we meet. Hot water, tea, coffee, milk etc. will be provided, also a few light snacks such as a Boston bun or fruit loaf. If you think you may be very hungry, feel free to bring some extra. From the Yellingbo Central Store we can car pool approximately 11 km to the start of the walk on the edge of the forest, where we can strip off and head off on our naturist walk. We will stop in a suitable place in the forest to have our lunch. Around 4:30pm we should be back at the cars. After the walk we have all been invited back to a nearby country homestead for afternoon tea. Tea, coffee, nibbles, slices will be provided. If you'd like any other drinks could you please BYO. If the day is warm we could sit on the patio and admire the mountains in the distance. There's even a pool for a dip if you'd like a cool off. BOOKING: By Thursday 1st December. 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 next to the Yellingbo Central Store at 1942 Healesville - Koo Wee Rup Rd, Yellingbo VIC 3139 MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 306 grid A8 | Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/edU9iXE53kM7NDcC7 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Via Eastern Fwy and Maroondah Hwy 59 km, 1 hour 10 minutes FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, sunhat, dark glasses, comfortable walking boots/shoes. Day pack to carry your lunch, water and shorts etc. Shorts could be required if we wish to visit an old forest tourist attraction which occasionally has visitors.  The majority of the walk however can be done with no clothes. LEADERS: Jason T, Russell W and Robert A - refreshnents before and after the walk. If you have any questions you may email the leaders. Email addresses are as follows: LeaderJasonT.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com  LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com  LeaderRobertA.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com  Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

A leisurely day at the beach with a Port Phillip Bay vista in the distance.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, social day with short walks along the beach. Some rocks to walk over to get from the carpark to the naturist beach. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a leisurely day sunbathing, walking, swimming and socialising with other Nomads on the beach. Sunnyside is the only officially designated clothing optional beach on Port Phillip Bay, and the closest legal naturist beach to Melbourne. Sunnyside Beach (North) is a very popular beach with naturists from all over Melbourne and beyond, for very good reasons. It is a safe beach, easy to get to, and offers good swimming and general beach fun. There are a number of rocky areas and reefs close to shore which may also provide snorkelling opportunities if you wish. Most of the beach is sandy with scattered small rocks. This is a family friendly beach, so behaviour needs to be appropriate at all times. The naturist beach is a very popular location on any sunny day, and the car parking spaces closest to the beach fill up quickly. Arrive early if you would like the best chance of a close park. There are additional all-day parking spaces along the side of Sunnyside Road, but ensure that you read the parking signs carefully as parking inspectors have been known to work over the weekends. We strongly suggest not leaving valuables visible in your car, which of course is good practice everywhere. And, as is common sense, do not leave anything unattended on the beach. Low tide will be at 11:40am, and high tide at 4:35pm on 26 November. You are free to do as much or as little as you want on the beach, it is your day, so make the most of it. There is no planned finishing time, you are free to spend as much or as little time as you wish on the beach. If the weather forecast for the day is determined as unsuitable by the leader, this beach day may be cancelled by 8pm on the evening prior to event, or alternatively may be changed to the following day. This is a free event, but to assist with planning, it is requested that you register your attendance. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on this naturist beach day. BOOKING: By Thursday 24th November. To register to attend, click on Get Tickets (no charge for this event). Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.melbourneplaygrounds.com.au/sunnyside-beach-mount-eliza#.XVd7kOgzZPY. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10.30am at the Northern end of the main beach carpark at the end of Sunnyside Rd, Mt Eliza. If you arrive late, no problem, just follow the rocky track north until the next sandy beach, you will have no problem locating and joining our group. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 104 grid K5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/ggsox7nN4KDiCa5z9.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 66 km, 1 hour 10 minutes via M1 and M3 | 79 km, 1 hour 20 minutes via M3. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: From Flinders Street Station, catch the 8:57am Frankston line train to Frankston, arriving at 10:04am. The #781 Dromana bus departs from Bay C at Frankston Station at 9:09am. Get off at the George Vowell Institute Blind/Nepean Hwy, Mt Eliza at 10:24am. From there it is a 22 minute (1.3 km) walk to the Sunnyside Beach car park. FOOD | APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: In the main beach carpark are several modern individual toilets, but once we move to the clothing optional beach, there are no facilities at all. You need to be self-sufficient and bring your own food and drink (including ample water), esky, sun shelter or wind protection if desired, sunscreen, sunnies and hat. Clothing must be worn between the carpark and the beach. Also, we recommend suitable footwear to protect your feet from the sometimes sharp rocks along the short walking track to the beach. LEADER: Michael C. | Email LeaderMichaelC.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  

** DUE TO WEATHER AND FLOODING, THIS WALK HAS BEEN CANCELLED ** This is a circuit of one area of Warrandyte State Park. The trail is rocky, varies in width from wide in some sections to narrow in others, and features views across the surrounding green rolling Warrandyte hills and of the serene Yarra River. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 8 km circuit walk. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This route passes through hills with large grey kangaroo populations, who often might take a minute to shuffle off the track before you proceed to pass. This section also passes an abandoned farm house, before reaching a sitting bench to stop and rest overlooking the bend of the Yarra River.  BOOKING: By Friday 18th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:00am at the Jumping Creek Sandy Bay Carpark. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is not viable MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 24 grid A10 | Google map: goo.gl/maps/tAWe7GwgHhpcdhhj9. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, hand sanitiser, 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  

** This event has been postponed to Sun 4 Dec, when it's hoped the weather will be much better ** Enjoy a naturist walk along old logging trails amongst the tall timber just east of the Dandenongs. We will also get the chance to walk along some narrow forest trails through lush and atmospheric fern gullies and view picturesque ponds and creeks. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate, approximately 8 km, circuit walk, mostly along wide 4WD disused logging tracks though with some of the route being along narrow forest trails requiring a bit of careful foot placement. There are some moderate inclines requiring a medium level of fitness. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We shall meet at the Yellingbo Central Store where we can register our arrival, have a cup of tea or coffee, catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Unfortunately on Sundays the Central Store is closed, so the walk organisers will provide some refreshments for us when we meet. Hot water, tea, coffee, milk etc. will be provided, also a few light snacks such as a Boston bun or fruit loaf. If you think you may be very hungry, feel free to bring some extra. From the Yellingbo Central Store we can car pool approx. 11 kms to the start of the walk on the edge of the forest, where we can strip off and head off on our naturist walk. We will stop in a suitable place in the forest to have our lunch. Around 4.30pm we should be back at the cars. After the walk we have all been invited back to a nearby country homestead for afternoon tea. Tea, coffee, nibbles, slices will be provided. If you'd like any other drinks could you please BYO. If the day is warm we could sit on the patio and admire the mountains in the distance. There's even a pool for a dip if you'd like a cool off. BOOKING: By Thursday 17th November. 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 next to the Yellingbo Central Store at 1942 Healesville - Koo Wee Rup Rd, Yellingbo VIC 3139 MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 306 grid A8 | Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/edU9iXE53kM7NDcC7 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Via Eastern Fwy and Maroondah Hwy 59 km, 1 hour 10 minutes FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, sunhat, dark glasses, comfortable walking boots/shoes. Day pack to carry your lunch, water and shorts etc. Shorts could be required if we wish to visit an old forest tourist attraction which occasionally has visitors.  The majority of the walk however can be done with no clothes. LEADERS: Jason T, Russell W and Robert A - refreshnents before and after the walk. If you have any questions you may email the leaders. Email addresses are as follows: LeaderJasonT.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com  LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com  LeaderRobertA.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com  Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

** Due to thunderstorms predicted for Sunday 13th November, this event has been postponed to Sunday 5th March 2023 ** 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: Moderate 10.5 km circuit walk.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This scenic walk highlights some of the interesting history of Lyonville, located in the Daylesford Spa Country. The farmlands at the start quickly give way to the densely treed Wombat State Forest, which is what originally attracted James Lyon, after whom the town is named, to build large sawmills in the region. We pass by, and hopefully around, the Bullarto Reservoir then climb Babbington Hill (822m) before descending to the historic Lyonville Spring to taste its waters. The walk will start and end at the Radio (Radium) Springs Hotel, once owned by Ernie Sigley, which will be able to welcome us for after-walk refreshments and a little more history.  BOOKING: By Friday 11th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Bushwalking Victoria: Babbington Hill Wombat State Forest. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am in the car park of the Radio Springs Hotel, 1 High St, Lyonville.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid D10 | 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: Take the 9:06am Echuca train from Southern Cross to Woodend, then transfer to the Daylesford coach service, arriving at Main St/Daylesford-Trentham Rd, Lyonville at 10:45am. From the bus stop walk south 350m along Main St to the Radio Springs Hotel. 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: Robert H. | Email LeaderRobertH.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 regular monthly social night - this month at the Nixon Hotel, Docklands.  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. Tuesday night is Parma Night: $20 parma + pot. See the Nixon Hotel website for more details, including their menu.  BOOKING: By Monday 7th November. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Nixon Hotel, 757 Bourke St, Docklands. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2E grid H6 | Google map g.page/nixonhotel?share. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Nixon Hotel is very close to Southern Cross Station. Alternatively, catch tram 11 or 48 to stop D16 (Harbour Esplanade/Collins St) or catch tram 35, 70 or 75 to stop D3 (Harbour Esplanade/Bourke St). 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  

CANCELLED DUE TO TRAIL CLOSURE FROM FLOODING ** This event has booked out. You can get a (free) WAITLIST ticket to establish your place in the queue in case cancellations occur, or additional accommodation in Heathcote can be found ** Cycle through box ironbark and yellow gum woodland, and grazing farmland, across the Campaspe River and past Lake Eppalock. Start with a two hour morning train ride from Melbourne to Bendigo, ride 25 km to The Axedale Tavern for a country pub lunch then ride on 25 km to Heathcote to stay overnight at The Commercial Hotel. Back to Bendigo the same way the next day for the train back to Melbourne. It will be good exercise and good fun! GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium grade cycling of 50 km in each direction on the O'Keefe Rail Trail. This is a well established easy, gravel, rail trail of 50 km each way between Bendigo and Heathcote. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Catch the Bendigo train from Southern Cross Station at 9:06am Saturday 5 November to arrive at Bendigo Station at 10:57am. Upon alighting at Bendigo Station, we'll take Railway Place, then Mollison and Williamson Streets to get to Rosalind Park. From there we follow the Bendigo Creek Trail to just past Weeroona Oval, where the O'Keefe Trail starts. We follow the rail trail for 21 km to get to Axedale, where we'll stop for lunch at the Axedale Tavern. After lunch we rejoin the rail trail to cross the Campaspe River and make our way to Heathcote via Knowsley Forest, the Moorabbee Hill Rest Stop (with views to the Great Dividing Range), Lake Eppalock and Derrinal. A purpose-built causeway and the 90m Mt Ida Creek bridge allow the trail to stay on the original railway alignment (hence easy riding)! In Heathcote we will stay overnight at the Commercial Hotel. After breakfast at one of the bakeries on the main street the following morning, Sunday, we'll retrace our steps, with lunch once again at the Axedale Tavern, then onward to Bendigo, where we expect to catch the 4:26pm train, arriving back in Melbourne at 6:24pm. There are regular train services departing from Bendigo to Southern Cross. We expect to catch the 4:26pm service but other options depart at 3:26pm, 5:26pm, 7:02pm or 9:00pm. BOOKING: by Thursday 15 September. To register, click on Get Tickets to book either a Full Room or a Half Room (i.e. a bed): Book by Thursday 15 September to ensure you don't miss out, and to enable the rooms to be paid for by the leader and secured as available. A block of 6 rooms of 2 beds each has been reserved. Refer room description at the Commercial Hotel. Each full room has two beds, one single and one double bed. This event is only available to Nomads members. Note: visitors can get a 1-month membership for $8, then click on Get Tickets to purchase their ticket for this weekend. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking and cycling events. COSTS: Accommodation: A private room costs $103 including Nomads gateway charges for you to occupy as you like. Alternatively, you can buy a half room ticket for $52 and share with another person who has a half room ticket (sort out between you who gets the single or double bed). V/Line Trains: The off-peak one-way fare between Southern Cross and Bendigo, and vice-versa, is $24.08 full or $12.04 concession/seniors. You can use your Myki card but ensure it has enough money on it for both way travel. Meals: lunch will be purchased each day at the Axedale Tavern (see menu), and dinner on Saturday night in Heathcote. Allow for bringing or purchasing additional drinks or snacks if required. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 8:30am at Southern Cross Train Station so that we have time to ascertain the departure platform from the billboard and get all our bikes on the train. MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station: Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/fWTegBv6chDK1M1X9 FOOD: Carry snacks and at least 1 litre of water.  WHAT TO BRING: Face mask, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, insect repellant, sun glasses and dress according to the weather forecast. The hotel supplies towels and linen. You will need to bring with you all you need for the two days to fit in a panier or back pack. Don't bring too much! Bring waterproof jacket and warm jumper. Bring neat casual clothes for dinner Saturday night. Bring a spare tube and your tool kit in case of a puncture. Bring front and rear bike lights for safety and night travel if necessary. Make sure your bike is in good working order. LEADER: Kevin K | Email LeaderKevinK.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 challenging overnight backpacking trek in the Victorian Alps.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Challenging 5-day (4 nights camping) overnight backpacking trek.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This challenging overnight backpacking trek in the Victorian Alps is likely to incorporate Mt Hotham, the Razorback, Mt Feathertop, Diamantina Spur, Cobungra River, Mt Jim, Bogong High Plains and Dibbins hut. The trek itinerary will be fine tuned closer to the date depending on the weather, number of attendees and inclination of the group. More details will be provided to attendees as they are confirmed.  BOOKING: ASAP. To register your 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: Monday 31 October (or possibly the night before) at Mt Hotham. Further details to be provided once confirmed. MAP REFERENCE: TBC  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 370 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: Stephan C. | Email LeaderStephanC.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 delightful ramble on boardwalks and paths along the Hastings foreshore, through unrivalled coastal wetlands, including mangroves.  NOTE: Some details may change after a recce is done in September. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 12 km, out-and-back walk, almost entirely on off-road paths and board walks, with no hills. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a relaxing day out on the Westernport coast, in this public transport accessible event, walking along coastal tracks and board walks around Hastings. Travel via car or Metro train to Frankston, from where the group will catch the #782 bus to the northern outskirts of Hastings to begin the walk. From the bus stop on the corner of Thornhill St and Marine Parade, we walk via paths and board walks to the Westernport Marina. From there we continue, through open parklands, to Warringine Park to follow 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. In Hastings there should be plenty of time for refreshments at one of the local establishments, prior to heading to Hastings Station to catch the 4:10pm V/Line train back to Frankston. From Frankston, there are Metro trains every 10 minutes at that time of day to return towards Flinders Street Station. BOOKING: By Friday 28th October. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: General Checklist: Nomads walking and cycling events. FURTHER INFORMATION: VisitMorningtonPeninsula.org: Warringine Park and Bittern Coastal Wetlands Boardwalk. 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. MAP REFERENCE: Frankston Station: Melway map 100A grid B7 | Google map: goo.gl/maps/raJ2h5EdrT3PRw9Q7 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. Flinders Street-Frankston: The Frankston line train that departs Flinders Street Station at 8:37am should arrive in Frankston at 9:44am. (If you like taking risks, the Frankston line train that departs Flinders Street at 8:57am should arrive in Frankston at 10:04am, leaving just enough time to catch the 10:09am 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 4:10pm, arriving in Frankston at 4:35pm. Frankston-Flinders Street: departures every 10 minutes. Cost: This is a Myki zone 1-2 fare, which on weekends is capped at $6.70 full, $3.35 concession, free for Seniors. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, hand sanitiser, comfortable walking boots and dress according to the weather forecast.   LEADER: Michael C. | Email LeaderMichaelC.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. Image: VisitMorningtonPeninsula.org   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS