4 Spots Left! Enjoy a pleasant naturist beach day, with a leisurely lunch and swim. An optional late afternoon clifftop hike with spectacular views followed by dinner is also being offered as part of this event.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, approximately 1.5 km walk from the car park to the lunch spot on the beach. There are quite a few steps from the road down to the beach, but you can always take your time. The afternoon/evening hike is graded as moderate (the Ironbark Basin Trail is rather flat with a few uphill steps and tracks on a long gradual climb with a few steeper sections through the basin and along the cliffs).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a pleasant clothes-free beach day, with a leisurely lunch and swim. Optional activities include body surfing in a moderate surf and a 1 km beach walk to the rocky headland towards Southside. As the tide will go out during the day, we could if you like walk around the headland for another kilometre to the very end of the naturist beach at Southside.  A beach game or two will also be played. The optional afternoon clifftop hike through the Ironbark Basin will take place after the official beach day finishes. If time permits and there is enough interest, we will also visit the red ochre rocks at Black Rock Beach, about 2 km away. This beach boasts amazing rich red and black rocks, with a secluded beach and plenty of photo opportunities to be had. This beach will require a 2 km walk (easy to medium walk with some steps) along the Surf Coast Track to get to it. The evening hike is proposed to run from about 4:30pm/5pm to about 7pm. At the conclusion of the walk, all participants are invited to an optional dinner (approx. 7:30pm) at the local Chinese restaurant in Torquay to end a most enjoyable day out. IronBark Basin Hike (Clothed): (3 km return trip): Moderate A very pleasant hike through the Ironbark Basin, which is part of the massive Great Otway National Park.  A mostly sheltered forest trail with features of spectacular clifftop views of Addiscott Beach. At first the trail enters a stringybark woodland, scattered with ironbark trees and an understory of wattle, grass trees and ground covers. The walk affords not only spectacular views of the coast, with opportunities for animal and birdwatching, but also insights into the local Indigenous culture explaining the use of bush food by the local Koori people. Bring your cameras! The Day's Runsheet: 10:30am - Start of beach day/swim at Point Addis 4:30pm - Start of the Ironbark Basin hike (optional) 7:00pm - Head to the local Chinese restaurant in Torquay or another venue of choice for dinner (optional) 9:30pm - Leave Torquay bound for Melbourne BOOKING: By Thursday 18th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 210313 Pt Addis Beach Day with hike and dinner. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at Point Addis Beach car park in Pt Addis Rd (this is on the right-hand side of the road and is about 500 metres before the end of the road on the Pt Addis headland).  If you arrive later, you can meet us on the beach. Instructions will be emailed prior to the event on the exact spot. MAP REFERENCE: Melway key map 15 grid A21 | Google map goo.gl/maps/w3hMeN4CigLwvQiV6.   DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 107 km, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to drive via the M1 freeway. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Apollo Bay coach has a stop at Pt Addis Rd, but you would arrive late to the event. FOOD: Bring lunch, snacks and drinking water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat, repellent, beach towel, footwear if sand is hot. Shorts required to get from the car park to the appropriate section of the beach. Beach umbrella or shade equipment could be useful. Hand sanitiser and a face mask when a minimum of 1.5 meters cannot be achieved. LEADER: Jason T. | 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                      

Walk along green reserves in Thomastown and explore the original German colonial village of Westgarthtown that includes the Ziebell Farmhouse, its colonial gardens, Lutheran cemetery and bluestone chapel, where the earliest German settlers established dairy farms. Walk where John Batman met with the local leaders of the Wurundjeri people and made a contentious treaty with them in 1835. Reflect on the impressive contribution of these settlers to the formation of Victoria's wealth and diversity, achieved however by the dispossession of the Indigenous first peoples' lands and hunting fields.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, approximately 7 km, circuit walk.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: From Thomastown Station, we will walk down Main Street, then turn into Edgars Reserve that follows the Edgars Creek and has been re-planted extensively with native vegetation. Within Edgars Reserve, historians believe John Batman "negotiated" a treaty with the Wurundjeri people. We will walk up a pathway to the simple bluestone Lutheran chapel - the oldest operating Lutheran church building in Australia, dedicated in 1856. From the chapel, we'll cross the paddock to the original Ziebell Farmhouse. Ziebell's Farmhouse is open to the public, built between 1851 and 1856 with 61cm walls and is a typical German farmhouse design. It is surrounded by the original, shady colonial garden that features still healthy 140 year old roses. Entry fee is $3 per person. PLEASE NOTE COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE AS AT 17TH FEB 2021: Entry to the Museum and Gardens is limited to 4 people for a 45 minute time slot. Two time slots have been booked to hopefully allow us sufficient time to inspect the house and gardens. The first time slot is 12:15pm. The second slot is 1pm. We will all get an opportunity to go in; another 4 people can enter once the first group of 4 exit the house -- SO it may be necessary for each group of 4 to limit their inspection time to say 20 minutes. How long each group of four gets will depend on the attendee numbers on the day. It had been anticipated that we could have lunch in these gardens but that doesn't seem possible now. Either way, we will have lunch under some shady trees! From the Farmhouse we will walk to the oldest Lutheran cemetery in Australia nearby, then on to a heritage walk to see the other German farmhouses that constituted the original village. We'll skirt a sports reserve and return to Edgars Reserve for our return to Thomastown Station. We can have an afternoon tea either at a covered outdoor cafe on the heritage walk or back at a reasonable kiosk with seating at Thomastown Station. We will catch the 3:35pm train to Flinders St.  NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 210314 Westgarthtown Urban Walk, Thomastown. BOOKING: By Thursday 11th March | To register, click on Get Tickets. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at Flinders St Station for the 10:08am Mernda train. We'll travel in the front carriage. Gathering time outside Thomastown Station 10:50am.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 8 grid H5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/NnReL3xVAk84psyH9.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 16 km, approximately 40 minutes by train. TRANSPORT: By train as described above or car parking available at Thomastown Station. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Don't forget a face mask and hand sanitiser. LEADER: Don V. | 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  

Cap off your long weekend at ChillOut Festival with this scenic walk in the goldfields/mineral springs region, or alternatively, do part or all of it as a day walk.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 12 km point-to-point walk with car shuffle. There will be the option to exit the walk at The Blowhole (at 7 km) if you request that in advance. There are some challenges including steep sections and poorly formed tracks. Some sections will be slippery if there has been recent rain. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: In this scenic walk from Hepburn Springs to Daylesford, you'll be surrounded by bushland virtually all the way, but will never be too far from suburbia. Winding our way along tracks beside Spring Creek and Sailors Creek, we'll get to check out the Jacksons Tower Lookout, natural springs (to sample some natural spring water), Breakneck Gorge, The Blowhole, the Mistletoe Mine site and Tipperary Springs.  The Blowhole is an artificial diversion tunnel on Sailors Creek, built by gold miners around the early 1870s. A tunnel through the spur was cut to redirect water flow from the original creek line. The soil in the dry creek bed was then sluiced for gold. Breakneck Gorge is a deep, tree-filled gorge. Mistletoe Mine is one of many deep-shaft mines in the region, though many have now been filled in. This one is still open, but capped off with wire mesh. The walk officially finishes at Tipperary Springs where a car(s) will have been parked in advance to take the drivers back to their cars at the start point. While waiting for them to return to collect you, you can explore the scenic Tipperary Springs or just relax at the picnic tables. Alternatively, it's only 2.5 km to walk to Daylesford's main street via Tipperary Springs Rd, a few metres on Midland Hwy, then Central Springs Rd - see map below. BOOKING: by Friday 5th March. Click on Get Tickets to book. The ChillOut weekend consists of a number of Nomads events. If you are not a Nomads member but plan to attend more than one Nomads ChillOut Weekend activity, we suggest you take out a 1 month temporary membership (cost $8) prior to booking for the events you wish to attend, to avoid paying multiple visitor fees. Once you have taken out your membership, select Get Tickets on each event that you wish to attend and choose the Member ticket option.  NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 210308 Bushwalking from Hepburn Springs to Daylesford. FURTHER INFORMATION: Bushwalking Victoria: Breakneck Gorge and Jacksons Lookout and Federation Walks 2015. The Life of Py blog: www.thelifeofpy.com/tipperary-track-daylesford-victoria. WalkingMaps.com.au: Bryces Flat to Breakneck Gorge. This walk, along with the Nomads ChillOut Saturday Morning Community Bushwalk and the Nomads Mixed Naturist Bushwalk and optional swim on Saturday 6th March, forms part of the ChillOut Festival Camping Weekend, where you can camp at the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park and participate in some of the Nomads walks and ChillOut Festival activities.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am in the car park at the end of Mineral Springs Reserve Rd, Hepburn Springs (follow the road past the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa to the car park at the end of that road). MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid C9 | Google map: goo.gl/maps/8oRRGDQ5MBWmuodx9 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Via Western Fwy 118 km, 1 hour 25 minutes | via Calder Fwy 117 km, 1 hour 30 minutes. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. You will be able to sample natural spring water along the way. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, hand sanitiser, comfortable walking boots and dress according to the weather forecast. Depending on recent rainfall, you may get wet feet in some creek crossings. Some sections contain sharp rocks.  LEADER: Alan D. | Email the leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   (Optional) walking route from Tipperary Springs back to central Daylesford.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS

Enjoy a pleasant clothes-free stroll in the forest followed by an optional swim, during the ChillOut Festival weekend at Daylesford. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate, approximately 3.5 km circuit walk. The country is generally undulating, though there are a couple of short steep sections. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is for naturists. Enjoy a pleasant clothes-free stroll through the tall trees and along the picturesque creeks in the forest near Daylesford. A good chance for a chat, or just enjoy the pleasure of being in the forest, without clothes. The walk should finish by about 4:30pm. We can head then for our swimming place and can swim until about 5:30 to 6pm when some of us will need to return to Daylesford for the Saturday night activities. The swimming place is about 10 minutes' drive from Daylesford. People can leave from the swimming place whenever they need to return to Daylesford. BOOKING: Preferably by Friday 5th March. Click on Get Tickets to register. The ChillOut weekend consists of a number of Nomads events. If you are not a Nomads member but plan to attend more than one Nomads ChillOut Weekend activity, we suggest you take out a Temporary 1-month membership (cost $8) prior to booking for the events you wish to attend, to avoid paying multiple visitor fees. Once you have taken out your membership, to confirm your bookings select Get Tickets on each event that you wish to attend.  NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 210306 Bushwalk with optional Swim, Chillout Sat afternoon. FURTHER INFORMATION: This walk, along with the Nomads Chillout Saturday Morning Community Bushwalk on Saturday 6th March and the Bushwalking around Hepburn Springs on Monday 8th March, forms part of the Labour Day Long Weekend – ChillOut Camping, where you can camp at the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park and participate in some of the ChillOut Festival activities.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 2.15pm at Bolton's Takeaway, 31A East St, Daylesford. There is plenty of parking on the vacant grassy block on the SE corner of East St and Mink St. This shop is 1.2 km east of Vincent St (Daylesford's main street). If you would like a lift from Daylesford, send a message to 0417 311 710, or post a comment on Meetup and we will try to arrange a ride for you.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid C9 | Google map goo.gl/maps/ETcZnnjGD1R2.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 114 km | 1 hour 25 minutes. COST: Free for Nomads members, $5 for non-members. However, if you are a non-member and have paid your $10 for the Morning Chillout walk, you can come along for free. Click on Get Tickets to register to attend. FOOD: You may wish to bring about 600ml of water. However, as the walk is relatively short you may just wish to have a drink before we depart, and have another when we return to the cars for a snack and a drink. Food is not required but you can take a snack if you like. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, hat, dark glasses, repellent (maybe). Wear comfortable walking shoes/boots. Shorts etc. for the start and end of the walk. A small towel to dry off after the swim. LEADER: Jason T. | 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                

Join The Nomads for a walk in the bush during the ChillOut Festival along picturesque Sailors Creek and onto the hilltop ridges at the back of Hepburn. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Choice of two circuit walks. Easy 4 km walk or Medium to Hard 5.5 km walk with some challenging off-track hills to climb and descend. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The easy walk will be done at a relaxed pace, though it does have a couple of hills to ascend. The harder walk requires a reasonable level of fitness. It will move at a faster pace and has some challenging hills to climb and descend. You may be able to reach Breakneck Gorge. Both walks will stop for a 20 minute break in the forest. A good chance to make new friends. Bring face mask, hand sanitiser, water, hat, apply sunscreen and wear closed shoes, not sandals. BOOKING: Preferably by Friday 5th March. Click on Get Tickets to book. The ChillOut weekend consists of a number of Nomads events. If you are not a Nomads member but plan to attend more than one Nomads ChillOut Weekend activity, to avoid paying multiple visitor fees we suggest you take out a Temporary 1 month Membership (cost $8) prior to booking. Once you have taken out your membership, select Get Tickets on each event that you wish to attend.  COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: SubmissionReceipt-COVIDSafePublicEventRegistration-ChillOut Sat Morning Walk-3955.pdf. FURTHER INFORMATION: This walk (on Saturday morning), along with the Nomads Mixed Naturist Bushwalk and optional Swim (on Saturday afternoon) 6th March, and the Bushwalking around Hepburn Springs on Monday 8th March, forms part of the Labour Day Long Weekend – ChillOut Camping, where you can camp at the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park and participate in some of the ChillOut Festival activities as well as Nomads walks.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am at the Blowhole Car Park at the end of Blowhole Rd, Hepburn. It is 6.5 km and 12 minutes drive from the Daylesford Town Hall. Both walks will start and finish at this point. COST: $10 for visitors and free for Nomads Members. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable closed shoes/walking boots, hat, dark glasses, apply sunscreen before the walk. Dress according to the weather forecast. Bring drinking water and snacks for the morning tea rest stop. Don't forget a face mask and hand sanitiser. LEADER: Russell W. | 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  

** This event is booked out for SATURDAY evening. If you only wish to camp on Friday or Sunday, please email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com ** We’ll use the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park as our base for a relaxed weekend doing some walks in the Daylesford region whilst also participating in ChillOut Festival.   GRADE: Social - this is a base camp for participating in events during the ChillOut Festival. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION:  There are many events you can attend as part of ChillOut Festival, which is regional Australia’s largest LGBTQI festival, and the Nomads have also organised a number of walks to coincide with it. The Jubilee Lake Holiday Park is a great base for your ChillOut long weekend. This park is a little out of the centre of Daylesford, but much nicer and less crowded than the caravan park beside the ChillOut Carnival site. Some activities to consider attending include: Saturday 10:15am: The Nomads ChillOut Community Saturday Morning Walk Saturday 2:30pm: The Nomads Mixed Naturist Bushwalk and Swim Saturday evening: BYO BBQ at the Jubilee Lake Park, and/or many events around town Sunday: the ChillOut Festival Pride Parade will be a virtual event this year, and the Carnival won't proceed. Instead, we'll head to the Picnic Day and Dog Show at the Hepburn Pavilion (held between 11am and 4pm). We'll probably organise a group booking in a pub or cafe for dinner on Sunday night. Monday 10:30am: The Nomads Bushwalking around Hepburn Springs. The free shuttle bus will NOT be operating this year. Daylesford has quite a good taxi service (03 5348 1111) but no Ubers. BOOKING: by Tuesday 2nd March or ASAP. Click on Get Tickets to register for the camping - you will be asked to nominate the nights on which you wish to camp. Do not book your accommodation directly with the holiday park! You need to register separately for any events (see above) you wish to attend.  Note for non-members: the ChillOut weekend consists of a number of events. If you take out a 1 month temporary membership (cost $8) prior to booking any events, you don't need to pay the $5 visitor fee for each individual event. Once you have taken out your membership, select Get Tickets within each event you wish to attend then choose the member ticket option.  NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 210305 Labour Day Long Weekend – ChillOut Camping. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6-10pm on Friday 5th March at the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park, Daylesford (or as arranged with the leader). The leader will provide additional details after you register. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid C9 | Google map goo.gl/maps/cXKMzKvqni22. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Via Western Fwy 118 km, 1 hour 30 minutes | via Calder Fwy 117 km, 1 hour 35 minutes. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is a V/Line service from Melbourne to Daylesford. If necessary, contact the leader to see if we can collect you from the bus stop (outside the CFA Station). ACCOMMODATION: The Nomads “base camp” will be a cluster of four unpowered camp sites. The sites are reasonably large and can each accommodate up to six people (in multiple tents or small camping vehicles) per site. Cars can generally be parked on or beside the sites, with additional parking available in the car park near reception.  COST: The Nomads have booked the sites - you don't need to book individually! The cost is $15 per person per night.  FOOD: there are BBQ facilities and a cafe at the holiday park. Alternatively, you can bring your own food for the weekend and/or dine in Daylesford. APPAREL & EQUIPMENT: You will need to BYO tent and bedding unless you're able to share somebody else's. A chair and table are handy, but not essential. Don't forget a face mask(s) and hand sanitiser. LEADER: Alan D. 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  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Arcadia Hotel in South Yarra.  (Note: we had originally planned to go to Pride Of Our Footscray for the 2 March Social Night, but will instead go there now on Tuesday 1 June). 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. The Arcadia Hotel, on the corner of Punt and Toorak Roads, South Yarra has an extensive and varied menu available. BOOKING: By Monday 1st March. Click on Get Tickets to book. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm in the rooftop bar of the Arcadia Hotel, 2 Toorak Rd, South Yarra. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2L grid E5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/aViUvQCpEc5NW1jj7. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram: #58 to stop 125 (right in front) | Train: Frankston, Cranbourne, Packenham or Sandringham line to South Yarra. LEADER: Garry O. | 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  

** This event is now fully booked **. We will maintain a wait-list for those wanting to join the weekend, in the event of cancellations or other changes. Offers will be made in date-order of wait-list requests. Please email the leader if you wish to join the wait-list, specifying if you will join on Thursday 18th Feb or Friday 19th Feb; number of people; and include your email and mobile phone number.  Booking and full payment by Thursday 3rd December is essential to participate in this popular February 2021 Nomads weekend of walking on Mt Buffalo, socialising and exclusive-use accommodation in Porepunkah. Mt Buffalo National Park offers spectacular scenery, moderately challenging walks through varying terrain, and rich diversity of flora and fauna, as well as unique geological formations. This popular Nomads weekend in Victoria's North-East is now in its sixth year, and David R. will head up the walk leaders' team. Bookings are limited to 30, and it always sells out; bookings are managed on a first in - first served basis! GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Each day we will drive from our group accommodation in Porepunkah to Mt Buffalo, enjoy the walk, and return in the late afternoon. (Optional) Friday 19th February walk: Hard; approx 6-8 hrs; Saturday 20th February walk: Medium-Hard; approx 5-6 hrs; probable circuit walk. Booking includes the BBQ communal dinner (you will be asked to bring something for dinner) at our accommodation. Sunday 21st February walk: Easy; approx 2 hrs; After departing Restaway, a circuit walk ending with lunch at Lake Catani and opportunity for a swim. This enables a drive back to Melbourne after lunch on Sunday. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The weekend will follow the successful model used in previous years. The walking and social weekend is based on accommodation at Restaway Holiday Units in Porepunkah (we will make a pre-paid block booking for Nomads exclusive use) for the nights of Friday 18th and Saturday 19th February 2021 (individuals may choose to extend their booking). The maximum number of people for the walks is 30; depending on room options selected, Restaway accommodates about 24 people, so there is only limited capacity for off-site campers. (Those wanting the limited camping off-site places, please email the Leader on the link below - managed on a first-come basis.) There will be a one-day walk on Mt Buffalo on the Saturday, the communal BBQ on Saturday evening, and a shorter half-day walk on Mt Buffalo on the Sunday. Following Sunday's walk we will have a picnic lunch at Lake Catani, with the opportunity for a swim (bring towel) before you leave. This schedule enables people to drive up after work on Friday and return Sunday afternoon or evening. In addition, for those who wish to arrive a day earlier, on Thursday 18th February, the Nomads will book your accomodation for Thursday night at Restaway too, and there will be a one-day walk (rated hard) on Friday 19th February. Some people might want to stay at Restaway for Sunday evening or longer.  If you stay in your weekend room, the owners are giving us a "special rate of $121 per Unit". Please contact the event Leader (below) for details of how to book. We expect to book out all of Restaway again, so we will have exclusive use of the swimming pool, large garden and BBQ area. Each holiday unit has a small kitchen, living room, bathroom and 2 bedrooms - one bedroom has a queen bed, the other has 2 single beds (some have bunks, but to keep walk numbers at a manageable level of 30, the top bunk will generally not be used). It is a big big task organising this weekend, so the roles are being split again this year. David is organising leadership of the walks, and Ian Gould is organising the accommodation and communal Saturday dinner. Bookings can only be made through the Nomads website; if you find it is fully booked and you wish to be put on a 'wait list' in the event of a cancellation, please contact the Leader.  To join this weekend you need to book and pay by Thursday 3rd December 2020; this enables the Nomads to secure the booking. The Restaway owners have indicated that their cancellation policy is more flexible than normal, should you/we need to cancel due to COVID-19. Please note: (i) This is a popular event; in previous years the event has been fully booked. (ii) A booking must include full payment for accommodation and be via our website. (iii) Maximum walking group size is 30, limited to ensure a quality environmental experience and individual and group safety. (iv) The event is based on accommodation at Restaway and walks on Mt Buffalo. Please contact the Leader (email below) if you wish to register or discuss staying elsewhere; only a small number can camp or stay off-site. This event is generally not open to Visitors. Please contact the Leader (below) if you are a Visitor and would like to attend. BOOKING: By Thursday 3rd December if not sold out prior. To register, click on Get Tickets. Your payment will be fully refunded if it becomes necessary to cancel due to COVID-19. Firstly, choose if you wish to arrive Friday 19th or Thursday 18th February 2021. Secondly choose if you want 'Shared room' accommodation, in which you will share the room with one other person (separate beds, or share a queen bed with your partner), OR, want a 'Single occupancy room' which gives you a room for your use only. The Ticket includes the cost of accommodation, Saturday night's BBQ (you will also be asked to contribute some food too) and participation in the walks. Buy the Ticket you want, noting: if you and your partner wish to share a booking, you will need to buy two 'Shared room' tickets (see below); please indicate if you prefer vegetarian or non-vegetarian communal BBQ; and, if you are wanting to 'hitch a ride' with a Nomad for the drive up. If buying Shared accommodation and you wish to share with a particular person, it is necessary to email the Leader using the link below to advise him of the name of the person you will be sharing with, and preferred room sharing arrangements. i.e. (i) are you wanting to share a Queen bed with your partner (who needs to buy a Ticket too), OR (ii) have a preference to share a twin room with a particular person. If you buy Shared accommodation and do not send the Leader an email, he will allocate you with another person in a shared room. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 210218 Mt Buffalo Weekend Walking. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/mount-buffalo-national-park and www.restawayholidayunits.com.au. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Arrival time is from 3pm onwards on Friday 19th February at Restaway Holiday Units, 6852 Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah. For those taking the option of staying Thursday 18th February and joining the optional Friday walk, arrival time at Restaway is from 3pm onwards on Thursday 18th February. Car pooling arrangements to Mt Buffalo will be organised and pre-walk briefings held at Restaway prior to leaving for each day's walk.  MAP REFERENCE: Meeting point at Restaway Holiday Units: Melway map X922 grid F9 | Google map www.google.com.au/maps/place/Porepunkah+VIC+3740.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 320km, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes driving time, via Hume Hwy, Snow Road, Myrtleford to Porepunkah.  TRANSPORT: Car sharing is preferred - we'll try to avoid single-occupant car trips (COVID-19 guidelines permitting). There is a V/Line bus stop in Porepunkah, with connections to Wangaratta Station. FOOD: For all days bring your own breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks. During the walks carry your own lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. Only very limited food was available in the nearby Porepunkah service station last year, so it is essential to bring all your food and drink needs with you. Friday night (and optional Thursday): Bring your own dinner (BBQ available on-site; limited kitchen in each Unit) or, eat out at the local hotel. Saturday night: Booking and payment includes the famous Nomads communal BBQ dinner (including meat or vegetarian option, plus dessert) on Saturday night, but BYO drinks. The organiser will ask you for a contribution to this dinner. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots, walking poles (if needed), sun hat / wool beany and rain/wind proof jacket. While weather forecasts are useful, cold, windy and wet weather can occur in any season, so walkers must be prepared even in February. LEADER: Ian G. | Email the Leader if you have any questions or to advise on Shared acommodation preferences. 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 UNABLE TO BE HELD DUE TO THE 5-DAY STAGE 4 LOCKDOWN ** Have a relaxing Sunday walk through the iconic gardens that border the southern edge of the Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) and relax with a BYO picnic lunch on one of the many lawn areas that are dotted throughout the Royal Botanical Gardens. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, approximately 5 km of walking to/from and within multiple gardens.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Meeting in the booking hall at the main entrance to Flinders Street Station, the event will head south along St Kilda Road passing through two major Gardens: Queen Victoria Gardens and Kings Domain. Stops will be made to learn about multiple installations in these Gardens; including MP Pavillon, The Pathfinder Sculpture, The Water Nymph, the Floral Clock and the Covid-19 retrofitted Myer Music Bowl. Time will then be spent exploring the Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden and the Fern Gully Health and Wellbeing Garden before entering the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) via the Lych Gate. Must sees in the RBG are (1) Guilfoyles Volcano and the newly created Sensory Garden. The latter is best "felt" by walking through it in bare feet !!.  Depending on crowds and the weather, a spot will be selected for lunch and as a base for exploring the gardens. BOOKING: By Thursday 11th February. To register, click on Get Tickets. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 210214 Valentine's Gardens Walk and Picnic FURTHER INFORMATION: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/visit-melbourne https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/queen-victoria-gardens https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/kings-domain. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the Booking Hall between the Clocks and the myki entrance gates off the Flinders Street entrance to Flinders Street Station.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 1B grid N10 | Google map https://goo.gl/maps/B4c19Q8yRQjAA3KF7 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 0 km. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Multiple train, tram and bus routes either arrive at or within a short walk of Flinders Street Station. Cost is free for those with a myki Pass and Seniors. myki Money daily weekend fares are capped at $6.50 full fare and $3.25 for concession holders. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. LEADER: Garry Oliver | 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  

CURRENTLY FULLY BOOKED  This event is currently fully booked with 35 participants and we have now started a Waitlist. If you would like to be added to the waitlist please send an email to the leader, Russell. ___________________________________________ Enjoy a relaxing social weekend in Central Victoria on a private farm where you can leave your worries and clothes behind. Opportunities for wine-tasting on the property and optional short naturist walks in the country nearby. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy. Bush camping along a shady tree-lined creek with swimming in a large dam. Optional short, easy to medium naturist walks nearby. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is for naturists. Enjoy a relaxing weekend camped beside a creek lined with large shady gum trees. You can cool off in the very large dam which is up to 4m deep. However it is shallow at the edges for easy access. Bring your floaties or lilos for relaxing in the water. Join in a 2 hour class in Master Wine-Making and tasting, given by our host Andrew, and receive 1 or 2 bottles of red (included in the entry cost). The property is actually a vineyard with wine making facilities. It is not open to the public. For the more energetic we can do a not too long naturist walk around the back of Mt Piper or a scenic walk looking into the valleys from Mt Disappointment. Happy Hour is very popular. It generally starts in the late afternoon about 5pm to 6pm. Bring some nibbles for the table, your drinks and join the merry group. Campfire: If it is safe to do so, we hope to have a campfire for us to sit around and swap all our exciting stories. BOOKING: By Tuesday 9th February. To register, click on Get Tickets. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 210212 Men's Camping Event - Kilmore. COST: $25 for Visitors, $20 for Nomads members. Your entry fee includes 1 or 2 bottles of red from the winery. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: The property will be open to campers from 9am on Friday 12th February until 11am on Monday 15th February. The property is about 9 km from Kilmore. The exact address wil be emailed around Tuesday 9th February to all those who have booked. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X910 grid L8. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 80 km, approximately 1 hour to drive. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is no public transport to the property. The nearest town is Kilmore, 9 km away. We can try to help you get a lift with another camper. ACCOMMODATION: Your accommodation is up to you, a tent, mobile home, campervan or caravan. There is a good gravel track from the front gate to the campsite. You will need to be self sufficient to camp on a grassed area under or near shady trees by the creek which will probably be dry by February. You can camp next to, or near your car if you wish. Bring you own camping gear, tent, mattress, bedding, camp chairs and tables. Sun and Rain Shelter: We have one medium sized communal tent which accommodates about 10 people. However some more shade / shelter would be useful. If you can bring a tarp or beach umbrella, or other shelter that would be great. Power: There is no power at the campsite. If you need to charge your phone you could do it from your car battery or from a powerpoint in the winery shed, though this is 400m away at the top of the hill. Cooking: We have one large BBQ available. Or you may prefer to bring your own portable stove and saucepans etc. Food and Utensils: Please bring your own food, drinks, crockery, cutlery and plastic wash up dish. Don't forget some nibbles for Happy Hour. Water: We would suggest you bring plenty of water from home for drinking, cooking and washing. However if you run out there is plenty of tank water up at the winery shed, but this is 400m from the campsite. We will endeavour to provide some jerry cans of water at the campsite. You can also use water out of the dam for washing yourselves, it is quite uncontaminated. Refrigeration: People with camper vans etc. will probably have their own refrigeration. A portable fridge for campers would be a good idea. If you have no cooling facilities we will provide 3 large plastic portable ice boxes containing ice, which will be available to store meat, butter/margarine and some drinks. There is a fridge up at the winery, but it is not very big and is 400m from the camp. Washing Yourself: Please bring a wash basin/tub. The dam water will clean you, but please keep soap out of the dam water. Toilets: There will be a couple of designated areas where you can use the shovel, or your trowel to dig a hole with a view. There are also a couple of lightweight outdoor chairs with the seat cut out if you'd prefer.  Other Items to Bring:  Sunscreen, repellent, hat, dark glasses, towel, toiletries. Footwear - thongs, sandals around the campsite should be OK, but you will need comfortable closed shoes/boots if you wish to go on a naturist walk at Mt Piper or Mt Disapointment. Clothes in case it gets cool at night, umbrella, water-proofs just in case. Torch or headlamp. Floaties or lilos for relaxing in the dam. Mobile reception: is available all over the farm for Telstra users. For those with other providers, reception may not be so good. LEADER: Russell W. | 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  

** THIS EVENT HAS BOOKED OUT ** Walk the iconic Prom southern circuit around Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, and Waterloo Bay with an overnight camping. This is for beginners, and experienced walkers alike. Please register interest ASAP to avoid missing out  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Hard. The track is well formed, but we are walking 17.5 km each day with a pack on our backs, which makes it hard. For healthy people this is not a problem. We will be walking slowly. Numbers are limited to 8.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This very scenic walk passes through rainforest and along beaches, with great views from peaks. The track is not difficult, and many people will have walked the section to Sealers Cove. The camp site is beautiful and there are basic drop toilets. This walk is aimed at beginners. You do not need any special equipment as the leader has plenty to share. A detailed equipment list will be provided for people who have not done overnight walking before. Autumn is the best time at Wilsons Prom with warm sea temperatures and calm weather.  If the weather forecast is very hot we will cancel the trip. The emphasis is on having a great experience, and learning to love overnight hiking.  The trip has the following stages: Thursday 11th and Friday 12th (optional): Stay in a house at Yanakie close to the park entrance. Alternatively, you can drive down Friday night, or drive direct to the start of the walk on Saturday morning. Saturday 13th: Telegraph Saddle to Refuge Cove via Sealers Cove: A 17.5 km walk along formed track (estimated 5 hours). We will aim to start at Telegraph saddle at 9:30am. If you are driving from central Melbourne on the Saturday morning you will have to leave at 6:30am.   Sunday 14th: Refuge Cove back to Telegraph Saddle via Waterloo Bay: 17.5 km along formed tracks (estimated 7 hours). Then we will drive directly back to Melbourne. BOOKING: ASAP or by Sunday 31st January if places remain. To reserve your place, click Get Tickets. NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 210211 Wilsons Prom Backpacking FURTHER INFORMATION: Park Notes: parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/wilsons-promontory-national-park/where-to-stay/southern-overnight-hikes. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 09:30am at Telegraph Saddle car park on Saturday 13th February, or earlier if you wish, as outlined in the Activity Description above.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X928/628 grid C10 | VicRoads map 103 grid D7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/deXQjAAHQ9w. Detailed directions will be provided after the RSVP date.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Approximately 225 km. Allow 3 hours drive to the start of the walk from central Melbourne. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Not available. We will maximise car-pooling. COST: $7 pp to camp one night in the park. We will make a group booking 10 days before the walk. No need to pay until 2nd Feb (but Get Ticket here ASAP to ensure you don't miss out on this unique opportunity). FOOD: A list of suitable bushwalking food will be provided. We will prepare a communal meal on Saturday night for simplicity. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Light comfortable walking footwear. An equipment list will be provided. Don’t worry if you don’t have specialist gear like stove, tent, pack, sleeping mat etc. We have loan-you gear, and since we are only going in good weather we don’t need to pack for snow storms. LEADER | BOOKING: Roger H. | by Sunday 31st January 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  

Take in the relatively unknown Frankston Nature Reserve, Sweetwater Creek board walks and the bayside foreshore in this circuit starting and finishing at Frankston Station.    GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy to moderate 10.5 km circuit walk.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: From Frankston Station we catch the 11.09 am 782 bus to the Culcairn Drive stop in South Frankston, then walk some 500 metres to the entrance of the  Frankston Nature Reserve and follow walking tracks around and within this reserve, which used to be a Melbourne Water reserve. After exploring these tracks, we will lunch at, and be able to enjoy the scenic view of the actual Frankston Reservoir. After lunch, we will traverse through some very relaxed and bushy suburban streets in South Frankston to connect with the Sweetwater Creek walking track, much of which is a board walk, which will take us down to the Frankston beach. We will have the choice of walking back to the station via a board walk or along the foreshore itself. Some members may wish to enjoy a summer swim! BUSES from Frankston to MORDIALLOC WILL LEAVE FRANKSTON STATION APPROX EVERY 10 MINUTES to Mordialloc THEN TRAINS TO the City so people can choose to stay longer at the beach and make their own way back to the station. Otherwise we will arrive back at the station around 3.45 pm and have a tea/coffee at a cafe near the station.  BOOKING: By Thursday 4th February. To register, click on Get Tickets. COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 210207 Frankston Nature Walk. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Because of track work changes-detailed below- sometime from 10.35am to 10.45am outside the exit barriers of the Frankston Station YOUNG ST FRANKSTON MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 100A grid E7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/xuC8B8tEWMFxeS8S8.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 45 km, 50 minutes to drive via Nepean Hwy PUBLIC TRANSPORT: PLEASE NOTE THAT BECAUSE OF TRACK WORK ON THE FRANKSTON LINE 7TH FEBRUARY, THE DEPARTURE TIME FOR THE TRAIN FROM FLINDERS STREET HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 9.17AM THE TRAIN WILL BE LISTED AS A MORDIALLOC TRAIN.  We will travel in the first carriage. The Frankston line train will go as far as MORDIALLOC THEN WE WILL BE SWITCHED TO A LIMITED EXPRESS BUS TO CARRUM THEN STOP AT THE THREE REMAINING STATIONS TO AND INCLUDING FRANKSTON. WE WILL ARRIVE  AT FRANKSTON STATION APPROXIMATELY 10.42am--dependant on road traffic conditions and any unanticipated bus delays  We may have time for a morning tea /coffee before our 11.09 bus. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a minimum of one litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Consider wearing long pants rather than shorts given we will be traversing bushy, sometimes narrow walking tracks that may be crossed by snakes.  TOILETS----PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE NO TOILETS AFTER FRANKSTON STATION UNTIL WE ARRIVE AT OLIVERS HILL BEACH ( approx 4 HOURS LATER) LEADER: Don V. | 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