Events

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Vic Hotel - Footscray.  GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Nomads hold a social night each month, where members and guests can enjoy a meal, talk about upcoming events, compare notes on past activities and float ideas on events they would like to see run. Do you want to see more of a particular activity, or do you have a particularly favourite area of Victoria you would like to share with others? Do you have an idea for a walk we haven't done before? If so, we'd love to hear from you. Everyone is welcome – new members are especially invited to any of the monthly Nomads social evenings. Check out the Victoria Hotel Menu Tuesday nights are $25 pie nights - served with mash and peas. BOOKING: By Sunday 5th July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure whether you've booked already? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm on Tuesday 7th July at the Victoria Hotel, 43 Victoria St, Footscray. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/MCvdPVENFaUDWKEv7. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Vic Hotel - Footscray is very close to Middle Footscray Station on the Watergardens/Sunbury line. LEADER: TBA. | Email info[at]nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

An easy mid-winter walk from Pluto to the Sun visiting Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Earth, Venus and Mercury en-route. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 1: Easy 8 Billion km point to point walk (8km) (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: An easy winters walk following the Bay Trail - the Melbourne Solar System walk section, from Port Melbourne to St Kilda. The trail from Pluto to the Sun is 5.9 Billion km long (5.9km). At Port Melbourne we will also walk out on Princess Pier and to the Port Melbourne Lookout . At St Kilda we can walk the new St Kilda Pier and Breakwater and have refreshments at the St Kilda Pier Kiosk or wait until we get to Acland Street. BOOKING: By Friday 10th July. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Transport Victoria  | Solar System Trail |  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 1030am at the Port Melbourne Tram Terminus. Tram arrives at 1025, departs Southern Cross at 1011. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/vawpcXvbzJYTKFar9 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 4.5 km, approximately 14 minutes by tram from Southern Cross Station. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: For the 2nd half of 2026 fares are at 1/2 price - myki money weekend daily cap is $4.00 + Seniors FREE. Travel time from Southern Cross is 14 minutes. Departs Southern Cross (Collins St) at 1011, Arrives Port Melbourne 1025. If you like something to eat or drink before the walk, plan to arrive 40 to 60 minutes earlier. Mr Hobson, 9 Waterfront Place looks like the only option nearby as the other cafes are closed. Return tram: From Acland Steet, St Kilda - #96 tram, 28 minutes to Southern Cross Station. FOOD: Mr Hobson, 9 Waterfront Place for pre-walk food and drinks. We will have a lunch stop near Uranus. The Sandbar should be open for meals / take away if you do not bring lunch. Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. We can stop at the St Kilda Pier Kiosk or go to Acland Street for after walk refreshments. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Its the middle of winter so be prepared - its cold in space, also possible meteor showers and strong solar winds. (possible cold, wet and windy conditions). LEADER: Paul K. | Email LeaderPaulK@nomads.org.au   if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Image: Visit Victoria HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Enjoy a scenic walk overlooking Port Phillip Bay and the Lower reaches of the Yarra River, crossing the Yarra River on the Westgate Punt. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium Grade 3 - 10 km point-to-point walk on paved or compacted dirt paths. (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: From the Beacon Cove Terminus of the #109 Tram the walk will follow the Beacon Cove Promenade Trail past one of Melbourne's earliest urban renewal projects plus the Station and Princess Piers. Passing through the Maritime Cove Parkland, the walk will make the return trip along the Webb Trail to Sandridge Lookout. Next the walk will head to Westgate Park which will be the lunch spot in designated facilities. Then a walk through Westgate Park to the Punt pier (near the Westgate Bridge) to cross over the Yarra River. On the western side the walk will continue on off-road paths past the historic sewerage pumping station and the Newport Power Station. We'll exit to take North Road to Newport Station, where you can board a train to return towards the CBD.  BOOKING: By Friday 17th April. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:40am at Becon Cove Terminus, Port Melbourne. If you'd like a coffee, you should arrive at the Terminus on the 10:10 AM Tram. See Public Transport below. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/9cnPPGVWN26nBJ968 PUBLIC TRANSPORT:  For the 2nd half of 2026 fares are at 1/2 price - myki money weekend daily cap is $4.00  +  Seniors FREE  WITH COFFEE: Take the #109 Tram via Collins Street and Southern Cross Station that arrives at 10:10 am NO COFFEE: Take the #109 Tram via Collins Street and Southern Cross Station that arrives at 10:40 am RETURN: Newport Station is on the Werribee and Williamstown lines, with trains at least once every 10 minutes. FOOD: Lunch break will be at Westage Park, BYO eats and beverages - there are NO food outlets in the vicinity. COST: $5 for the Westgate Punt + NO CASH only EFT Payments  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable attire including footwaer that's suitable for the weather forecast. LEADER: Garry Oliver | Email LeaderGarryO@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Image: Bob Tan   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

We continue along the O'Keefe Rail Trail from the Knowsley State Forest through Knowsley to Lake Eppalock. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3: Moderate 12.7 km walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). Mostly flat on a gravel rail trail.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: After meeting at the O'Keefe Rail Trail car park we carpool to the start of the walk at the Smart Track Visitor Area, Knowsley State Forest. We walk for about 2 hours along the O'Keefe Rail Trail through forest and farm land to arrive at our lunch stop at Knowsley. After lunch, we continue on to Lake Eppalock. Depending on early winter rainfall, the lake water may reach this point. We will then drive to Heathcote for refreshments, before heading home. BOOKING: By Friday 24th July. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: O'Keefe Rail Trail | Commercial Hotel Heathcote  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at the O'Keefe Rail Trail car park, 8 km/5 mins drive from the Northern Hwy/McIvor Hwy intersection, Heathcote (towards Bendigo).  MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/7PWvjg3uCwkiAARS7 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 135 km, aproximately 1 hr 44 min via Kilmore & Heathcote. Alternative routes via Lancefield 130 km, 1 hr 45 min or 146 km, 1 hour 45 minutes via Calder Fwy/M79 to Kyneton, then follow C326 via Redesdale to Heathcote. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Not Available. If you need a lift or to carpool, contact leader at least a week in advance to arrange. FOOD: Carry snacks, lunch and 2 litres of water. After walk refreshments will be at the Commercial Hotel or Gaffney's Bakery (closes 4pm). APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Knowslea can be several degrees warmer and sunnier than Melbourne. LEADER: Paul K | Email LeaderPaulK@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Short precis of the event, for example: A climb to the top of Babbington Hill in the Wombat State Forest, passing by a hidden reservoir and an historic mineral spring.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate 9.5 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Add a descriptive narrative here ... a few lines or a few paragraphs, as appropriate depending on the complexity of your event.  BOOKING: By Friday 11th November. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: If appropriate, add links to relevant online references. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am in the car park of the Radio Springs Hotel, 1 High St, Lyonville.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/AcrfAxJF7GPZj8Pt6.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 102 km, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via Calder Fwy/M79 to Woodend, then follow directions to Daylesford, taking the Tylden-Woodend Rd, then the C318 Kyneton-Trentham Rd, and finally the C317 Trentham-Daylesford Rd to Lyonville. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Provide public transport details, if public transport is an option. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Lyonville can be several degrees cooler than Melbourne. LEADER: TBA. | Email LeaderXXXXX[at]nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

A full week of cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and/or snowboarding, staying in a cosy lodge at Falls Creek. Stay the full week, or part thereof. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Your choice (choose slopes and equipment to match your skills) – cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and/or snowboarding.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: A full week (or part thereof) ski trip to Falls Creek is planned for a week Sunday 9th to Sunday 16th August. We will be staying at the cosy Cosela Alpine Lodge, which provides ski-in ski-out access from Wombats Ramble with no oversnow transport requirements. This will be a cross-country ski, downhill ski and/or snowboard week leaving Melbourne on Sunday and leaving Falls Creek the following Sunday. BOOKING: Please get a Nomads ticket ASAP by clicking on Get Tickets, as there are limited beds now available. It's advisable to email LeaderLesB@nomads.org.au after you book, so he can advise what beds are available and organise payment.  Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.cosela.com.au/Winter/index.html. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Sunday afternoon, Cosela Alpine Lodge, Falls Creek.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway Map X922 grid H10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/V7fBUEiNBb62.  GETTING THERE: There are coach services from Melbourne, Mt Beauty and many other locations to Falls Creek. There are long-term parking facilities in Mt Beauty if you don’t wish to take your car up the mountain. If driving, take the Hume Freeway (M31) to Wangaratta then the Great Alpine Road (B500), turning off to Mt Beauty. On arrival at Falls Creek you should request to unload your luggage at the steps beyond the CFA station, which is lit at night. As you are staying at Cosela, you don't need oversnow transport. After unloading, you will return to the attendant to be directed to a parking place. Cosela Lodge can then be reached by travelling up the steps and across Snowgum Lane (see map at www.cosela.com.au/Winter/Map.html). DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 391 km, 4.5 hours. FOOD: It's advisable to bring food for the period of your stay; group catering arrangements will be organised after registration. Breakfast cereal, milk, bread, jam, condiments, tea and coffee are provided by the lodge. There’s a local food store for last minute supplies and oversights. COSTS: You can come for the full period or part thereof: ACCOMMODATION MON-THU: The accommodation cost is $125 per Nomads member per night. ACCOMMODATION FRI-SAT: $280 for Friday plus Saturday night (i.e. $140 per night, but payment is required for both nights if either is required). BOOKING FEE: There is also a $3.50 service booking fee. BUS - MOUNT BEAUTY TO FALLS CREEK: The bus fee is $79 Mount Beauty to Falls Creek return if you decide to park in Mt Beauty bus depot a secure parking fee of $84 for the 7 nights. FALLS CREEK PARKING: The parking fee at Falls Creek was $469 for the 7 nights in 2025. This will be updated once this year's price is known (plus you will need to carry snow chains). NON MEMBERS: Not a Nomads member? Purchase a temporary one-month membership before getting your tickets (cost $8). APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Bring sheets and pillowcases, towel, washer and toiletries, plus ski gear to suit all possible conditions (or hire it in Mt Beauty or Falls Creek). Don’t forget warm, comfortable clothing for after-ski activities. If driving you will be required to carry chains (these can be hired in Mt Beauty), and you should ensure your radiator has antifreeze. LEADER: Les B. | Email LeaderLesB@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Follows several inner suburban trails that form the Capital City Trail that circles inner Melbourne. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate 12 km point to point walk on concrete and bitumen paths. (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Capital City Trail is a shared use path which circles the city centre and some inner eastern and northern suburbs. It is 29.5 km in length, and mostly consists of sections of other trails, such as the Merri Creek Trail, Main Yarra Trail, Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and Inner Circle Rail Trail. We make our way to the Merri Creek where we pick up Merri Creek Trail section of the Capital City Trail & follow around through Fitzroy North onto the Inner Circle Rail Trail with the branch line to what is now the Edinburgh Gardens. Walking past the Melbourne Zoo, we are now on the Upfield Shared Path we soon reach City Link and follow the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail to Docklands, finishing up at Southern Cross Station. After walk refreshments will be at the Port Phillip Ferry Cafe, Docklands. BOOKING: By Friday 14th August. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Transport Victoria |  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 1030am, John St, car park near platform 1, Clifton Hill Station. To exit the subway take ramp to the left. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/dNNmN5aRBxabnNbJ7  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 11 km, 20 minutes by train via City Loop from Flinders Street.   PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Depart Flinders Street Station at 0959, Arrives Clifton Hill Station at 1019. This train goes via the City Loop. On arrival at Clifton Hill walk via the subway (turn right after exiting the platform) walk towards the oppisite platform, then take the left ramp up to the carpark where we will meet. Weekend Myki cap: Adults $4.00 | Seniors Free. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and one to two litres of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. LEADER: Paul K. | Email LeaderPaulk@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Enjoy a pleasant winter's walk on the Geelong foreshore, travelling there and back via public transport: a V/Line train to the North Geelong Station, returning to Docklands by ferry (or optionally by train).  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2 Easy 7 km point-to-point walk, optionally extended to a Grade 3 Moderate 13 km walk via an additional 6 km circuit walk along the foreshore to Eastern Park (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We'll catch a V/Line train to Geelong's North Geelong Station, from where we'll walk to the interesting Federal Mills complex for a quick visit. Afterwards, a short stroll will take us to the foreshore, which we'll follow all the way round to Cunningham Pier and the picturesque Geelong waterfront. Lunch can be taken in this vicinity, either in one of the cafes facing the foreshore, or you can BYO lunch for a picnic in the park. Suggested lunch options are The Geelong Boathouse (for fish and chips) or Hecho en Mexico.  After lunch you'll have the option to stroll with us along the waterfront around to Eastern Beach, and back via parklands and Malop St, or alternatively to check out the nearby Geelong CBD on your own - there is also an excellent Art Gallery located on Johnstone Park and the National Wool Museum (open daily 9am-5pm) is quite close to Cunningham Pier. To return to Melbourne, we'll catch the 4pm Port Phillip Ferries service to Docklands via Portarlington, with excellent views of the Bellarine Peninsula coastline. If you prefer though, you can catch a V/Line train (at no additional cost) from the nearby Geelong Station.  BOOKING: By Friday 21 August. To register with The Nomads, click on Get Tickets. To book your ferry ticket, go to Port Phillip Ferries (this can be done on the day from your phone). Bookings can't be made for the V/Line trains, but you'll need a Myki card. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: See V/Line Trains for timetables. Docklands-Geelong-Portarlington ferry service: Port Phillip Ferries.  For our approximate route, see the North Geelong - Federal Mills - Eastern Beach - Port Phillip Ferries Google map. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:50am at the North Geelong Station, 109 Victoria St, North Geelong.  If travelling by train from Southern Cross, you should get to Southern Cross Station by around 9:35am, ready to board the Waurn Ponds service that departs at 9:50am (arriving at North Geelong Station at 9:47am). MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/o4VS9PPy3MBH8KAq8.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 67 km, 59 minutes by train (or approximately 1 hour to drive, but public transport is recommended).  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Outbound: Board the front carriage of the Waurn Ponds (Geelong) service that departs from Southern Cross Station at 9:50am, and should arrive at the North Geelong Station at 10:49am. Return: We'll need to get to the Port Phillip Ferries terminal by 3:45pm, to board the ferry that departs from Geelong at 4pm.  Return via V/Line: Trains bound for Southern Cross depart from Geelong Station at 3:35pm, 3:55pm, 4:15pm, 4:35pm, 4:55pm etc. COST: TRAIN: Train, tram and bus travel is capped at $4 per day (or $2 for Concessions or FREE for Seniors) for travel anywhere in Victoria. FERRY: If the 20% fuel surcharge is still in effect, the Geelong-Docklands service will cost $31.80 one-way (or $29.40 for Seniors/Concessions) on weekends. NOTE: You can leave purchasing your ferry ticket until close to the time of travel - there will be ample space on board. FOOD: Carry snacks if you wish and some drinking water. Bring your lunch if you plan to have a picnic, or there are many options along the Geelong foreshore to purchase lunch. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.  LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD[at]nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

A series of interconnected walks to check out Warrandyte’s gold mining past. The focal point of our walk will be a memorial cairn that has been erected on Fourth Hill. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3 Moderate (due to hills and terrain, graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). The estimated total walk distance is around 9 km. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The first activity will be the circuit walk around Fourth Hill area with ample time to inspect the eight protected sites in this sector. The walk will proceed along the Wildcat Gully and Whipstock Gully Tracks to another circuit walk around the site of the Victory Mine. The area is well sourced with storyboards. Additional walks will be taken along the many interconnecting management vehicle tracks. The first discovery of gold in Victoria was in 1851 at Warrandyte; now an outer suburb. Detailed mining of the area did not occur until other areas in the State were exhausted. Many of the mining sites are available for observation. Optional Afternoon Tea in the nearby village of Warrandyte will be organised at the conclusion of the walk. BOOKING: By Thursday 27th August. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/fourth-hill---gold-memorial MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at Gold Memorial Picnic area, Gold Memorial Rd, Warrandyte - located on the left when coming from Harris Gully Rd, shortly after the Gold Memorial Cairn.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/5tVTg1yDFjVJybjR9.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 25 km from Melbourne CBD, 1 hour by car using the Eastern Freeway, Springvale Rd, then Old Warrandyte Rd into Tindals Rd then Harris Gully Rd. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Three bus options are available: #364 (Ringwood Station) / #578 (Eltham Station) / #906 (City via Victoria Pde, Hoddle St then Eastern Freeway) to Warrandyte Rd/Harris Gully Rd followed by a short walk to the entry point. To plan your journey see: transport.vic.gov.au/journey. Weekend travel is currently half price, capped at $4 full, $2 concession & free for seniors. FOOD: Picnic facilities are available, however there are no food or drink shops in the park, so bring your lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water if it is a warm day. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Dress for Winter (layers are recommended). Check the weather forecast on www.bom.gov.au. Wear solid footwear (boots recommended) as the tracks are steep in parts and may be slippery, especially after rain. LEADER: John T. | Email LeaderJohnT[at]nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Participation in the annual Federation Walks event is one of the benefits of our membership of Bushwalking Victoria. Bookings for the Federation Walks weekend based in Portland will open on 1 July 2026.   GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: 20+ different walks are available. The walks are likely to range from Easy 2 km to Hard 18 km. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The FedWalks weekend happens in a different part of Victoria each year - this year it will be based in Portland to do sections of the Great South West Walk. Detailed maps and descriptions of all the walks on offer will be provided.  The Great South West Walk (GSWW) is a 250-kilometer, 12-to-15-day loop hiking trail beginning and ending in Portland, Victoria, offering a diverse, challenging journey through forests, along the Glenelg River, and across rugged coastlines. It's an epic showcase of the natural beauty of far west Victoria. Meander through tranquil forests of the Cobboboonee, enter the limestone gorge of the Glenelg River and the long, lonely coast of Discovery Bay. It winds through the diverse landscapes of Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cobboboonee National Park and Cape Nelson State Park. Starting from the township of Portland in south west Victoria, the walk takes you on an unforgettable journey across rugged cliffs carved by the Southern Ocean, over remote beaches, past ancient, pristine lakes and through majestic, tall forest. Memorable features include the highest seacliffs in Victoria, blowholes, Petrified Forest, and seal colony at Cape Bridgwater, historic Cape Nelson Lighthouse, Princess Margaret Rose Caves, Aboriginal heritage places and the beautiful seaside village of Nelson, where the Glenelg River meets the sea. Along the way you’ll discover a diverse variety of plants and wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, Blue and Southern Right Whales, and a huge variety of native birds, including the Australasian Gannet. The walk is maintained through a partnership between volunteers from Friends of the Great South West Walk and Parks Victoria. Many thanks to those volunteers as well as to the volunteers taking on responsibility for organising this FedWalks program. The Nomads has booked 4-bedroom Roantree House, 17 Julia Street, Portland for Friday and Saturday nights at a total cost of $721.56. The accommodation cost will be divided equitably depending on how many people are staying in the house.  BOOKING: By 31 August, or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out! This event is only open to members of clubs affiliated with Bushwalking Victoria. Visitors should get a 1-month Temporary Membership prior to booking their tickets. Tickets are free to book - the leader will collect accommodation fees directly from the attendees. The steps for booking are: Check out the BWV Walks Program to decide which walk(s) you would like to do. Click the TryBooking link (once available) to select the walks you wish to do on Saturday, and on Sunday and also select the Saturday Night Dinner option if you wish, then pay the FedWalks Registration Fee. Select Get Tickets on this Nomads events listing, so we know who is attending, to help with coordination. IMPORTANT: You must book, select the FedWalks walks you wish to do, and pay per walk ASAP. A ticket with The Nomads is not sufficient to grant you access to the weekend! Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Summary of Walks: the link will be provided here as soon as it is available. FedWalks website: Detailed information is available on fedwalks.org.au. Overview Map: the link to the overview map will be provided here as soon as it is available. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Meet the other Nomads at Roantree House, 17 Julia Street, Portland. Note that you will also need to register for the FedWalks program once you arrive in Portland - details will be provided here once they're available. MAP REFERENCE: Google map - Roantree House: maps.app.goo.gl/6nuvbTFmLAEudiXZA.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 350 to 400 km (depending on the route), allow 4 to 4.5 hours to drive from central Melbourne.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is highly recommended - Car pooling will be organised to get you to and from central Portland to the start of each FedWalks walk. Catch a V/lIne train to Warrnambool and a coach from there to Portland: OUTBOUND (Friday: Southern Cross to Portland) 7:26am Southern Cross - 10:49am Warrnambool | 10:59am Warrnambool - 12:31pm Portland 10:12am Southern Cross - 1:44pm Warrnambool 1:10pm Southern Cross - 4:35pm Warrnambool | 4:55pm Warrnambool - 6:32pm Portland 5:09pm Southern Cross - 8:35pm Warrnambool | 8:46pm Warrnambool - 10:11pm Portland 7:25pm Southern Cross - 10:37pm Warrnambool | 10:47pm Warrnambool - 12:12am Portland (Saturday morning arrival) RETURNING (Sunday: Portland to Southern Cross): the only feasible option is: 3:32pm Portland - 5:08pm Warrnambool | 5:27pm Warrnambool - 9:00pm Southern Cross COST: WALKS: The minimum cost is $20 per person per walk, payable to FedWalks, which includes participation in your selected Saturday and Sunday walk. ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation cost will be divided equitably depending on how many people are staying in the house, and the type of bedding you have. A private room will be costed as "2 bed spaces".  SATURDAY DINNER: The optional Saturday night FedWalks dinner cost $45 in 2025, so will probably be similar for 2026.  ACCOMMODATION: The house has 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Three bedrooms have either a king or queen bed, and the fourth bedroom has two single beds. There's also a double sofa bed in living room 2 and an L-shaped lounge in living room 1. FOOD: BYO breakfasts. For your walks, you will generally need to carry lunch, snacks and drinking water. Afternoon tea will be provided at the end of each walk. You can book and pay for a Saturday evening meal (which cost $45 in 2025) when you book with FedWalks for the weekend. There are also supermarkets and lots of dining establishments in Portland. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Be sure to bring plenty of warm, waterproof layers. The weather in Portland can be quite changeable, and is often very windy. LEADER: The walks will be organised by various leaders from the FedWalks team. For queries about participating in activities with other Nomads over the weekend, email Alan D. on LeaderAlanD[at]nomads.org.au. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

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

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