Diverse terrain and sharp suburban ascents define this loop through Melbourne's outer east. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3: Moderate 11 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). UPDATE - on previewing, the length has been reduced. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Diverse terrain and sharp suburban ascents define this loop through Melbourne's outer east. The route offers an eclectic mix of quiet bushwalking tracks and paved footpaths, weaving through pockets of native greenery and local streets. We follow the Mullum Mullum Trail through Antonio Park, Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve, the Schwerkolt Cottage and with Eastlink views. There are few public bathrooms directly on the route, so plan accordingly before setting off. BOOKING: By Friday 8th May. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at entrance to Heatherdale Station.  There is parking south and north-west of the station. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The 10:06am Belgrave train from Flinders Street Station (or the Loop) arrives at 10:55am, so we’ll wait for that.  There are no shopping facilities in the near viscinity of the station. We’ll travel in the first carriage.   MAP REFERENCE: Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/4wf63Cg3gqAk1uEA8 FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots and dress according to the weather forecast.   LEADER: Richard C. | Email LeaderRichardC@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Sunday morning fitness ride from Fed Square to Hampton/Black Rock and return. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Approx 29 km one way and various distances on the return. Mainly flat. The route includes city paths, bike trails and some road riding. Riders returning to Flinders street will ride approximately 50+ kilometers, depending on their route back to the city. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is a Sunday morning ride from the city to Hampton or Black Rock return. The ride will focus on steady riding to improve fitness. It will include one coffee stop on the return section and will aim to be fully concluded by late morning. The ride will include bicycle paths and some roads. In sections, riders will have the choice to ride on the road or on designated bicycle paths (Port Melbourne - Black Rock). We will take the path beside the Yarra River to Docklands, link to Lorimer Street then proceed through Westgate Park to Port Melbourne. We will take bike paths along the Port Melbourne foreshore to Beaconsfield Pde. At this point riders can choose to follow the Bay Trail or road-ride to Black Rock. At Black Rock Clock Tower, after a short 5-10 min drink break we will begin our return journey, stopping for coffee somewhere along the way - choices include Hampton, Brighton, St Kilda, or Albert Park. From the coffee stop, riders will choose the most convenient route home via the city, southern suburbs, west, east or north.  Note: If the trip to the Clock Tower is too lengthy we could turn around at Hampton. We will see how long the ride takes to complete.  If the weather forecast is very poor, such as heavy rain or wind gusts, a cancellation email will be sent on Saturday evening by 8:30 pm.  BOOKING: By Friday 15th May. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Ride will depart at 8:00am sharp and will not wait for latecomers. Meet at the junction of Swanston St and Birrarung Marr Walk (opposite Flinders Street Station) between 7:50am and 8:00am.  MAP REFERENCES: Meeting Point - Google map: Birarung Marr Walk Ride Route - Google PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take a train or ride to the start point. Ride or take public transport home from the CBD. Riders needing to opt out on the return could access stations along the Sandringham line.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Riding attire and wet weather gear. Carry water, money, phone, puncture kit, rain jacket. LEADER: Bryan S | Email LeaderBryanS@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Photo: Brett Sayles, Pexels.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

There are 2 voyages. First one 19-22 May. Second one 24-28th May. You could join either, or do both. Join the tall ship "South Passage", Queensland's sail training ship, for a sailing adventure along the Queensland coast.  Everyone sleeps in a communal cabin, and there are shared toilet facilities, which is a small discomfort to pay for the experience of sailing in the same manner that Captain Cook did. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: A basic level of fitness and dexterity is required to move around the ship while it is moving. You need a spirit of adventure, and embrace working as a team to assist sailing the ship. However, no prior sailing experience is required - you will be trained on the job. At times you might have to be awake at night for up to 2 hours to assist in running the ship. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The ship is named South Passage. She is built on the same lines as a New York Pilot Schooner, and has a total length of 30 metres.  These are both general public voyages so we share the ship with other voyage crew. Roger is one of the watchleaders so you would be in his watch. The destinations depend upon the weather and circumstances, but each day there is the opportunity to step onto an island and explore. Or go swimming or snorkelling. Highlights might include: Rosslyn Bay to Mackay: 1st night Pearl Bay, then Middle Percy Is., then maybe Scawfell or Keswick for the last night before Mackay. Mackay to Townsville, a musician to serenade us at a BBQ on shore at Cape Upstart. We will have a couple of island stops in the Whitsundays: day 1: Mackay to St Thomas or Shaw Is. Day 2 to Whitsunday or Hook Is.. Day 3 to Gloucester Passage. Day 4 to Cape Upstart. Day 5 Townsville. The emphasis is on having a good time and getting a range of experiences – not just hard-core sailing. You will never be bored!  Voyage duration, dates and costs are contained on the flyers. This cost does not include transport to/from the embarkation/disembarkation ports, but includes everything once you are on board including all on-board meals. You need to arrive the day before as we usually have an onshore dinner (not included) the night before departure. South Passage does not have any powered winches, so we rely on your manpower to sweat the lines and do all tasks required to run the ship, in the same manner as the ancient mariners.  Of note, South Passage is a dry ship, and there's no smoking on board. Roger's experience is that you will not miss this since there are so many activities to challenge your senses and keep you occupied. A great chance for a detox.  BOOKING: Bookings are on a first in first served basis. Book and Pay direct to Southpassage through the booking application. Follow these links to the booking form and use the QR code: Rosslyn Bay (near Rockhampton) to Mackay. 19-22 May.  Link to Info |  Booking Link Mackay to Townsville. 24-28th May.  Link to info sheet |  Booking Link Please also click Get Ticket on this page so Roger knows you are planning to attend.  Also contact Roger on Email LeaderRogerH@nomads.org.au since it is such short notice. However you must also make a reservation (Booking) and pay a deposit direct to Southpassage (QR code on the links above).  FURTHER INFORMATION: southpassage.org.au, the official South Passage website. There are other voyages offered that you can book on, however Roger is only sailing on the two above. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: This depends on which voyage you select. Refer to Southpassage information, or contact LeaderRogerH@nomads.org.au for exact details. You have to arrive the day before the voyage departs. We have a welcome dinner (around 5pm) the night before to get to know our fellow sailors. The voyage departs promptly the next morning (boats don't wait!!). All sailors need to be on board by 10pm the night before. Dont book flights back to Melbourne before about 8pm on the day of disembarkation as there might be delays. And also to allow time to get to the airport. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: A long way!! Best to fly to/from Queensland. This cost is not included in the voyage cost above. Also, do consider how long it takes to transfer from airport to the port. Roger can advise on the best way to get to the embarkation port. FOOD: All meals are provided on board (but not the welcome dinner the night before departure). All dietary preferences are catered for. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: It is generally balmy. However, if we get some rain it can be cool. A packing list will be provided. LEADER: Roger H. | Email LeaderRogerH@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS