Longlea to the Knowsley State Forest through Axedale with a pub lunch.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 13.5 km walk.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We need to position one or two cars at the end of the walk in the Knowsley Forest then carpool to the start of the walk at Longlea. Leaving Peppercorn Park, the former Longlea Station site, we walk for about 2 hours along the O'keefe Rail Trail through mostly farm land and passing the Axedale station site prior to our lunch stop at the Axedale Tavern. After lunch we view the Platypus Compass and soon cross the Campaspe River. We then head into the Knowsley State Forest where we end today's walk. After walk drinks will be back at the Axedale Tavern. BOOKING: By Friday 14th June. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: OKeefe Rail Trail; Axedale Tavern MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am in the carpark at the rear of the Axedale Tavern, Axedale.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X921 grid E9 | Google map goo.gl/sYz93DSx4K1PZCPP8 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 144 km, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via Calder Fwy/M79 to Kynton, then follow C326 and C327 via Redesdale to Axedale. Alternative routes via Lancefield (144 km, 1 hr 55 min) or Kilmore (150 km. 1 hr 55 min). PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Not Available. FOOD: Carry snacks and a litre of water. Lunch and after walk drinks will be at the Axedale Tavern. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Axedale can be several degrees warmer and sunnier than Melbourne. LEADER: Paul K | Email LeaderPaulK.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Image: courtesy Bendigo Tourism   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Enjoy a long weekend of activities in the Rawson / Walhalla region over the King's Birthday holiday weekend, from Friday 7th to Monday 10th June. ** Accommodation is fully booked. All thirteen people on the waiting list have now been offered accommodation and no further accommodation bookings can be made. ** GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Various, depending on the activities undertaken - a range of activities will be on offer. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We have booked out the Mountain Rivers Lodge at Rawson, which has six standalone Units plus a comfortable communal lounge and a dining area. Each self-contained unit has a queen size bed plus 2 bunks (upper and lower). We've also booked additional accommodation, including The Bunkhouse, for those on the (extensive) waiting list - people staying elsewhere than in The Lodge will need to bring their own linen (sleeping bag, pillow and towel).  The activities planned for the weekend are: Friday: settle in to accommodation. Own arrangements for dinner - BBQ suggested. Saturday: Gather in Walhalla at 10am to visit the sights and be at the train station by 10:40am for our 11am departure.  Vintage Train Ride on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway: 11am-12pm Wally Pub for lunch: ASAP after midday Long Tunnel Mine Tour: Meet at the mine at 2:10pm ready for the tour to start at 2:30pm  Saturday evening: dinner in the Lodge Sunday:  Walhalla Rail Trail Walk (Erica to Thomson): Drive (less than 5 km) to Erica Mill Park (Erica MTB park) for a 10am departure, walking to Thomson Station for a picnic lunch (8.5 km). Afterwards, some could return by car from there (by pre-arrangement). The main group will walk a further 4.5 km to our accommodation via Old Depot Rd (part of the Old Depot Road via Steel Bridge Track walk).  Dinner at 6:30pm at the Rawson Stockyard  Monday: Horse Shoe Bend Tunnel walk: a relatively short but fascinating walk. Anybody who wanted more could walk the Cricket Ground Track circuit. BOOKING: By Tuesday 4th June, or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out. To register click on Get Tickets. Visitors should purchase a 1-month Temporary Membership (cost $8) prior to booking for this cabin weekend. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Check out Walks around Walhalla, a document we've put together outlining some of the walks in the Walhalla / Rawson region. COSTS: There are several components making up the proposed package of activities: ACCOMMODATION OPTION 1 - Queen Bed: $190 for 3 nights (bed can be shared by 2 people) ACCOMMODATION OPTION 2 - Bunk Bed: $95 for 3 nights TRAIN - Thomson to Walhalla, and back: $30 for the return trip if we have a group of at least 15 people attending, otherwise standard costs are $40 Full or $35 seniors/concession for a return trip, or $35/$30 for a one-way trip. MINE TOUR: $15 (requires at least 12 attendees) NOTE: If you (and perhaps a partner) don't wish to share your unit, you can get a Queen Bed ticket plus 2 x Bunk Bed tickets, at a total cost of $380 for the three nights. Payments for the mine tour and train trip will be collected on the weekend. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Any time after 2pm on Friday 7th June at the Motel Lodge, Mountain Rivers Tourist Park, 11 Depot Rd, Rawson.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X928 grid D6 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/C8weMRNA982D1Ysk9.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 170 km, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes via the M1 Fwy to Moe, exit onto the C103 followed by C466 and C481 to Rawson. Car Pooling is encouraged. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: No suitable public transport options are available. FOOD: Bring food for breakfast and lunch each day, a 1-litre water container plus snacks as required. There are multiple options for dinner on Friday night (1) BYO food and use the on-site gas BBQ; (2) use the faciltities in the communal kitchen; and (3) travel to nearby to Walhalla (20 minutes drive) for a pub meal. On Saturday night we'll have a communal meal at the lodge and on Sunday night we'll dine at a local Rawson pub. There are options for purchasing food and/or supplies in Walhalla, and to a lesser extent in Rawson. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. The Rawson and Walhalla region can be a lot cooler and wetter than Melbourne. LEADER: Alan D. and Garry O. | Email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com or 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  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Yarraville Club.  Limit of 25 attendees. Please take a few moments to book a FREE ticket to ensure there are adequate seats available and that you can be included in confirmation emails (that sometimes include important updates). If you booked but are unable to attend, please notify Garry on LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com. 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. Everyone is welcome to these monthly Nomads social evenings. Tuesday night is parma night - all parmas $22. Check out the Yarraville Club Menu (PDF) or the Yarraville Club website. BOOKING: By Sunday 2nd June. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure whether you've booked already? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm on Tuesday 4th June at the Yarraville Club, 135 Stephen St, Yarraville. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 42 grid B9. Google map maps.app.goo.gl/dD8gVJ4oeMPp7LmQ9. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Yarraville Club is 450m from Yarraville Station, on the Werribee and Williamstown lines. 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 reasonably challenging winter day's hike, mainly following the Plenty River upstream from Greensborough, often with lovely views and interaction with nature, finishing up at Middle Gorge Station. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium to Hard 20 km from point of view of distance with some steep inclines.  Leaders Guide - Appendix A: Activity Grading Guidelines. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: After meeting at Greensborough Station, there will be plenty of hill work, following the Plenty River and Dry Creek upstream, mainly on the eastern side, through semi urban, lifestyle/farm blocks before parkland and bush tracks (alfresco lunch possibly at Plenty Service Reservoir) through some steep Plenty Gorge terrain, crossing Plenty River to climb before making our way through suburbia to Middle Gorge Station for the train back towards the city. BOOKING: By Friday 31st May. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10.30am opposite Greensborough Station (RH side coming up the ramp from the platforms).  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 21 grid A2 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/zPaN82eAGcrn5cYA9. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 35 km, approximately 45 minutes from CBD. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Hurstbridge line on the 9.39 from Flinders Street Station (usually platform 1) to Greensborough. I will probably board the train front carriage at Fairfield. Later returning to town on the Mernda Line from Middle Gorge Station, trains run approximately every 20 minutes. Bus replacements on both Hurstbridge and Mernda lines possible: I will update closer to the event date if required. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. LEADER: Michael Cowan | 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  

A bike ride beginning at a cafe close to Altona Station, following the Bay via Williamstown to Footscray, then linking to the Capital City Trail to get to lunch at the Great Northern Hotel in Carlton North.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: A "gentle medium" grade ride of around 29 km to lunch. There are many train station bailout options if needed. Most surfaces will be sealed and there are no real hills. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We'll depart from The Forestta, 60 Pier Street, Altona at 10:25am. From the cafe we'll ride along the coastal trail, then the Capital City Trail, for lunch at the Great Northern Hotel, 644 Rathdowne St, Carlton North. If the Footscray Road path is closed, after we cross the first Footscray Rd bridge we'll immediately loop under Footscray Road to follow the eastern side of the Maribyrnong River, then take the Dynon Road Trail to link to the Capital City Trail. After lunch, there are many options to either catch a train (e.g. from Rushall, Royal Park, Jewell or Parliament Station) or to cycle home. BOOKING: By 5pm Saturday 25th May. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:25am at The Forestta, 60 Pier Street, Altona. Pier Street is a pedestrian mall outside this cafe, and there will be ample tables either on the street or inside the cafe. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/bhHu5m486JRzq2169.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT:  If you'd like a pre-ride coffee: Catch the Werribee line train that departs from Flinders Street (usually platform 9 or 10) at 9:27am, arriving at Altona at 9:56am. If you don't want a coffee: Catch the Werribee line train that departs from Flinders Street (usually platform 9 or 10) at 9:47am, arriving at Altona Station at 10:16am. Getting to the cafe: Exit the station via the ramp, then turn left. After a few metres, turn right into Pier Street. The cafe is on the lefthand (CBD) side of the pedestrian mall section of Pier St.  Note: For cycling events, we usually travel in the rear of the rear carriage.  FOOD: Lunch will be purchased at a cafe. You should carry some water, plus snacks if you think you might need those. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable attire for the weather forecast, in addition to your bike and helmet. A spare bike tube is advisable as is a waterproof layer if any chance of rain is forecast. LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

This event has Booked Out. Enjoy a 3 hour train ride to Echuca, paddle steamer cruise and walk the historical port area.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 5 km return walk. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: After our arrival in Echuca we will walk 1.7 km/30 min via the Echuca Wildlife Reserve to the Port of Echuca where we board the PS Canberra, a 110-year-old paddle steamer with a wood-fired steam engine. Enjoy historical commentary, Bar & Kiosk (card only - no cash) for our 1 hour cruise and lunch (BYO). No alcohol to be taken aboard. There are tables available on a first-come basis. On the return to port we can walk to Victoria Park or spend our time in the Port of Echuca before heading back along High St to the station and our trip home. BOOKING: By Friday 17th May. Note that you need to make 3 separate bookings: Nomads Booking: To register to attend, click on Get Tickets.    Paddle Steamer Booking: Book the 1:15pm PS Canberra cruise about a week or so before, once you know that you're going. Train Booking: Get your V/Line ticket (Paper Ticket Only - No Myki) any day online or at your local V/Line ticket office (found under Popular Links on the V/Line home page) for suburban inclusive travel in zones 1 & 2. If you buy online, the email that VLine sends is suitable for any travel on the day of travel only until you can pick up the ticket - unless you pick up beforehand. Note: There are no seat reservations for the train. There are no planned coach replacements. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Moama-Echuca-Melbourne (vline.com.au); or Murray River Paddlesteamers; or Port of Echuca; or V/Line; or ptv.vic.gov.au MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Southern Cross Railway Station at 0855 for a 0906 Departure. This train is usally fairly full, so to get a prefered seat and seating together, it will be best to get there a little early. MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station: Melway map 2C grid K6 | Google map goo.gl/K4eGX6ViYrXnh8qF9          Echuca Railway Station: Melway map X921 grid F6 | Google map goo.gl/7EGaAQdH18oxVevz5 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 255 km, approximately 3 hour 15 minutes by train via Bendigo. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Echuca train Departs Southern Cross at 0905 am travelling via Bendigo (10 Min Stop). We will travel in the front car. No refreshments available on the train so byo. The return train Departs Echuca at 405pm, Arriving Southern Cross at 724pm. (12 min stop at Bendigo). Note: If for any reason the train is replaced by a coach, this event will be postponed to another date. FARES: V/Line (paper tickets only - no myki): Return Travel: Full $7.20; Concession/Seniors: $3.60; River Cruise: $33.00 (no discounts). FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes for walking and due to the wooden decks on the cruise. Dress according to the weather forecast. Eucha can be several degrees warmer than Melbourne. LEADER: Paul K. | Email LeaderPaulK.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Due to the leader recovering from an operation, this walk has been postponed to a later date. LEADER: Richard C. | Email LeaderRichardC.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Enjoy a relaxing stroll beside the picturesque Darebin Creek. Travel via public transport is possible. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate, approximately 12 km, point-to-point walk on mainly flat paths with public transport connections.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Catch a Hurstbridge line train from Flinders St, meeting at 10:30am at leafy Alphington Station (I'll be there to greet and quick takeaway coffee option across the road), for a 10:45(ish) am start to ramble, walking a circuit around greater Alphington Park, before following the Darebin Trail upstream, avoiding cycleways as much as possible, stopping (around midday) for lunch in Northland Mall's food court inside with plenty of food options to choose.  I'll grab as many adjacent free tables as required to enable us to remain/eat together. After lunch we return to the Darebin Creek track upstream, passing under Plenty Rd, and following the trail with a mixture of urban and rural vistas, into Bundoora Parklands concluding the walk at the Bundoora Park Farm Cafe at approximately 3pm for well earned refreshments, and before catching a homeward bound tram in nearby Plenty Road. BOOKING: By Friday 10th May. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the Alphington Railway Station for a 10:45am(ish) departure.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 31 grid C10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/6t4kLP8W9HKnaxFJ8.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Hurstbridge line train that departs Flinders Street Station platform 1 at 9:59am arrives at Alphington Station 10:27am with time for a swift and optional takeway coffee across the road.  However, we aim to leave Alphington at 10:45am to begin walking. FOOD: Carry snacks and at least a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes 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.      

Our Annual General Meeting, in conjunction with the regular monthly social night. GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join us in a private room for the AGM followed by dinner in lieu of our regular social gathering. The first part of this night will involve the formal business necessary to satisfy the requirements of our incorporation as an association, including presentation and acceptance of financial and other reports, and the election of office bearers for the next 12 months. An AGM Information Pack will be distributed electronically to all (then) Financial Members prior to the meeting. After this, please stay for a meal or for socialising. Drinks can be purchased at the Bar (outside of the meeting room). The pre-ordered meals will be served in the private room at 8pm sharp. Attending online via Zoom: If you wish, you can attend the AGM online via Zoom. Just select "Online - via Zoom" as the "Attendance Mode" when you get your ticket. In any case, the Zoom link will be emailed prior to the meeting to everybody who has registered. BOOKING BOOKING TO ATTEND: By Monday 6th May. To register your intention to attend, click on Get Tickets. BOOKING YOUR MEAL: A link will be provided here (and in an email sent to those who have registered) a little before the event to enable you to book your meal online. Your meal will be delivered to the room after the AGM. You will also be able to order in person on the night, but your meal then won't arrive at the same time as the others. Unsure if you've already booked to attend? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Bleakhouse Hotel, 97 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park (on the corner of Victoria Ave and Beaconsfield Pde).  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2J grid H10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/594ZX3oiqidEZrrRA.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The tram route #1 terminus is right outside the hotel. 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  

Join the tall ship "South Passage", Queensland's sail training ship, for a sailing adventure along the Queensland coast.  There are 3 voyages to choose from. We are not filling the entire ship, but rather blending in with other members of the general public. However you would all be working together in Roger's watch. 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 to embrace working as a team to assist sailing the ship. However, no prior sailing experience is required and 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.  Each day we will find a picturesque anchorage, possibly go for a bushwalk, or go snorkelling. We make up the schedule depending on wind conditions and opportunity.  The emphasis is on having a good time and getting a range of experiences – not just hard-core sailing. You will never be bored!  All voyages are 4 days long and cost $920 each including accommodation the night before the voyage. 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. Also no naturism is possible. BOOKING: Bookings are on a first in first served basis. Book and Pay direct to Southpassage through their Rezdy booking application. Follow these links to the booking form: Manly (Brisbane) to Hervey Bay  Manly (Brisbane) to Hervey Bay 7-10 May Hervey Bay to Rosslyn Bay(near Rockhampton) Hervey Bay-Rosslyn Bay 14-17 May Rosslyn Bay to Mackay   Rosslyn Bay to Mackay 21-24 May (you need to select the 21 May departure at "choose your date") Please also click Get Ticket on this page so Roger knows you are planning to attend. However you must also make a reservation and pay a deposit direct to Southpassage (links above). Closer to the event you will be provided with final details and a packing list. FURTHER INFORMATION: southpassage.org.au, the official South Passage website. You will see there are other voyages offered that you can sail on, however the three above are the only ones that Roger is sailing on. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: This depends on which voyage you select. Refer to Southpassage information, or contact LeaderRogerH.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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 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.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  

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 a further 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: The official ride will start at Bendigo Station at 11am, timed to connect with the train departing from Southern Cross at 9:05am. Due to the limited number of bikes that can be carried on the trains however, some people may wish to: catch an earlier train (departing at 7:40am); or drive to Bendigo; or travel to Bendigo the night before - these options can be selected once the accommodation bookings have been finalised. From 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. On Sunday, after breakfast at one of the bakeries on the main street, 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 for Southern Cross. We hope to catch the 4:26pm service but other options depart at 3:26pm, 5:26pm, 7:02pm or 9:00pm. BOOKING: by Thursday 2nd May (or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out). To register, click on Get Tickets to book the ticket type you require: Five rooms have been reserved. Four of the rooms have one SINGLE BED and one DOUBLE BED each. The KING ROOM has a single king size bed. All rooms include an ensuite bathroom. Refer to the room descriptions at the Commercial Hotel. If wanting to share a bed with your partner, book a KING ROOM or DOUBLE BED and specify the name of your partner. That will register both of you to attend the event. If you want sole occupancy of a room (or to share a room with your partner only), you should book the KING ROOM, or else book a DOUBLE BED plus a SINGLE BED. If you have arranged your own accommodation, you can purchase a free OWN ACCOMMODATION ticket, which entitles you to participate in the event without any accommodation being supplied to you. This event is only available to Nomads members. Note: visitors can get a 1-month temporary 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. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The entire Bendigo line is within the Myki zone - tickets cannot be pre-purchased, or seats reserved on these services. There is a limit of 6 bikes on most of the Bendigo-line trains, and because of the cheap fares, the trains are often quite full (meaning we potentially won't even be able to fit 6 bikes on a train).  Outbound: Depart SC 7:40am — Arrive Bendigo 9:55am (space for 8 bikes) Outbound: Depart SC 9:05am — Arrive Bendigo 10:57am (space for 6 bikes) Return: Depart Bendigo 3:26pm / 4:26pm / 5:26pm / 7:02pm / 9pm — Arrive SC 5:24pm / 6:24pm / 7:24pm / 9:12pm / 10:59pm (space for 6 bikes on each service except the 7:02pm, which has space for 8 bikes) COSTS: Accommodation: Choose the accommodation type you wish: KING ROOM ($115) — DOUBLE BED in a 2-bed room ($68) — SINGLE BED in a 2-bed room ($58) — OWN ACCOMMODATION (FREE; if you don't require Nomads-supplied accommodation). If you want a solo (non-shared) room, you can either purchase the KING ROOM or purchase a DOUBLE BED plus a SINGLE BED.  V/Line Trains: Public transport to anywhere in Victoria is capped at $7.20 full or $3.60 concession/senior per weekend day.  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: 11am at Bendigo Railway Station.  MAP REFERENCE: Bendigo Station: Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/RKbDYVWg4SHErDGh8 FOOD: Carry snacks and at least 1 litre of water.  WHAT TO BRING: Sunscreen, insect repellant, sun glasses and dress according to the weather forecast. The hotel supplies towels and linen. Whatever you bring for the two days will need to fit in a panier or back pack. Don't bring too much! Bring waterproof jacket and warm jumper plus neat casual clothes for dinner on Saturday night. Bring a spare bike 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  

Bookings for this event have reached the limit and are now closed. To join the 'waitlist' please email the Leader. Travel by train or car to Castlemaine, and enjoy a day walk in the historic Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park and your BYO picnic lunch. This walk is also a Castlemaine Pride Festival event and is run in conjunction with the local gay men’s social group, ‘The Alluvians’, so it’s an opportunity to meet Castlemaine LGBTIQA+ bushwalkers too. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium walking - approximately 10 km circuit walk on paths that are at times rocky and steep. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Meeting at 10.31am in the car park of the Castlemaine Railway Station, we introduce ourselves and then car-share with those who have driven from Melbourne or are Castlemaine locals. If insufficient cars, then a Taxi mini bus will be arranged (small shared cost). There are NO lunch shops near the railway station, so you will need to bring your lunch, snacks and water with you. It is about a 15-minute drive to the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. We leave our cars, admire the ruins of the massive 1887 Garfield Water Wheel, and learn from the information boards the scale of development here.  We commence the walk uphill through the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park and past the remains of many mines, some surprisingly deep. We are heading for the stone-hut ruins of the Welsh Village, and here we will take a break to inspect the remains of a once-thriving community. Continuing to gain height we reach our highest point, the banks of the Expedition Pass Reservoir, the source of water for the waterwheel, and locally known as ‘The Rez’. We will stop for lunch at a suitable spot along the way. The walk is easier now, returning downhill on the easy Forest Creek Track, and at Chinamans Point Road taking the track back to the Garfield Water Wheel.   We leave the Garfield Water Wheel by about 4pm, and we travel back to the Castlemaine Station where some will board the 4.29pm train to arrive at Southern Cross at 6.24pm, and others drive home.  The Castlemaine Pride Festival is from 18th to 28th April – more details available at castlemainepride.org.au. After the walk you may wish to have a cleansing ale at the Loveshack, a Castlemaine microbrewer, who are hosting 'Beers for Queers' and the festival Finale. Other options include travelling to Castlemaine on Friday 26th and enjoy a Queer band at the Taproom (another local micro-brewer, at The Mill) or on Saturday 27th April, enjoy the Q+ Activation in Mechanics Lane all day, explore the town and join in a PubSing also at The Taproom on Saturday evening. Please contact the leader for accommodation options and Castlemaine Pride discounts.   BOOKING: By Thursday 25th April, and indicate if you are driving to Castlemaine Station or travelling by train. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION:  Parks Vic: Heritage Notes for the Quartz Hill Walk and Welsh Village Walk     BendigoRegion.com.au: Castlemaine, Maldon & Surrounds - Outdoors and Nature  MountAlexander.vic.gov.au: Mount Alexander Shire Council - Community events and things to do MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Meeting at Castlemaine Railway Station carpark, (intersection of Templeton and Kennedy Streets) at 10.31am.  NOTE: You need to bring lunch, snacks and water with you to the Station as there are no food shops near the station and we will not be stopping to buy food or drink during our trip from the Station to Garfield Water Wheel.   MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 C6 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/93kAUPqBE8NUKt4r6. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Castlemaine is about 130 km, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by train or 1hr 30 minutes to drive via the Calder Highway, exiting at the marked B180 turnoff to Castlemaine. . PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is a regular ~ hourly train service from Southern Cross Station to Castlemaine (the Bendigo line) that takes about 1 1/2hr.  To join the walk you should depart Southern Cross Station on the 9.06am Bendigo line train, alighting at Castlemaine about 10.31am. The return train departs Castlemaine at 4.49pm and arrives Southern Cross 18.24pm. There is no need to book a seat, and payment is via MyKi card. Capped fares apply on weekends and public holidays if using myki money - $7:20 Full or $3.60 Concession/Seniors. FOOD: Bring picnic lunch and we suggest you carry snacks and at least 1 litre of water. Note: we will not be stopping in Castlemaine township to buy food or drink. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes, jacket, hat and dress according to the Castlemaine (not Melbourne) weather forecast. Average daily temperatures for Castlemaine in April range from 8 - 21 deg C. You should consult the Castlemaine weather forecast (not Melbourne) a day or two before the event and wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear for walking. LEADER: Ian G. | Email LeaderIanG.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