A climb near Babbington Hill in the Wombat State Forest, passing by a beautiful reservoir and an historic mineral spring. Refreshments back at the starting point at Lyonville's Radio Springs Hotel. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 9.7 km circuit walk. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This scenic walk highlights some of the interesting history of Lyonville, located in the Daylesford Spa Country. Starting at the Radio Springs Hotel we pass through the local settlement and farmland that gives way to the densely treed Wombat State Forest, The area originally attracted James Lyon, after whom the town is named, and who built large sawmills in the region. We pass by the Bullarto Reservoir then circuit near the Babbington Hill (822m) before descending to the historic Lyonville Spring for lunch with its mineral waters. From the mineral springs we walk along the old tramway route that parallels the Loddon River. The walk will end at the starting point, Radio Springs Hotel, where we can have afternoon refreshments afterwards.  BOOKING: By Friday 15th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am in the car park of the Radio Springs Hotel, 1 High St, Lyonville.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid D10 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/mffYVKSy9GGzc5ou7.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 102 km, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via Calder Fwy/M79 to Woodend, then follow directions to Daylesford, taking the Tylden-Woodend Rd, then the C318 Kyneton-Trentham Rd, and finally the C317 Trentham-Daylesford Rd to Lyonville. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take the 9:06am Echuca train from Southern Cross to Woodend, then transfer to the Daylesford coach service, arriving at Main St/Daylesford-Trentham Rd, Lyonville at 10:46am. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Lyonville can be several degrees cooler than Melbourne. LEADER: Robert H. | Email LeaderRobertH.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Finish off your long weekend with a scenic walk along the Domino Rail Trail and Blighs Rd, on your way back to Melbourne. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 9 km circuit walk. This is mostly flat, though there will be some short scrambles around the Domino Creek region. Some sections could be muddy and slippery if there has been recent rain. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This walk is designed as a scenic diversion to enjoy on your way back to Melbourne after the ChillOut weekend, but can equally be appreciated as a day walk from Melbourne on the Labour Day Monday. From the starting point in Trentham, we'll head directly to the Domino Trail, which follows part of the former railway line between Daylesford and Carlsruhe. This circuit won't simply be an out-and-back walk though, as there will be variations between the out and back route, in particular to follow Blighs Rd in one direction. BOOKING: By Saturday 9th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Associated Nomads activities during the ChillOut Festival: Friday to Monday: The Nomads Labour Day Long Weekend – ChillOut Camping. Saturday 10am: The Nomads ChillOut Saturday Morning Community Walk. Sunday: Attend the ChillOut Festival Street Parade then either head to the ChillOut Carnivale, attend the Naturist Walk, relax at the camp or attend any of the other events around town. Sunday 1:30pm: The Nomads Daylesford Naturist Walk during ChillOut. Sunday evening: We'll once again organise an evening meal at the Spice of India Restaurant, within easy walking distance of the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at the Quarry Street Recreation Reserve, located on Quarry St between Albert St and Victoria St, Trentham. There are public toilets at the meeting point. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid E10 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/hxafR5BhFnGbzGtD8 | FedWalks 2023 Walk 2 Domino Trail and Return. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 93 km, between 75 and 90 minutes to drive via the M79 Calder Fwy. Parking is available in Quarry St, on the north and the south side of its intersection with High Street (the main Trentham throughfare and just downhill from the Cosmopolitan Hotel). PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport options are available via train between Southern Cross station and Woodend (or Kyneton), plus a bus to Trentham. Myki cannot be used on the Daylesford bus service - tickets should be purchased online in advance. Recommended options: Getting There: From Southern Cross, catch the 9:06am Echuca service and alight at Woodend at 10:04am. Transfer to the Daylesford bus service that departs from Woodend at 10:14am and arrives at Trentham Milk Bar/Market St at 10:36am. The bus stop is about 300 metres from the meeting point - from the bus stop head north, then turn left into High St (C318). Turn right (into Quarry St) at the second High St intersection. Return: Catch the Daylesford-Woodend bus service from Trentham Milk Bar/Market St, Trentham at 2:39pm, which has a connection at Woodend that should have you arriving at Southern Cross at 4:24pm. It's expected that the walk will finish in time for you to catch this service. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. There are excellent options in Trentham, such as the RedBeard Bakery, for purchasing your lunch. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Trentham is at 700 metres elevation, so it's likely to be cooler and wetter than Melbourne and the trails may be muddy. 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 is part of the Nomads 3-day Chillout Event Program. This event is for naturists. Enjoy a pleasant clothes-free 3-hour walk in the peaceful surroundings of the Wombat State Forest in the heart of Daylesford.  Please note: This is a clothing-free event (not clothing optional) and all attendees will be asked to conform to the nature of the event (weather permitting). Non-conformists will be politely asked to leave the event without refund. This event caters for the beginner to experienced naturist/bushwalker in a friendly, supportive and accepting environment where one can reconnect with nature and be part of the ChillOut weekend events. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3, Moderate, approximately 9 km circuit walk. The country is generally undulating, though there are some rough tracks with a few fallen logs to navigate at times. Some bushwalking experience is recommended. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is for naturists. Enjoy a pleasant clothes-free stroll through the tall trees and along the picturesque creeks in Wombat State Forest near Daylesford. A good chance for a chat, or just enjoy the pleasure of being in the forest, without clothes. We will visit the Wombat Dam with an opportunity for a swim during our afternoon tea break. The walk should finish by 5:00pm at the starting point in time for preparing for your evening social events.  BOOKING: By COB Friday 8th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 1:30pm at Bolton's Takeaway Cafe, 31a East St Daylesford (clothed). The cafe will be closed so please ensure you have eaten lunch or packed snacks prior. Please be on time so we can make the most of our time in the forest. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/fYQqNXCMdQW5Uyfa7. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 114 km | 1 hour 25 minutes. COST: Free for Nomads members, $5 for non-members. FOOD: You may wish to bring about 600ml of water. Food/snacks are not required but you can take a snack if you like. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, repellent (maybe). Wear comfortable walking shoes/boots. Shorts for the start and end of the walk.  LEADER: Jason T. | Email LeaderJasonT.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS

Join The Nomads for a morning bushwalk during the Chillout Festival - a good chance to make new friends, and enjoy nature as you walk beside the creeks and in the forests near Daylesford. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Choice of two circuit walks. Medium 4 km walk, or Hard 7 km walk with some challenging off-track hills to climb and descend. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join The Nomads for a morning bushwalk during the Chillout Festival - a good chance to make new friends. Enjoy the fresh air walking beside Sailors Creek and through the trees in the Hepburn Regional Forest. There will be a choice of two walks: Medium 4 km, or Hard 7 km walk. Both walks will stop for a short 10 to 15 minute break in the forest, and both will end back at the starting point. Bring water, hat, apply sunscreen and wear closed shoes, not sandals. BOOKING: Preferably by Friday 8th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Associated Nomads activities during the ChillOut Festival: Friday to Monday: The Nomads Labour Day Long Weekend – ChillOut Camping. Sunday: Attend the ChillOut Festival Street Parade then either head to the ChillOut Carnivale, attend the Naturist Walk, relax at the camp or attend any of the other events around town. Sunday 1:30pm: The Nomads Daylesford Naturist Walk during ChillOut. Sunday evening: We'll once again organise an evening meal at the Spice of India Restaurant, within easy walking distance of the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. Monday: On the way back to Melbourne, do a Nomads Trentham Circuit Walk via the Domino Trail. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at Tipperary Springs Picnic Area, Tipperary Springs Rd, Daylesford. It is 2.5 km and 6 minutes drive from the Daylesford Town Hall. Both walks will start and finish at this point. The event finishes at 12:45pm. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid C9 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/GcFxQ2XwQnk7RkRs6. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 116 km, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to drive.  COST: $10 for visitors and free for Nomads Members. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable closed shoes/walking boots, a hat, dark glasses, apply sunscreen before the walk. Dress according to the weather forecast.  FOOD AND DRINKS: Bring drinking water. Snacks of a muesli bar etc. and a piece of fruit will be given out to each walker at the start of the walk. WALK LEADERS: MEDIUM WALK: Russell W | Email LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. HARD WALK: Jason T | Email LeaderJasonT.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Photo by Russell W, taken at the 2020 Nomads ChillOut Community Walk.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

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, 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 10am: The Nomads ChillOut Saturday Morning Community Walk. Saturday evening: BYO BBQ at the Jubilee Lake Park, and/or many ChillOut events around town. Sunday: Attend the ChillOut Festival Street Parade then either head to the ChillOut Carnival, do the Naturist walk, relax at the camp or attend any of the other events around town. Sunday 1:30pm: The Nomads Daylesford Naturist Walk during ChillOut. Sunday evening: We'll once again organise an evening meal at the Spice of India Restaurant, within easy walking distance of the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. Monday: On the way back to Melbourne, do a Nomads Trentham Circuit Walk via the Domino Trail. BOOKING: by Tuesday 5th March or ASAP. To register, click on Get Tickets to get a ticket for each night you wish to camp.  Do not book your accommodation directly with the holiday park! Get a MEMBER or VISITOR ticket for EACH NIGHT you wish to camp. You need to log in as a financial Nomads member to take out a Member ticket. Visitors who wish to attend any of the other Nomads events over the weekend, are advised to take out a 1 month temporary membership (cost $8) prior to making any bookings. You can then book free member tickets for the events you want to attend (though the camping fee remains the same: $15 per person per night). Everybody (Members and Visitors): Don't forget to also register for any other events you wish to attend.  Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6-10pm on Friday 8th 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: V/LINE: There is a regular V/Line service between Melbourne and Daylesford. If using that, contact the leader to see if we can collect you from the bus stop (outside the CFA Station). LIFT: If you would like a lift between Melbourne and Daylesford, when you book your camping ticket(s) answer YES to the "Do you need transport to the event" question (and give your postcode), and the leader will try to arrange a lift for you. SHUTTLE BUS: ChillOut will probably be operating a shuttle bus again, running every 40 minutes between Jubilee Lake, central Daylesford and Hepburn Springs - cost in 2023 was $20 for a weekend bus pass. TAXI: Daylesford normally has a good taxi service (03 5348 1111), but no Ubers. Taxis are likely to be hard to come by on this busy weekend though. ACCOMMODATION: The Nomads “base camp” will be a cluster of five unpowered camp sites. The sites are reasonably large and can each accommodate a number of 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 pre-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. A torch is essential. 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  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Doutta Galla Hotel, Flemington (Newmarket).  GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join us for our monthly social evening where members can enjoy a meal, talk about upcoming events, compare notes on past activities and float ideas on events they would like to see run. BOOKING: By Sunday 3rd March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Doutta Galla Hotel, 339 Racecourse Road, Flemington. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2T grid K1 | Google map goo.gl/maps/9gJrHHfmDks16xeeA. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Doutta Galla Hotel is diagonally opposite the Newmarket Station on the Craigieburn line, and located on tram line #57 (Flinders Street Station to West Maribyrnong) between stops 25 and 26. 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  

An out-and-back walk north east of Melbourne. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium-hard 10 km circuit walk. Total rise 493 m. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Explore this 10 km trail near Woori Yallock, Victoria (Warburton-ish). Generally considered a challenging route. After previewing the walk, it is necessary to change it to an out-and-back walk, mostly on fire trails.  The original planned trail degraded from unmarked animal tracks to bushbashing, which  is almost impassable.  It will now mostly follow fire trails.  The route is just as long, and with the same total rise. The scenery along this trail is gorgeous, winding through beautiful dense forest and reaching open clearings with lovely views of the surrounding lowlands. The track can get muddy after rain, so be sure to set out with good footwear if there's been recent rainfall.  BOOKING: By Friday 1st March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at Warramate Hills Flora and Fauna Reserve, 7 Yarraloch Way, Gruyere. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is not feasible. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 285 grid G1 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/r6QT6GLdW2pWEcLo7. 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.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 walk through beautiful Ballarat parks between Wendouree Station and central Ballarat, explore some fascinating Australian history, and join the Frolic Festival picnic celebration, near Ballarat Station. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 10 km point-to-point walk with public transport connections.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Starting from the Wendouree V/Line Station, we'll walk via the Botanic Gardens and Lake Wendouree to visit the Ballarat Old Cemetery, then some historic sites in Lydiard Street, before finishing up at the Frolic Festival picnic in Alfred Deakin Place. The event is designed to enable easy public transport access to and from Melbourne.  BOOKING: By Friday 22nd February. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Ballarat Frolic Festival (frolicfestival.org). MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at the Wendouree V/Line Station, cnr Learmonth Rd and Gillies St, Wendouree (Ballarat).  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909 grid A11 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/DNq5VmqB3Hu5YZr49.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 122 km, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes via M8 to Wendouree, exiting onto Gillies St N/C307, which takes you to the station.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Ararat service that departs from Southern Cross at 8:14am arrives at Wendouree at 9:51am. For the return to Melbourne, services depart from Ballarat Station at 2:20pm, 3:20pm, 4:20pm, 5:20pm, 6:20pm, 7:20pm and 9:28pm. Capped fares apply on weekends and public holidays if using myki money - $7:20 Full or $3.60 Concession/Seniors. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Ballarat can be several degrees cooler than Melbourne. LEADER: Don V. | Email LeaderDonV.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 very pleasant place for a naturist walk amongst the tall trees of the Wombat State Forest and along the banks of the upper Werribee River, with a short detour to visit and taste the water from the Carrolls Mineral Spring. If it's hot there are waterholes for cooling off. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy to medium 7km circuit walk. Although we mostly walk along the banks of the river there are a few ups and downs where the track climbs over cliff tops beside the river. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is for naturists. Enjoy a naked hike along the banks of the upper reaches of the Werribee River. At times the small track deviates into the open forest to avoid cliffs along the river bank. Along the way we will visit Carrolls Spring, one of the southernmost springs in the Hepburn-Daylesford area. The water flow can be a bit slow but it tastes quite good. Lunch will be on the grassed and shady river bank. If the day is hot we can cool off in one of the river waterholes or where the water cascades over the rocks. (Maybe include a pair of jocks just in case there are campers on the bank near the cascades, hopefully not). BOOKING: Preferably by Friday 16th February. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10.15am for coffee and catch up at the Pergola in the small Community Park at 131 Inglis St, Ballan (the main street). It is next to The Ballan Takeaway shop. The best parking is around the corner in Fisken St. There are a few coffee shops nearby. Toilets are located at the rear of the Community Park. (Optus mobile coverage in Ballan is at times not very good.  If you need to contact us and the phone doesn't work, try a text.) 10.45am Briefing for the day and car pooling to the start of the walk, which is just off the main road to Daylesford. It is 16kms and 15 mins from the meeting place along a bitumen road. The car park is gravel. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X911 grid D1 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/BhNQ5V379caNEAg18.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 75kms. Allow 1hr 10mins. Take the Western Highway towards Ballarat. Then take the Ballan exit after about 72 kms. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: V/line train towards Ballarat leaves Southern Cross Railway Station at 8.14am and arrives in Ballan at 9.16am.  The meeting place is 8 mins, 450 m walk from Ballan Railway Station, so you would arrive at the pergola at 9.24am. (Check that there is not bus replacement on the day.) Even the following train would do. It leaves Southern Cross 1 hour later at 9.14am, and arrives at Ballan at 10.16am, plus 8 mins walk will get you to the meeting place at 10.24am. We will wait for you, but it means you will have less time for coffee. Alternatively send Russell an email to request a lift from Melbourne. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks, water/drinks (600ml to 1 litre). A plastic cup to collect and sample the spring water would be handy. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat, dark glasses, comfortable walking shoes/boots. (The track is easy to walk on, being mostly padded down earth.) Shorts maybe needed for the first and last 100m of the walk. Jocks would be handy in case there are campers near the cascades. A small towel to dry off after a dip or splash in a waterhole or the cascades. COST: Free for Nomads financial members, $5 for non-financial members. AFTER WALK REFRESHMENTS: If you feel like cool drinks, coffee and snacks after the walk we will return to Ballan and meet at the Commercial Hotel at 151 Inglis St, Ballan. After drinks, you can stay on for dinner if you wish. The hotel is now doing meals again after the dining room was closed during Covid and Facebook gives them a pretty good rating for their food. LEADER: Russell W. | Email LeaderRussellW.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  

** THERE ARE CURRENTLY SPARE BEDS. If all ticket types are sold out and you would like to attend, please get a Waiting List ticket in case there are cancellations, and/or email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com. Cancellations will be offered to people on the waiting list, in the order of booking. ** ** The power has been restored in Porepunkah - the event is proceeding as planned ** 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 Nomads walking and social weekend in group accommodation in Victoria's North-East is now in its ninth year, and David R. will again head up the walk leaders' team. Bookings are limited and it always books out, so book now to ensure you don't miss out! GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Arriving Thursday for those joining the Friday and weekend walks, or arriving Friday for those doing the weekend walks only. FRIDAY: For those arriving Thursday night and wishing to do the optional Friday walk. It will be a relatively hard walk on Mt Buffalo, in an area to be decided depending on weather and park conditions. Alternatively, you can have a restful day at Restaway or visit local wineries, the brewery or the Bright region. SATURDAY: On Saturday there will be a day-walk on Mt Buffalo and the communal BBQ dinner at Restaway on Saturday evening. SUNDAY: We plan to offer two morning options, one on the mountain finishing at the lake, and the other in the Ovens Valley and or Bright area. Both options will allow returning home on Sunday afternoon.   SAFETY POINTS:  APPAREL: Walkers must carry enough clothing and gear for all weather eventualities irrespective of the starting weather and forecast, as mountain weather can change very rapidly; you should wear comfortable walking boots or shoes and carry a minimum of a sun hat, a warm hat and a rain and wind proof jacket. BRIEFING: Attendance at the daily briefing is a requirement and a prerequisite for participation on that day. FUEL: Please note that there is no fuel available on the mountain; anyone driving up must have adequate supply from the valley.   ACCOMMODATION: The weekend will follow the popular formula of previous years based on accommodation at Restaway Holiday Units in Porepunkah. Accommodation is in shared holiday units, with each unit having two bedrooms (one with a queen bed, the other with 2 single beds), a living area, a bathroom and a kitchenette.  The booking for this event is for Friday and Saturday nights, and Thursday is an optional extra. The maximum number of people for the walks is 30. Depending on room options selected, Restaway accommodates about 24 people, so there is limited capacity for up to six off-site campers (e.g. local caravan park of your choice). Confirmed bookings will be on a first booked basis, booking will be closed when capacity is reached, and a wait list will be available. Cancellations will be offered in the order of wait-listed bookings. We expect to book out all of Restaway again, so we will have exclusive use of the swimming pool, large garden and BBQ area, within walking distance of Porepunkah village. Some may want to extend their stay at Restaway, arriving early or staying beyond Sunday. If you remain in your weekend unit (with no room service) for the duration, the owners are offering a "special whole-unit rate". Please email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com for questions on accommodation, meals or booking, or if you wish to extend your stay.   FOOD & MEALS: Porepunkah village has only a pub and service station, and no food store so it is essential to bring all your food and drink needs with you. Bring your own breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks for all days. During the walks it is essential you carry your own lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water; no food is available on the mountain. Dinner Thursday and Friday night: Either bring your own dinner and eat in (BBQ available on-site, and each unit has a basic kitchenette), or eat out at the local hotel. A group booking has been made for 7pm on Friday night at the Porepunkah Pub for those (almost everybody) who selected that option when getting tickets to the event. Dinner Saturday night: Your payment includes the famous Nomads communal BBQ dinner (including meat or vegetarian option, plus dessert) on Saturday night, but BYO drinks. The organiser is coordinating with those staying at Restaway to bring pre-dinner nibbles or a small salad.   Sunday: participants will need to carry lunch.   BOOKING: To join this weekend you need to book and pay ASAP by clicking Get Tickets. Note: (i) This is a popular event; in every previous year the event has been fully booked. (ii) A booking can only be made through the Nomads website, and needs to include full payment; if you find it is fully booked, please take out a free WAITING LIST ticket and you will be contacted (in the order of ticketing) if there is a cancellation. (iii) Maximum walking group size is 30, limited to ensure a quality environmental experience and individual and group safety. (iv) The event is a mixed social and bushwalking event, based on accommodation at Restaway and walks on Mt Buffalo.  Visitors: This event is generally not open to Visitors.  Roles: The roles are being split again this year. David is organising leadership of the walks and the Saturday BBQ, while Alan is taking care of all administrative matters and enquiries. Booking Guide: Bookings are taken in the order of registration. To book, click on Get Tickets. The Ticket includes participation in the walks, the cost of accommodation and Saturday night's BBQ dinner. Cancellations within a week of the event will only receive a refund if somebody else is able to take their place.  NIGHTS? Firstly, decide if you will be arriving on Thursday or Friday. SHARED? Secondly, choose if you want 'Shared bedroom' accommodation, in which you will share the room with one other person (separate beds, or, share a queen bed with your partner or friend), OR, want a 'Solo room' which gives you a room for your use only. GET TICKETS: Buy the ticket(s) you want. You will be asked to specify a number of preferences when booking: * Bed Partner: if you are sharing your bed please name your bed partner.   * Non-bed partner: If you already know the person you wish to share your room (but not your bed) with, please list them. If you elected to share a room but haven't specified a room-mate, we will allocate a room-mate for you.  Note that a separate ticket needs to be purchased for your bed or room partner (on which they name you as their bed or room partner). * Do you need transport to the event? If you need, or can provide, transport, please indicate your postcode also. * Friday Dining Preference: Choose either the Porepunkah Pub group booking or else Own arrangements.  * Saturday Dietary Preference: for Saturday night: vegetarian, meat or other? (for 'other', please email the leader with your needs) * Saturday Meal Contribution?: indicate the type of salad or pre-dinner nibble you have in mind to bring, if any. (Only one contribution per couple; off-site participants are not expected to bring any contributions). Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.   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 either the Thursday or Friday at Restaway Holiday Units, 6852 Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah. Car pooling arrangements from Restaway to Mt Buffalo will be organised each day at the compulsory 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: 320 km, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes driving time, via Hume Hwy, Snow Road, Myrtleford to Porepunkah. TRANSPORT: Car sharing or public transport is preferred - we'll try to avoid single-occupant car trips. There is a V/Line bus stop in Porepunkah, with connections to Wangaratta Station. FOOD: See above. Bring your own food for breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks for all days, there is no food store in Porepunkah, only a pub and service station. During the walks you must carry your own lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water.  LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. NOTE: David R (LeaderDavidR.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com) will be organising the walks and the Saturday evening meal, but please contact Alan D with any enquiries about administration of the event or requests for information. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME  BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS  MEMBERSHIPS  

A leisurely day at the beach. This is a mixed event. Everybody is welcome.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, social day with short walks along the beach. Some rocks to walk over to get from the carpark to the naturist beach. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a leisurely day sunbaking, walking, swimming and socialising with other Nomads on the beach. Sunnyside North Beach is the only officially designated clothing optional beach on Port Phillip Bay, and the closest legal naturist beach to Melbourne. Sunnyside North Beach is a very popular beach with naturists from all over Melbourne and beyond, for very good reasons. It is a safe beach, easy to get to, and offers good swimming and general beach fun. There are a number of rocky areas and reefs close to shore which may also provide snorkelling opportunities if you wish. Most of the beach is sandy with scattered small rocks. This is a family friendly beach, so behaviour needs to be appropriate at all times. The naturist beach is a very popular location on any sunny day, and the car parking spaces closest to the beach fill up quickly. Arrive early if you would like the best chance of a close park. However please note that the council has recently introduced paid parking in the main car park, $6.20/hr or $19.50 for all day. There are still free all-day parking spaces along the side of Sunnyside Road, but ensure that you read the parking signs carefully as parking inspectors have been known to work over the weekends. We strongly suggest not leaving valuables visible in your car, which of course is good practice everywhere. And, as is common sense, do not leave anything unattended on the beach. In the main beach carpark (Sunnyside Beach - clothed) are several modern individual toilets and outdoor showers, but once we move to the clothing optional beach, there are no facilities at all. You need to be self-sufficient and bring your own food and drink, esky, sun shelter or wind protection if desired, sunscreen, sunnies and hat. Clothing must be worn between the carpark and the beach. Also, we recommend suitable footwear to protect your feet from the sometimes sharp rocks along the short walking track to the beach. The leader will bring a beach shelter which can be used as a communal place to keep small items out of the direct heat of the sun, and as a focal point for our group once on the beach. We will gather towards the Northern end of the main carpark at the end of Sunnyside Road at 10.30am. If you arrive late, no problem, just follow the rocky track north until the next sandy beach, you will have no problem locating and joining our group. Low tide at Sunnyside North Beach will be at 10.15am (though it's not very low), and high tide is forecast for 3.00pm. You are free to do as much or as little as you want on the beach, it is your day, so make the most of it. There is no planned finishing time, you are free to spend as much or as little time as you wish on the beach. If the weather forecast for the day is determined as unsuitable by the leader, this beach day may be cancelled, or alternatively may be changed to the following day. Any changes in event details due to adverse weather or other reason will be made to the Nomads event listing no later than 8pm on the evening prior to the event. If no changes to the event details by 8pm, the beach day will go ahead as planned and there is no need to check further. This is a free event, but to assist with planning, it is requested that you register your attendance. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on this naturist beach day. OPTIONAL FOOD OR DRINKS AT RESTAURANT IN FRANKSTON If you would like to extend the social atmosphere of the beach day a bit further, we are plannng to make a group booking for about 12 people at a nice restaurant in Frankston commencing at 5pm. The booking is at Iron River Bar and Grill, 437 Nepean Highway, Frankston.  Frankston is approximately a 20min drive from the carpark at Sunnyside Beach. Attendance is entirely optional, but due to the popularity of the venue, we would need to confirm numbers as early as possible on the day. If we require more seats reserved for us, a change of booking at the restaurant can be requested, but there are no guarantees, as they are often fully booked. If you think that you might like to come along for food or drinks after the beach day, please contact the leader via the link in this event information. No obligation, just helps with planning. BOOKING: Preferably by Thursday, 8th February 2024. To register to attend, click on Get Tickets (no charge for this event). Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.melbourneplaygrounds.com.au/sunnyside-beach-mount-eliza#.XVd7kOgzZPY. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10.30am at the Northern end of the main beach carpark at the end of Sunnyside Rd, Mt Eliza. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 104 grid K5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/ggsox7nN4KDiCa5z9.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 66 km, 1 hour 10 minutes via M1 and M3 | 79 km, 1 hour 20 minutes via M3. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: From Flinders Street Station, catch the 8:23am Frankston train to Frankston, arriving at 9:28am. The 785 bus departs from Bay D at Frankston Station at 9:40am. Get off at the George Vowell Institute Blind/Nepean Hwy, Mt Eliza at 9:55am. From there it is a 1.3 km walk to the Sunnyside Beach car park. Alternatively, contact the leader, who may be able to arrange car sharing for you. FOOD: Lunch, snacks, plenty of water/drinks as there are no local facilities immediately available. LEADER: Michael J. | Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. 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Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Great Northern Hotel, Carlton North.  GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join us for our monthly social evening where members can enjoy a meal, talk about upcoming events, compare notes on past activities and float ideas on events they would like to see run. Tuesday evening at the Great Northern is Steak Night: "The steaks are cooked to your liking, served with chips and salad and your choice of sauce. With the frequent alternative of porterhouse or scotch, the Tuesday steak night is great value.". See the Great Northern Hotel Menu for other options. BOOKING: By Monday 5th February. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Great Northern Hotel, 644 Rathdowne St, Carlton North. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 29 grid K11 | Google map maps.app.goo.gl/pYvbKURbR9psW2Sq8. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram #1 or #6 to stop 118 (Pigdon St/Lygon St). LEADER: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS