POSTPONED Two men, Edward Feeney and Charles Marks, very likely to have been in an intense gay relationship, made a pact to shoot each other in 1872 colonial Melbourne - in the Treasury Gardens. Why? What was it like to be a man whose love focus was another man at that time? How did they plan to enact their pact?  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 1: Moderate 6 km point-to-point walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). The walk will be on paved CBD footpaths and will be flat. Because we will assemble on usually busy CBD footpaths at some sites, we will limit the group to 15 people.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: What happened exactly at the Gardens? Did their tragic plan succeed? We will commence our CBD-based walk at the original site of the Melbourne Hospital, where Edward and Charles first met as Wardsmen there. From there, we will visit other sites associated with Edward and Charles and end the event at Old Melbourne Goal. End Time: Estimated 3pm with an afternoon tea / cold drink at a cafe to complete the event. A word of warning folks -- while this event occurred nearly two centuries ago, please consider whether the nature of this tragic event that includes suicide and thwarted intense emotions between two men right here in Melbourne could "trigger" distress for you. BOOKING: By Friday 13th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am outside the Queen Victoria Women's Centre, 210 Lonsdale St Melbourne.   MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/Dq6fnPiU3RLNy76f8.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Melbourne Central/State Library Stations or any Swanston Street tram. FOOD: BYO Lunch -- while there are plenty of CBD shops to purchase lunch from, having your lunch with you facilitates a smoother group event. BYO water - it could be hot, so have 1-2 litres available, as there may not be a water tap near by when you need to hydrate. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Be sun and UV aware, so sun hat and sun screen are important. LEADER: Don V. | Email LeaderDonV@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: Herald Sun   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

A scenic walk around the Trentham township on your way back from the ChillOut weekend, with lunch afterwards at Hotel Trentham. Alternatively, make a relaxing day of it, travelling via public transport from Melbourne. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate 7 km circuit walk with gentle undulations on both paved and unmade paths and roads (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This easy trail combines a Trentham township walk, parts of the Wombat Trail and the beautiful disused Trentham racecourse track. The start and end are at the Trentham Information Centre. You'll pass through tall eucalypt forest and near a few watercourses where local wildlife is abundant.  BOOKING: By Friday 6th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: AllTrails Trentham Long Loop. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the Trentham Visitor Information Centre, 66 High St, Trentham.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/HZ3USHjHxznM9GVV7.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 93 km, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes via Calder Fwy/M79 to Woodend, then follow directions to Daylesford, taking the Tylden-Woodend Rd, then the C318 Kyneton-Trentham Rd to Trentham. You can alternatively take the M8 to Myrniong then the C318 highway (104 km). PUBLIC TRANSPORT: You can catch public transport from Melbourne, but will have almost two hours to spare in Trentham. At Southern Cross Station, board the 7:02am Echuca service, then change at Woodend to the Regional Coach to Daylesford, departing at 8:13am and arriving in Trentham at 8:35am. (This is not a Myki service; you'll need to purchase your ticket at Woodend Station, or online). A bus to return to Melbourne leaves Trentham at 2:36pm, arriving in Southern Cross at 4:54pm (though there may be delays due to train service bus replacements). FOOD: You can BYO lunch to eat in the Quarry Street Recreation Reserve, but most will dine after the walk at Hotel Trentham, 31 High St, Trentham. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.  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  

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 (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). 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. The walk should finish by 5:00pm at the starting point in time for preparing for your evening social events.  BOOKING: By COB Friday 6th 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. CAR POOLING: Please note, the leader will not be organising car pooling getting to Chillout and to Bolton's Cafe.  However, the leader will organise car pooling from Bolton's Cafe to the beginning of the actual track if your car is not suitable to off road/dirt road conditions. 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@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

Join The Nomads for our annual morning walk as part of the Chillout Festival, along the creeks and through the bush of Hepburn Springs, and make new friends along the way. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Choice of two circuit walks (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System): Grade 3: Medium 4.5 km walk to visit Jackson's Lookout Tower high above Hepburn, with a couple of short steep sections (based on AllTrails Argyle Walk and Jacksons Lookout Loop), or Grade 4: Hard 8 km walk with some steep off-track hills to climb and descend. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The medium walk will be done at a relaxed pace, with stops along the way. The hard walk requires a reasonable level of fitness. It will move at a faster pace and has some challenges to overcome. Both walks will offer the chance to taste the unusual water from a mineral spring, and both will have a stop for refreshments. A good chance to make new friends. Bring water, hat, sunglasses and wear closed shoes, not sandals. Apply sunscreen before the walk. Both walks are scheduled to finish back at the starting point by 12:45pm. BOOKING: Preferably by Friday 6th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. A number of Nomads events will be held over the ChillOut weekend. If you are not a Nomads member but plan to attend more than one Nomads ChillOut Weekend activity, to avoid paying multiple visitor fees we suggest you take out a Temporary 1 month Membership (cost $8) prior to booking. Once you have taken out your membership, log in and select Get Tickets on each event that you wish to attend. 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 Nomads Naturist Walk after the ChillOut Festival Street Parade. Monday: On the way back to Melbourne, stop off in Trentham to do the Nomads Trentham Long Loop Circuit Walk. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at Mineral Springs Reserve Rd, Hepburn Springs - in the carpark at the end of the road, (8 minutes from Daylesford). Take the road past the bathhouse and spa complex and park in the car park at the end of that road. Both walks will start and finish at this point. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/WY9EsuuoekaPAhH88. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 119 km, approximately 1 hour 35 minutes to drive from the Melbourne CBD.  COST: $10 for visitors and free for Nomads Members. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable closed shoes/walking boots (not sandals), a hat, dark glasses. Apply sunscreen before the walk. Dress according to the weather forecast.  FOOD AND DRINKS: Bring drinking water and/or other drinks and snacks for the walk rest stop. WALK LEADERS: MEDIUM WALK: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. HARD WALK: Jason T | Email LeaderJasonT@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  

** If the ticket you want has sold out, please get a WAITLIST ticket. If there are cancellations (which is likely), offers will be made to those on the Waitlist in the order that Waitlist tickets were booked ** 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 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 barbecue 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 Nomads Daylesford Naturist Walk during ChillOut, relax at the camp or attend any of the other events around town. 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 10:50am: On the way back to Melbourne, do the Trentham Long Loop Circuit Walk.  BOOKING: by Wednesday 4th March or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out. 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: $17 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 6th 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: 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 (located outside the CFA Station in central Daylesford). 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 suburb), and the leader will try to arrange a lift for you. SHUTTLE BUS: ChillOut will probably be operating a shuttle bus again, running every 30 minutes until 1am between Jubilee Lake, central Daylesford and Hepburn Springs - cost $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 $17 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. Daylesford has an excellent supermarket, several pubs and lots of cafes and restaurants. 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@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  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Spotswood Hotel.  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. 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. Tuesday night is Burger Night at Spotswood Hotel: free drink + fish/chicken/beef/vegan burger for $25. See menu. BOOKING: By Sunday 1st March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at Spotswood Hotel, 62 Hudsons Rd, Spotswood. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/AZLHg5XEob5ApP3x7. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch a Werribee or Williamstown line train to Spotswood Station. LEADER: Stephan C. | Email LeaderStephanC@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  

THIS EVENT IS FULL. GET A WAITLIST TICKET IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. IF THERE IS A CANCELLATION YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED.  Barefoot Bowls, Beers or Wine & Burgers ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The cost per person includes a hamburger each as well as a stubby of beer, or glass of house wine, or a cold drink. Persons under 18 will only be permitted a cold drink. We get to play in bare feet or flat shoes/sandals/thongs – no heels or shoes that will damage the bowling green. The bowls are supplied and a brief lesson will be given to people who have not played bowls previously. Then we will play a few games.  The bar will be open till a bit later and the prices of drinks are very reasonable. BOOKING: By Wednesday 25th February. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Barefoot or flat shoes/sandals/thongs – no heels. Drinking, smoking or eating is not permitted on the green. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the booked day will not receive a refund. If there is inclement weather, you will have the option of postponing your booking to another date or getting a full refund. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6.00pm at the Williamstown Bowling Club, Dennis Reserve, 40-58 Melbourne Rd, Williamstown.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/sN9vcnPh1wLFKd8M6.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Williamtown line to Williamstown Beach Station.  Flinders Street station 5:10pm train to Williamstown, arriving at Williamstown Beach Station at 5:37pm. Then a 6 minute walk to Williamstown Bowling Club.  FOOD: A burger. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.  The burgers are generally served between 6.30 to 7.00pm Each person will be given a voucher for 1 burger, to hand in and get their burger BEVERAGE: A stubby of beer, or glass of house wine, or a cold drink. Each person will be given a voucher for 1 drink that can be used at anytime during the event.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Barefeet or flat shoes/sandals/thongs – no heels. Dress comfortably according to the weather forecast.  LEADER: Stephan C. | Email leaderstephanc@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 circuit walk in the west of Melbourne, from Werribee Station.  This walk will go downstream from Werribee Station. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3: Moderate walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  UPDATE: The planned walk was longer than originally thought, so we will now return to Werribee Station from Werribee Mansion by bus.  This now makes the walk ~11km long. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This easy and pleasant walk follows the Werribee River, then passes around the Open Range Zoo, Werribee Mansion, and then back by bus to the start. It is an easy, paved path with hardly any elevation, and it's a beautiful track along the river.  We will probably have lunch in the Mansion grounds (Rose Garden?). Highlights of the trail include: Victorian State Rose Garden Grotto Pond Werribee Mansion. We will be going through the property, but not inside the Mansion.  You could independently visit the mansion, taking a later bus. Werribee River BOOKING: By Friday 20th February. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at southern side of Werribee Station. This is on Station Place at the top of the ramp. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Werribee train from Flinders Street Station leaving at 10:10am arrives at 10:58am, so we’ll wait for that, but if you want to buy anything in Werribee, take the earlier 9:47am train. We’ll be in the first carriage.  Note that with the Metro train being introduced, this may change. MAP REFERENCE: Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/Khz7KwjjYoFkVZYZ8 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  

** The accommodation for this event has booked out. If you'd like to attend, please get a Waiting List ticket and answer the "Further details about what you want" question (2 or 3 nights? Solo room? Shared room?) ** 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 has been held annually since February 2016, 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. Walks are graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System. FRIDAY: For those arriving Thursday night and wishing to do the optional Friday walk. It will be a relatively hard grade 3 or grade 4 walk on Mt Buffalo, in an area to be decided depending on weather and park conditions. A shorter walk may be offered also. Alternatively, you can have a restful day at Restaway or visit local wineries, the brewery or the Bright region. Dinner will be at the Porepunkah Pub, or you can self-cater in your unit. SATURDAY: On Saturday there will be two day walks offered (grade 2 plus probably a grade 3) on Mt Buffalo followed by the communal BBQ dinner at Restaway on Saturday evening. SUNDAY: We plan to offer a relatively short walk (probably grade 2) in the Ovens Valley / Bright area, which will make it easy to return 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. WALK LIMITS: The number of attendees in each walk will be limited to help keep everybody safe; inclusion in the group for each walk will be at the discretion of the leaders. 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 (generally 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. 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@nomads.org.au for questions on accommodation, meals or booking, or if you wish to extend your stay.   FOOD & MEALS: Porepunkah village has only a pub, daytime cafe 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 will be made for 7pm on Friday night at the Porepunkah Pub for those who select 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. Those staying at Restaway are asked to bring a small salad or pre-dinner nibbles.   Sunday: participants may need to carry lunch.   BOOKING: To join this weekend you need to book and pay ASAP by clicking Get Tickets. Note: This is a popular event; in every previous year the event has been fully booked. 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. The event is a mixed social and bushwalking event, based on accommodation at Restaway and walks on Mt Buffalo.  Visitors: This event is 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 month 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, sharing 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.  IMPORTANT: 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 suburb 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. (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: Walks: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/mount-buffalo-national-park  Accommodation: 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: 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.  LEADERS: David R. and Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. NOTE: David R (LeaderDavidR@nomads.org.au) 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. Image: by Alwin L — Nomads at Mt Buffalo in February 2024.    HOME  BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS  MEMBERSHIPS  

Nomads Financial Members are welcome to attend the February meeting of the committee of The Nomads Outdoors Group.  GRADE: Social. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Nomads committee holds four online meetings each year, generally on the third Monday in the months of February, May, August and November. The meetings are held online via Zoom, and Nomads Members are welcome to attend (though are not able to vote). A fifth committee meeting is held in person prior to the AGM (Annual General Meeting), which is usually held on the first Tuesday in May. Much of the business associated with running the club is performed via email throughout the year, but the committee meetings provide the opportunity for further discussion, and to formally adopt and record any decisions made within the previous quarter. BOOKING: By Sunday 15th February. To register click on Get Tickets. Only current financial members of The Nomads are eligible to attend. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm online via Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to current committee members and to any members who register by the RSVP date. 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. Image designed by rawpixel.com / Freepik   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

A pleasant walk along an undulating rail trail through open farmland with some coastal views. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate, 13 km point-to-point walk, along an undulating rail trail (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).   ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: After meeting in Kilcunda we will carpool to the Wonthaggi Vistor Infomation Centre then start our walk past the restored Wonthaggi Railway Station and Museum (closed today). The station was opened in 1912 and closed in 1978 and was made in Queen Anne style of Hoffman brick and rough casting. From here we will walk along the rail trail taking a short detour through the Wonthaggi Wetlands Reserve. Shortly after rejoining the trail, we will stop to view the ruins of the Wonthaggi Coal Mines Central Area then continue on, crossing the Powlett River near Dalyston. Nearing Kilcunda, we will stop at the Kilcunda Surf Beach, then cross the Bourne Creek Trestle Bridge. We can also visit Elephant Rock before finishing back at the Ocean View Hotel for refreshing drinks or the Kilcunda General Store, next door. BOOKING: By Friday 13th February. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at the front entrance of the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel, 3531 - 3533 Bass Hwy, Kilcunda.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/24saT5VKz1PJ4amp7 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 122 km, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes via Monash/Princess Fwy/M1 to Pakenham, then take M420 / B422 exit towards Koo Ree Rup (bypass), then left onto the South Gippsland Highway M420 then the Bass Highway (also M420) to Kilcunda. Follow Phillip Island then Wonthaggi signs. Alternative route via Cranbourne, about 10+ minutes longer. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: V/Line coach times are not suitable for this event. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and 2 litres of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Kilcunda/Wonthaggi can be cooler 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. Image: Google Maps   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

This event is postponed until there sufficient interest in this event. Escape the city and enjoy a full-day autumn hike through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, taking in the lush scenic forest, birds, walking tracks, reservoir and crisp/fresh air. This event caters for the experienced/ fit hiker who demands a 'real hike' and wants to break out a sweat. This event is graded Grade 4 'hard' with a number of steep short inclines during the second part of the hike. This event is not suitable for first timers or those with limited fitness abilities. If in doubt, contact the leader prior to booking to discuss your fitness levels/suitability for the hike.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 4: Hard (in limited sections), approximately 13.5 km, this event caters for experienced hikers and those with fitness levels that are able to climb short steep tracks and terrain (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We will meet at Croydon Station before boarding a bus for our first section of the hike at Kalorama.   Part 1: Kalorama GPO to Silvan Reservoir Lookout - Downward descent through the forest 400m to 300m elevation. (3.2 km) Part 2: Explore the Silvan Reservoir walking along the west side enjoying the views and stop for lunch. (Flat elevation) (5.11 km) Part 3: Start our ascent making our way to the Olinda township 300m to 560m elevation (4.84 km). At the end of the walk, we will explore the township and enjoy tea/coffee and afternoon tea. From here we will head back to Croydon Bus Station. This is intended to be a public transport friendly event where the start and end points will be accessible by train. There is no carpooling for this event, however, you may organise your own lift with fellow walkers if you wish. BOOKING: By Thursday 12th February. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've booked already? Click View my bookings (log in required). FURTHER INFORMATION: Silvan Reservoir Park MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9:45am at Croydon Train Station, Railway Grove. Exact meetup points will be provided prior to the event by email.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 50 grid J3 | Google map goo.gl/maps/LhvezYQ8CpHcSDoy7. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 35 km, approximately 35 minutes to drive, 50 minutes by public transport. There is car parking available at the train station for those who wish to drive. We will all take the bus to the starting point regardless of whether you drive to the meeting spot or not. You will need a Myki card for this event.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: This is a public transport friendly event. By Train: Take the Lilydale train from Flinders Street and get off at Croydon Station. We will then catch the 688 bus to the starting point as a group. At the conclusion of the walk, the same bus will take us back to Croydon, with a connecting train back to the CBD. FOOD/DRINKS: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1-2 litres of water. Also bring sunscreen and a hat. Bring your Myki card for the return trip by train/bus. There will not be an opportunity to buy food and drinks during the walk. We will stop for late afternoon tea at the conclusion of the walk. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Suitable boots/hiking shoes and dress according to the weather forecast (layering). The mountains are usually a few degrees cooler but you will quickly warm up as you begin the hike! Ensure your shoes are waterproof as some of the paths most likely will be a little wet/muddy and a bit slippery if it has rained heavily prior to the event. Your boots will get some dirt/mud on them! LEADER: Jason T. | Email LeaderJasonT.@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