The Nomads Outdoors Group Inc.
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Upcoming
Nov
29
Nomads Friday Cycling - virtually every Friday
10:30 – 16:00
** PLEASE NOTE: We have temporarily put a hold on joining this group - it's simply too big at present **
Do you enjoy cycling, and are you sometimes free on Fridays? You're welcome to join the Nomads Friday cyclists.
** See Archive - Friday Bike Rides for the upcoming Friday's cycling details (posted on Wednesday night). **
GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Rides are of varying length and difficulty, mostly in metro Melbourne, but sometimes in Regional Victoria. The typical distance is between 30 and 50 km, though there are usually options to either extend or shorten the ride.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Time off on Fridays? Join a small group of Nomads and friends for a leisurely cycle on trails around metro Melbourne, and occasionally into Regional Victoria. Emphasis is on the social aspect, not on breaking world speed records! All rides are designed to either start in central Melbourne, or to start and finish close to train stations. The rides usually start at around 10:30am to avoid needing to travel with bikes on trains in peak hour. We often meet in, or near, a cafe so you can have a coffee prior to starting the ride if you wish. We generally have lunch in a cafe or pub along the way, though occasionally you will need to bring a picnic lunch if there are no suitable options available - in that case the ride description will clearly indicate the need to BYO lunch.
The upcoming ride details are usually posted on the prior Wednesday evening at the start of the Archive - Friday Bike Rides document, by which time the weather forecast for Friday is fairly reliable. That way, a ride can be chosen to suit the forecast, for example to keep the wind behind us as much as possible, and to ensure there are bailout train station options if there’s a likelihood of rain.
If you have any additional enquiries or requests, email Alan Drummond on LeaderAland@nomads.org.au or phone 0415 771 220. If you're not sure if your bike fitness level will match, contact Alan to plan your first foray.
BOOKING:
Mailing List: To join the mailing list so that you receive an email (usually on Wednesday evening) about the upcoming Friday ride, click on Get Tickets in this event. Afterwards click the "+" to set the number of tickets to 1, click Checkout and follow the prompts to provide your contact details. You only need to do this once. If you decide in future that you don't wish to receive the weekly emails, please email LeaderAland@nomads.org.au to be taken off the mailing list.
Riding: When you plan to ride, please put your name in a free cell of the Friday Attendees spreadsheet on the day prior (be sure to click out of the cell afterwards, so that your name gets automatically saved). If a blank cell has a coloured box around it, somebody else is currently entering their name in that cell, so select the next cell instead. Your first name plus the first letter of your surname will suffice. If having difficulty, just reply to the weekly email or email LeaderAland@nomads.org.au.
COST: Free. Note that for most Nomads activities, visitors need to pay a small fee, but as an introductory offer that fee is waived for the monthly social nights and the Friday bike rides - a way for you to meet some club members and find out a little more about the club. After attending 5 or more rides, you will be asked to become a member though.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Please see Cycling Tips for some things to consider prior to hopping on your bike.
LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAland@nomads.org.au if you have any questions.
Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.
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Dec
01
Annual Pre-Christmas BBQ
Yarra Bank Reserve
18:30 – 21:00
Join us for the popular annual Christmas BBQ beside the Yarra River in a tranquil, little-known park in Hawthorn.
GRADE: Social.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join your friends on the banks of the Yarra River at Hawthorn for a pre-Christmas BBQ in lieu of our monthly indoors social evening. The venue is a secluded spot that is protected from wind and extreme sun. The reserve has four tables with bench seats and two BBQs. Water is on tap and a public toilet is located nearby on Creswick St.
BOOKING: By Sunday 29th November. To register, click on Get Tickets.
Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.
MEETING TIME | LOCATION: From 6:30pm at Yarra Bank Reserve, on the Hawthorn side of the Yarra River (“under” the Bridge Rd bridge).
MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/mjZWxZRLASy.
DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 5 km by car – enter the reserve via the corner of Creswick and Denham Streets, Hawthorn or else park in Creswick St.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Trams are best, to tram stop 23 - Hawthorn Bridge (aka Burwood Road / Church Street junction) via either route 48 (from Collins St) or route 75 (from Flinders St). Alternatively, it's a 15 minute walk in a westerly direction from Hawthorn Station, on the Lilydale, Belgrave and Alamein lines.
FOOD: The Nomads will supply pre-meal nibbles plus bread and salads to accompany the main meal. You need to BYO your preferred main meal item for the BBQ. All beverages are BYO. A limited supply of disposable plates, cups and cutlery will be available. NOTE: single use plastic cutlery is no longer sold in Australia - thus - You are recommended to bring your preferred utensils.
APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Daylight saving will be active. Bring insect repellent plus a lightweight and waterproof jacket if showers are forecast. It is likely to turn cool once the sun sets.
LEADER: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO@nomads.org.au if you have any questions.
Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.
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Dec
04
Overnight Backpacking in the Victorian Alps
Falls Creek
04 Dec 2026 10:30 – 09 Dec 2026 16:00
A challenging multiday backpack in the Victorian Alps. Only consider this if you have recently done similar overnight hikes. This is an expression of interest at this stage.
GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Challenging 5-day (4 nights camping) overnight backpacking hike.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION:
This challenging overnight backpacking hike in the Victorian Alps will incorporate Quartz Ridge, the Bogong High Plains and Ropers Hut, probably starting and finishing close to the Falls Creek Village. More details will be provided once I know who is interested..
BOOKING: ASAP. To register an expression of interest, click on Get Tickets. Even if uncertain that you can attend, please register and the event leader will contact you with further information.
Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.
MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Friday evening 4th Dec in Porpunkah. This means we can get a resonable start on Saturday.
MAP REFERENCE: Google map Porpunkah.
DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 390 km, approximately 5 hours drive.
FOOD | APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: All food for the period will need to be carried in your pack. A suggested packing list, including food requirements, will be sent to those who register. Weather conditions can vary significantly and rapidly in alpine regions, so you will need to be prepared for all possibile eventualities, including the potential for snow falls.
LEADER: Roger H. | Email LeaderRogerH [at} thenomadsinc.org.au 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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Past events
Aug
17
Past Event
August Committee Meeting - Online via Zoom
19:00 – 21:00
Nomads Financial Members are welcome to attend the August 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 16th August. 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: Chris S. | Email LeaderChrisS@nomads.org.au if you have any questions.
Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.
Image designed by rawpixel.com / Freepik
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Aug
16
Past Event
Capital City Trail - Clifton Hill to Southern Cross
John Street
10:30 – 16:00
Follows several inner suburban trails that form the Capital City Trail that circles inner Melbourne.
GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate 12 km point to point walk on concrete and bitumen paths (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Capital City Trail is a shared use path which circles the city centre and some inner eastern and northern suburbs. It is 29.5 km in length, and mostly consists of sections of other trails, such as the Merri Creek Trail, Main Yarra Trail, Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and Inner Circle Rail Trail. We make our way to the Merri Creek where we pick up the Merri Creek Trail section of the Capital City Trail and follow around through Fitzroy North onto the Inner Circle Rail Trail with the branch line to what is now the Edinburgh Gardens. Walking past the Melbourne Zoo, we are now on the Upfield Shared Path. We soon reach City Link and follow the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail to Docklands, finishing up at Southern Cross Station. After-walk refreshments at Southern Cross Station.
BOOKING: By Friday 14th August. To register click on Get Tickets.
Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Transport Victoria
MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am, John St, car park near platform 1, Clifton Hill Station. To exit the subway take ramp to the left.
MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/dNNmN5aRBxabnNbJ7.
DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 11 km, 20 minutes by train via City Loop from Flinders Street.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Depart Flinders Street Station at 09:59, arrives Clifton Hill Station at 10:19. This train goes via the City Loop. On arrival at Clifton Hill walk via the subway (turn right after exiting the platform) walk towards the opposite platform, then take the left ramp up to the carpark where we will meet. Weekend Myki cap: Adults $4.00 | Seniors Free.
FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and one to two litres of water.
APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.
LEADER: Paul K. | Email LeaderPaulK@nomads.org.au if you have any questions.
Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.
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Aug
09
Past Event
Ski Week at Falls Creek
Cosela Alpine Club
09 Aug 2026 13:00 – 16 Aug 2026 10:00
A full week of cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and/or snowboarding, staying in a cosy lodge at Falls Creek. Stay the full week, or part thereof.
GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Your choice (choose slopes and equipment to match your skills) – cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and/or snowboarding.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: A full week (or part thereof) ski trip to Falls Creek is planned for a week Sunday 9th to Sunday 16th August. We will be staying at the cosy Cosela Alpine Lodge, which provides ski-in ski-out access from Wombats Ramble with no oversnow transport requirements. This will be a cross-country ski, downhill ski and/or snowboard week leaving Melbourne on Sunday and leaving Falls Creek the following Sunday.
BOOKING: Please get a Nomads ticket ASAP by clicking on Get Tickets, as there are limited beds now available. It's advisable to email LeaderLesB@nomads.org.au after you book, so he can advise what beds are available and organise payment.
Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.cosela.com.au/Winter/index.html.
MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Sunday afternoon, Cosela Alpine Lodge, Falls Creek.
MAP REFERENCE: Melway Map X922 grid H10 | Google map goo.gl/maps/V7fBUEiNBb62.
GETTING THERE: There are coach services from Melbourne, Mt Beauty and many other locations to Falls Creek. There are long-term parking facilities in Mt Beauty if you don’t wish to take your car up the mountain. If driving, take the Hume Freeway (M31) to Wangaratta then the Great Alpine Road (B500), turning off to Mt Beauty. On arrival at Falls Creek you should request to unload your luggage at the steps beyond the CFA station, which is lit at night. As you are staying at Cosela, you don't need oversnow transport. After unloading, you will return to the attendant to be directed to a parking place. Cosela Lodge can then be reached by travelling up the steps and across Snowgum Lane (see map at www.cosela.com.au/Winter/Map.html).
DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 391 km, 4.5 hours.
FOOD: It's advisable to bring food for the period of your stay; group catering arrangements will be organised after registration. Breakfast cereal, milk, bread, jam, condiments, tea and coffee are provided by the lodge. There’s a local food store for last minute supplies and oversights.
COSTS: You can come for the full period or part thereof:
ACCOMMODATION MON-THU: The accommodation cost is $125 per Nomads member per night.
ACCOMMODATION FRI-SAT: $280 for Friday plus Saturday night (i.e. $140 per night, but payment is required for both nights if either is required).
BOOKING FEE: There is also a $3.50 service booking fee.
BUS - MOUNT BEAUTY TO FALLS CREEK: The bus fee is $79 Mount Beauty to Falls Creek return if you decide to park in Mt Beauty bus depot a secure parking fee of $84 for the 7 nights.
FALLS CREEK PARKING: The parking fee at Falls Creek was $469 for the 7 nights in 2025. This will be updated once this year's price is known (plus you will need to carry snow chains).
NON MEMBERS: Not a Nomads member? Purchase a temporary one-month membership before getting your tickets (cost $8).
APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Bring sheets and pillowcases, towel, washer and toiletries, plus ski gear to suit all possible conditions (or hire it in Mt Beauty or Falls Creek). Don’t forget warm, comfortable clothing for after-ski activities. If driving you will be required to carry chains (these can be hired in Mt Beauty), and you should ensure your radiator has antifreeze.
LEADER: Les B. | Email LeaderLesB@nomads.org.au if you have any questions.
Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.
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Aug
09
Past Event
Blackburn Lake Loop Walk
McCubbin Park
11:15 – 15:00
A leafy oasis in the heart of Melbourne's outer suburbs
GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Easy 8 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: A leafy oasis in the heart of Melbourne's outer suburbs, Blackburn Lake Sanctuary is a brilliant spot for a relaxing stroll under the canopy of remnant bushland. We'll initially pass through some leafy suburban streets to Furness Park, then follow the creek looping around the tranquil lake, offering a peaceful escape where the sounds of the city are replaced by the calls of local waterbirds. The paths are predominantly wide, flat, and well-maintained gravel. There is plenty of shade provided by the towering eucalypts, which keeps the track cool even on a warmer arvo. While the main loop is quite straightforward, there are numerous side tracks through the wattle trees that allow you to extend your exploration of the bushland.
Dogs on leads welcome.
Bird enthusiasts will have a field day here; the lake is a sanctuary for diverse species.
BOOKING: By Friday 7th August. To register, click on Get Tickets.
Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.
MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:15am at McCubbin Park. Near roundabout at Central Rd/Lake Rd.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take Belgrave or Lilydale train to Blackburn Railway Station. The latest is 10:06 from Flinders Station, or the loop. It's less than a 1 km walk or bus (#736 @ 11:05) from there to the start point. The start has been delayed to match the bus.
MAP REFERENCE: Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tpCYKVvsFMgvi42N7
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.
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Aug
04
Past Event
August Social Night @ The General Assembly (South Wharf)
The General Assembly
19:00 – 21:00
Our regular monthly social night - this month at The General Assembly, South Wharf.
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.
See The General Assembly website for more details, including their menu.
BOOKING: By Sunday 2nd August. To register, click on Get Tickets.
Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.
MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at The General Assembly, 29 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf.
Beware: If searching your map app, take care to search for the correct General Assembly (not the one at Freshwater Pl nor the one in William Street).
MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/Mu61ZPNZ4Pijbaiz5.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The General Assembly is a 14 minute walk from Southern Cross Station (or 19 minutes from Flinders Street Station). Alternatively, take tram 12, 96 or 109 to stop 124A (Casino/MCEC/Clarendon St).
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.
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Aug
02
Past Event
Re-Imagining Ye Olde Melbourne #1 - A Winter Leisurely Walk
The Atrium - Collins Place, 35 Collins St
10:30 – 16:00
Enjoy a winter walk within the boundary of the European Melbourne CBD commonly known as The Hoddle Grid. Cities evolve over time and walking in a city like Melbourne, something is sure to snag your interest.
GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate, approximately 8 km, circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Hoddle Grid, named after Surveyor Robert Hoddle, was laid out in 1837 and an upgrade of the 1st attempt undertaken by Robert Russell in 1836. It's unique for its wide main streets with rear access known as the "Little Streets".
This first Tour will take in the eastern section between the two "S" Streets - Spring and Swanston - focused on Bourke, Collins and Flinders Streets. NOTE - hills are involved in this walk.
This walk will pass locations with interesting pasts, most long disappeared. Full details will be supplied along with little known facts. Who was around when Joe Cocker was thrown out of his accommodation after returning from a "gig"?? How many CBD Pubs and Hotels have long ago fallen under the "hands" of Whelan The Wrecker???
BOOKING: By Friday 31st July. To register, click on Get Tickets.
Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Melbourne 1945 (1945.melbourne ) | eMelbourne (emelbourne.net.au)
MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at street level in the Atrium between the two towers at Collins Place. Early arrivals can enjoy a beverage in the food court below.
MAP REFERENCE: Google maps maps.app.goo.gl/QLGVcukzxUyg11tC7
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is the best option.
Trains: Parliament Station is around the corner
Trams: #11 + #12 + #48 + #109 stop right next to the meeting point plus it's an easy walk from tram stops in Bourke and Flinders Streets at Spring Street.
Cost: Weekend capped Myki money fares are $4.00 Full, $2 Concession and FREE for Seniors.
FOOD: Carry snacks and 1 litre of water. We will be stopping at one of the many food courts in the Eastern CBD for lunch.
APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking shoes as long walking and standing on hard paved surfaces can be hard on feet. Dress according to the weather forecast (be prepared to wear layers).
LEADER: Garry Oliver | Email LeaderGarryO@nomads.org.au if you have any questions.
Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.
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