Events

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

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Palace Hotel, Camberwell.  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 Palace Hotel website for more details, including their reasonably priced menu. Tuesday night is "Burger & Beer Night!" Three burgers to choose from plus a schooner for $29. BOOKING: By Sunday 31st May. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Palace Hotel, 893 Burke Rd, Camberwell. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/crgZLRcfdTs2GPSN6. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Palace Hotel is directly opposite Camberwell Station. Alternatively, catch tram 72 to stop 64 (Camberwell Station). 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  

**WAITLIST ONLY AT THIS STAGE DUE TO UNPRECEDENTED INTEREST. HOWEVER REGISTER AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST** Join the tall ship "South Passage", Queensland's sail training ship, for a sailing adventure along the Queensland coast. See Voyage Flyer.   Nomads are not taking over the entire ship, but rather blending in with other members of the general public. However you would all be working together in Roger's watch. Everyone sleeps in a communal cabin, and there are shared toilet facilities, which is a small discomfort to pay for the experience of sailing in the same manner that Captain Cook did. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: A basic level of fitness and dexterity is required to move around the ship while it is moving. You need a spirit of adventure, and to embrace working as a team to assist sailing the ship. However, no prior sailing experience is required and you will be trained on the job. At times you might have to be awake at night for up to 2 hours to assist in running the ship. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The ship is named South Passage. She is built on the same lines as a New York Pilot Schooner, and has a total length of 30 metres.  Each day we will find a picturesque anchorage, possibly go for a bushwalk, or go snorkelling. We decide the schedule depending on wind conditions and opportunity.  The emphasis is on having a good time and getting a range of experiences – not just hard-core sailing. You will never be bored!  The voyage is 7 days long and costs $2,128 per person. This includes accommodation onboard the night before the voyage. This cost does not include transport to/from the embarkation/disembarkation ports, but includes everything once you are on board including all on-board meals. You need to arrive the day before (Friday 29th) as we will have an onshore welcome dinner (not included) the night before departure. South Passage does not have any powered winches, so we rely on your manpower to sweat the lines and do all tasks required to run the ship, in the same manner as the ancient mariners.  Of note, South Passage is a dry ship, and there's no smoking on board. Roger's experience is that you will not miss this since there are so many activities to challenge your senses and keep you occupied. A great chance for a detox.  BOOKING: Bookings are on a first in first served basis. Contact Phil Woodgate (the skipper) on 0419 640 973 or rpswoodgate@gmail.com to register interest, or to book.  You can also contact Roger on 0400 283 623 if you have any questions. Please also click Get Tickets on this page so Roger knows you are interested (with no commitment). However you will need to pay a deposit closer to the departure to confirm your place. Payment will be direct to South Passage and not through Nomads. Details of this will be provided later to all interested persons. At present the voyage has not been opened to the public so we have open slather. FURTHER INFORMATION: southpassage.org.au, the official South Passage website.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Refer to the Voyage Flyer.   You have to arrive the day before the voyage departs. We have a welcome dinner (around 5pm the night before) to get to know your fellow sailors. The voyage departs promptly the next morning (boats don't wait!!). All sailors need to be on board by 10pm the night before. Don't book flights out of Townsville before about 8pm on the day of disembarkation (Friday 5th June) as there can be delays.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: A long way!! Best to fly to/from Townsville, Queensland. This airfare is not included in the voyage cost above.  Roger can advise on the best way to get to the embarkation port. FOOD: All meals are provided on board (but not the welcome dinner the night before departure). All food preferences are catered for. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: It is generally balmy. However, if we get some rain it can be cool. A packing list will be provided. LEADER: Roger H. | Email LeaderRogerH@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

  Sunday morning fitness ride from Fed Square to Hampton/Black Rock and return. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Approx 29 km one way and various distances on the return. Mainly flat. The route includes city paths, bike trails and some road riding. Riders returning to Flinders Street will ride approximately 50+ kilometers, depending on their route back to the city. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is a Sunday morning ride from the city to Hampton or Black Rock return. The ride will focus on steady riding to improve fitness. It will include one coffee stop on the return section and will aim to be fully concluded by late morning. The ride will include bicycle paths and some roads. In sections, riders will have the choice to ride on the road or on designated bicycle paths (Port Melbourne - Black Rock). We will take the path beside the Yarra River to Docklands, link to Lorimer Street then proceed through Westgate Park to Port Melbourne. We will take bike paths along the Port Melbourne foreshore to Beaconsfield Pde. At this point riders can choose to follow the Bay Trail or road-ride to Black Rock. At Black Rock Clock Tower, after a short 5-10 min drink break we will begin our return journey, stopping for coffee somewhere along the way - choices include Hampton, Brighton, St Kilda, or Albert Park. From the coffee stop, riders will choose the most convenient route home via the city, southern suburbs, west, east or north.  Note: If the trip to the Clock Tower is too lengthy we could turn around at Hampton. We will see how long the ride takes to complete.  If the weather forecast is very poor, such as heavy rain or wind gusts, a cancellation email will be sent on Saturday evening by 6:30 pm or Sunday morning by 6:30 am.  BOOKING: By Friday 5 June. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Ride will depart at 8:00am sharp and will not wait for latecomers. Meet at the junction of Swanston St and Birrarung Marr Walk (opposite Flinders Street Station) between 7:50am and 8:00am.  MAP REFERENCES: Meeting Point - Google map: Birarung Marr Walk Ride Route - Google PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take a train or ride to the start point. Ride or take public transport home from the CBD. Riders needing to opt out on the return could access stations along the Sandringham line.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Riding attire and wet weather gear. Carry water, money, phone, puncture kit, rain jacket. LEADER: Bryan S | Email LeaderBryanS@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Enjoy a long weekend of activities in Echuca/Moama over the King's Birthday holiday weekend, from Saturday 6th to Monday 8th June. Echuca and Moama are effectively the same town, within easy walking distance of each other. Echuca is on the Victorian side of the Murray River and Moama is on the NSW side. ** The accommodation for this event is fully booked. If you find your own accommodation, please get a DAYTIME ACTIVITIES ONLY ticket to join the group. ** GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Various, depending on the activities undertaken - a range of activities will be on offer. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We have booked some accommodation in Echuca as outlined below. There are lots of interesting walk options as well as other activities such as a Murray River Boat Cruise. The activities planned are: Sat 6 Jun 11am-11:50am: Meet up upon arrival at the Pastoral Hotel (directly opposite Echuca Station) then stretch your legs with a short walk to the Saturday Farmer's Market and through part of the Banyula State Forest. Sat 6 Jun 1pm: Lunch at the Pastoral Hotel. Afterwards check in to accommodation. Sat 6 Jun 6pm: Assemble at Annesley House, 71 Annesley St, Echuca for a BBQ dinner. Sun 7 Jun 10am: Assemble at Port of Echuca ready to board the PS Canberra for a Murray River cruise departing at 10:15am. Sun 7 Jun 11:30am: Walk along the Scenic Drive Circuit then beside the Campaspe River, with a picnic lunch along the way (see route map). Sun 7 Jun 6:30pm: Dinner at the Caledonian Hotel, 110 Hare St, Echuca. Mon 8 Jun 10:15am: Having checked out of the accommodation, meet at the Nirebo Motel, 251 Hare Street, Echuca to walk to Moama, including a circuit to Moama Beach, ending at the Moama Bowling Club.   Mon 8 Jun 12:30pm: Lunch at the Moama Bowling Club, 6 Shaw St, Moama. Mon 8 Jun 1:30pm: Walk a circuit around Horseshoe Lagoon then walk back to Echuca via the Banyula State Forest.  Mon 8 Jun 3:50pm: Assemble at Echuca Station to catch the 4:07pm service back to Melbourne. BOOKING: By Friday 22 May, or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out. Payment will be requested by 22 May, after which refunds can only be provided if somebody is able to take your place. To register click on Get Tickets. VISITORS should purchase a 1-month Temporary Membership (cost $8) prior to booking for this weekend. WAITING LIST: Accommodation is limited, but a Waiting List will be available. If needed, we'll endeavour to book additional accommodation, but it will probably be more expensive. You can also organise your own accommodation and join the group for each day's activities (in which case you should purchase a DAYTIME ACTIVITIES ONLY ticket). BED PARTNERS: A second person can occupy a queen bed at no additional charge. If wanting to share a queen bed with your partner, please specify their first and last name in the PARTNER NAME field, but do NOT purchase a separate ticket for your partner. PAYMENT: No payment is required at the time of booking, but payment will be requested subsequently (you'll be able to use PayID to the leader's phone number, or you can bring cash if you prefer). The prices quoted for each ticket are the expected prices assuming all beds are filled. If some beds are unoccupied, the prices may be slightly higher. CRUISE (optional): Our itinerary will allow you to (optionally) take a 1-hour cruise on a 1923 wood-fired paddle steamer (highly recommended if you haven't done this previously; cost $35 full or $32 concession). If you wish to do that, you should book your own ticket for the Sunday 7 June 10:15am PS Canberra Cruise. We suggest you book the cruise by around 24 May if planning to do it. TRAIN: Book your (extremely inexpensive) train travel on the vline.com.au website (depart Southern Cross at 7:30am on Sat 6 June, depart Echuca at 4:07pm on Monday 8 June). Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. POTENTIAL ACTIVITIES: Our activities are now mostly planned - see above - but you will have some free time to check out some of the following options: Port of Echuca Discovery Centre (admission free) | Echuca Distillery (Gin, Vodka, Agave & Whisky Crafted in Echuca Moama), 555 High St, Echuca | The Echuca Farmer's Markets on Saturday 6th June 8:30am to 1pm in Heygarth St | The Moama Market on Sunday 7th June 8am to 1pm at Kerrabee Soundshell, Moama. See Echuca Day Walks for more information about potential itineraries. COSTS: ACCOMMODATION: There will be accommodation costs as specified on the ticketing option that you select (unless you're arranging your own accommodation). MEALS: Many group meals will be organised at venues around Echuca, but you will also be able to dine at your accommodation whenever you prefer (for example, most people will probably have breakfast at their accommodation).  TOURS: The optional river cruise costs $35 full or $32 concession - you need to book your own ticket (for the cruise at 10:15am on Sunday 7 June).  TRANSPORT: Daily fares will be capped at $4 full or $2 concession to anywhere in Victoria (a Myki card will be required).  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7:15am at Southern Cross Station on Saturday to catch the 7:30am Regional Train to Swan Hill, changing at Bendigo for a Regional Train to Echuca. ** Note that some people will be catching alternative services ** MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/E1mPtPFjAH7j6hLY8.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 225 km, approximately 3 hours 20 minutes by public transport. PUBLIC TRANSPORT:  OUTBOUND: We will take the Regional Train to Swan Hill departing from Southern Cross at 7:30am, then change in Bendigo for the Regional Train to Echuca, which arrives at 11:18am. Other options include the Regional Train to Shepparton departing from Southern Cross at 9:16am and changing at Murchison East for a coach to Echuca, arriving at 12:46pm, or the Regional Train to Echuca departing from Southern Cross at 12:02pm, arriving in Echuca at 3:15pm. RETURN: We will take the Regional Train departing from Echuca at 4:07pm on Monday, arriving at Southern Cross at 7:29pm Other options include a Regional Train departing from Echuca at 12:07pm, arriving at Southern Cross at 3:29pm or a Regional Coach for Murchison East departing from Echuca at 3:07pm, then changing to a Regional Train for Southern Cross that arrives at 6:37pm. ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS: We were unable to secure enough accommodation at a single venue, so bookings have been made at the venues listed below (and shown on this Nomads King's Birthday Locations in Echuca map). Note that queen beds/private rooms can be shared between two people for no additional cost. Check-in for all venues is after 2pm, and check-out is by 10am or 11am. Annesley House AirBnB: A 4 bedroom house at 71 Annesley St, Echuca (700m from Echuca Station). Three rooms have a queen bed; the fourth room has two single beds. Total Cost Estimate (2 nights): Private room $206 | Single Bed $100. Echuca Motel: Apartment at 268 Ogilvie Ave, Echuca (2 km from Echuca Station): Two rooms each with a queen bed plus a single bed. Total Cost Estimate (2 nights): $125 per bed. Nirebo Motel: Family room at 542 High St, Echuca (1.3 km from Echuca Station): Room has a double bed plus two single beds. Total Cost Estimate (2 nights): $125 per bed. River St AirBnb: A room that has 2 single beds in a private house (1.1 km from Echuca Station). Use of 2 bicycles available and breakfast is provided. Total Cost estimate (2 nights): $139 per bed.  FOOD: Food will generally be purchased in Echuca, either dining at local venues, or purchased from local supermarkets to dine at our accommodation. One communal BBQ will be organised at the Annesley House accommodation. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Echuca is generally drier than Melbourne, and tends to be cooler at night but warmer during the day. Travel as lightly as possible - bedding and towels are supplied. Just bring changes of clothing for the three days, including contingencies for cold or wet weather. 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  

Have lunch at Grazeland ("A playground for foodies") then optionally join us for a short circuit walk, ending back near the starting point at 2:45pm ready for the Pride Month Stargayzing Show at ScienceWorks Museum. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 1: easy walk of up to 5 km (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System) plus social events.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We'll meet at Grazeland, 20 Booker St, Spotswood, where according to the Grazeland website you can "tantalise and excite your senses in a unique outdoor dining experience to discover the best of Melbourne's food scene". At Grazeland, you can enjoy some of our city’s best food and also get to enjoy live entertainment! For local headline acts head to The Arch Stage (located next to the Meadow bar), or kick back with the resident DJs at the Metro Stage (next to the metro bar). Grazeland is open from midday to 10pm on Saturdays (as well as 5-10pm on Fridays and midday-9pm on Sundays). Those who would like to go on a short walk passing under the Westgate Bridge and incorporating the mangroves at the nearby Stony Creek Reserve should meet near the information booth at 1:15pm. If you prefer to hang about in Grazeland, soaking up the vibe and enjoying the performances on the two stages, that's absolutely fine. Everybody will meet up again at 2:45pm, at the Planetarium of the Scienceworks Museum this time, to attend the Pride Month Stargayzing Show, and learn about some of the queer stories from space in a special presenter-led Planetarium show. The Scienceworks Museum is located at 2 Booker St, Spotswood (just along the road from Grazeland) and the Planetarium entrance is on the corner of Booker St and Craig St.  BOOKING: For the Nomads: Click on Get Tickets to let us know you're coming along. For the Pride Month Stargayzing Show: Book ASAP via the Science Works Museum: Pride Month Stargayzing Show, and select the 3pm session on Saturday 13 June. Book your Stargayzing tix ASAP to ensure you don't miss out! Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 12:15pm beside the information booth at Grazeland, 20 Booker St, Spotswood. The information booth is quite close to the main entrance, and is marked "i" on the Grazeland map.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/sWNZch8RpcahtYki8.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: It is easy to get to Grazeland (and Scienceworks Museum) by public transport: Train: It's located just a 10 minute walk from the Spotswood Station, on the Werribee and Williamstown lines. From Flinders Street Station, catch the 11:40am Werribee line service that arrives at Spotswood at 11:58am. To get to Booker St from Spotswood Station, walk along Hudsons Rd to the end (then turn left for Grazeland or turn right for Scienceworks). Ferry: Scienceworks is located directly opposite the jetty of the Westgate Punt.  FOOD: There's an enticing selection of food options from all around the world available at Grazeland. COST:  Grazeland: $4 payable at the entrance, plus whatever food you purchase. Pride Month Stargayzing Show: $25 Full, $22 Seniors, $10 Concession. Your ticket gives you entry to Scienceworks Museum for the date of your ticket. Scienceworks is open from 10am to 4:30pm on Saturdays. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Solid shoes/boots are required for the walk as parts of the path are rocky, and other parts may be muddy and slippery. 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  

Do you enjoy cycling, and are you sometimes free on Wednesdays? You're welcome to join the Nomads Wednesday cyclists. ** See Archive - Wednesday Bike Rides for the upcoming Wednesday's cycling details (posted on the prior Monday 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 Wednesdays? Join a small group of Nomads and friends for a leisurely cycle on trails around metro Melbourne, and occasionally into Regional Victoria, usually on the third Wednesday of the month. 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 emailed to everybody on the Wednesday Cyclists Mailing List, usually on the prior Monday evening, by which time the weather forecast for Wednesday 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. (Tip: the details are also added at the start of the Archive - Wednesday Bike Rides document).  If you have any additional enquiries or requests, email Chris Stewart on LeaderChrisS@nomads.org.au. If you're not sure whether your bike fitness level will match, contact Chris to plan your first foray. BOOKING: MAILING LIST: To join the mailing list so that you receive an email (usually on Monday evening) about the upcoming Wednesday 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, just email LeaderChrisS@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 Wednesday 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 email or email LeaderChrisS@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 regular Wednesday and 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: 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. HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Join fellow dark beer lovers to enjoy an afternoon of tasting a selection of 30 dark beers on offer from 14 independent Victorian craft breweries.  GRADE | TYPE: Social, with a short walk in Ballarat. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Back for its third year, Obsidian Dark Beer Festival strives to curate an exceptional selection of dark beers, ranging from stouts and porters to black IPAs and barrel-aged specialties. They believe in promoting the exploration and appreciation of these rich, complex, and often underrepresented beer styles. Celebrating the rich tapestry of dark beer styles, weaving together the warmth of community, the depth of flavour, and the spirit of discovery. They aspire to create an unforgettable experience in the heart of Ballarat, where enthusiasts and novices alike come together to explore the dark side of Victoria's craft brewing. Born out of the depths of a brisk Ballarat winter, Obsidian serves as a gathering place for both established and emerging breweries. Your ticket gives you a memento glass, entertainment and unlimited beer tastings. There are also Offsider tickets available, which give you a memento glass and entertainment, but no beer tastings. You can also purchase merchandise, palate cleansing spirits, cocktails and food offerings. BOOKING: Please book both a Nomads and an Obsidian ticket: NOMADS: Please get a free ticket via Get Tickets so we know who is attending, and can coordinate the group. Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. OBSIDIAN: Please book your event ticket via the Hullabaloo Events website for the 11am to 3pm session. Ticket sales commence at 10am on Wednesday 1st April. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: From Melbourne: 9.00am at Southern Cross Station to catch the 9:15am service to Ballarat, or anywhere en route, arriving at 10:41am. In Ballarat: 10:55am at Ballarat Mining Exchange, 6 Lydiard St North, Ballarat Central. MAP REFERENCE: Ballarat Mining Exchange - Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/FPRqZd1HpnvT4dL96 (350 metres from the station). DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 125 km, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by car, but travel by V/Line train is recommended (1 hour 30 minutes). PUBLIC TRANSPORT: If travelling from Melbourne, catch the Wendouree V/Line service departing from Southern Cross at 9:15am, arriving in Ballarat at 10:41am. For the return journey, we plan to catch the service departing Ballarat at 3:24pm, arriving at Southern Cross at 4:52pm. *Note the train time table may change closer to the event. COST:  Obsidian Dark Beer Fest: 1st release tix: $85 plus $3.11 bf (until sold out, number of tickets unknown) 2nd release tix: $95 plus $3.11 bf Offsider tix*: $45 plus $2.01 bf (*want to join the group, but not a fan of beer? This ticket will provide you entry to the festival, festival glass & access to all the entertainment, WITHOUT any samples of beer included).   Public Transport: Ballarat is in the Myki fare zone. Weekend fares to anywhere in Victoria are capped at $8.00 full | $4.00 concession. FOOD: Lunch can be purchased at the event. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking shoes and dress 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  

Sunday morning fitness ride from Fed Square to Hampton/Black Rock and return. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Approximately 29 km one way and various distances on the return. Mainly flat. The route includes city paths, bike trails and some road riding. Riders returning to Flinders Street will ride approximately 50+ kilometres, depending on their route back to the city. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is a Sunday morning ride from the city to Hampton or Black Rock return. The ride will focus on steady riding to improve fitness. It will include one coffee stop on the return section and will aim to be fully concluded by late morning. The ride will include bicycle paths and some roads. In sections, riders will have the choice to ride on the road or on designated bicycle paths (Port Melbourne - Black Rock). We will take the path beside the Yarra River to Docklands, link to Lorimer Street then proceed through Westgate Park to Port Melbourne. We will take bike paths along the Port Melbourne foreshore to Beaconsfield Pde. At this point riders can choose to follow the Bay Trail or road-ride to Black Rock. At Black Rock Clock Tower, after a short 5-10 min drink break we will begin our return journey, stopping for coffee somewhere along the way - choices include Hampton, Brighton, St Kilda, or Albert Park. From the coffee stop, riders will choose the most convenient route home via the city, southern suburbs, west, east or north.  Note: If the trip to the Clock Tower is too lengthy we could turn around at Hampton. We will see how long the ride takes to complete.  If the weather forecast is very poor, such as heavy rain or wind gusts, a cancellation email will be sent on Saturday evening by 8:30 pm or Sunday morning by 6:30 am.  BOOKING: By Friday 19th June. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Ride will depart at 8:00am sharp and will not wait for latecomers. Meet at the junction of Swanston St and Birrarung Marr Walk (opposite Flinders Street Station) between 7:50am and 8:00am.  MAP REFERENCES: Meeting Point - Google map: Birarung Marr Walk Ride Route - Google PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take a train or ride to the start point. Ride or take public transport home from the CBD. Riders needing to opt out on the return could access stations along the Sandringham line.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Riding attire and wet weather gear. Carry water, money, phone, puncture kit, rain jacket. LEADER: Bryan S | Email LeaderBryanS@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Join us for the annual Nomads Winter Solstice Dinner.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy this year's Winter Solstice with the Nomads at the Syrian restaurant Shamiat. We will be indulging in a 3 course banquet with both meat and vegetarian options. For any other dietary requirements please contact the event leader. This is a BYO wine restaurant. There will be an extra $5 corkage fee per bottle of wine which people can pay the restaurant on the night. Other drinks can also be purchased and paid for on the night. BOOKING: By Wednesday 17th June. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: shamiat.com.au MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6:30pm with a plan to start eating around 7 pm. Shamiat Restaurant, 60 Victoria Rd, Northcote.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/1URxBZxyAKU6rFh46. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch the Hurstbridge line train that departs from Flinders Street Station at 5:59pm and arrives at Dennis Station at 6:23pm. The restaurant is a 5 minute walk from there. LEADER: Greg W. | Email LeaderGregW@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  

Suburban park in northern Melbourne, near La Trobe University. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Easy-Moderate 10 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Vast grassy plains and panoramic views from the highest point in metropolitan Melbourne define this accessible circuit through Bundoora Park. Centred around Mount Cooper, this loop offers a straightforward escape into the northern suburbs' largest parkland. Part of the walk will also go through Gresswell Forest. The trail provides a varied mix of surfaces, including paved shared paths, the shoulders of quiet internal roads, and open stretches across the grass. While much of the route skirts the local golf course and residential edges, the climb up Mount Cooper is a highlight, offering clear vistas across the city skyline and the surrounding ranges. Because the trail is quite open, there is very little shade along the way. BOOKING: By Friday 26th June. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at Bundoora Park/ Plenty Road tramstop. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Number 86 tram to Bundoora Park/ Plenty Road tramstop. MAP REFERENCE: Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jurs4swBQc2MNeuf7 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  

Preparing the draft Spring program of events - online via Zoom. GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The bulk of the planning for the upcoming Spring program will be done in this pre-planning meeting via Zoom in readiness to present the draft program the next night at the Social Evening, where attendees will be invited to provide additional suggestions and help fill any gaps. BOOKING: By 5pm Monday 6th July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Alternatively, simply click on the Zoom link in the reminder email sent to members a few days prior to the event. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. DRAFT PROGRAM: Nomads Draft Program. You may add your suggestions to this online spreadsheet - be sure to click to some other cell once you've finished, so that your suggestion gets saved. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm online via Zoom. Those who registered will be sent the Zoom link by 6pm on Monday evening. 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. Photo by Bich Tran from Pexels.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS