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   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

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.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

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.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

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.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

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.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

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.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

We continue along the O'Keefe Rail Trail from the Knowsley State Forest through Knowsley to Lake Eppalock. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3: Moderate 12.7 km walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). Mostly flat on a gravel rail trail.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: After meeting at the O'Keefe Rail Trail car park we carpool to the start of the walk at the Smart Track Visitor Area, Knowsley State Forest. We walk for about 2 hours along the O'Keefe Rail Trail through forest and farm land to arrive at our lunch stop at Knowsley. After lunch, we continue on to Lake Eppalock. Depending on early winter rainfall, the lake water may reach this point. We will then drive to Heathcote for refreshments, before heading home. BOOKING: By Friday 24th July. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: O'Keefe Rail Trail | Commercial Hotel Heathcote  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at the O'Keefe Rail Trail car park, 8 km/5 mins drive from the Northern Hwy/McIvor Hwy intersection, Heathcote (towards Bendigo).  MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/7PWvjg3uCwkiAARS7 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 135 km, aproximately 1 hr 44 min via Kilmore & Heathcote. Alternative routes via Lancefield 130 km, 1 hr 45 min or 146 km, 1 hour 45 minutes via Calder Fwy/M79 to Kyneton, then follow C326 via Redesdale to Heathcote. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Not Available. If you need a lift or to carpool, contact leader at least a week in advance to arrange. FOOD: Carry snacks, lunch and 2 litres of water. After walk refreshments will be at the Commercial Hotel or Gaffney's Bakery (closes 4pm). APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Knowslea can be several degrees warmer and sunnier 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.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

NOTE: Due to the Run Melbourne Event in the CBD & Docklands - changes to Trams until Lunchtime  Check https://transport.vic.gov.au  for Details. Enjoy a scenic walk overlooking Port Phillip Bay and the Lower reaches of the Yarra River, crossing the Yarra River on the Westgate Punt. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3 Medium, 10 km point-to-point walk on paved or compacted dirt paths (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: From the Beacon Cove Terminus of the #109 Tram, the walk will follow the Beacon Cove Promenade Trail past one of Melbourne's earliest urban renewal projects plus Station Pier and Princess Pier. Passing through the Maritime Cove Parkland, the walk will make the return trip along the Webb Trail to Sandridge Lookout. Next the walk will head to Westgate Park which will be the lunch spot in designated facilities. Then a walk through Westgate Park to the Punt pier (near the Westgate Bridge) to cross over the Yarra River. On the western side the walk will continue on off-road paths past the historic sewerage pumping station and the Newport Power Station. We'll exit to take North Road to Newport Station, where you can board a train to return towards the CBD.  BOOKING: By Friday 17th July. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:40am at Beacon Cove Terminus, Port Melbourne. If you'd like a coffee, you should arrive at the terminus on the 10:10am tram. See Public Transport below. MAP REFERENCE: Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/9cnPPGVWN26nBJ968. PUBLIC TRANSPORT:  For the 2nd half of 2026, fares are at 1/2 price - Myki money weekend daily cap is $4.00 Full Fare and $2 Concession Rate +  Seniors FREE  WITH COFFEE: Take the #109 Tram via Collins Street and Southern Cross Station that arrives at 10:10am NO COFFEE: Take the #109 Tram via Collins Street and Southern Cross Station that arrives at 10:40am RETURN: Newport Station is on the Werribee and Williamstown lines, with trains at least once every 10 minutes. FOOD: Lunch break will be at Westgate Park, BYO eats and beverages - there are NO food outlets in the vicinity. COST: $5 for the Westgate Punt | NO CASH, only EFT Payments.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable attire including footwear that's suitable for the weather forecast. 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. Image: Bob Tan   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

An easy mid-winter walk from Pluto to the Sun visiting Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Earth, Venus and Mercury en-route. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 1: Easy 8 Billion km point to point walk (8 km) (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: An easy winter's walk following the Bay Trail - the Melbourne Solar System walk section, from Port Melbourne to St Kilda. The trail from Pluto to the Sun is 5.9 Billion km long (5.9 km). At Port Melbourne we will also walk out on Princes Pier and to the Port Melbourne Lookout. At St Kilda we can walk the new St Kilda Pier and Breakwater and have refreshments at the St Kilda Pier Kiosk or wait until we get to Acland Street. BOOKING: By Friday 10th July. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Transport Victoria  | Solar System Trail  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the Port Melbourne Tram Terminus - Beacon Cove/Light Rail. Tram arrives at 10:25am, departs Southern Cross at 10:11am. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/vawpcXvbzJYTKFar9 DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 4.5 km, approximately 14 minutes by tram from Southern Cross Station. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: For the 2nd half of 2026, fares are at 1/2 price - myki money weekend daily cap is $4.00 + Seniors FREE. Travel time from Southern Cross is 14 minutes. Departs Southern Cross (Collins St) at 10:11am, Arrives Port Melbourne 10:25am. If you would like something to eat or drink before the walk, plan to arrive 40 to 60 minutes earlier. Mr Hobson, 9 Waterfront Place looks like the only option nearby as the other cafes are closed at the time we are there. Return tram: From Acland Steet, St Kilda - #96 tram, 28 minutes to Southern Cross Station. FOOD: Mr Hobson, 9 Waterfront Place for pre-walk food and drinks. We will have a lunch stop near Uranus. The Sandbar should be open for meals / take away if you do not bring lunch. Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. We can stop at the St Kilda Pier Kiosk or go to Acland Street for after-walk refreshments. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. It's the middle of winter, so be prepared - it's cold in space, also possible meteor showers and strong solar winds (possible cold, wet and windy conditions). 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: Visit Victoria HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Vic Hotel - Footscray.  GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Nomads hold a social night each month, where members and guests can enjoy a meal, talk about upcoming events, compare notes on past activities and float ideas on events they would like to see run. 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 nights are $25 pie nights - served with mash and peas, or check out the Victoria Hotel Menu. BOOKING: By Sunday 5th July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure whether you've booked already? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm on Tuesday 7th July at the Victoria Hotel, 43 Victoria St, Footscray. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/MCvdPVENFaUDWKEv7. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Vic Hotel - Footscray is very close to Middle Footscray Station on the Watergardens/Sunbury line. However, due to planned works on Tuesday night, the last train towards the CBD will depart at 8:28pm. After that you'll need to catch a bus replacement service, walk to Footscray Station, or catch a standard suburban bus service (e.g. bus 216 or 220 from 72 Paisley St).  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  

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

Suburban park in northern Melbourne, near La Trobe University. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Easy-Moderate 6-10 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. The main Boondurra loop is 5.5 km, with optional 4 km loop through the 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 entrance near tram stop.  There is parking inside the park to the left. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Number 86 tram to Bundoora Park / Plenty Road tram stop. 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