Enjoy a pleasant walk along the Geelong foreshore, travelling there and back via public transport: a V/Line train to the North Geelong Station, returning to Docklands by ferry (or optionally by train). Note: This event was rescheduled from 23 August due to suspension of the Geelong ferry service until 5 September. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2 Easy 7 km point-to-point walk, optionally extended to a Grade 3 Moderate 13 km walk via an additional 6 km circuit walk along the foreshore to Eastern Park (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We'll catch a V/Line train to Geelong's North Geelong Station, from where we'll walk to the interesting Federal Mills complex for a quick visit. Afterwards, a short stroll will take us to the foreshore, which we'll follow all the way round to Cunningham Pier and the picturesque Geelong waterfront. Lunch can be taken in this vicinity, either in one of the cafes facing the foreshore, or you can BYO lunch for a picnic in the park. Suggested lunch options are The Geelong Boathouse (for fish and chips) or Hecho en Mexico.  After lunch you'll have the option to stroll with us along the waterfront around to Eastern Beach, and back via parklands and Malop St, or alternatively to check out the nearby Geelong CBD on your own - there is an excellent Art Gallery located on Johnstone Park and the National Wool Museum (open daily 9am-5pm) is quite close to Cunningham Pier. To return to Melbourne, we'll catch the 4pm Port Phillip Ferries service to Docklands via Portarlington, with excellent views of the Bellarine Peninsula coastline. If you prefer though, you can catch a V/Line train from the nearby Geelong Station.  BOOKING: By Friday 4 September. To register with The Nomads, click on Get Tickets. To book your ferry ticket, go to Port Phillip Ferries (this can be done on the day from your phone). Bookings can't be made for the V/Line trains, but you'll need a Myki card. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: See V/Line Trains for timetables. Docklands-Geelong-Portarlington ferry service: Port Phillip Ferries.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:50am at the North Geelong Station, 109 Victoria St, North Geelong. We'll meet near the bus stop at the eastern exit from the station (beside the Princes Hwy Service Rd). If travelling by train from Southern Cross, you should get to Southern Cross Station by around 9:35am, ready to board the Waurn Ponds service that departs at 9:50am (arriving at North Geelong Station at 10:49am). MAP REFERENCE: Google map - North Geelong Station: maps.app.goo.gl/GUiNbwG449N1fvxS9.  For an approximate map of the route we'll be walking, see the North Geelong - Federal Mills - Eastern Beach - Port Phillip Ferries Google map.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 67 km, 59 minutes by train (or approximately 1 hour to drive, but public transport is recommended).  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Outbound: Board the front carriage of the Waurn Ponds (Geelong) service that departs from Southern Cross Station at 9:50am, and should arrive at the North Geelong Station at 10:49am. Return: We'll need to get to the Port Phillip Ferries terminal by 3:45pm, to board the ferry that departs from Geelong at 4pm.  Return via V/Line: Trains bound for Southern Cross depart from Geelong Station at 3:33pm, 3:53pm, 4:13pm, 4:33pm, 4:53pm etc. COST: TRAIN: Train, tram and bus travel is capped at $4 per day (or $2 for Concessions or FREE for Seniors) for travel anywhere in Victoria. FERRY: The Geelong-Docklands service costs $29 one-way (or $26.50 for Seniors/Concessions) on weekends. NOTE: You can leave purchasing your ferry ticket until the day of travel (but book at least an hour prior to sailing) - there will be ample space on board. FOOD: Carry snacks if you wish and some drinking water. Bring your lunch if you plan to have a picnic, or there are many options along the Geelong foreshore to purchase lunch. 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  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at the Royal Oak, Richmond.  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 $20 Parma Nights - served with chips and salad. And there's a Seniors Menu for those who qualify. Check out the Royal Oak Menu.  BOOKING: By Monday 31st August. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure whether you've booked already? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm on Tuesday 1st September at the Royal Oak, 527 Bridge Rd, Richmond. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/9Khwm5nFWqB4Y93z9. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The tram stop of the #48 and #75 trams is right at the door. 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  

A series of interconnected walks to check out Warrandyte’s gold mining past. The focal point of our walk will be a memorial cairn that has been erected on Fourth Hill. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3 Moderate (due to hills and terrain (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). The estimated total walk distance is around 9 km. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: A 9km circuit walk along the Whipstick Gully to Fourth Hill mine, down to the Gold Discovery cairn on Andersons Creek, Taroona Ave, Everard Drive to the Pound Bend tunnel; returning along the Yarra River trail to the Warrandyte Museum.  There are some steep hills on muddy tracks, so boots are recommended. The first discovery of gold in Victoria was in 1851 at Warrandyte; now an outer suburb. Detailed mining of the area did not occur until other areas in the state were exhausted. Many of the mining sites are available for observation.   Optional Afternoon Tea in the nearby village of Warrandyte will be organised at the conclusion of the walk. BOOKING: By Thursday 27th August. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/fourth-hill---gold-memorial Above Photos: taken circa 1926 by John T's father. See originals in Nomads Photo Gallery. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:00am at the Whipstick Gully Bus stop on Yarra Street, Warrandyte, beside the Warrandyte Museum. Parking available close to our meeting point. MAP REFERENCE:  Melway map 23 grid E 12. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 25 km from Melbourne CBD, 1 hour by car using the Eastern Freeway, to Blackburn Road, Andersons Creek Road to Warrandyte/Heidelburg Rd which becomes Yarra Street at Warrandyte.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Three bus options are available: #364 (Ringwood Station) / #578 (Eltham Station) / #906 (Southern Cross City via Victoria Pde, Hoddle St then Eastern Freeway) to Warrandyte Museum. To plan your journey see: transport.vic.gov.au/journey. Weekend travel is currently half price, capped at $4 full, $2 concession & free for seniors. FOOD: Picnic facilities are available @ Andersons Creek & Pound Bend but BYO lunch & water as there are no food or drink shops in the park.  I plan for a brief morning tea/coffee stop at Goldfields shopping centre on route to Pound Bend.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Dress for Winter (layers are recommended). Check the weather forecast on www.bom.gov.au. Wear solid footwear (boots recommended) as the tracks are steep in parts and may be slippery, especially after rain. LEADER: John T. | Email LeaderJohnT@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 has been postponed to Sunday 6 September because the ferry service from Geelong has been suspended until 5 September.  See 6 Sep event ** Enjoy a pleasant winter's walk on the Geelong foreshore, travelling there and back via public transport: a V/Line train to the North Geelong Station, returning to Docklands by ferry (or optionally by train).  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2 Easy 7 km point-to-point walk, optionally extended to a Grade 3 Moderate 13 km walk via an additional 6 km circuit walk along the foreshore to Eastern Park (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We'll catch a V/Line train to Geelong's North Geelong Station, from where we'll walk to the interesting Federal Mills complex for a quick visit. Afterwards, a short stroll will take us to the foreshore, which we'll follow all the way round to Cunningham Pier and the picturesque Geelong waterfront. Lunch can be taken in this vicinity, either in one of the cafes facing the foreshore, or you can BYO lunch for a picnic in the park. Suggested lunch options are The Geelong Boathouse (for fish and chips) or Hecho en Mexico.  After lunch you'll have the option to stroll with us along the waterfront around to Eastern Beach, and back via parklands and Malop St, or alternatively to check out the nearby Geelong CBD on your own - there is also an excellent Art Gallery located on Johnstone Park and the National Wool Museum (open daily 9am-5pm) is quite close to Cunningham Pier. To return to Melbourne, we'll catch the 4pm Port Phillip Ferries service to Docklands via Portarlington, with excellent views of the Bellarine Peninsula coastline. If you prefer though, you can catch a V/Line train (at no additional cost) from the nearby Geelong Station.  BOOKING: By Friday 21 August. To register with The Nomads, click on Get Tickets. To book your ferry ticket, go to Port Phillip Ferries (this can be done on the day from your phone). Bookings can't be made for the V/Line trains, but you'll need a Myki card. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: See V/Line Trains for timetables. Docklands-Geelong-Portarlington ferry service: Port Phillip Ferries.  For our approximate route, see the North Geelong - Federal Mills - Eastern Beach - Port Phillip Ferries Google map. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:50am at the North Geelong Station, 109 Victoria St, North Geelong.  If travelling by train from Southern Cross, you should get to Southern Cross Station by around 9:35am, ready to board the Waurn Ponds service that departs at 9:50am (arriving at North Geelong Station at 10:47am). MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/o4VS9PPy3MBH8KAq8.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 67 km, 59 minutes by train (or approximately 1 hour to drive, but public transport is recommended).  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Outbound: Board the front carriage of the Waurn Ponds (Geelong) service that departs from Southern Cross Station at 9:50am, and should arrive at the North Geelong Station at 10:47am. Return: We'll need to get to the Port Phillip Ferries terminal by 3:45pm, to board the ferry that departs from Geelong at 4pm.  Return via V/Line: Trains bound for Southern Cross depart from Geelong Station at 3:35pm, 3:55pm, 4:15pm, 4:35pm, 4:55pm etc. COST: TRAIN: Train, tram and bus travel is capped at $4 per day (or $2 for Concessions or FREE for Seniors) for travel anywhere in Victoria. FERRY: If the 20% fuel surcharge is still in effect, the Geelong-Docklands service will cost $31.80 one-way (or $29.40 for Seniors/Concessions) on weekends. NOTE: You can leave purchasing your ferry ticket until close to the time of travel - there will be ample space on board. FOOD: Carry snacks if you wish and some drinking water. Bring your lunch if you plan to have a picnic, or there are many options along the Geelong foreshore to purchase lunch. 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  

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