A pleasant Autumn walk that circumnavigates the reservoir. At most times the water is within view as we walk through open bushland and more heavily timbered areas. Pass Eagle Point and a long gradual climb to the highest point, providing views of the city and Yarra Valley. Kangaroo sightings possible. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 18 km circuit walk. The length of the walk makes this a higher grade than Easy. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Sugarloaf Reservoir has a total capacity of 96 gigalitres and was completed in 1981. Sugarloaf uses water pumped from the Yarra River at Yering Gorge and water transferred from the small Maroondah Reservoir via the Maroondah Aqueduct. Sugarloaf is important in meeting peak summer demand in the northern parts of Melbourne. The walk will take between 4-5 hours to complete and is well marked all the way. Lunch will be taken near the site of an old homestead.  BOOKING: By Thursday 20th April. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Parks Victoria Guide MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am in the Saddle Dam Car Park (3rd and final car park in the complex); right next to the Treatment Plant.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 273 grid A 7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/xmsDVcTK2ke6iwMX6  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 48 km, approximately 1 hour from central Melbourne, via either Bulleen, Doncaster or Heidelberg then Eltham, Research, Kangaroo Ground and Watsons Creek. Continue on Eltham-Yarra Glen Road (C 726) to Simpson Road.  The entrance is well signed - opposite the Rob Roy Hill Climb Track. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is NOT an option. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least a litre of water (no water refills on the walk). APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. The hills around Eltham can be slightly cooler than central Melbourne. LEADER: Garry Oliver. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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  

Overnight backpacking through the Otway Ranges and along Victoria's Surf Coast. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Hard, 104 km, 7 days, 6 night overnight backpacking - you will need to carry all your food, tent, bedding and clothing etc. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a full week of leaving the world behind as you hike along Victoria's beautiful, rugged south coast. A complete description of the planned itinerary will be provided to participants who have registered. This event is only open to Nomads members who have recently participated in at least one other outdoor event with The Nomads. Car pooling will be maximised, with the group travelling together to the start of the hike and returning together from the end of the hike. A car shuffle will be required between Apollo Bay visitor centre and the 12 Apostles visitor centre in order to leave vehicles at the end of the hike to drive back to Apollo Bay visitor centre. A draft itinerary is presented below, though the details may change as further organising and plans are made. START: Apollo Bay Visitor Centre (start hiking around 12noon) Wed 19 April - DAY 1: Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge ⇒ 10 km ~ walk grade: medium.  Elliot Ridge Great Ocean Walk Campsite - 2 sites booked $31.20 Thur 20 April - DAY 2: Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay ⇒ 12 km ~ walk grade: easy  Blanket Bay Great Ocean Walk Campsite - 2 sites booked $31.20 Fri 21 April - DAY 3: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway ⇒ 11 km ~ walk grade: easy/medium, then Cape Otway to Aire River ⇒ 10 km ~ walk grade: medium. Note: combining 2 day-hike sections.   Aire River Great Ocean Walk Campsite - 2 sites booked $31.20 Sat 22 April - DAY 4: Aire River to Johanna Beach ⇒ 14 km ~ walk grade: medium.   Johanna Beach Great Ocean Walk Campsite - 2 sites booked $34.80 Note: Will pick up our food drop at Johanna beach. Sun 21 April - DAY 5: Johanna Beach to Ryans Den ⇒ 14.2km ~ walk time 4-6 hrs ~ grade: medium/hard.  Ryans Den Great Ocean Walk Campsite - 2 sites booked $34.80 Mon 22 April - DAY 6: Ryans Den to Devil’s Kitchen ⇒ 14.4km ~ walk time 5-6 hrs ~ grade: medium/hard.  Devils Kitchen Great Ocean Walk Campsite- - 2 sites booked $34.80 Tue 23 April - DAY 7: Devil’s Kitchen to Twelve Apostles ⇒ 15.1 km ~ walk time 4-6 hrs ~ grade: medium/hard.  END: Twelve Apostles visitors centre (finish hiking around 3pm) The Twelve Apostles kiosk is open 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily. The kiosk sells a range of items including tea, coffee, cold drinks, confectionery, ice creams, souvenirs, and a small range of hot/cold food. Sunscreen, hats and insect repellent are also sold. Toilets and parking are available. Dinner option: There is the option of having a beverage and dinner together on the drive home at a pub or brewery at Lorne or Anglesea. Recomendation or suggest of places are welcome.    FURTHER INFORMATION: Parks Victoria - The Great Ocean Walk The Great Ocean Walk - Complete Guide BOOKING: By Wednesday 12th April, or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9.00am, the car shuffle and food drop will take approximately 3 hours, the hike should start around 12ish. Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre, 100 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay, Victoria.   MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X927 grid A10 | Google map https://goo.gl/maps/8EHarCTjmu71Ye7n8  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 196 km, approximately 2 hour 35 minutes via Prices Fwy/M1 towards Corio, then bypassing Geelong and on through Winchelsea to turn left onto C119 to Skenes Creek and turn right to Apollo Bay. FOOD | APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: You will need to carry enough food for 4 days - we will have a food drop at Johanna Beach, so you won't need to carry food for the entire week! Comfortable walking boots are essential plus clothing layers to keep you comfortable in all possible weather possibilities, from cold and wet to relatively warm. Those who have registered will be provided with detailed instructions and a packing list, organised to ensure we share as much equipment as possible to minimise the load that each person will need to carry. COST: The costs for the expedition will be shared equally between the participants. There will be charges for camping in National Parks as well as for the food drop to be delivered to the mid-point of the hike.  LEADER: Stephan C. | Email LeaderStephanC.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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  

RE-SCHEDULED TO SUNDAY 23 APRIL DUE TO WET WEATHER ON BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY - SLIPPERY CONDITIONS A pleasant Autumn walk that circumnavigates the reservoir. At most times the water is within view as we walk through open bushland and more heavily timbered areas. Pass Eagle Point and a long gradual climb to the highest point, providing views of the city and Yarra Valley. Kangaroo sightings possible. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 18 km circuit walk. The length of the walk makes this a higher grade than Easy. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Sugarloaf Reservoir has a total capacity of 96 gigalitres and was completed in 1981. Sugarloaf uses water pumped from the Yarra River at Yering Gorge and water transferred from the small Maroondah Reservoir via the Maroondah Aqueduct. Sugarloaf is important in meeting peak summer demand in the northern parts of Melbourne. The walk will take between 4-5 hours to complete and is well marked all the way. Lunch will be taken near the site of an old homestead.  BOOKING: By Thursday 13th April. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Parks Victoria Guide MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am in the Saddle Dam Car Park (3rd and final car park in the complex); right next to the Treatment Plant.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 273 grid A 7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/xmsDVcTK2ke6iwMX6  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 48 km, approximately 1 hour from central Melbourne, via either Bulleen, Doncaster or Heidelberg then Eltham, Research, Kangaroo Ground and Watsons Creek. Continue on Eltham-Yarra Glen Road (C 726) to Simpson Road.  The entrance is well signed - opposite the Rob Roy Hill Climb Track. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is NOT an option. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least a litre of water (no water refills on the walk). APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. The hills around Eltham can be slightly cooler than central Melbourne. LEADER: Garry Oliver. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Join the regular Friday cyclists on Easter Monday (in lieu of a ride on Good Friday). The weather forecast for Monday is looking cool and possibly a little damp, but hopefully will hold off for us to enjoy a pleasant ride. The plan is to have a leisurely start to this Easter Monday ride, with coffee, or even breakfast, at the Convent Bakery before doing a suburban loop up Darebin Creek and back down St George’s Rd. Along the way we will explore the recently opened trail under the new skyrail between Murray Road and Oakover Road. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: This is a medium grade ride of 40 km. It is all on sealed paths, mostly offroad and with only one short substantial hill heading into Darebin Parklands. The lunch cafe is at the 31 km mark. The route is shown on the Abbotsford Convent to Rushall Station via Darebin Creek, the Ring Road and St George's Rd Google map. We should have a tail wind heading north but there will probably be a head wind on the way back. If needed, there are easy train bailout options at Alphington, Reservoir and Rushall Stations.   ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We will initially ride along the Yarra Trail to the start of the Darebin Creek Trail, which we will then follow up to the Ring Road.  There we will swing west and ride a few kilometres to Dalton Rd, where we will start to head back south. This will lead us to Cheddar Road and on to our lunch spot, the Northside Cafe, 251/255 Broadway, Reservoir. After lunch, we will head down High St, then St George’s Rd to Rushall Station, where the ride will finish, checking out the new section of train under the skyrail along the way. BOOKING: By Sunday 9th April. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: The ride will depart at 10:30am from Abbotsford Convent, St Heliers St, Abbotsford. Come earlier if you want a coffee, or even join some of us for breakfast at the Convent Bakery. FOOD: Lunch will be taken at the Northside Cafe, 251/255 Broadway, Reservoir, so no need to bring food unless you think you might like a snack along the way. A litre of water is recommended. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Your bike and helmet, and dress according to the weather forecast. Layers are recommended, including a rain protection layer. A spare tube for your bike's wheel size is also advisable. LEADER: George W. | Email LeaderGeorgeW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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 the comfort of a home base, together with access to the world class Wilsons Promontory National Park for day walks. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy/Medium – day walks and beach activities.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We have a private house at Yanakie overlooking Corner Inlet just outside the park entrance. You can come down for as many days as you like. It is quite flexible. There are many nice day walks in the area. We will decide where to walk each day taking into account the condition of the weather and the participants. The house offers a hot shower, comfortable accommodation and a log fire to warm up if it is cold.  Shower and toilet facilities are available in the house. Camping is available on the property. Bed and floor space is limited in the house, so it will be allocated on a needs basis. Alternatively you can look for accommodation close by, but book early as Easter time is busy. There is very limited shopping in the area. Bring your own breakfasts and lunches. On Friday night a BBQ is offered. Bring your own meat/veggie burger and anything you like to accompany that. Saturday and Sunday night meals are provided for a small donation. Roger no longer owns the property, so there is now a small fee of $7 per person, per night (Fri/Sat/Sun) to cover costs. To make things simple it is the same fee whether you camp, or squash into the house. Visitors should take out a Temporary 1 month membership (cost $8) prior to selecting Get Tickets. BOOKING: By Friday 31st March. To register, click on Get Tickets. There is a limit of 30 people, and it is on a first-booked first-served basis. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. If you are feeling unwell prior to departing for the event, please do not attend as you could spread something. Contact the leader and your ticket cost will be reimbursed. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/wilsons-promontory-national-park. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: You can arrive any time from Thursday as arranged with the leader. You will be given location details after registering.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X928/628 grid C10 | VicRoads map 103 grid D7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/A8fupz5R28HgD9Ec9. Detailed directions will be provided after the RSVP date.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Approximately 195 km. Yanakie is 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne towards Wilsons Promontory. TRANSPORT: Public transport not available. We will try to maximise car-pooling as parking is limited at the house. FOOD: Bring supplies for your own breakfast and lunch. Communal night meals will be arranged once the numbers are known. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Warm waterproof gear and changes of clothing. Summery attire is also likely to be needed. It might be warm enough to dive into the sea. Light comfortable walking footwear. ACCOMMODATION: There are a limited number of beds, some floor space, and plenty of tent space in the garden. Bring linen and towels or a sleeping bag if sleeping inside. COST: Accommodation charge of $7 per person per night (to be paid when you "Get Tickets"). Free entry to the National Park. Cash donation towards any meals that are provided. LEADER: Roger H. | Email LeaderRogerH.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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 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. April is planning month, where we sketch out the program of events for the upcoming winter quarter. Most of the planning will have been done via a Zoom pre-planning meeting the previous night, but in this social evening we also welcome additional suggestions to fill any gaps. 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 – you don't have to volunteer for an activity. 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.  BOOKING: By Monday 3rd April. 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: Melway map 45 grid J11. 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: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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 Winter program of events - online via Zoom. GRADE: Social.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The bulk of the planning for the upcoming Winter 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 3rd April. 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: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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

Visit some little-known inner Melbourne gems via a walking tour that includes a meander through the Burnley Gardens, punt rides to/from Herring Island to see an outdoor art exhibition, and a wander through Como Park and Kensington Road South Yarra. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 8 km point-to-point walk on varied surfaces, mostly off-road and with no significant hills.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Our visit is designed to be accessed by public transport, beginning at Riversdale Junction Tram Stop - #29 (Routes #70 and #75) on the corner of  Power Street and Riversdale Road (opposite the old Hawthorn Tram Depot) and finishing at South Yarra Station. From Riversdale Road we'll head to the nearby nine-hectare Burnley Gardens, home to nearly 1000 different species of plants, including some of the oldest trees in Melbourne. After exploring the gardens, we'll follow the Main Yarra Trail around to the Como Landing (beside the Kanteen cafe), where a free punt ride will get us onto Herring Island (an island in the Yarra River). The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival runs until 10 April, with an outdoor art exhibition on Herring Island celebrating the diversity of contemporary art produced by artists from all across the states and territories of Australia. Over 193 artists have contributed to the colourful, enchanting and imaginative exhibition of over 600 affordable artworks in the show. In addition we will explore the Island's permanent sculpture collection, a must-do for anyone visiting the island. There are many pleasant locations for lunch, either on the island, beside the Yarra, or in Como Park. You can optionally get a coffee and snack from the Kanteen cafe beside the punt jetty. After lunch we'll wander through Como Park prior to making our way to the South Yarra Station. As well as visiting the expansive Como Park, you can optionally visit the National Trust listed Como House (charge applies) if you wish. BOOKING: By Thursday 30th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION:  Herring Island - Parks Victoria Notes, Friends of Burnley Gardens. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at Riversdale Road outside the old Hawthorn Tram Depot.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 45 grid B 12 | Google map goo.gl/maps/aTtEtdxkc6kYib3eA  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch either a tram #70 or #75 along Flinders Street or a Belgrave, or Lilydale line train to Hawthorn Station to catch a South Vermont bound #75 Tram. The Belgrave line train that departs Flinders Street at 10:05am is scheduled to arrive at Hawthorn at 10:23am. Note that the bus replacements scheduled on the Belgrave line should only affect services between Camberwell and outer suburb destinations. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.  LEADER: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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  

A naturist walk of medium difficulty through a couple of farms in the spectacular granite boulder country north of Lancefield. We have often admired a small white house in the forest, high on a nearby hill on the Great Dividing Range. We now have permission to walk there in our birthday suits. The views should be great. If hot, we can cool off afterwards in a lovely creek pool with a sandy beach. In the evening we will be able to relax with a BBQ dinner, spa, massage, and socialising around an open fire. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium 6 to 7 km naturist circuit walk. There is some easy walking through grassy paddocks, but a bit more effort will be required to walk up the farm hills for a view. We will also pass through an open native forest and then down a 4WD track for great views of the farmland below. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: SATURDAY WALK: This walk is for naturists. We will meet and unload the cars at the overnight farmhouse anytime between 10am and 10:30am. Hot drinks and nibbles will be available until 11am. We will then have a briefing for the day and do a short car pool to the start of the walk. Lunch will be eaten at a good spot along the way when we get hungry. If the day is hot we can have a nude swim after the walk in a farm dam, or the great waterhole in Mollison Creek. Following the walk and swim we plan to head back to the overnight farmhouse for drinks and snacks a bit after 4pm. The spa should be operating by then with the BBQ to follow around 6pm. OVERNIGHT: Optional evening BBQ, overnight, breakfast and lunch at the farmhouse. After the Saturday walk we have been invited back for further naturist socialising at the very comfortable farmhouse with its great open fire. There will also be a spa and massage tables to use. SLEEPING: For those staying overnight, there is floor space for 14 people in the house. There is carpeted floor space in the library, lounge room and dining room - please BYO sleeping bag, sleeping mat/lilo, pillow etc. There is a spare double air mattress, a single air mattress, one spare doona, some blankets, a few sleeping bags and a couple of spare foam sleeping mats at the property. Or if you like, you can put up your tent on the back lawn. There is also room for campervans etc. BBQ: BYO meat and drinks. Basic salads and bread will be supplied. Dinner desserts or morning tea snacks would be appreciated. TOWELS: Please BYO towels about 3 or 4 of them. 1. for sitting on. 2. for the massage table. 3. for your shower or spa. 4. after swimming. BREAKFAST: Breakfast is supplied, including eggs and bacon, and for Sunday lunch there are always plenty of leftovers from the night before. SUNDAY MORNING SHORT WALK: For those who would like a further walk, we will arrange a short walk either to the Gorge, along picturesque Mollison Creek or elsewhere in the area. This will be followed by lunch to eat up the spare food. BOOKING: By Friday 31st March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Choose the ticket that provides the options you wish to participate in. RSVP FOR OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION: If you wish to stay overnight, you will need to SEND AN EMAIL TO COLIN, our farmhouse host, on LeaderColinP.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com to book your accommodation. Please state what accommodation you would like - floor, tent or campervan. Please also include a contact phone number. Sleeping places in the house are limited to 14. The number of people attending the event is limited to 22 so that we can all sit down to eat inside the house. There is no limit on tents and campervans. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. COST: There are two ticket types available for this event. Please choose the ticket that suits your wishes. 1. Walk & overnight with bbq, spa, massage, breakfast: Nomads members $25 | Non-members $30 2. Walk only: Nomads members $0 | Non-members $5 The cost of the overnight tickets covers the cost of a spa for all those staying overnight. For Day Walkers who would like to use the spa before they leave on the Saturday please pay $15 cash to Colin on the day. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Any time between 10am and 10.30am at the farmhouse 15 km north of Lancefield. The exact address will be sent to those who have purchased a ticket by 10am on Thursday 30th March. We plan to walk off from the farmhouse at about 11am. Tea, coffee and snacks will be provided at the farmhouse on Saturday morning. If you'd like egg and bacon sandwiches/rolls and a latte etc before you arrive at the farmhouse on Saturday morning, the best place to get these would be from a cafe in the towns of Romsey or Lancefield. Sandwiches for Saturday lunch are generally available from the Ampol Petrol Station Foodary in Romsey, 29-31 Main St Romsey. Sandwiches are also available at the Shell Service Station in Lancefield (hiding on the bottom shelf in their fridge), though the Romsey sandwiches are better. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X909/609 grid J7 | Google Map: goo.gl/maps/5tjy71DBz9waYR9a6. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 87 km and 1 hour 15 minutes from the GPO. The farm and the town of Lancefield are due north of Tullamarine Airport. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch the 7:48am Metro train from Southern Cross to Sunbury station arriving at 8:32am. At Sunbury catch the 8.50am regional bus to Lancefield, arriving 9.24am at the corner of High St and Main Rd. From there we will need to arrange a ride to the farm for you. It probably would be easier for you to email the leader, Russell, on LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com to see if he can arrange a lift for you from Melbourne. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and water for the Saturday naturist walk. BYO meat and drinks for the BBQ on Saturday evening. Sunday breakfast is supplied by our host. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Wear comfortable walking shoes/boots. A small towel to dry off after a swim in the farm dam or creek swimming hole if it's warm enough. LEADER: Russell W. | Email LeaderRussellW.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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  

Play a game or two of 500 cards online via the Trickster Cards website, with fellow Nomads 500 card players.  TYPE: Social ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy playing a social game of 500 cards, in groups of four, from anywhere in Australia or even overseas, from the comfort of your own home, while enjoying your favorite beverage or nibbles. You will be able to see and hear the other players and enjoy the banter of your fellow Nomads members.  BOOKING: By Sunday 26th March. To register click on Get Tickets. You will be e-mailed the link to play the game prior to 7pm on Monday 27th March.  Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: At 7pm click on the link that will be e-mailed to you on Monday prior to the game.  LEADER: Stephan C. | Email LeaderStephanC.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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  

Travel by ferry to Portarlington to explore one of the largest areas of native bushland and ephemeral wetlands on the Bellarine Peninsula- guided by an expert ranger from the Bellarine Coastal Management team who care for the Reserve. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 9 km circuit walk on flat terrain. There is a slightly steeper 5 minute walk up from the pier area to the main street of Portarlington where we will have an afternoon tea. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We will depart from the Docklands Ferry Terminal at 10:40am and arrive at Portarlington at 11:50am. Coffee/tea is available to purchase on the ferry. We will  walk along the foreshore for some 45 minutes and arrive at the entrance of the reserve around 12:45am. At 62 hectares, the reserve is one of the largest areas of native bushland and ephermeral wetlands on the Bellarine Peninsula. It is dedicated to the conservation of indigenous plants and wildlife. Jane Shearer, who is the Coastal Projects Officer at Bellarine Bayside Coastal Management, will meet us as we eat lunch near the entrance, and provide a history of the reserve, guide us along some of its walking tracks and describe some of the flora and fauna within the reserve. We will spend approximately 1.45 hours walking within the reserve before then returning to Portarlington town again along the foreshore. Once back at the pier, we will ascend a short 5 minute incline from the pier to Daniel's Donuts cafe in Newcombe St for a 30 minute afternoon coffee /milkshake/ sweet or savoury donut break.  We will return down the hill to the pier by 4:15pm in order to be on the return ferry for its 4:30pm departure. We will arrive back at Docklands at 5.40pm BOOKING: Nomads: By Friday 24th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Ferry: book via Port Phillip Ferries (Cost $18.50 full or $17 concession). Unsure if you've already booked with The Nomads? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am at the Port Phillip Ferries Terminal, Harbour Esplanade, Docklands ready to catch the ferry at 10:40am.    MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 2E grid G5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/wFGk6tWUjMMTPJdj6.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO THE FERRY TERMINAL: Train: Any train to Southern Cross Station.  Tram: 35, 70 or 75 to stop D3 (beside the terminal) or tram 30 or 86 to Central Pier / Harbour Esplanade. Tram: 11 or 48 to stop D16 then walk towards Victoria Harbour one block north. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.  LEADER: Don V. | Email LeaderDonV.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

** This event is now booked out due to accommodation limits. If you wish to join us, email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com in case something can be organised. ** Enjoy a scenic cycling long weekend in North East Victoria. We'll be exploring the Albury / Wodonga region on Friday, then on Saturday and Sunday following the High Country Rail Trail from Wodonga to Tallangatta and back, with overnights in Wodonga and Tallangatta.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium grade cycling of roughly 40 km per day. The Rail Trail from Wodonga to Tallangatta is 43 km long. The surface of this section of the rail trail is of reasonable quality, partly sealed and partly packed gravel. The trails around Albury/Wodonga are generally sealed paths of a high standard. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This trip is designed to be accessed via public transport, but if you prefer, you can drive to Wodonga, carrying your bike in your vehicle. The group will aim to catch an early train departing from Southern Cross Station at 7:07am, arriving in Wodonga at 10:27am. (If you can't manage that, or we can't get all our bikes on the early train, the alternative option is to catch the train departing from Southern Cross at 12:04pm, arriving in Wodonga at 3:24pm). On Friday we will explore some of the urban trails in the region, guided by two cyclists who live locally. For lunch, there are excellent dining options in both Albury and Wodonga. Our Friday night accommodation is a 4-bedroom house located in Killara (just past Bandiana, on the outskirts of Wodonga), close to the rail trail. This is approximately 13 km from the beginning of the High Country Rail Trail (which starts near Wodonga Station). On Saturday we'll cycle along the rail trail to Tallangatta, staying there overnight at the Tallangatta Hotel. On Sunday we'll return along the same trail back to Wodonga to catch the train that departs from Wodonga at 5:38pm and arrives at Southern Cross at 10:05pm. Note: if any bikes can't get on that service, some of us might need to stay an extra night in Wodonga! There are many points of interest to investigate, including wetlands beside the Murray River, the former migrant camp at Bonegilla, which housed tens of thousands of migrants who fled Europe and elsewhere soon after the cessation of WW2 hostilities, the Hume Dam wall and the Bandiana Army Museum.  BOOKING: By Monday 19th March, or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out - accommodation is very limited. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION:  High Country Rail Trail: lots of information about the rail trail High Country Rail Trail Master Plan: some interesting information about how and why the trail was developed MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6:45am at Southern Cross Station to catch the service that departs at 7:07am.  Option 1: Train departing from Southern Cross Station at 7:07am and arriving in Wodonga at 10:27am. Option 2: Train departing from Southern Cross at 12:04pm, arriving in Wodonga at 3:24pm. Option 3: Your own vehicle, meeting up with the group in Albury/Wodonga as arranged with the event leader. MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station: Melway map 2E grid K6 | Google map goo.gl/maps/X5Grxth8Bb25TLEdA.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 330 km, approximately 3 hours 35 minutes via the M31/Hume Freeway. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The 7:07am Albury train that departs from Southern Cross Station at 7:07am terminates in Albury at 11:03am (see MEETING TIME | LOCATION for alternative options). There are only 9 designated bike spaces on each train, and no way to reserve those, so it pays to arrive 30 minutes prior to the train departure time to be at the front of the (virtual) queue. To return to Melbourne, we'll be aiming to catch the service that departs from Wodonga at 5:38pm, arriving at Southern Cross at 10:05pm. (If any bikes can't get on that service, some of us might need to stay an extra night in Wodonga)! FOOD: Carry snacks and a litre of water. We'll organise meals as a group. The meal plans are: Friday lunch: a cafe or pub in Albury/Wodonga (excellent options available) Friday evening: the Blazing Stump Hotel (located about 3 km from our accommodation) Saturday breakfast and lunch: we'll need to purchase supplies on Friday as there are limited options along the trail Saturday evening: dinner in Tallangatta - we'll check out the dining scene upon our arrival; one option could be the Tallangatta Hotel (where we'll be staying) Sunday breakfast: Tallangatta Bakery, 39 Towong St, Tallangatta Sunday lunch: probably purchased from the bakery for eating on the trail Sunday dinner: purchased in Wodonga or from the buffet on the train (very limited options on the train) COSTS: There will be V/Line travel costs, accommodation charges for Friday and Saturday nights and food costs: ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation costs will be calculated based on the number of attendees. Friday Night: Each bedroom in the 4-bedroom house (total cost $292.09) has a double bed, and there are two pull-out single beds in the living room. Note that two participants live locally, so don't require beds on Friday night. Saturday Night: We have booked: Family Room $100: Queen size bed plus 2 single beds + Twin Room $60: two single beds (2 adults) + Queen Room $100: Queen size bed plus a single bunk bed (up to 3 adults) + 2 x single rooms $60 (1 adult each).  TRAIN: This route is outside the Myki Zone. Tickets cost $41.20 full or $20.60 concession/seniors each way. The cost is the same to Albury or Wodonga. (The new $9.20 per day maximum fare will not begin until 31 March). FOOD: Everybody will be responsible for individually ordering and paying for whatever food they want.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Bring your bike, helmet and cycling gear for the three days, being sure to allow for all possible eventualities (i.e. bring layers, including a waterproof layer in case we encounter rain). LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com 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