Enjoy a pleasant outing in a little-known botanic park on the outskirts of Melbourne - one of Melbourne's hidden treasures! This event is designed to be easily accessible by Metro train. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Easy approximately 9 km, circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System), mostly on off-road paths, but with a number of ascents and descents.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Wilson Botanic Park is a total gem in the historic town of Berwick, a town that has now been engulfed by metropolitan Melbourne. Not only is the park incredibly photogenic, including views over Melbourne, it is also of significance for its geology and important fossil discoveries. The area has an interesting geological history starting with ancient sedimentary layers from when the area was covered by the ocean, followed by periods of volcanic activity, with the most recent, and violent, eruption being some 22 million years ago, resulting in large deposits of basalt (bluestone). Fossils discovered here tell us that the region has had both tropical and temperate forests in bygone eras. The fossil discoveries at the park are significant because flowering and coniferous plants, tropical and temperate species, and micro and macro specimens have all been found. It's the only known fossil site that contains specimens of both Nothofagus and Eucalyptus and is of significant geoheritage importance because it is where the oldest usable Eucalypt fossils have been found in Australia, which has been important for our understanding of the evolution of the modern Australian flora. In 1859 William Wilson began quarrying bluestone from the site, since it had the highest quality basalt in the vicinity of Melbourne. The quarry operated almost continually up to 1976. In 1973, the Wilsons donated 17 hectares to the City of Casey, and in 1985 the council purchased a further 13.34 hectares, then in 1992 the 39 hectare Wilson Botanic Park was opened.  The City of Casey has sensitively and intelligently developed the park with many points of interest for humans, birds and the local fauna. Our circuit will begin and end at the Berwick Railway Station. We'll initially walk along leafy Gloucester Avenue to the main street of Berwick, then take a tree-lined path to Wilson Botanic Park. There we'll initially make a circuit of the two lakes, with optional stops for coffee and toilets. Afterwards we'll climb to the rim of the park for great views over surrounding suburbs. (Note: the park looks a little like a conventional volcano, but the "crater" was formed more by quarrying than from volcanic activity). Upon completing our rim circuit, we'll return to the town via Kramer St and the Pioneers Park. A warming beverage can be had in High Street prior to our return to the train station.  BOOKING: By Friday 12th September. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: casey.vic.gov.au/facilities-hire/wilson-botanic-park-berwick. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at Berwick Railway Station, Reserve St, Berwick. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Pakenham line train that departs from Flinders Street platform 6 at 10:02am arrives in Berwick at 10:58am. We'll travel in the front carriage of the train. For our return, trains depart from Berwick Station every 20 minutes. MAP REFERENCE: Google map: goo.gl/maps/HUpJqUaY5xi5pL7M8 FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots 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. Video courtesy of https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/facilities-hire/wilson-botanic-park-berwick   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

** This event has sold out. Please get a Waitlist ticket if you would like to attend, and we'll contact you if a place becomes available. ** We'll have exclusive use of Cinema 1 of the Henkel Street Cinema in Brunswick, so you can optionally have a quick pub meal nearby, then watch the movie God's Own Country (2017) surrounded by your Nomads friends.  GRADE: Social. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: You can either join us at 6pm at the Hotel Railway Brunswick, 291-293 Albert St for a pub meal, or come directly to the Henkel Street Cinema, 10/102 Henkel St, Brunswick at 7pm in readiness for the screening to start at 7:15pm.  Wednesday is parma night at the pub - chicken or eggplant parma with fries and slaw for $20 - or you can order from their pub menu.  For the cinema, you can pre-order food and drinks online, order at the bar upon arrival at the cinema, or order via a QR code near your (comfortable) seat. Available options at the cinema include cinema snacks (popcorn, choc tops and sweets), vegetarian pizza, arancini balls, beer, wine, cider and soft drinks. God's Own Country (UK, 2017): A young farmer numbs his frustrations with drinking and casual sex until a Romanian migrant worker sets him on a new path. Starring Josh O'Connor, Alec Secareanu, and Gemma Jones. BOOKING: By Tuesday 9th September or ASAP to ensure you don't miss out (only 22 seats available). To register click on Get Tickets and indicate whether you're planning to attend the pub or just the cinema. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Either: 6pm at the Hotel Railway Brunswick, 291-293 Albert St, Brunswick to dine with us prior to the film, or 7pm at the Henkel Street Cinema, 10/102 Henkel St, Brunswick Both venues are located close to the Brunswick train station. MAP REFERENCE: Hotel Railway Brunswick Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/epMzaYCY38dx7XcM7.  Henkel Street Cinema Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/uVUXzSXGLBT8ReE49. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Train: Upfield line to Brunswick Tram: 19 to stop 22 (Albert St/Sydney Rd) FOOD: Dinner can be purchased at the Hotel Railway Brunswick | Snacks and drinks can be purchased at the Henkel Street Cinema. LEADER: Colin C. | Email LeaderColinC@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

WAITLIST ONLY - Cycle through the countryside of SE Asia in the company of other Nomads: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. There are options to shorten the experience from 6 weeks (to just 17 days or just 25 days). GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: 2,100 km on a variety of roads and tracks. We will avoid major roads, and always have a backup vehicle in case you get tired. Average distance each day will be ~65 km with plenty of rests. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is an organised tour by a local SE Asian company that we have used before, VietnamAdventureCycling, that specialises in SE Asian cycle touring. We have booked out the whole event so have a level of control over the itinerary and pace. Follow this link for the route we are taking. And here for the itinerary. There are options to either do the first 17 days, the last 25 days, or the lot. We are currently booked out, but will likely have opportunities for waitlisting as circumstances change. The cost is ~USD$7000 for the 6 weeks which includes accommodation (based on twin share), bike, all transport, entry to attractions, nearly all meals (not on free days), and a team Jersey. Plane travel to the start and return from Hanoi is not included, but the internal flight in Laos is included. Click on "Get Tickets" to submit an expression of interest. Contact the leader if you need more information to help make up your mind. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: The 6 week itinerary starts on the 3rd September 2025 in Bangkok. The shorter itinerary starts on 20th September in Phnom Penh.  FOOD: Refer to the itinerary to see which meals are included. LEADER: Roger H. | Email LeaderRogerH@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at The Yorkshire Stingo Hotel.  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. The Tuesday night special at the Yorkshire Stingo is a chicken or eggplant parma and a pot for $22, or see their menu for other offerings. BOOKING: By Sunday 30th August. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at The Yorkshire Stingo Hotel, 48 Hoddle St, Abbotsford. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/QjGdoK4EuzfLLeQp6. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch a Hurstbridge or Mernda line train to North Richmond Station or Collingwood Station. The 246 and 300 series buses stop right outside. 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  

** This walk has been replaced by the Bushrangers Bay to Cape Schanck Walk on the same date ** 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  

This is a spectacular trail skirting rugged coastline by the waters of Bass Strait.  Note: This event is an alternative to the Blind Bight Coastal Reserve Walk, which was deemed unsuitable. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium 13 km circuit walk.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We follow the Main Creek Trail from the car park to Bushrangers Bay. The eucalypt forest gives way to shady thickets of coastal banksia and then to an isolated sandy beach at Bushrangers Bay. From there we follow the trail to Cape Schanck. We’ll have lunch near the 1850s Lighthouse. After lunch, we return the same way and then hopefully, time permitting, can have take away coffee and cake from the Flinders Bakehouse. BOOKING: By Friday 29th August. To register, click on Get Tickets.  Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.bushwalkingblog.com.au/cape-schanck-to-main-creek-return-mornington-peninsula-national-park-victoria-2 MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at the start of the Bushrangers Bay Walk and Cape Schanck Walk. When coming from Cape Schanck, this is in the car park on the right (not the first car park on the left) on Boneo Rd (C777: the Rosebud Flinders Rd) in the Mornington Peninsula National Park.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 259 grid K8 | UBD map 513 grid A7 | Google map goo.gl/maps/R48zXxjF9Ty.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 109 km from Melbourne, allow 2 hours. FOOD: Bring your own lunch and at least 1 litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sturdy walking footwear, dress for the weather forecast and bring a raincoat just in case! 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  

The circuit involves a small twisting gorge, a historic reservoir and four scenic lookouts.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 4: Hard 11 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). Generally on good tracks but with some steep sections, river crossings and some sections with loose gravel.  4 hour circuit walk.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Little more than an hour's drive from Melbourne takes you to the state's richest wildflower habitat. Set in a low range of mountains dissected by rocky gullies, the unusual geology of the Brisbane Ranges National Park has preserved plants that have long since vanished from other parts of the region. The walk follows a circuit ending back at the meeting point. We will have a picnic lunch on the way.  BOOKING: By Thursday 21st August, 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. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/brisbane-ranges-national-park. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at the Anakie Gorge Picnic Area. Follow the Western Freeway to Bacchus Marsh and then follow the Geelong Road (C704) south for 27 km. Turn right into Granite Rd and follow it to the end to Staughton Vale Rd. Turn right and after 2 km, turn left into Gorge Rd and continue to the Anakie Gorge picnic area. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/zriEJwpmpXktFauCA.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 83 km | 1 hour 10 minutes. FOOD: Bring lunch, snacks and water. No shops on the way.  APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Dress for the occasion. Bring warm clothing if needed and certainly bring wet weather gear in case inclement weather is forecast. Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat may be needed (unlikely). Sturdy walking footwear and a pole if you are used to one, since there is one slippery hill. LEADER: Roger H. | Email LeaderRogerH@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Image: www.parks.vic.gov.au    HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Enjoy a stroll beside the Maribyrnong River with lunch at the Anglers Tavern, optionally followed by a more strenuous but very scenic hike further upstream. Travel via public transport is recommended. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Easy approximately 6 km walk to lunch, or Grade 3: Moderate 13.5 km (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System), point-to-point walk on mostly flat paths, with some gentle climbs for those continuing after lunch.  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Starting from Footscray Station, we'll head to the Maribyrnong River via Newells Paddock Wetlands. From there we walk upstream beside the river past Flemington Racecourse, through assorted parks and wetlands for lunch at the Anglers Tavern, 2 Anglers Way, Maribyrnong. After lunch you can catch a tram nearby on Maribyrnong Rd, or continue with the group to Lily Reserve, for some great views of Melbourne's skyline. After that we follow Steele Creek and the Maribyrnong River around to Canning Reserve. From nearby you can catch the #57 tram to the CBD or walk a tad further to catch the #82 tram to take you back to Footscray Station or towards Moonee Ponds. BOOKING: By Friday 15th August. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MORE INFO: Maribyrnong: Footscray to Canning Reserve: some history of the region the walk passes through. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the main exit of Footscray Station (the western exit) - we'll meet beside the bus stop directly opposite the Footscray Market.  MAP REFERENCE: Starting Point - Google map: goo.gl/maps/mtqJSKcQsgqV7FzH8.  The Route: Footscray Station to Canning Reserve via Maribyrnong River. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Williamstown line train that departs Flinders Street Station platform 10 at 10:07am arrives at Footscray Station at 10:19am. The #82 tram that departs from Moonee Ponds Junction at 9:56am terminates at Footscray Station at 10:25am. Note: There will be bus replacements on the Werribee line, but the Williamstown line and V/Line trains can still be used. For other options see ptv.vic.gov.au. FOOD: Lunch will be ordered at the Anglers Tavern. A small water bottle is recommended - there are some refill points along the way. 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  

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 10th to Sunday 17th 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 is $469 for the 7 nights (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  

Explore memorials to love, gay and straight, in the Boroondara General Cemetery then traverse a series of connected parklands, finishing at Alphington Railway Station. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Easy 7 km point-to-point walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This point-to-point walk starts with a tour of the historic garden style cemetery where we will inspect memorials to love. The cemetery is noted for its outstanding collection of memorials. Departing the cemetery, the walk will continue through a series of connected parklands to our destination of Alphington Railway Station. The parklands include Victoria Park, Hyde Park, Willsmere-Chandler Park, Kew Billabong, then past golf courses as we cross the Yarra River and enter Napier Waller Reserve followed by Sparks Reserve and finally into Darebin Parklands. We’ll have lunch overlooking the banks of the Yarra River. Travel via public transport is recommended. Land for the historic 13 hectare Boroondara Cemetery was set aside in 1855 with the first burial taking place in March 1859. The cemetery is laid out in the Victorian garden style with burials allocated by the then practice of religious denomination.  BOOKING: By Thursday 7th August. To register, click on Get Tickets.  Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.kewcemetery.com.au MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at the entrance to Boroondara Cemetery.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 45 grid E5 | Google maps goo.gl/maps/vTifVjAfmaFGoBFb7.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 8 km, approximately 20 minutes to drive, 30 minutes by public transport. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram #48 - North Balwyn to stop #36 - Parkhill Road. Alternatives are Trams #16 and #109 to the corner of Cotham and Glenferrie Roads then walk along Mary Street (550 metres - 7 minutes).  FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water, refills plus access to toilets available along the route. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to 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.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

Our regular monthly social night - this month at Spotswood Hotel.  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. Tuesday night is Burger Night at Spotswood Hotel: free drink + fish/chicken/beef/vegan burger for $25. See menu. BOOKING: By Sunday 3rd August. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at Spotswood Hotel, 62 Hudsons Rd, Spotswood. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/AZLHg5XEob5ApP3x7. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch a Werribee or Williamstown line train to Spotswood Station. LEADER: Garry O. | Email LeaderGarryO@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS  

CANCELLED. Buses replace trrains on the Werribee line.  It appears you'd have to take the Geelong train to Tarneit, and transfer to a bus.  This means that instead of a 50 minute train trip, it'd almost double A circuit walk in the west of Melbourne, from Werribee Station. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Easy 7 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System).  ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This easy and pleasant walk loops around the Werribee River. It is an easy, paved path with hardly any elevation, and it's a beautiful track, considering it passes through suburbia. Generally considered an easy route, it is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.  There are three spots where you can cross the river by jumping across big rocks, perfect for exploring. You can continue north and south on this track for a longer route. BOOKING: By Friday 25th July. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11am at southern side of Werribee Station. This is on Station Place at the top of the ramp. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take a Werribee train from Flinders Station at 9:47am, or 10:07 absolute latest. Go to first carriage. MAP REFERENCE: Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/Khz7KwjjYoFkVZYZ8 FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water.  As it's a short walk, we will have a late lunch or afternoon tea in Werribee after walk. 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