Join us for the popular annual Christmas BBQ beside the Yarra River in a tranquil, little-known park in Hawthorn.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Social. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: From 6:30pm in Yarra Bank Reserve, on the Hawthorn side of the Yarra River (under the Bridge Rd bridge). MAP REFERENCE:  Melway map 2H grid H6 | Google map goo.gl/maps/Pg178knfSVN2. DISTANCE / TIME FROM GPO:  5km by car – enter the reserve via corner of Creswick and Denham Streets, Hawthorn or park in Creswick St.  Public transport is to Tram Stop 23 (Burwood Road / Church Street junction) via either route 48 (from Collins St) or route 75 (from Flinders St). FOOD and BEVERAGES: The Nomads will supply pre-meal nibbles plus bread and salads to accompany the main meal.  You need to BYO your preferred main meal item for the BBQ.  All beverages are BYO.  A limited supply of disposable plates, cups and cutlery will be available.  You are recommended to bring your preferred utensils. APPAREL: Daylight saving will be active.  Bring insect repellent plus a lightweight and waterproof jacket if showers are forecast.  It is likely to turn cool once the sun sets. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Join your friends on the banks of the Yarra River at Hawthorn for a pre-Christmas BBQ in lieu of our monthly indoors social evening.  The venue is a secluded spot that is protected from wind and extreme sun.  The reserve has four tables with bench seats and two BBQs.  Water is on-tap and a public toilet is located on Creswick St. LEADER | BOOKING: Garry O. | by Sunday 2nd December. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

Have a relaxing Sunday visit, not too far from Melbourne, to view a historic mansion, walk around some wetlands and perhaps take a stroll along the Balnarring beach.  Travel via public transport is possible. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, approximately 8km, circuit walk.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 11:15am at the Information Centre, Coolart Homestead, Lord Somers Rd, Somers.   MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 193 grid H9 | Google map goo.gl/maps/mHyVFk3BqhH2.   DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 80 km, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to drive, 2 hours 45 minutes by public transport. TRANSPORT:  Car: the Coolart Historic Area is located next to Lord Somers Camp and accessed off Lord Somers Rd, Somers.  Public transport: Take the Frankston train that departs Flinders Street platform 7 at 8:33am, arriving in Frankston at 9:38am.  Change to the 10:09am #782 bus (Bay C), which arrives at the main entrance of the Coolart Area at 11:14am.  For your return, you can catch either the 3:26pm or the 5:29pm #782 bus (which would have you arriving at Flinders Street Station at 5:56pm or 7:59pm respectively).  FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The Coolart Homestead is a fine example of a Victorian Mansion built in the late 19th Century, and can be visited for free.  It is surrounded by woodlands and wetlands with several bird observation hides and various walk options through the woodlands and wetland areas, beside the Merricks Creek and along the foreshore of Westernport Bay.  We’ll have lunch in the ornamental gardens. FURTHER INFORMATION: parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/coolart-h.a. LEADER | BOOKING: Alan D. | by Thursday 22nd November. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

View details and BOOK>> Grade/Length/Type:Moderate/Difficult 15.2km/6hr circular walk  Approx Distance/Time from GPO: 80km from GPO. Allow 1.5 hours by car.  Meeting Point/Time: Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area at 10:00am. Google map goo.gl/maps/eixdyYa2N5A2. Directions: Follow the Western Highway and turn off to Bacchus Marsh. Drive 1.8km along the C704 towards Gisborne, then turn left along the Lerderderg Gorge Road and follow it 5.4km to Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area.  Melway/VicRoads Map Ref: Melway Map X909, Grid F11.  Meals: Bring lunch, snacks and water.  Footwear: Sturdy walking footwear. Walking poles may be handy. Apparel: Dress for the occasion. Bring warm clothing if needed and certainly bring wet weather gear in case of inclement weather. Take sunscreen, sunglasses and hat.  Activity Description: The circular walk follows walking trails and management vehicle tracks with a couple of strenuous ascents and a short section involving some easy scrambling. Walking poles would be handy. The walk takes in Grahams Dam, Lerderderg Weir and the Blackwood Ranges Track.  RSVP: Geoff L. | by Thursday 15th November. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

This is a walk for naturists. We will be walking through an area of secluded bushland in the Yarra Valley (very similiar to the walk last year). Lunch will be beside a small stream, if there's enough water maybe a cooling splash in the creek. After the walk we are invited to a nude afternoon tea at an interesting garden nearby with the option of staying overnight in your own tent. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: This is an easy-medium walk of 8km approximately following fire access trails with diversions through the bush.  The gradient is moderately gentle. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am at the carpark between Macclesfield Primary school and the community hall. The address is 405 Macclesfield Rd, Macclesfield. MorningTea There are no cafes in Macclesfield, however there will be hot water, tea and coffee available at the meeting place. If you have a thermos, extra hot water would be appreciated. Emerald township (just before Macclesfield) has cafes, bakery and shops for last minute provisions. After registration we will drive 4km to the afternoon tea house where we can drop off eskys & food. At this point we can do some car pooling before driving the next 8km to the start of the walk.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 309 grid C5; Google map goo.gl/maps/aGCUAS5c5o82. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO:  60km, allow 1 hour. Travel via Monash or Eastlink freeways, taking the Wellington Rd exit towards Emerald in the hills. No public transport - if you need a lift mention this on meetup or contact the leader who may be able to coordinate something with another walker. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking shoes / boots shorts etc for start & end of walk, plus sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. A small towel for after a splash in the creek. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is a walk for naturists in the scenic Yarra Valley. We will ramble in  a secluded area of forest, following fire access trails. Lunch will be beside a stream ... if there's enough water maybe a refreshing splash in the creek. AFTERNOON TEA / OVERNIGHT OPTION After the walk, we are invited to have a nude afternoon tea at an interesting private garden nearby. Theres a large deck to relax on with views over the valley, plus ... a soothing splash in the pool. Those staying overnight will put up their tents etc. A BBQ and kitchen for cooking dinner will be available. Please bring meat, salads, drinks, cakes etc. Food can be dropped off at the house after we leave the meeting place, on our drive to the forest. LEADER | BOOKING: Robert A. preferably by Wednesday 14th November. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

Our regular monthly social night - this month in multicultural Footscray (delayed a little due to the Melbourne Cup). This event is free to all (visitors very welcome), but please book so we know numbers to reserve tables. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7:30pm in the Pride of our Footscray Community Bar, 1/88 Hopkins St, Footscray. MAP REFERENCE:  Melway map 2S (that’s 2-ess, not 25) grid G8 | Google map goo.gl/maps/TeNoBvUseAu. DISTANCE / TIME FROM GPO:  6km, 15 minutes.  Train to Footscray Station, or buses 216, 219, 223, 402, 406. 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.  This very gay oriented bar proved very popular back in June. Transport and parking is excellent, so it’s easy for our “wise men from the east” to attend!  This pub has a novel approach to menus: they provide several menus from a diverse selection of local cafes.  Order from the menu of your choice, and the food gets delivered to your table! LEADER | BOOKING: Garry O. | by Monday 12th November. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members->Leader Contacts  when logged in to the website.

Gather some skills to help you remain safe, and enjoy being in the bush together, plus a small stroll with friends in beautiful Alpine Ash forest. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy to medium, 6–8km, circuit walk with some short climbs.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at Donnellys Weir picnic ground.   MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 270 grid G5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/SpuPtS66zZ22.   DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 65km from GPO.  Allow 1 hour and 10 minutes drive. TRANSPORT: Turn right at Donnellys Weir Road (off St Leonards Rd), then turn left after about 700m.  There is a shallow ford through Donnellys Creek on the way.  Public Transport not available.  We will maximise carpooling. FOOD: Carry lunch and water.  Afternoon tea will be provided near the cars. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sturdy walking boots as we will be leaving defined tracks.  Warm and/or waterproof clothes as dictated by the weather forecast. Hat, sunscreen, as usual. EQUIPMENT: Bring your compass and GPS if you use one. 1:30,000 and 1:25,000 topographic maps are now available online at services.land.vic.gov.au/maps/imf/search/Topo30Front.jsp. However, the maps we will use on the day will be provided. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Roger H. will organise an interesting and fun day of instruction, to allow members to be safe, feel confident and explore independently in the bush. They will act in conjunction with experienced members who will be on the event, who will share their knowledge and experience. The emphasis will be very much on practical exercises rather than theory – in short, work for the legs as well as the brain. We aim to make this a pleasant social event out in some beautiful bushland near Melbourne. More information will be provided closer to the date. All members are encouraged to attend, particularly those interested in exploring tracks and trails in National Parks and Forest Reserves. We will have afternoon tea in Healesville on the way home. LEADER | BOOKING: Roger H. | by Thursday 8th November. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Make sure you get a personal confirmation so we know you are coming. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

"PICNIC CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS" Enjoy a BYO-everything picnic in the delightful Fitzroy Gardens (hopefully) on Melbourne Cup Day, with an easy stroll around the gardens afterwards. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, social.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 12 noon at the Fairies Tree opposite the minature Tudor Village & old Pavilion Cafe, Fitzroy Gardens, Wellington Pde, East Melbourne.   MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/jRw2jXmFFTJ2.   DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 2 km, 10 minutes by public transport. TRANSPORT: #48 or #75 tram to stop 10 (Jolimont Rd) or Hurstbridge / Mernda line train to Jolimont. FOOD: All available in the CBD nearby or BYO. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Dress appropriately for the forecast weather conditions, with comfortable footwear for a stroll around the gardens. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a BYO-everything picnic in the delightful Fitzroy Gardens located right next to the CBD, easily accessible by public transport. Please ensure that you bring something comfy to sit on and protection from the late spring sun. LEADER | BOOKING: Peter N-G. | by Monday 5th November. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members->Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.

A naturist bushwalk amongst spectacular scenery with large granite outcrops, original native vegetation and wonderful views to the plains.   GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: This walk is of medium grade and about 7km long, from 10:30am until approximately 4:30pm. We will be walking from the top of the mountain to the bottom and you would expect it to be easy.  However the terrain is rather rocky with a few up and downs, and in many places the track is not very good - we need to pick our way through the large rocky outcrops.  Towards the middle of the walk it can be soft underfoot as we skirt around a swamp.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Meet at 10.30am at the Goldfields Track Cafe, 21 High St, Harcourt for coffee and briefing before we leave in convoy towards the mountain a few kilometres to the east at about 11am.   MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 609 grid D5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/1x8ZfUL8ChD2.   DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 124km and 1 hour 30 minutes from the GPO.  Travel via the Calder Freeway and take the Harcourt exit (which is the next exit after the Castlemaine and Chewton exit). PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is no public transport arriving in Harcourt over the weekends.  Please contact the leader who may be able to arrange a lift for you. COSTS:  WALK: $7, free for Nomads members. ACTIVITIES: To cover the cost of heating the big shed and the spas, there is a charge of $10.   BREAKFAST: If you'd like to include breakfast, the total is $15.  This needs to be paid by cash at the venue. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.  Wear comfortable walking shoes/boots.  Shorts etc. for the start and end of the walk.  A small towel to dry off in case we find a place for a cool off dip. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION:  This walk is for naturists.  Mt Alexander is a significant mountain in this area.  The top is 744m above sea level and it rises 350m above the surrounding plain.  We will start our walk at the top of the mountain and make our way down to the bottom.  The scenery is quite spectacular with large rocky outcrops of granite and wonderful views to the plains below on the eastern side.  The vegetation on the eastern side through which we will be walking, is very much undisturbed from its original state.  Towards the bottom of the mountain we reach the main Coliban Irrigation Water Channel which was built in the 1870s.  At the end of the walk we will reach a few cars which we will have left at the bottom of the mountain earlier in the day.  These will be used to transport the car drivers back up the mountain to retrieve the cars which we used to get to the top of the mountain for the start of the walk. Optional afternoon tea, evening BBQ, Overnight and Breakfast at Chewton: After the walk we have kindly been invited back to "Castlemaine Cosmex", actually Steve and Brett's place in Chewton for further nude socialising.  This is 10km and 10 minutes from the end of the walk, and on the way back to Melbourne.  The address of the property will be sent to all those who have RSVP'd by midnight on Wednesday 31st October.  It will also be given out at the walk on the Saturday, or if you make a booking with Steve by email. BBQ: BYO meat and drinks.  Basic salads and bread will be supplied. SPA | SHOWER | MASSAGE: Please BYO towels for spa/shower/massage.  Looks like we'll have two spas this time! plus massage tables and board games supplied. OVERNIGHT: For those staying overnight, there are various beds available (double and single).  BYO linen, blankets and pillows or sleeping bag.  There is room for tents in the back garden.  If staying overnight it is essential that you book and arrange your accommodation by emailing Steve at cosmex.melb@gmail.com. Food can be dropped off at Chewton before the walk if desired.  Otherwise, the IGA Supermarket in Castlemaine should have plenty of meat available to purchase after the walk. For those wanting a bit more nude exercise on the Sunday morning, we may be able to do a short walk of about 1 to 1.5 hours in the forest behind the Chewton property. If you are unable to come on the Saturday walk, but would still like to come to the BBQ or stay overnight and/or Sunday activities, please email Steve at cosmex.melb@gmail.com. LEADER | BOOKING: Russell W. preferably by Wednesday 31st October. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

Enjoy the comfort of a home stay, together with access to the world class Wilsons Promontory National Park for day walks. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy – day walks and beach activities.  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/deXQjAAHQ9w.  Detailed directions will be provided after the RSVP date. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Approximately 195km.  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.  There are staples at the house like sugar, tea etc. ACCOMMODATION: There are a limited number of beds for the early birds, some floor space and plenty of tent space in the garden.  Bring linen and towels. 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. COST: Free entry to the National Park.  Donation towards any meals that are provided. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We have a private house at Yanakie overlooking Corner Inlet just near 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 base offers hot showers, comfortable accommodation and a log fire to warm up if the day is cold. There is a range of gay themed movies to watch in the evening for movie buffs. FURTHER INFORMATION: Park Notes: parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/wilsons-promontory-national-park. LEADER | BOOKING: Roger H. | by Monday 29th October. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

Visit the Archibald Prize Exhibition in Geelong, Australia’s favourite art award, and one of its most prestigious, plus a pub lunch and an easy short walk. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Social, 5km circuit walk on bitumen.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:20am at the train at Southern Cross Railway Station (for 10:30am departure) or at stations en route.  We will travel in the front carriage.  Check monitors for platform.  Be wary of last-minute platform changes. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Geelong 72km, 60 minutes by train. TRANSPORT:  Train: Southern Cross Railway Station, at the train, first carriage, North Melbourne end.  Check monitors for platform and be wary of any last-minute platform changes. Car: via Princes Freeway (M1) to Geelong.  Park at or near station.  Make way to main waiting area inside the Station.  Meet train at 11:30am. FOOD: Pre gallery tour lunch at the Phoenix Hotel, 59 Moorabool St (corner of Corio St).  Participants must register to join the group booking for this communal lunch. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Casual clothing, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, repellent and camera. COST: Train (off peak) on Myki money - includes suburban travel: adult $18.48; concession $9.24.  Myki card only accepted (no paper tickets). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: It is a 10-minute walk from the station to the Geelong Gallery.  First awarded in 1921, the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ Archibald Prize is Australia’s favourite art award, and one of its most prestigious.  Awarded to the best portrait painting, it’s a who’s who of Australian culture, with subjects often including politicians, celebrities, sporting heroes, authors and artists.  In 2018 there were 859 entries from which 57 were selected for judgement and display.  From the remainder, the S. H. Ervin Gallery at The Rocks in Sydney selected a further 34 works for an alternative display called the Salon Des Refusés, which has existed since 1992.  The Geelong Gallery is delighted to be the exclusive Victorian venue for the 2018 Archibald Prize.  Archibald Prize 2018 is a timed-ticket exhibition, with entry at sixty-minute intervals on the hour until the last entry at 4pm.  Adult entry is $16, while Concession is $12.  Group bookings of 10+ attract a price of $14 per person via the Gallery website plus a 30 cent booking fee (TryBooking system).  The Nomads booking will be scheduled for 2pm. Upon arrival the Group will proceed to lunch at the Phoenix Hotel in Moorabool St. At the conclusion of lunch we will walk to the Gallery for the exhibition.  Return trains leave Geelong at 16:51pm and 17:31pm for the 64 minute trip back to Southern Cross.  Depending on the time taken for the exhibition, any spare time before we head to the station for the return trip will be allocated to a walk around the Geelong waterfront. FURTHER INFORMATION: geelonggallery.org.au/whats-on/exhibitions/2018-archibald-prize, www.vline.com.au and www.ptv.vic.gov.au. LEADER | BOOKING: Garry O. | by Wednesday 24th October. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.

Home style lunch at "Hock the Ruby" in Tallarook is what we are doing, as well as a circuit walk of approximately 10km along part of the Great Victorian Rail Trail and some afternoon tea. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy 10km circuit walk.  MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am at Southern Cross Coach Terminal, at boarding gate of 10:52am Seymour service. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 98km, 1 hour 9 minutes by coach. FOOD: All available at Southern Cross or Tallarook, please carry at least 1 litre of water especially on the walk. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Dress appropriately for forecast weather conditions and wear comfortable footwear for walking. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION:  Our day will commence at Melbourne Southern Cross Coach Terminal from where we shall journey to Tallarook, just a stone’s throw from a cute, country, cottage cafe named "Hock the Ruby" where we'll enjoy a real home style lunch in olde worlde surrounds.  After lunch we will walk the short distance to the start of Victoria's longest rail trail, the Great Victorian Rail Trail, which follows the route of the former Tallarook-Mansfield-Alexandra railway, closed in 1978, which in its heyday enjoyed a regular passenger railmotor service on the Mansfield section. Our exact return walking distance along the Rail Trail is yet to be determined, but it is envisaged that it could be approximately 10km.  Once we have completed the outwards part of our walk we can enjoy some BYO afternoon tea, hopefully on some sort of seating with shade, before returning to Tallarook to join our return V/Line coach service to Melbourne. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.greatvictorianrailtrail.com.au. LEADER | BOOKING: Peter N-G | by Thursday 18th October. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members->Leader Contacts  when logged in to the website.

IMPORTANT: Car Pooling required for this event so please let leader know if willing to drive & take passengers or if needing a ride so transport for all can be arranged.   Enjoy an afternoon in the picturesque town of Mansfield at the foothills of the Victorian Alps, including lunch and an easy walk around town. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy, Social. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 12 noon outside Mansfield Visitor Information Centre, 173 High St, near Ultimo St corner. MAP REFERENCE: Melway map X922 grid B11; Google map goo.gl/maps/VUbZUvGRVY52. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO:  180 km, approx 2.5 hours by car. FOOD: All available in Mansfield or BYO. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Dress appropriately for the forecast weather conditions with comfortable footwear for walking around town. TRANSPORT: As the V/Line coach service in the off snow season only allows us a very short amount of time in town, private vehicle pooling will be required, so please let the leader know if you are willing to drive and take passengers, or if you need a ride. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy an afternoon in the picturesque town of Mansfield in the foothills of the Victorian Alps where we will first partake of luncheon at a local eatery, then explore the town and surrounds on foot including the former railway station where the local historical society is now located with the snowy playground of Mt Buller in the distance. We might even spot a little bit of that white stuff on the very top. LEADER | BOOKING: Peter N-G. | by Thursday 11th October. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.