Enjoy a scenic ride along the 'Gippsland Plains Rail Trail' from Traralgon to Stratford, with an overnight stay in Stratford. Then ride back to Traralgon the following day. ** Limit of 8 attendees ** GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Moderate 126 km return ride. Day 1: 63 km ride, Day 2: 63 km ride. There is the option to exit the ride by train from Stratford, should that become necessary. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is a two day cycling trip riding along the 'Gippsland Plains Rail Trail' staying at the end of the rail trail in Stratford overnight. Then riding back along the rail trail on Sunday.  Due to difficulty in fitting all our bikes on trains, it may be necessary to travel on consecutive trains. If you're able to travel to Traralgon with your bike by car, that will minimise the stress of fitting all the bikes on the trains. You would need to leave your car overnight in Traralgon on Saturday night though.  BOOKING: By Monday 7th 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. FURTHER INFORMATION: Gippsland Plains Rail Trail  RIDE START TIME | LOCATION: 10:15am departure from Traralgon Station, 35 Princes Hwy, Traralgon.   MAP REFERENCE: Google map (Traralgon Station): maps.app.goo.gl/V9ZdX7UXP3GzFLjB7.  Route map: Traralgon Station to Stratford Station via Gippsland Plains Rail Trail. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 163 km, approximately 2 hours by car, or 2 hours 15 minutes by train. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Traveling to and from this event can be done via V/line train from Southern Cross Station to Traralgon (or board from a station on the line): Saturday: Options are: 6:34am Southern Cross - 8:49am Traralgon (provision for 6 bikes). Super early option! There are several cafes near the station while you're waiting for the rest to arrive. 7:54am Southern Cross - 10:08am Traralgon (provision for 12 bikes). ** Recommended service due to the capacity for 12 bikes. Sunday: There are fairly regular services returning from Traralgon on Sunday, for example departing at 2:47pm (arrival at Southern Cross at 5:05pm), 3:47pm (arrival 6:05pm), 4:27pm (arrival 6:45pm), 5:27pm (arrival 7:44pm) etc. ACCOMMODATION: Bookings will be made at the Avon River Inn, 26 Tyers St, Stratford (close to Stratford Station). When booking, you will be asked to nominate your preferred sleeping arrangement: Private Room - Solo Private Room with Partner (in this case, please answer the BED PARTNER question also) Shared Room. Twin Rooms (1 x Double Bed, 1x Single Bed) cost: $140.00 per room Queen Rooms (1 x Queen Bed) cost: $120.00 per room FOOD: Carry snacks and a litre of water. Food will be purchased en route for lunches and for dinner on Saturday. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Your bike, helmet and suitable cycling gear, plus a change of clothes for Saturday evening. A spare tube(s) is highly recommended, as is either Bicicyle Network Rider Rescue or RACV Bike Assist. LEADER: Stephan C. | Email LeaderStephanC@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  

Bringing to conclusion my series of walks from Greenborough to Mernda, following the picturesque Plenty River up-stream, this walk links up the conclusion of my last, at Morang, with the start of an earlier walk from Hawkestowe Station to Mernda, taking you through some lovely Plenty Gorge parklands and scenery. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3: Moderate 13.5 km (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). Some reasonably steep ascents and climbs on rough cycle tracks in places requiring adequate footwear and reasonable level of sure-footedness recommended - tracks could be muddy and slippery due to any recent rain. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: From South Morang Station, this walk will take us through/ skirting some uban spaces and across some serious roads before reaching the bush with picturesque gorge views. We descend to the river to pass under the Gorge Road bridge, following the river into the parklands then ascending into flat and open country to reach Hawkestowe Station for the train replacement bus ride back to South Morang, with time there maybe for refreshments, possibly at The Sporting Globe - Plenty Valley, before catching a train back towards the city. BOOKING: By Friday 4th April. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:30am below the South Morang Station, at ground level near the toilets.   MAP REFERENCE: Google map - South Morang Station: maps.app.goo.gl/3dcuX6Gg22Ln43C77.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Catch the 9.29am Mernda line train from Flinder's Street (usually platform 1), I will very likely join you and the train at Northcote. We reach South Morang at 10:24am - the meet-up point is below the station at ground level (near the toilets) for the start of the walk.  Due to forecast line maintenance work, it will be necessary to catch a train replacement bus back from Hawkestowe Station to South Morang at the end of the walk to pick up the homeward train. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. We are coming into our cooler and wetter season and the rough cycle tracks could be muddy and slippery. LEADER: Michael Cowan. | Email LeaderMichaelC@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 Plough Hotel, Footscray.  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.  Tuesday evening at the Plough Hotel is Steak Night: "$25 Porterhouse Steak or $32 steak deal - with glass wine or beer". See the Plough Hotel Menu for other options. BOOKING: By Sunday 30th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm at the Plough Hotel, 333 Barkly St, Footscray (cnr Barkly St and Victoria St). MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/t8PSqR7ZXbLJFe1c6. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Sunbury/Watergardens line to Middle Footscray Station (plus 9 minute walk) Tram 82 to Geelong Rd/Droop St (plus 9 minute walk) Werribee or Williamstown line to Footscray Station (plus 13 minute walk) Bus 216, 220, 410, 472 to Barkly St/Victoria St 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  

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 31st March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Alternatively, simply click on the Zoom link in the reminder email sent to members a few days prior to the event. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. DRAFT PROGRAM: Nomads Draft Program. You may add your suggestions to this online spreadsheet - be sure to click to some other cell once you've finished, so that your suggestion gets saved. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 7pm online via Zoom. Those who registered will be sent the Zoom link by 6pm on Monday evening. LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Photo by Bich Tran from Pexels.   HOME   BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS   MEMBERSHIPS

Please Note: The 'Overnight places' are currently Sold Out, with 29 people booked in. There are a few 'Day Walk Only' tickets left for Sat and for Sun. This is a naturist weekend for men, and provides the options of two naturist bushwalks, one on Saturday and a shorter one on Sunday. You can come for the whole weekend, or just for the Saturday bushwalk, or just for the Sunday bushwalk. The walks are of medium difficulty on nearby farms near the top of the Great Dividing Range. The properties have great views and spectacular granite outcrops. After the walks, if the day is hot we could go for a swim in the local waterhole, or if cold, we can soak in the hot tub/spa or have a warm-up in front of the large open fire. On Saturday evening we will be able to relax with a BBQ dinner, spa, massage, and socialising around the open fire. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Saturday: Grade 3: Medium approximately 6 km naturist circuit walk. We will be walking through grassy paddocks and along sheep trails. The hills are moderate and not that steep. Sunday: A shorter Grade 2 naturist walk of about 3 km either to a picturesque native forest, or to the Mollison Creek Gorge with its huge boulders and rock pools suitable for skinny dipping. If arriving for the first time on Sunday, please arrive by 10.30am. Walk gradings are according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: SATURDAY WALK: This walk is for naturists. We will meet and unload the cars at the overnight farmhouse anytime between 10.15am and 10:45am. Hot drinks and nibbles will be available until 11.15am. We will then have a briefing for the day around 11.40am and do a short carpool to the start of the walk. Lunch will be eaten at a good spot along the way when we get hungry. After lunch we will continue on for a bit to get more views and then circle around to get back to the cars to return to the farmhouse. If the day is hot we can then go for a nude swim in the lovely Mollison Creek swimming hole, or if it is cool have a soak in the hot tub. There will be drinks, snacks, cheese and nibbles available at the farmhouse after the walk. It is planned to start the BBQ 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. Numbers are limited to 24 for the overnight. 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, two spare doonas, some blankets, a few sleeping bags and a couple of spare foam sleeping mats at the property. Please email our host Colin, if you would like any of this equipment. If you wish, 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 Saturday 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, cereal, toast and spreads, tea and coffee, and for Sunday lunch there are always plenty of leftovers from the night before. SUNDAY MORNING SHORT WALK: For those overnighters who would like a further walk, or for those who couldn't come on Saturday, we will arrange a short walk either to the Gorge along picturesque Mollison Creek, or elsewhere in the area. Or if you'd prefer, you can relax at the farm on Sunday morning. This will be followed by lunch to eat up the spare food. If you are arriving at the property on Sunday morning (by 10.30am) could you please bring a contribution for lunch after the short walk. BOOKING: By Wednesday 26th March. However please note that this event often books out early, so it is advisable to book early to ensure a spot. We can provide refunds up to 4 days before the event if your plans change, and possibly even later if there are people on the waitlist. 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@nomads.org.au  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 staying overnight is limited to 24 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 three ticket types available for this event. Please choose the ticket that suits your wishes. 1. Walk & overnight with bbq, spa, massage, breakfast: Nomads members $30 | Non-members $35 2. Saturday Walk only : Nomads members $0 | Non-members $5 3. Sunday Walk and Lunch 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 or Sunday could you please pay $5 cash to Colin on the day. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: On Saturday, any time between 10.30am and 10.50am at the farmhouse 15 km north of Lancefield. The exact address will be sent by 11am on Thursday 27th March to those who have purchased a ticket. We plan to drive off from the farmhouse at about 11.30am. 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 Liberty Service Station in Lancefield, though the Romsey sandwiches are usually better. On Sunday you may arrive as early as 9am. However the Sunday bushwalk will organised to leave at about 10.30am. MAP REFERENCE: 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: Public transport to the meeting place is not available. Please email the leader Russell who can generally arrange a lift for you. The email address to use is LeaderRussellW@nomads.org.au   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. Sunday walkers, please bring a contribution for the communal lunch. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Wear comfortable walking shoes/boots. A day backpack is useful for carrying your food and water. LEADERS: Russell W. and Colin P | Email LeaderRussellW@nomads.org.au  or LeaderColinP@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  

Postponed to 25 October. Escape the city and enjoy a full-day autumn hike through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, taking in the lush scenic forest, birds, walking tracks, reservoir and crisp/fresh air. This event caters for the experienced/ fit hiker who demands a 'real hike' and wants to break out a sweat. This event is graded Grade 4 'hard' with a number of steep short inclines during the second part of the hike. This event is not suitable for first timers or those with limited fitness abilities. If in doubt, contact the leader prior to booking to discuss your fitness levels/suitability for the hike.  GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 4: Hard (in limited sections), approximately 13.5 km, this event caters for experienced hikers and those with fitness levels that are able to climb short steep tracks and terrain (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: We will meet at Croydon Station before boarding a bus for our first section of the hike at Kalorama.   Part 1: Kalorama GPO to Silvan Reservoir Lookout - Downward descent through the forest 400m to 300m elevation. (3.2 km) Part 2: Explore the Silvan Reservoir walking along the west side enjoying the views and stop for lunch. (Flat elevation) (5.11 km) Part 3: Start our ascent making our way to the Olinda township 300m to 560m elevation (4.84 km). At the end of the walk, we will explore the township and enjoy tea/coffee and afternoon tea. From here we will head back to Croydon Bus Station. This is intended to be a public transport friendly event where the start and end points will be accessible by train. There is no carpooling for this event, however, you may organise your own lift with fellow walkers if you wish. BOOKING: By Thursday 20th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've booked already? Click View my bookings (log in required). FURTHER INFORMATION: Silvan Reservoir Park MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 9:45am at Croydon Train Station, Railway Grove. Exact meetup points will be provided prior to the event by email.  MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 50 grid J3 | Google map goo.gl/maps/LhvezYQ8CpHcSDoy7. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 35 km, approximately 35 minutes to drive, 50 minutes by public transport. There is car parking available at the train station for those who wish to drive. We will all take the bus to the starting point regardless of whether you drive to the meeting spot or not. You will need a Myki card for this event.  PUBLIC TRANSPORT: This is a public transport friendly event. By Train: Take the Lilydale train from Flinders Street and get off at Croydon Station. We will then catch the 688 bus to the starting point as a group. At the conclusion of the walk, the same bus will take us back to Croydon, with a connecting train back to the CBD. FOOD/DRINKS: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1-2 litres of water. Also bring sunscreen and a hat. Bring your Myki card for the return trip by train/bus. There will not be an opportunity to buy food and drinks during the walk. We will stop for late afternoon tea at the conclusion of the walk. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Suitable boots/hiking shoes and dress according to the weather forecast (layering). The mountains are usually a few degrees cooler but you will quickly warm up as you begin the hike! Ensure your shoes are waterproof as some of the paths most likely will be a little wet/muddy and a bit slippery if it has rained heavily prior to the event. Your boots will get some dirt/mud on them! LEADER: Jason T. | Email LeaderJasonT.@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  

** All accommodation at Restaway Holiday Units has booked out. If you would like to attend, please get a Waiting List ticket in case there are cancellations. ** Mt Buffalo National Park offers spectacular scenery, moderately challenging walks through varying terrain, and rich diversity of flora and fauna, as well as unique geological formations. This Nomads walking and social weekend in group accommodation in Victoria's North-East has been held annually since February 2016, and David R. will again head up the walk leaders' team. Bookings are limited and it always books out, so book now to ensure you don't miss out! GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Arriving Thursday for those joining the Friday and weekend walks, or arriving Friday for those doing the weekend walks only. Walks are graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System. FRIDAY: For those arriving Thursday night and wishing to do the optional Friday walk. It will be a relatively hard grade 3 or grade 4 walk on Mt Buffalo, in an area to be decided depending on weather and park conditions. Alternatively, you can have a restful day at Restaway or visit local wineries, the brewery or the Bright region. SATURDAY: On Saturday there will be a day walk (grade 2 plus probably a grade 3 option) on Mt Buffalo and the communal BBQ dinner at Restaway on Saturday evening. SUNDAY: We plan to offer two morning options (probably grade 2) in the Ovens Valley and or Bright area. Both options will allow returning home on Sunday afternoon.   SAFETY POINTS: APPAREL: Walkers must carry enough clothing and gear for all weather eventualities irrespective of the starting weather and forecast, as mountain weather can change very rapidly; you should wear comfortable walking boots or shoes and carry a minimum of a sun hat, a warm hat and a rain and wind proof jacket. Please be aware that as the event is several weeks later than in previous years, we must expect shorter days and lower temperatures at the ends of the day, and walkers on the mountain must be even more prepared than usual for adverse conditions.  BRIEFING: Attendance at the daily briefing is a requirement and a prerequisite for participation on that day. FUEL: Please note that there is no fuel available on the mountain; anyone driving up must have adequate supply from the valley.   ACCOMMODATION: The weekend will follow the popular formula of previous years based on accommodation at Restaway Holiday Units in Porepunkah. Accommodation is in shared holiday units, with each unit having two bedrooms (generally one with a queen bed, the other with 2 single beds), a living area, a bathroom and a kitchenette.  The booking for this event is for Friday and Saturday nights, and Thursday is an optional extra. The maximum number of people for the walks is 30. Depending on room options selected, Restaway accommodates about 24 people, so there is limited capacity for up to six off-site campers (e.g. local caravan park of your choice). Confirmed bookings will be on a first booked basis, booking will be closed when capacity is reached, and a wait list will be available. Cancellations will be offered in the order of wait-listed bookings. We expect to book out all of Restaway again, so we will have exclusive use of the swimming pool, large garden and BBQ area, within walking distance of Porepunkah village. Some may want to extend their stay at Restaway, arriving early or staying beyond Sunday. If you remain in your weekend unit (with no room service) for the duration, the owners are offering a "special whole-unit rate". Please email LeaderAlanD@nomads.org.au for questions on accommodation, meals or booking, or if you wish to extend your stay.   FOOD & MEALS: Porepunkah village has only a pub, daytime cafe and service station, and no food store, so it is essential to bring all your food and drink needs with you. Bring your own breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks for all days. During the walks it is essential you carry your own lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water; no food is available on the mountain. Dinner Thursday and Friday night: Either bring your own dinner and eat in (BBQ available on-site, and each unit has a basic kitchenette), or eat out at the local hotel. A group booking will be made for 7pm on Friday night at the Porepunkah Pub for those who select that option when getting tickets to the event. Dinner Saturday night: Your payment includes the famous Nomads communal BBQ dinner (including meat or vegetarian option, plus dessert) on Saturday night, but BYO drinks. Those staying at Restaway are asked to bring a small salad or pre-dinner nibbles.   Sunday: participants may need to carry lunch.   BOOKING: To join this weekend you need to book and pay ASAP by clicking Get Tickets. Note: This is a popular event; in every previous year the event has been fully booked. A booking can only be made through the Nomads website, and needs to include full payment; if you find it is fully booked, please take out a free WAITING LIST ticket and you will be contacted (in the order of ticketing) if there is a cancellation. Maximum walking group size is 30, limited to ensure a quality environmental experience as well as individual and group safety. The event is a mixed social and bushwalking event, based on accommodation at Restaway and walks on Mt Buffalo.  Visitors: This event is not open to Visitors.  Roles: The roles are being split again this year. David is organising leadership of the walks and the Saturday BBQ, while Alan is taking care of all administrative matters and enquiries. Booking Guide: Bookings are taken in the order of registration. To book, click on Get Tickets. The Ticket includes participation in the walks, the cost of accommodation and Saturday night's BBQ dinner. Cancellations within a month of the event will only receive a refund if somebody else is able to take their place.  NIGHTS? Firstly, decide if you will be arriving on Thursday or Friday. SHARED? Secondly, choose if you want 'Shared bedroom' accommodation, in which you will share the room with one other person (separate beds, or, share a queen bed with your partner or friend), OR, want a 'Solo room' which gives you a room for your use only. GET TICKETS: Buy the ticket(s) you want. You will be asked to specify a number of preferences when booking: * Bed Partner: if you are sharing your bed please name your bed partner.   * Non-bed partner: If you already know the person you wish to share your room (but not your bed) with, please list them. If you elected to share a room but haven't specified a room-mate, we will allocate a room-mate for you.  IMPORTANT: A separate ticket needs to be purchased for your bed or room partner (on which they name you as their bed or room partner). * Do you need transport to the event? If you need, or can provide, transport, please indicate your suburb also. * Friday Dining Preference: Choose either the Porepunkah Pub group booking or else Own arrangements.  * Saturday Dietary Preference: for Saturday night: vegetarian, meat or other? (for 'other', please email the leader with your needs) * Saturday Meal Contribution?: indicate the type of salad or pre-dinner nibble you have in mind to bring. (Only one contribution per couple; off-site participants are not expected to bring any contributions). Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.   FURTHER INFORMATION: Walks: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/mount-buffalo-national-park  Accommodation: www.restawayholidayunits.com.au. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Arrival time is from 3pm onwards on either the Thursday or Friday at Restaway Holiday Units, 6852 Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah. Car pooling arrangements from Restaway to Mt Buffalo will be organised each day at the compulsory pre-walk briefings held at Restaway prior to leaving for each day's walk. MAP REFERENCE: Meeting point at Restaway Holiday Units: Melway map X922 grid F9 | Google map www.google.com.au/maps/place/Porepunkah+VIC+3740. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 320 km, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes driving time, via Hume Hwy, Snow Road, Myrtleford to Porepunkah. TRANSPORT: Car sharing or public transport is preferred - we'll try to avoid single-occupant car trips. There is a V/Line bus stop in Porepunkah, with connections to Wangaratta Station. FOOD: See above. Bring your own food for breakfasts, lunches, drinks and snacks for all days, there is no food store in Porepunkah, only a pub and service station. During the walks you must carry your own lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water.  LEADER: Alan D. | Email LeaderAlanD@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. NOTE: David R (LeaderDavidR@nomads.org.au) will be organising the walks and the Saturday evening meal, but please contact Alan D with any enquiries about administration of the event or requests for information. Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website. Image: by Alwin L — Nomads at Mt Buffalo in February 2024.    HOME  BACK TO LIST OF EVENTS  MEMBERSHIPS  

Naturist event, enjoy a sans clothing beach day. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 1 (but not wheelchair accessible): Easy stroll from carpark to beach of about 200 metres (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a casual and social day on the beach, relaxing, sunbathing, crashing waves. Bring beach games, Frisbee, ball games. Optional drinks and a bite to eat at Bomboras Beach Bar after the beach day. BOOKING: By Thursday 13th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Meeting from 10am on beach. At beach turn left onto beach and look for pink flagpole.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/4DbXKvCBbz7mQVjY8.  DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 105 km, 1.35 hours. TRANSPORT: Public Transport is not recommended for this event. Instead, select the appropriate transport option, indicating when getting your Nomads ticket whether you need or can provide a ride, and the leader will try to organise car pooling. FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and plenty of fluids. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Hats, sunscreen, repellent, sunglasses, umbrella or shade tent. LEADER: Peter H. | Email LeaderPeterH@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 relatively short circuit walk in the Wombat State Forest between Lyonville and Newbury. This walk is especially designed to be enjoyed by those heading back towards Melbourne after their ChillOut long weekend. However, it can also be easily accessed from Melbourne, including by public transport. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 2: Moderate 9.2 km circuit walk (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System). The walk will mostly follow forest tracks and 4x4 roads through gently undulating goldfields country. You can optionally do an additional 6 km self-guided circuit walk to the Lyonville Mineral Springs. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: From the car park of the Radio Springs Hotel, we head to the nearby Domino Rail Trail, which follows part of the former railway line between Daylesford and Carlsruhe. We'll only follow the rail trail for a short section, turning off at the trestle bridge to head southwards through the forest (initially on the Old Lyonville Track) to the hamlet of Newbury. From Newbury we'll deviate to the Miller Cutting Track and follow that back to where it joins the Domino Rail Trail. There we'll turn west (left) and follow the rail trail back to the Radio Springs Hotel, where it was envisaged that those who wished to could have lunch, but the hotel has now closed down. Lunch options that are now proposed are: Have a picnic lunch near the trestle bridge (1 km from the startpoint / endpoint of the circuit walk), or Drive to the Lyonville Mineral Springs Picnic Area (3 km) and have a picnic lunch there (it has toilets and a sheltered area with seating), or Drive to Trentham (9 km) for lunch at Hotel Trentham (located on the way back to Melbourne). Optional Walk Extension (additional 6 km): If you wish to extend your walk, you can use the supplied route map for a self-guided walk from the trestle bridge on the Domino Trail to the Lyonville Mineral Springs Picnic Area, then back through the Wombat State Forest to the Radio Springs Hotel. If you load the route map into the Avenza Maps app, you can use that map to navigate the route (a blue dot will show your location as you move along). BOOKING: By Saturday 8th March. To register click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:50am in the car park of the Radio Springs Hotel, 1 High St, Lyonville.  MAP REFERENCE: Google map (meeting point): maps.app.goo.gl/DHbn6CYPtkheSRPe6.  Route Map: FedWalks2023-Walk04_Newbury to Lyonville Springs20231002.pdf (PDF, 10.4 MB) DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 102 km, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via Calder Fwy/M79 to Woodend, then follow directions to Daylesford, taking the Tylden-Woodend Rd, then the C318 Kyneton-Trentham Rd, and finally the C317 Trentham-Daylesford Rd to Lyonville. The meeting point is 20 minutes by car from the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park in Daylesford. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The V/Line bus stop is just 400m from the Radio Springs Hotel. The public transport options from Melbourne Southern Cross are: Outbound: Catch the V/Line train to Echuca that departs at 9:05am and change at Woodend to the Daylesford coach, which should arrive at Main St/Daylesford-Trentham Rd, Lyonville at 10:45am. Return: Catch the V/Line coach service departing from Main St/Daylesford-Trentham Rd, Lyonville at 2:31pm (arriving Southern Cross at 4:24pm) or at 5:31pm (arriving Southern Cross at 7:24pm). Tickets: Your Myki card cannot be used on the Woodend-Daylesford bus service. You can purchase your ticket from vline.com.au. Weekday public transport fares are capped at $11.00 full or $5.50 concession for travel anywhere in Victoria. FOOD: Carry lunch (unless planning to dine in Trentham), snacks and a litre of water. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Lyonville can be several degrees cooler than Melbourne. The tracks could be quite slippery if there has been recent rain. 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 event is part of the Nomads 3-day Chillout Event Program. This event is for naturists. Enjoy a pleasant clothes-free 3-hour walk in the peaceful surroundings of the Wombat State Forest in the heart of Daylesford.  Please note: This is a clothing-free event (not clothing optional) and all attendees will be asked to conform to the nature of the event (weather permitting). Non-conformists will be politely asked to leave the event without refund. This event caters for the beginner to experienced naturist/bushwalker in a friendly, supportive and accepting environment where one can reconnect with nature and be part of the ChillOut weekend events. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Grade 3, Moderate, approximately 9 km circuit walk. The country is generally undulating, though there are some rough tracks with a few fallen logs to navigate at times. Some bushwalking experience is recommended. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This event is for naturists. Enjoy a pleasant clothes-free stroll through the tall trees and along the picturesque creeks in Wombat State Forest near Daylesford. A good chance for a chat, or just enjoy the pleasure of being in the forest, without clothes. We will visit the Wombat Dam with an opportunity for a swim during our afternoon tea break. The walk should finish by 5:00pm at the starting point in time for preparing for your evening social events.  BOOKING: By COB Friday 7th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 1:30pm at Bolton's Takeaway Cafe, 31a East St Daylesford (clothed). The cafe will be closed so please ensure you have eaten lunch or packed snacks prior. Please be on time so we can make the most of our time in the forest. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/fYQqNXCMdQW5Uyfa7. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 114 km | 1 hour 25 minutes. COST: Free for Nomads members, $5 for non-members. FOOD: You may wish to bring about 600ml of water. Food/snacks are not required but you can take a snack if you like. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, repellent (maybe). Wear comfortable walking shoes/boots. Shorts for the start and end of the walk.  LEADER: Jason T. | Email LeaderJasonT@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

Join The Nomads for a walk in the bush during the ChillOut Festival along picturesque Sailors Creek and onto the hilltop ridges at the back of Hepburn. GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Choice of two circuit walks (graded according to the AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System): Grade 2: Medium 4 km walk which is fairly flat with a couple of short hills, or Grade 3: Hard 6.5 km walk with some challenging off-track hills to climb and descend. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: The medium walk will be done at a relaxed pace, with stops to inspect historic relics and the water entry side of the Blowhole. The harder walk requires a reasonable level of fitness. It will move at a faster pace and has some challenging hills to climb and descend. You should be able to reach Breakneck Gorge and Liberty Spring. Both walks will stop for a 10 to 15 minute break in the forest. A good chance to make new friends. Bring water, hat, sunglasses and wear closed shoes, not sandals. Apply sunscreen before the walk. Both walks are scheduled to finish by 12.45pm. BOOKING: Preferably by Friday 7th March. To register, click on Get Tickets. The ChillOut weekend consists of a number of Nomads events. If you are not a Nomads member but plan to attend more than one Nomads ChillOut Weekend activity, to avoid paying multiple visitor fees we suggest you take out a Temporary 1 month Membership (cost $8) prior to booking. Once you have taken out your membership, select Get Tickets on each event that you wish to attend. Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. FURTHER INFORMATION: Associated Nomads activities during the ChillOut Festival: Friday to Monday: The Nomads Labour Day Long Weekend – ChillOut Camping. Sunday: Attend the Nomads Naturist Walk after the ChillOut Festival Street Parade. Monday: On the way back to Melbourne, do a Nomads Lyonville-Newbury Circuit Walk. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10am at the Blowhole Car Park at the end of Blowhole Rd, Hepburn. It is 6.5 km and 12 minutes drive from the Daylesford Town Hall. Both walks will start and finish at this point. MAP REFERENCE: Google map maps.app.goo.gl/SjTarUZVqj4KdM3W9. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 119 km, approximately 1 hour 35 minutes to drive from the Melbourne CBD.  COST: $10 for visitors and free for Nomads Members. APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable closed shoes/walking boots (not sandals), a hat, dark glasses. Apply sunscreen before the walk. Dress according to the weather forecast.  FOOD AND DRINKS: Bring drinking water and/or other drinks and snacks for the walk rest stop. WALK LEADERS: MEDIUM WALK: Russell W | Email LeaderRussellW@nomads.org.au if you have any questions. HARD WALK: Jason T | Email LeaderJasonT@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’ll use the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park as our base for a relaxed weekend doing some walks in the Daylesford region whilst also participating in ChillOut Festival. GRADE: Social - this is a base camp for participating in events during the ChillOut Festival. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: There are many events you can attend as part of ChillOut Festival, and the Nomads have also organised a number of walks to coincide with it. The Jubilee Lake Holiday Park is a great base for your ChillOut long weekend. This park is a little out of the centre of Daylesford, but much nicer and less crowded than the caravan park beside the ChillOut Carnival site. Some activities to consider attending include: Saturday 10am: The Nomads ChillOut Saturday Morning Community Walk. Saturday evening: BYO barbecue at the Jubilee Lake Park, and/or many ChillOut events around town. Sunday: Attend the ChillOut Festival Street Parade then either head to the ChillOut Carnival, do the Nomads Naturist walk, relax at the camp or attend any of the other events around town. Sunday 1:30pm: The Nomads Daylesford Naturist Walk during ChillOut. Sunday evening: We'll once again organise an evening meal at the Spice of India Restaurant, within easy walking distance of the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. Monday 10:50am: On the way back to Melbourne, do the Lyonville-Newbury Circuit Walk – Labour Day.  BOOKING: by Tuesday 4th March or ASAP. To register, click on Get Tickets to get a ticket for EACH NIGHT you wish to camp.  Do not book your accommodation directly with the holiday park! Get a MEMBER or VISITOR ticket for EACH NIGHT you wish to camp. You need to log in as a financial Nomads member to take out a Member ticket. Visitors who wish to attend any of the other Nomads events over the weekend, are advised to take out a 1 month temporary membership (cost $8) prior to making any bookings. You can then book free member tickets for the events you want to attend (though the camping fee remains the same: $17 per person per night). Everybody (Members and Visitors): Don't forget to also register for any other events you wish to attend.  Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings. MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 6-10pm on Friday 7th March at the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park, Daylesford (or as arranged with the leader). The leader will provide additional details after you register. MAP REFERENCE: Google map goo.gl/maps/cXKMzKvqni22. DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: Via Western Fwy 118 km, 1 hour 30 minutes | via Calder Fwy 117 km, 1 hour 35 minutes. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: V/LINE: There is a regular V/Line service between Melbourne and Daylesford. If using that, contact the leader to see if we can collect you from the bus stop (outside the CFA Station in central Daylesford). LIFT: If you would like a lift between Melbourne and Daylesford, when you book your camping ticket(s) answer YES to the "Do you need transport to the event" question (and give your suburb), and the leader will try to arrange a lift for you. SHUTTLE BUS: ChillOut will be operating a shuttle bus again, running every 30 minutes until 1am between Jubilee Lake, central Daylesford and Hepburn Springs - cost $20 for a weekend bus pass. TAXI: Daylesford normally has a good taxi service (03 5348 1111), but no Ubers. Taxis are likely to be hard to come by on this busy weekend though. ACCOMMODATION: The Nomads “base camp” will be a cluster of five unpowered camp sites. The sites are reasonably large and can each accommodate a number of people (in multiple tents or small camping vehicles) per site. Cars can generally be parked on or beside the sites, with additional parking available in the car park near reception.  COST: The Nomads have pre-booked the sites - you don't need to book individually! The cost is $17 per person per night.  FOOD: There are BBQ facilities and a cafe at the holiday park. Alternatively, you can bring your own food for the weekend and/or dine in Daylesford. APPAREL & EQUIPMENT: You will need to BYO tent and bedding unless you're able to share somebody else's. A chair and table are handy, but not essential. A torch is essential. 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