We schedule one-day walks every Sunday and Wednesday, as well as multi-day walks, in the form of base camps, on an occasional basis. We also run short Stroller walks mid-week, excluding Wednesdays. See our Events Calendar Summary for walks scheduled for the current quarter as well as for any advance notices of base camps. The full program is available to logged-in members via the Member menu, but can also be supplied to newcomers by contacting the Club secretary.
Sunday Walks
Walks are scheduled for every Sunday of the year. These typically take place in National Parks or other suitable bushlands within easy reach of Melbourne. The walks are graded, allowing participants to select walks based on their ability. Walks typically range between 10 and 20 km and vary from easy tracks to more difficult terrain. Walk location and difficulty are advertised in the walking programme allowing members to select the walks they wish to attend. Walkers are encouraged to arrange to car share for safety and environmental reasons. A trip fee of approximately 10c per kilometre on the total distance is payable to the driver.
Sunday walkers should have some experience and be at an appropriate level of fitness to be able to complete a 10 Km walk with some hills at a reasonable pace. Walkers will require solid shoes or boots, rain gear and a day pack to carry lunch, water and spare clothing. The walk leader will be able to provide further information.
Wednesday Walks
Wednesday walks are generally less strenuous and provide a pleasant mid-week social atmosphere. These walks usually take place in the suburban green areas or in the nearby hills with the occasional trip further afield using V-line. The walks are scheduled for every Wednesday of the year and are typically 10 to 14 km long, usually over easy tracks and frequently including morning coffee starts or even pub lunches. Being suburban, travel to and from the walks is always by public transport. Wednesday walks are more spontaneous and final details are usually decided closer to the time and published at least a few days in advance.
Walkers do not require the level of experience or fitness needed for the Sunday walks. However, walkers will need to be able to walk for at least 10 km at a reasonable pace and be able to cope with some hills. Walkers will require solid shoes/sneakers and should carry a small day pack for rain gear, lunch, water and spare clothing. Again, the walk leader will be able to provide advice on the fitness and equipment required.
Stroller Walks
Stroller walks are shorter and easier than Wednesday or Sunday walks, with few hills. They are ideal for people recovering from injury, for example. Stroller walks are scheduled approximately fortnightly on weekdays, excluding Wednesdays.
Booking Sunday, Wednesday, and Stroller Walks
Members can book in for walks online via the WCV website, no later than 2 days prior, when bookings will usually close.
As a visitor, get in touch with the Secretary, who will then provide you with the Leader’s contact details.
Base Camp Walks
Base camp walks are organised on an ad hoc basis; they usually occur mid-week and may include a weekend or public holiday. A base camp walk involves staying in one place for a number of days and carrying out day walks. This allows travelling further afield than the normal Sunday walks would allow and to locations of particular scenic interest where different and varied walks are possible. Accommodation for base camps varies from lodge accommodation to tents or motels. Accommodation may be organised by the leader and numbers are usually limited. Base camp walks are normally planned well in advance and walkers need to book early.
The walks carried out from the base camps are usually similar to Sunday bushwalks but may in part be longer and more difficult. An exception is a basecamp designated as a Stroller basecamp, where the walks will be similar to these on a regular mid-week Stroller walk. Obviously walking for several days consecutively requires a greater level of fitness. Depending on the numbers, several walks of various difficulties may be scheduled each day.
