Contact the Secretary (details below) for more information an any walk or social activity
Grading of Sunday Walks
Most Sunday walks will have two code letters to denote length and terrain, e.g. S/R under 14km. Tough scrambles etc.
* on Sunday walks denotes recommended walks for beginners. Most Wednesday walks are suitable for beginners.
The code letters denote:
S - Up to 12km T - Formed tracks; rail trails; roads; beaches
M - 12 - 17km B - Bush tracks
L - Over 17km O - Off-track
January 2020
Saturday 18 January 2020 – Annual BBQ at Kitty's place, East Malvern: 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
Book with Kitty by Thu 16 January 2020. Bring own meat, drink & chair, plus a salad or dessert by arrangement with Kitty.
* Sunday 19 January 2020 – Red Hill, Grading: Easy / S / T, Approx. Length: 12 kms
This is a pleasant, pretty walk along the old Red Hill Rail Trail. The old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill used to carry fresh apples on to Hastings where they were sent on to the markets of Melbourne. The trail passes vineyards and farmland, with good distant views of the Nobbies and Phillip Island. With many gum and pine trees en route, there may be plenty of sightings of parrots, thrushes, rosellas, silvereyes and many other birds.
Trip Fee: $6, Depart: Frankston RStn @ 9:30 am, Leader: Julie Bertisen
Wednesday 22 January 2020 – Day Walk, Leader: Derek Townsend
Sunday 26 January 2020 – Sherbrooke Forest, Grading: Medium / S / B, Approx. Length: 11 kms
Along the trails of the eastern part of Sherbrooke Forest, gaze at towering Mountain Ash, Stringybark gums, ferns that cover sweeping gullies, as well as scenic grassy areas. The forest also has an abundance of birds and other wildlife. While short in distance, there are some quite steep sections. Grippy boots and poles recommended.
Trip Fee: N/A, Depart: Belgrave RStn @ 10:00 am, Leader: Anita Morkans
Wednesday 29 January 2020 – Day Walk, Leader: Anthea Rutter
February 2020
Sunday 2 February 2020 – Black Spur area, Grading: Medium / M / B, Length: 13.5 kms
The walk starts at Narbething caravan park and ends at Dom Dom Saddle; a 3 km car shuffle will be required. The walk ascends through beautiful tall forest to Archer Lookout, before descending on the Monda Track to the endpoint. Total ascent 726m, total descent 634m. The ups and downs are gradual, rather than short and steep. Poles and good boots are recommended.
Trip Fee: $9, Depart: Lilydale (Maroondah Hwy) @ 8:30 am, Leader: Kitty Muntz
Wednesday 5 February 2020 – Day Walk, Leader: Boon Sim
Thursday 6 February 2020 - Club night: Photo Competition
Judged by our 2019 winners: Peter Pearce (Scenery & People) & Bev Williams (Close-Ups)
+ Wonderful Walks in Yorkshire, Poland & In-between. Presentation by Peter Hughes & Dinah Partridge
Sunday 9 February 2020 – Mt Alexander, Grading: Medium / M / B / O, Approx. Length: 14 kms
In 1851 gold was discovered in the Western foothills. The mountain was stripped bare of timber for use in the mining. Today, Mt Alexander's forests are on the path to recovery and the environment is slowly healing. The scenic walk circumnavigates the mountain. There are several points of interest, including Langs Lookout, Dog Rocks and Leanganook Enclosure.
Trip Fee: $20, Depart: Essendon RStn @ 8:30 am, Leader: Stephen Skaleskog
Wednesday 12 February 2020 – Day Walk, Leader: Paul Smith
Friday 14 February 2020 Pub lunch @ 12:30 pm, London Tavern
238 Lennox Street, Richmond 3121. Mixture of classic pub grub and other interesting dishes. Book: David Turner, by Tue 11 February 2020
* Sunday 16 February 2020 – Babbington Hill, Grading: Easy / S / T, Approx. Length: 10 kms
This walk, along 4WD tracks and forest trails, passes through forests near Lyonville in the Trentham area. The walk also passes the Bullarto Reservoir, through forest and grassed areas, as well as some downhill, steep in places, to complete a loop concluding at the start in Lyonville.
Trip Fee: $18, Depart: Essendon RStn @ 8:30 am, Leader: Peter Hughes
Wednesday 19 February 2020 – Day Walk, Leader: Anna Kuyt
Sunday 23 February 2020 – Moggs Creek, Grading: Medium / M / B, Approx. Length: 14 kms
Commencing at the Memorial Arch (2 km from Airey’s Inlet) which initially commemorated the beginnings of the Great Ocean Road), the walk takes us to the Moggs Creek Picnic Ground following well-marked tracks. During the walk, there are superb views of the coast at several points. The walk involves a bit of climbing, yet not too onerous. But the bush is spectacular in this area and the many views of the ocean add to its charm.
Trip Fee: $25, Depart: MAP @ 8:00 am, Leader: Anthea Rutter
Wednesday 26 February 2020 – Day Walk, Leader: Roy Turner
Friday 28 February 2020 Restaurant night @ 7:00 pm: Tien Dat, 3 Carrington Road, Box Hill 3128
Down-to-earth Vietnamese, Licensed & BYO (wine only) - $7.50 per bottle, Book: Anthea Rutter, by Tue 25 February 2020
March 2020
Sunday 1 March 2020 – Nolans Creek, Wombat SF, Grading: TBA, Approx. Length: TBA
The walk begins at the picturesque Nolans Creek Picnic Ground, deep in the Wombat State Forest, quite close to Blackwood, and it is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. A short interpretative trail will take in the sites past saw milling history before we meander through the lush forest. No further details available at the time of publication. But look out closer to the date, when Rosemary reveals the full description of her walk.
Trip Fee: $22, Depart: MAP @ 8:15 am, Leader: Rosemary Latimer
Wednesday 4 March 2020 – Day Walk, Leader: Kirsteen Thomson
Thursday 5 March 2020: Club night - AGM (Including election of WCV Committee)
+ Splendid Walks in the South of France, Presentation by Jim Breen
Sunday 8 March 2020 – Barwon River, Geelong, Grading: Easy / M / T, Approx. Length: 17 kms
This walk takes us through native forests, grasslands and parklands as we follow the Barwon River past a billabong, a small gorge, wetlands, and Yollinko Park Aboriginal Gardens where three middens and 780 artefacts were discovered, dating back to over 5,000 years. We finish the walk with the picturesque Buckley Falls, named after escaped convict William Buckley who lived in the area with the Wathaurang people for 32 years from 1803.
Trip Fee: $16, Depart: MAP @ 8:30 am, Leader: Jennifer Pitcher
Wednesday 11 March 2020 – Day Walk, Leader: Tom Chua
Friday 13 March 2020 Pub lunch @ 12:30 pm, The Glasshouse Caulfield
31 Station Street, Caulfield East 3145. A wide range of choices. Book: Jill Natoli, by Tue 10 March 2020
Sunday 15 March 2020 – Breakneck Gorge, Grading: Medium / T / B, Approx. Length: 13 kms
Commencing at Hepburn Primary School, we first detour to the Blowhole, an artificial diversion tunnel on Sailors Creek, before the Great Dividing Trail leads us to Breakneck Gorge: a deep, tree-filled gorge that appears suddenly around a bend. Then onto Jacksons Lookout - great views - before continuing onto the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve and back to the start. Short steep hills and some rocky paths. Grippy boots & poles recommended.
Trip Fee: $21, Depart: Essendon RStn @ 8:15 am, Leader: Anita Morkans
Wednesday 18 March 2020 – Day Walk, Leader: Stephen Skaleskog
Sunday 22 March 2020 – Lake Mountain, Grading: Medium / M / B, Approx. Length: 12 kms
This very interesting walk, with some terrific views as well as alpine vegetation, starts at the Lake Mountain Village main carpark and proceeds to Sherlock Lookout and then to the summit of Snowy Hill. Thereafter, via Mt Arnold, to the walk’s end. A short car shuffle will be required, with afternoon tea at the Lake Mountain Village to conclude.
Trip Fee: $16, Depart: Lilydale (Maroondah Hwy) @ 8:15 am, Leader: Brett Gamon
Wednesday 25 March 2020 – Day Walk, Leader: Anita Morkans
Saturday 28 March 2020 Restaurant night @ 7:00 pm, The Aegean Greek Restaurant
9 Brunswick St, Fitzroy 3065. For $55, be treated to a banquet. At 9:00 pm, the entertainment starts with a live band, Greek dancing and plate smashing. More details later. Licensed; no BYO.|
Book: Kathy Barakis, by Tue 24 March 2020
Sunday 29 March 2020 – Yankee Mine, Grading: Medium / T / B, Approx. Length: 16 kms
On the northern edge of Blackwood, in the Bunyip State Forest, we walk a circuit overlooking Yankee Creek, a lesser-known tributary of the Lerderderg River. We explore some ruins from the gold rush era Yankee Mine and return past the picturesque Shaws Lake. The track surfaces vary from bush tracks to forest roads. Paths have a mix of uphill and downhill sections, with uphills totaling 450m. Take extra water if hot and wear good boots. Walking poles are useful.
Trip Fee: $18, Depart: Essendon RStn @ 8:30 am, Leader: Clive Edington
BASE CAMPS
New Zealand (North Island): Saturday 22 February to Thursday 5 March 2020
A 12-day cycling / walking adventure to New Zealand’s North Island, designed for a very small group. For bike rides (all on off-road tracks) e-bikes might be the most suitable to hire. Walks will be very scenic, relatively short, but often far from flat! Meals will take in local fare. Transport will be in a hired 12-seater bus, and accommodation comfortable. Due to a cancellation, one spot is now available; if you are interested, please contact Peter Pearce, the leader.
Great Ocean Road: Monday 16 March to Monday 23 March 2020
Walk the iconic coastline of the Great Ocean Road. The big skies and wild nature of the walk will astound you. Discover the region’s diversity of plants, animals and scenery. Weave your way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, along side wild rocky shores and along windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views. Over the 8 days, we will complete the whole walk from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. Currently booked out; but your name can be added to the waitlist by contacting Rosemary Latimer, the leader.
Please contact Secretary Peter Hughes, 7 Nicholson St, Essendon 3040, mobile 0417 038 343 for more information on walk start times, meeting points and costs. A complete program will be emailed on request. Or email: enquiries@walkingclubvic.org.au