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 E Fire trails/tracks, beaches
M 12 - 17km B Bush tracks
L Over 17km R Some scrub or steep
January 2019
Tue 1 January 2019 – NYD Walk & / or Lunch, Grading: S / B / R, Approx. Length: 12 kms
A mix of suburban street slog and bushland tracks (through Lysterfield Park and the Glenfern Valley Bushlands), with nice views of the surrounding countryside and distant city skyline. Some steep ascents and descents, so recommend grippy soles and poles. Lunch at the Royal Hotel, Upper Ferntree Gully. (We will get the train back to Upwey from Upper Ferntree Gully). Party limit 25 walkers. Prefer not to walk? Just come for a convivial lunch; estimated time of arrival 12.15 pm. (No party limit for lunch). Please advise when booking if walking only; walking and lunch; or lunch only; by Sun 30 December 2018.
Trip Fee: N/A (Bring Myki Card)
Depart: Upwey RStn @ 8:30 am
Leader: David Turner
Wednesday 2 January 2019, No walk today; given the preceding day.
Sunday 6 January 2019 – Fairhaven Onwards, Grading: M / E / B, Approx. Length: 12 kms
Starting at Fairhaven, on a well formed track, we head towards the AireysInlet Lighthouse, then onto Sunnymeade, Urquhart Bluff and then Point Roadnight along the sand. More details closer to the time. Please bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially if it will be hot.
Trip Fee: $25|
Depart: MAP @ 8:30 am
Leader: Julie Bertisen
Wednesday 9 January 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Paul Smith
Sunday 13 January 2019 – Blue Mountain, Grading: M / TBA, Approx. Length: 16 kms
Given the time of year, this circuit walk in the Toolangi State Forest will be weather dependent. Most climbing will be accomplished by morning tea, and the day’s walking will be mostly on varied vehicular tracks / roads. Hopefully, finish before full heat. Boots & poles recommended; bring ample water for prevailing conditions.
Trip Fee: $7
Depart: Lilydale (Maroondah Hwy) @ 8:15 am
Leader: Stephen Courtney
Wednesday 16 January 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Barry Petrie
Saturday 19 January 2019, BBQ @ Kitty’s Place, East Malvern: 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
Book with Kitty preferably by Thu 10 January 2019.
Between Fri 11 & Thu 17 January 2019, please email, or phone only between 7 pm and 10 pm.
Bring own meat, drink & chair, plus a salad or dessert by arrangement with Kitty.
Sunday 20 January 2019 – Hastings / Jacks Beach, Grading: M / B, Approx. Length: 14 kms
This trail passes through Warringine Park which has a wide variety of ecosystems: mangroves, coastal wetlands, riparian vegetation, and healthy riparian woodlands. Home also to over 100 different bird species, 13 species of reptiles, 12 species of fish, 22 species of mammals, and many invertebrates. Several interpretative signs feature along the Bittern Coastal Boardwalk, describing features of the wetlands and their inhabitants.
Trip Fee: $5
Depart: Frankston RStn @ 9:00 am
Leader: Flora Cham
Wednesday 23 January 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Jim Reynolds
* Sunday 27 January 2019 – Yarra Bend Park, Grading: TBA, Approx. Length: TBA
Walk the Yarra River, including Dights Falls and the Collingwood Children's Farm, towards the city.More details in due course.
Depart: Bellbird Picnic Area @ 8:30 am
Leader: Deb Colville
Wednesday 30 January 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Boon Sim
February 2019
Sunday 3 February 2019 – Four Brothers Rocks, Grading: M / B / R, Approx. Length: 14 kms
Starting at the Mortimer Picnic Ground, Bunyip State Park, a strenuous circuit along walking trails and management tracks, situated in rolling forested hills. As height is gained, the nature of the forest becomes more open with an understory including banksia, correa and moss-covered boulders. The Four Brothers Rocks is a group of massive granite boulders. Great views on a clear day. Birdlife abounds. Some trails muddy after rain and poles would be useful.
Trip Fee: $7
Depart: Upper Ferntree Gully RStn @ 8:30 am
Leader: Clive Edington
Wednesday 6 February 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Anita Morkans
Thursday 7 February 2019, cLUB NIGHT - Photo Competition
Judged by our 2018 winner of all three categories (Scenes, People & Close-Ups): Chris Avram
+ “The Long Way to the Sierra Nevada’s”, Presentation by Brett & Maureen Gamon
Sunday 10 February 2019 – Sutherlands Creek, Grading: M / B, Approx. Length: 12 kms
The circuit walk, in the Brisbane NP, follows little-used vehicular tracks, as well as a section along the trackless bank of Sutherlands Creek. There is only one sustained climb, south - eastwards from the creek; otherwise easy walking along gently undulating tracks. In this area you will find relics of the days when gold mining boomed briefly in the 1860’s and 1870’s, centred on the nearby town of Steiglitz.
Trip Fee: $20
Depart: MAP @ 8:30 am
Leader: Anthea Rutter
Wednesday 13 February 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Anthea Rutter
Friday 15 February 2019 pub lunch@ 12:30 pm, Rosstown Hotel
1084 Dandenong Road, Carnegie 3163
Book: Jill Natoli, by Wed 13 February 2019
Sunday 17 February 2019 – Sherbrooke Forest, Grading: M / B / R, Approx. Length: 12 kms
The majestic Sherbrooke Forest is characterised by towering Mountain Ash and other eucalypts, deep fern gullies, as well as abundance of wildlife and birds - notably the superb lyrebird. Starting with a steep climb from Belgrave, up to Coles Ridge Track, this circuit walk loops through the forest to Grants and O’Donohue Picnic Grounds before returning down via Hillclimb Track. Poles and boots recommended, especially if wet.|
Trip Fee: N/A
Depart: Belgrave RStn @ 9:00 am
Leader: Jill Natoli
Wednesday 20 February 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Vol Bulach
Friday 22 February 2019 @ 7:00 pm, restaurant night at Yu Chu, Modern take on SE Asia culinary delights
404 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick 3815
Licensed; BYO wine only; corkage $10 per bottle
Book: Maureen Gamon, by Tue 19 Feb 2019
Sunday 24 February 2019 – Merri & Yarra Trails, Grading: M / E, Approx. Length: 15 kms
Stroll the Merri Creek and Yarra River urban trails. Detour around billabongs and along grand boulevards. Walking from Westgarth to Heidelberg railway stations. (Rail return to cars at Westgarth).
Trip Fee: N/A (Bring Myki Card)
Depart: Westgarth RStn @ 9:15 am
Wednesday 27 February 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Chris Smith
March 2019
Sunday 3 March 2019 – Christmas Hills, Grading: M / E / B, Approx. Length: 12 kms
This walk traverses the Warrandyte - Kinglake Nature Conservation Reserve (previously One Tree Hill Reserve) and includes total climbing of 380 metres. The vegetation consists mainly of box stringybark tree species with manna and swamp gums in the wetter gullies. There are kangaroos, wallabies and abundant birds, but the highlight of this area is the rare bright copper butterfly which is common in December and in good years in late February.
Trip Fee: $3
Depart: Eltham RStn @ 8:30 am
Leader: Graham Johnson
Wednesday 6 March 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Peter Pearce
Thursday 7 March 2019, cLUB NIGHT - AGM (Including election of WCV Committee)
+ “Aeolian Islands and Eastern Sicily Walking Tour”, presentation by John Tusa
Sunday 10 March 2019 – Two Bays Walking Track, Grading: M / E / B, Approx. Length: 14 kms
Mornington Peninsula, with its spectacular clifftop strolls, has one of Victoria’s top walks, the “Two Bays Walking Track”. Stretching 26 kms through a diverse range of landscape, it is longest continuous walking track in the area. A part will be covered. While details will be available closer to the date, there aregreat views coming down from Arthurs Seat onto the beachside coastal track to Rye.
Trip Fee: $ TBA
Depart: Yarraman RStn @ 8:30 am
Leader: Sue Edmonds & Paul Davis
Wednesday 13 March 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Neil Parker
Friday 15 March 2019 pub lunch @ 12:30 pm, East Malvern RSL
Stanley Grose Drive, Malvern East 3145
Book: David Turner by Wed 13 March 2019
Sunday 17 March 2019 – French Island (Revisited), Grading: M / B / E, Approx. Length: 15 kms
Explore a corner of the isolated French Island: green scrub, mangroves, as well as open farm land. Rich and diverse flora; multitude of birds; maybeeven spot some koalas. Far reaching views across the sea as we climb The Pinnacles. Along the way, hear some history from the local guide, Lois, and afterwards, enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea. More details closer to the time. Party limit: 20.
Trip Fee: $6 Plus return ferry fare & cost of Guide/ Devonshire Tea
Depart: Frankston RStn @ 8:30 am
Leader: Anita Morkans
Wednesday 20 March 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: John Dixon
* Sunday 24 March 2019 – Creswick, Grading: M / B, Approx. Length: 14 kms
This historic walk links Creswick with the gold rush past, encompassing the unique La Gerche Walking Track as well as the Landcare Walk. There is a wonderful view over St Georges Lake; an abandoned koala park; and numerous reminders of the region's gold rush past. (* Overall100 metres of climbing.)
Trip Fee: $22
Depart: MAP @ 8:30 am
Leader: Stephen Skaleskog
Wednesday 27 March 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Pam Chang
Friday 29 March 2019 @ 7:00 pm, restaurant night at Via Fratelli, Traditional Italian cuisine / pizzas
151 Waverley Rd, Malvern East, 3145
Licensed, BYO wine only, corkage $7 per bottle
Book: Julie Bertisen by Tue 26 March 2019
Sunday 31 March 2019 – Moonlight Track, Grading: M / B / R, Approx. Length: 15 kms
The Moonlight Track sounds romantic, but the walk will be in daytime. This walk, in the Mt Worth State Park, near Warragul, provides an opportunity to view forests that once covered Gippsland, and out to sea. Tall wet forests of Mountain Ash, Mountain Grey Gum and Blackwood grow on the hills and slopes. Soft Tree-ferns and Rough Tree-ferns flourish within the sheltered gullies.Includes310m of climbing.
Trip Fee: $20
Depart: Yarraman RStn @ 8:30 am
Leader: Peter Hughes
ADVANCE NOTICE
Great Barrier Island: Wed 20 February to Sat 2 March 2019
Great Barrier Island lies in the outer Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. The eastern shore of Great Barrier Island faces the ocean with high cliffs and long white surf beaches; the western side offers deep sheltered harbours and calm sandy bays. The forests, beaches and bays provide scope for all kinds of wilderness adventures, including wonderful hiking. Currently booked out. Yet if you are still interested, your name can be added to the wait list. Organiser: Raf Makary
Lord Howe Island: Sunday 12 May to Friday 17 May 2019
A 5-night base camp on Lord Howe Island, which is characterised by tropical heat, palm trees and volcanic mountains. The island is barely 10 kms long, but has some of the Great Walks of Australia, collectively offering 45 kms of world-class hiking. Walks include Mount Gower (8-10 hours), Goat House Cave, Intermediate Hill, Kim’s Lookout, Malabar Hill, North Beach, and much more. Booked out; waiting list not feasible due to unavailability of flights (ie currently no seats left for required dates). Organiser: Raf Makary
Castlemaine: Queens Birthday Weekend June 2019
Be prepared, Castlemaine is the venue for this date. There is lots more detail to come, but accommodation will need to be booked by end of January. We shall spend the June long weekend in the Castlemaine region again, with 2 different walks and a possibility of extra ones depending on interest and attendance. This will be a combined Clubs event again, with limited spaces. Accommodation at the same park, or choose your own. Saturday night hotel meal (perhaps in Chewton) with various jazz performances available over the weekend for those wishing to while away evenings (some free). A final reminder early in the New Year with full accommodation details. Register your interest with: Stephen Courtney
Please contact Secretary Brett Gamon, 493 Kooyong Rd, Elsternwick 3185, mobile 0419 505 634 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