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
October 2019
Wednesday 2 October 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Roy Turner
Thursday 3 Oct 2019, Club night at 8pm - Bees are Buzzing
Presentation by Jason Ceddia & Ralph Dyall
* Sunday 6 October 2019 – Lerderderg Heritage, Grading: Easy / S / B, Approx. Length: 9 kms
The walk meanders by an old water race near to the upper reaches of the Lerderderg River, weaving through fern-lined gullies, looking up to messmate and stringybark forest. Those interested should have time to visit the Garden of St Erth on our walk return ($10 entry). Note: Daylight Savings commences today.
Trip Fee: $17, Depart: Essendon RStn @ 9:00 am, Leader: Evan Gellert
Wednesday 9 October 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Tom Chua
Friday 11 October 2019 @ 12:30 pm, pub lunch at Sandringham Hotel
118 Beach Road, Sandringham 3191
Book: Jill Natoli, by Tue 8 October 2019
Saturday 12 October 2019 – bike ride on the Capital City Trail
Easy, flat, approx. 28 km ride around The Capital City Trail with a stop for coffee at Brunswick and ending with a cafe lunch at Southbank. Meet at the boatsheds, Princes Bridge, for a 9:30 am start.
Leader: Peter Pearce
* Sunday 13 October 2019 – Geelong Foreshore, Grading: Easy / M / T, Approx. Length: 13 kms
Departing from Southern Cross Station, travelling to North Geelong join us for a walk along the foreshore between Geelong North and the Botanic Gardens. Take in beautiful views of the bay as well as interesting architecture that has helped shape the beauty of the City of Geelong, and much more. (Please meet by 8:15 am, the latest, on the ground level outside the waiting room/toilets area at Southern Cross Station.)
Trip Fee: N/A; Bring Myki, Depart: Southern Cross RStn (Train departs @ 8:30 am), Leader: Giselle Randle
Wednesday 16 October 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Neil Parker
Sunday 20 October 2019 – Dom Dom Saddle, Grading: Medium / M / B, Approx. Length: 13 kms
Come with us on an old WCV favourite. This atmospheric walk takes us through spectacular Mountain Ash forest slowly climbing from the Dom Dom Saddle to Mount Monda with a resultant increase in elevation of about 550m. After lunch, we wind our way down to Narbethong. Here the walk descends fairly steeply for a while; walking poles are recommended together with good boots.
Trip Fee: $8, Depart: Lilydale RStn @ 8:00 am, Leader: John Dixon
Wednesday 23 October 2019 - Day Walk, Leader: Paul Smith
Friday 25 October 2019 @ 7:00 pm, restaurant night at Indian Palace
Excellent banquet for $40 recommended
131 Church Street, Middle Brighton 3186
Licensed & BYO - $3.50 per person
Book: Peter Pearce, by Tue 22 October 2019
Sunday 27 October 2019 – The Dandenongs, Grading: Medium / T / B, Approx. Length: 17 kms
It is The Dandenongs, so expect ups and downs. This is a circuit walk. Be prepared for damp, wet, slippery, muddy patches or sections – if it has been recently wet - mostly on vehicle type tracks with some narrower walking paths. Good gripping footwear and poles highly recommended. Meet at Grants Picnic Ground, Sherbrooke (Melways 75 / J4).
Trip Fee: N/A, Depart: Grants Picnic Ground @ 9:00 am, Leader: Stephen Courtney
Wednesday 30 October 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Carmel Cleary
November 2019
Sunday 3 November 2019 – Marysville, Grading: Medium / M / B, Approx. Length: 15 kms
It is amazing to visit Marysville knowing how both nature and man have resurrected the town from the ashes and devastation of the 2009 fires. From Marysville Information Centre we walk alongside the creek through tree ferns to Steavenson Falls. From there, a climb up a switchback track for a view of the falls and along De La Rue track for our first view over Marysville to Cathedral Ranges. We then reach Keppel Lookout and, if sun is out, an amazing view over Marysville.
Trip Fee: $12, Depart: Lilydale RStn @ 9:00 am, Leader: Pat Ferguson
Wednesday 6 November 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Chris Smith
Thursday 7 Nov 2019, Club night at 8pm - Smart Phone Navigation
Presentation by Peter Hughes
Friday 8 November 2019 @ 12:30 pm, pub lunch at Great Northern Hotel
644 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North 3054
Book: Helen Bell, by Tue 5 November 2019
Sunday 10 November 2019 – Mt Little Joe, Grading: Medium / S / T / B, Approx. Length: 11 kms
Commencing on the rail trail at Millgrove, we proceed to the Dolly Grey Park, then ascend to enter the leafy Yarra State Forest. After a walk to recover along a level track, it’s more climbing to the top of Mt. Little Joe (510 metres). Then, all downhill to join the rail trail back to Millgrove. Steep ascents and descents are involved, so grippy boots are essential, and poles recommended.
Trip Fee: $6, Depart: Lilydale RStn @ 8:30 am, Leader: Anita Morkans
Wednesday 13 November 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Vol Bulach
Sunday 17 November 2019 – Castlemaine Goldfields, Grading: TBA, Approx. Length: TBA
“Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park harbours fascinating tales of a golden past and retains much of its gold-rush character - from the evocative remains of house sites and puddling machines to the gold mines and gullies that yielded fortunes. Between 1851 and 1854 the Castlemaine area was the world’s richest shallow alluvial goldfield.” (Parks Victoria) But where will Stephen lead us? No details at the time of publication. But look out closer to the date, when Stephen reveals the description of his walk.
Trip Fee: TBA, Depart: TBA, Leader: Stephen Courtney
Wednesday 20 November 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Derek Townsend
Sunday 24 November 2019 – Airey’s Inlet, 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 27 November 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Jim Reynolds
Saturday 30 November 2019, Xmas lunch at European Bier Café
120 Exhibition Street (cnr Little Collins Street), Melbourne, 3000
A 3-minute walk from Parliament RStn
December 2019
Sunday 1 December 2019 – Maribyrnong River, Grading: Easy / L / T, Approx. Length: 18 kms
This walk is similar to the one on 8 September 2019, starting at the same point - Canning Reserve, Tea Gardens Drive, Avondale Heights, but in the other direction – towards the city. We walk 9 km approximately, then return along the same path to the starting spot. Very pretty; birds. No poles required. Quite flat. (* GPS Ref: 16 Tea Gardens Drive, Avondale Heights 3034)
Trip Fee: N/A, Depart: Tea Gardens Drive * @ 9:30 am, Leader: Julie Bertisen
Wednesday 4 December 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Anthea Rutter
Thursday 5 Dec 2019, Christmas Cheese & Wine Night
Hosted by Brett & Maureen Gamon
Sunday 8 December 2019 – Point Nepean NP, Grading: Medium / M / T / B, Approx. Length: 14 kms
The Point Nepean National Park is a mix of beautiful landscape and rich history situated at the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, offering great views across to Queenscliff and out the Port Phillip Bay Head. The walk will take us along spectacular clifftops as well as meander through coastal scrub and along the foreshore.
Trip Fee: $12, Depart: Frankston RStn @ 8:30 am, Leader: Jill Natoli
Wednesday 11 December 2019 – Day Walk, Leader: Anna Kuyt
Saturday 14 December 2019 – Annual Christmas Bike Ride to Williamstown
Meet at the boat sheds close to Princes Bridge at 9:30 am. The gentle, flat ride to Williamstown from the city takes in Kings Domain, Fawkner Park, Albert Park Lake, Beaconsfield Parade, Station Pier, Westgate Park, Yarra crossing using the Punt, and down the Strand. Morning tea at Albert Park Lake; Italian lunch at Williamstown. Either return by train or ride back under Westgate Bridge and down Footscray Road to Southgate. Distances ~20 km or 35 km for the full circuit. Leader: Peter Pearce
Sunday 15 December 2019 – Lake Mountain, Grading: Medium / M / T / B, Approx. Length: 15 kms
This walk explores the outer areas of Lake Mountain, following a well-made ski trail through snow gums and mountain ash forest. Continuing on via Burnt Hut ruins (highest point 1490m), before heading down to the delightful Keppels Hut. Good grippy boots needed; poles if you like. Please dress warmly; it can be cold here even in summer. Alpine areas are well known for sudden weather changes. Party limit 15.
Trip Fee: $16, Depart: Lilydale RStn @ 8:15 am, Leader: Anne Johansen
Wednesday 18 December 2019 – Day Walk plus Christmas Lunch, Leader: Cathy Pearce
Sunday 22 December 2019 – Christmas is Coming, (No walk today.)
Wednesday 25 December 2019 – Christmas Day, (No walk today.)
* Sunday 29 December 2019 – Somers / Sandy Pt, Grading: Easy / S / T, Approx. Length: 12 kms
Originally known as Balnarring East, the town was renamed for a popular former Governor of Victoria who set up the local Lord Somers Camp. This is an easy beach walk on firm sand. Bring your bathers if it is warm weather and you fancy a swim. A good cafe for coffee at the finish of the walk.
Trip Fee: $6, Depart: Frankston RStn @ 9:30 am, Leader: Flora Cham
ADVANCE NOTICE
Flinders Island: Monday 21 October to Sunday 27 October 2019
When you set foot on Flinders Island, you step into a world of sparkling beaches, rugged ranges, abundant wildlife, flora and clear sapphire waters. Discover the jagged mountains that jut from the wild ocean like giant sea creatures. Various walks will be planned, both easy and medium. For the diehard, a difficult walk up to Mt Strzelecki can be arranged. Currently booked out; but your name can be added to the waitlist by contacting Raf Makary, the leader.
Barwon Heads: Monday 18 November to Thursday 21 November 2019
Barwon Heads is located on the southern coast of the Bellarine Peninsula, offering a diverse variety of coastal attractions, from the shallow and sandy shoreline of the Barwon River to the windswept surf beaches. A network of surrounding walking tracks provides views over the town centre, along the Barwon River and in all directions across Bass Strait. Main walks will be approximately 12 kms on the Tuesday and Wednesday. DIY accommodation. More details closer to the time. Bookings (by email) open Friday 5 July 2019 (8:00 am). In the interim, expressions of interest may be lodged with Jenny Stone, the leader.
Baw Baw / Rawson: Friday 6 December to Tuesday 10 December 2019
The Great Walhalla Alpine Trail offers a very abridged taste of the epic 650-kilometres Australian Alpine Walking Track. Walks will include much of the Alpine walking track sections between Rawson and Walhalla, including some of the 2014 Federation Walks. A ride on the historic train between Walhalla and Thompson point will be included. Currently booked out; but your name can be added to the waitlist by contacting Raf Makary, the leader.
New Year’s Day Walk & Lunch, Glen Waverley to Holmesglen, Grading: Easy / S / T, Approx. Length: 12 kms
A shady walk along the Scotchman’s Creek Trail, where the creek meanders its peaceful way through lineal bushland; mostly hiding the suburbs which adjoins it. A short walk through the street of Glen Waverley is required to reach the trail, as is one alongside the busy Warrigal Road at the end to get to the Mathew Flinders Hotel for lunch. Note. The hotel imposes a 10% surcharge for NYD. More details closer to the time.
Trip Fee: N/A; Bring MyKi, Depart: Glen Waverley RStn @ 9:00 am, Leader: David Turner
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