NB: It is likely that a number of these walks will be modified or cancelled as a result of the recent bushfires.
Details will be updated as we become aware of them.
| Wed 18 Feb | CLUB MEETING | - |
Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road.
| Fri-Sun 20-22 Feb | Mt Feathertop | MH |
Walk area: Alpine National Park Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 28km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 300km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Cancelled
Starting from Mt Hotham and traversing the Razorback Ridge to reach Mt Feathertop. Fuel stove only camping.
This ridge is very exposed. An alternative route is up the Bungalow Spur from Harrietville. Walk to the summit (weather permitting) and/or MUMC hut.
| Sat 21 Feb | Dom Dom Saddle to Donna Buang return | H-fast |
Walk area: Healesville Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 42km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 60km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Cancelled
Starting at Dom Dom Saddle (509m) we will follow the border of the Maroondah catchment area along the ridge line to Mount Donna Buang (1250m), crossing Mount Vinegar (1050m), the Knobs (1100m) and Mount Boobyalla (1230).
| Sun 22 Feb | PORT MELBOURNE to WILLIAMSTOWN | EM |
Walk area: Hobsons Bay and Lower Yarra Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 15km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 15km SW Overdue Walks Procedure No
109 tram to Port Melbourne, walk to Westgate Park, punt across Yarra to Spotswood, then walk beside the lower reaches of the Yarra and Hobsons Bay to Williamstown, Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park and Jawbone Conservation Reserve. Return to city by train. Public transport walk so need to prepurchase Sunday Saver ticket or have Seniors Sunday pass. Punt ticket $3.
| Sun 1 Mar | CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY | E |
Walk area: Bellbird to Chandler Highway walk Max walkers - Walking distance: - km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 5km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
Be a part of the Clean Up Australia Day activities at Yarra Bend Park organised by Parks Victoria. This year Boroondara Bushwalkers will be tasked with helping to clean up the section from Bellbird to Chandler Highway. Meeting place and time to be advised
| Sun 1 Mar | Mount Dandenong circuit | M |
Walk area: Dandenongs Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 16km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 50km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
Starting at Kalorama, we walk along the main range stopping at the summit lookout, passing the TV towers, with lunch at Doongalla.
| Fri-Mon 6-9 Mar | Bogong High Plains BC | Range of walks |
Walk area: Bogong High Plains Max walkers 12 Walking distance: Varied km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 350km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Camping at Langfords West Camp area. Toilets are provided but no other facilities. This area offers a wide range of walking opportunities and as it is already up high there is not much climbing required to get great views. The Oxfam team is planning some long walks but others can organise walks to suit themselves.
1.Langfords to Fitzgerald Hut, along Heathy Sput to Rocky Valley dam, past the ruined castle and Damsite hill, back to Langfords via Pretty valley pondage. 44km
2.Langfords Gap to Batty Hut, Ropers Hut, Johnson and Edmondson Huts, returning via Watchbed Creek. 34km
3.Langfords to Mount Cope, Ryders Yards via aqueduct, Mount Jim, Tawonga Huts, return Mount Jim, Cope Saddle Hut and back. 25km
NB This is an Alpine area and the weather can be changeable with wintry conditions at any time of year
| Sun 8 Mar | EASTLINK BIKE RIDE | M |
Ride area: Mitcham to Carrum Max Riders 12 Riding distance: ~50km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 20km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
This ride will cover the entire new Eastlink Trail from Springvale Rd to the Patterson River. There will be a short road ride from Mitcham Station to reach the start of the trail, and we’ll use the Dandenong Creek Trail (unsealed) to reach Carrum. The first section of the trail is quite hilly but the bulk of it is flattish. BYO lunch. If there are works on the Belgrave/Lilydale or Frankston lines that Sunday the ride will need to be changed. I will contact all those on the ride sheet if this happens. Meet at Mitcham Station north side at 9.00am.
| Sun 8 Mar | Kangaroo Ground to St. Andrews | EM |
Walk area: Kangaroo Ground Max walkers Walking distance: 14km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 45km NE Overdue Walks Procedure No
Cancelled (alternative planned, see below)
A varied walk that caters for all emergencies (we start at a cemetery & pass a second one). We walk from the Kangaroo Ground cemetery along horse trails (rural landscapes), road reserves (very quiet unsealed bush roads), and lovely bush reserves to St. Andrews. Car shuffle.
| Sun 8 Mar | Mt. Lofty to Jumping Creek Reserve | EM |
Walk area: Warrandyte State Park Max walkers - Walking distance: 14km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 45km NE Overdue Walks Procedure No
Including Bluetongue Bend, this walk follows the river in the latter stages so there is plenty of shade. Some short climbs. Short car shuffle. Meet at Kew Library at 7.45 am. Will need helper at Kew as Rosemary will meet people at Jumping Creek Reserve.
| Wed 11 Mar | Banyule Creek/Plenty River Trail | E |
Walk area: Suburban Melbourne Max walkers - Walking distance: 12km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: NW Suburbs Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk along Banyule Creek to Lower Plenty Road, along Plenty River Trail to Main Yarra Trail. Mainly on shared bicycle paths, a few hills, great views. Meet at Victoria Park at 8.45 a.m.
| Fri-Sun 13-15 Mar | TARRA BULGA BC | EM |
Tarra Bulga cancelled due to bush fires.
| Sat-Sun 14-15 Mar | REMOTE AREA FIRST AID | - |
Australian Red Cross Contact TBA Walk area: TBA
Canoeing Victoria are offering a Remote Area First Aid Course that Bushwalking Victoria club members have been invited to participate in. Delivered by the Australian Red Cross, this course teaches the skills and knowledge required to provide first aid in remote situations. Prerequisite for this course is a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Statement of Attainment (within last 12 months) and a current Senior First Aid/Workplace Level 2 Statement of Attainment (within the last 3 years) Applications close 28 February. Please see Walks Coordinators for further information.
| Sun 15 Mar | Mirboo North rail trail | EM |
Mirboo North Rail Trail cancelled due to bush fires.
| Sun 15 Mar | POINT NEPEAN | E |
Walk area: Mornington Peninsula National Park Max walkers 19 Walking distance: 8km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 95km S Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
An easy walk along roads, tracks and beaches in the Point Nepean area of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. A short climb up Cheviot Hill and take in many historical sites along the way. Park entry fee of $7.00.
| Sun 15 Mar | MT.STIRLING SUNRISE WALK | EM |
Walk area: Mt. Stirling Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 9km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 200km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk to the top of Mt. Stirling just after full moon in time to catch the sunrise. Follow the sunrise with a hot breakfast – egg and bacon rolls, hot drinks. Easy walking on groomed trails with a climb of about 360m. Camp on the mountain or stay in comfort in Mansfield. Meet up at Minimbah on the Mt. Buller road in the early hours of Sunday morning for the walk up the mountain.
| Wed 18 Mar | CLUB MEETING | - |
Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road.
| Sat 21 Mar | MAP READING AND GPS | - |
Walk area: Mont Albert North Max walkers 6 Walking distance: N/A
Distance/direction from Melbourne: N/A Overdue Walks Procedure No
Another of Jims well known basic map courses. Learn the basics of using a map and compass and also have a peek at using a GPS. Put your new found knowledge to test by following bearings around a local park.
| Sun 22 Mar | Mt Buninyong | EM |
Walk area: Central Highlands Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 13km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 100km west Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Buninyong was first settled in 1841, and the Mt Buninyong reserve around the top of an extinct volcano was set aside as a public park in 1866. This circuit walk goes from the township to the top of the mountain (approx 250m climb) and back via the von Mueller designed botanical gardens. On the mountain look for eucalypts, a 10,000 year old crater, koalas and 360 degree views over farmland.
| Sat-Sun 28-29 Mar | MT BUANGOR BC | M-MH |
Walk area: Mt Cole State Forest Max walkers 12 Walking distance: Variedkm
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 200km W Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
SAT: BEERIPMO CIRCUIT—M-MH—Beautiful walk starting/finishing at Richards camping ground. Steady climb through rocky outcrops past Raglan Falls up Cave Hill to sub-alpine forest. The descent is through a gorgeous gully. Distance 17km (M 7hrs) or 21km (MH 8.5hrs), depending on whether we include the Mt Buangor summit (steep climb/descent; 4km return). (One of 2008 Federation Weekend walks)
SUN: SUGARLOAF CIRCUIT—MH—Another beautiful walk, starting/finishing Ferntree picnic area. 10.5km. Explore The Cave. Fair amount of climbing (total 500m). Need to cross sloping rock face using a chain. Steep climb to the Sugarloaf. Very steep descent 400m over 3km to return to the car park. 5-6hrs walking.
8am walk starts each day. Sat night dinner at one of Beaufort’s pubs. Camping/accommodation options: Beaufort Lake Caravan Park, Richards (toilet only), Beaufort’s pubs or motels.
| Sun 29 Mar | Cape Woolamai churchill island | EM |
Walk area: Phillip Island’s Cape Woolamai and Churchill Island Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 12km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 135km SE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
We plan to walk along the spectacular Woolamai ocean beach then on tracks in the Woolamai Fauna reserve and up to the lighthouse approximately 110 m above sea level. From here we see panoramic views of Phillip Island. The second part of the walk is around the historic Churchill Island.
| Fri-Sun 3-5 April | Mt McLeod on Mt Buffalo | M |
Walk area: Mt Buffalo Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 20km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 320 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
This is one of few walks on Mt Buffalo where you can pack carry. An area less visited but just as wonderful as the others. A steady walk along a management vehicle track, to climb up to Mt McLeod. You’ll need to be comfortable rock scrambling. Fuel stove fires only. No car shuffles required. If time permits we can take a side trip to Mt Dunn or Og Gog and Magog.
| Sun 5 Apr | FEDERATION DAY WALK | E-MH |
Walk area: Mt Disappointment State Forest Max walkers - Walking distance: Varied km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 60km N Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Cancelled (alternative planned. Details TBA))
A day of walking and other celebraitons sponsored by Bushwalking Victoria as part if its 75th anniversary. Walks will range from E to MH. Each walk will be lead by a different club. List of proposed walks is available on the Bushwalking Victoria website: bushwalkingvictoria.org.au. BBI will lead the Harpers Hill to Mt. Disappointment walk which includes an off-track component. Medium grade and 9 km. Complete Walk List and walk booking form now available; contact Joslin Guest or visit the Bushwalking Victoria website.
| Sun 5 Apr | Geelong Bay Walk Bollards and Botanic Gardens | E |
Walk area: Geelong Waterfront Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 10km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 90km SW Overdue Walks Procedure No
Stretching from Rippleside to Limeburners Point, there are over 100 two-metre high sculptures, carved from timber pier pylons, portraying elements of Geelong history. Stroll around the Steampacket Gardens Art and Craft market and pick up a bargain. Meander through the Botanic Gardens which has an eclectic mix of native and exotic plantings.
| Wed 15 Apr | CLUB MEETING | - |
Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road.
| Wed 15 Apr | Lerderderg Heritage River Walk | E |
Walk area: Blackwood Max walkers - Walking distance: 9 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 90km NW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A circular walk commencing at the Garden of St. Erth all on track (a few rough places) and mostly flat. Reminders of gold rush days with water races and mines. Varying woodland, stringybark, tall timber and fern groves. PLEASE NOTE: This is the 3rd Wednesday of the month, being after Easter and during school holidays, so hopefully traffic to the west on a week day will be quieter. Meet at Victoria Park at 8.45 a.m
| Sun 19 Apr | Ferntree Gully Forest Circuit | EM |
Walk area: Dandenong Ranges NP Max walkers - Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 35km Overdue Walks Procedure No
Walk starts and finishes at the Kokoda Memorial Arch. 3 hills: Musk Tk hill, One tree hill (1000 steps or Lyrebird Tk) and Chandlers Hill, 200m, 350m 200m respectively.
| Sun 26 Apr | SHERBROOKE FOREST – FERNY CREEK SHOW | E |
Walk area: Ferny Creek Max walkers - Walking distance: 10 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 35km SE Overdue Walks Procedure No
Starting from Ferny Creek, we shall do a walk in Sherbrooke Forest in the morning. Then after lunch a visit to Ferny Creek Autumn Show, always a plant lovers delight. Plants for sale too. Bring boots and stick as the forest will (hopefully) be wet underfoot.
| Sat-Sun 25-26 Apr | NEST BOX CHECKING WEEKEND | - |
Walk area: Lurg Hills, near Benalla Max walkers - Walking distance: variedkm
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 200km N Overdue Walks Procedure No
Part of the Regent Honeyeater Project. Check nest boxes for evidence of use by Sugar Gliders, Squirrel Gliders and Phascogales. Involves carrying extension ladders throught bushland, locating the nest boxes, climbing ladders to nest boxes (optional) & recording findings. BYO lunch etc Sat & Sun. BYO BBQ on Saturday night at Old Lurg School. Accommodation options: free accommodation (mattress only) at Benalla Scout Hall or camp outside the hall; otherwise own arrangements.
| Fri–Sun 1-3 May | Bivvy Camp bc | M |
Walk area: tba Max walkers 15 Walking distance: variedkm
Distance/direction from Melbourne: tba Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
The purpose of this weekend is to experience camping out wth minimum gear. So, plan to bring a tarpaulin to use as a shelter rather than a tent. We will camp somewhere nice, with trees to attach ropes to hoist your shelter. There will be walks arranged (leaving from the campsite) each day. For more information please contact Dorothy Dhaeze.
| Sat-Sun 2-3 May | GRAMPIANS TRACK MAINTENANCE WEEKEND | - |
Cancelled by BWV.
| Sun 3 May | Bells Beach/Ironbark Basin | EM |
Walk area: Surf Coast Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 12km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 104km SW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk 4km along the sand at low tide from Bells Beach below the cliffs to the end of Addiscot Beach. (Note: this is an ‘optional clothing’ beach!). Then climb 100m and follow paths through heathland and forest of the Ironbark Basin Reserve. Finish along the clifftop path back to Bells.
| Sun 10 May | CATHEDRAL PEAK & JAWBONES | H |
Walk area: Cathedral Range State Park Max walkers 11 Walking distance: 10-11km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 110km NE Overdue Walks Procedure No
A circuit walk based in the northern half of the Cathedral Range this wallk explores Cathedral Peak, Neds Peak, The Farm Yard and North and South Jawbone Peaks. Walk has a hard grade because of the steep climb up to the main Cathedral Peak and a little rock scrambling. From all the peaks there are some magnificent views of the rest of the Cathedral Range State Park and surrounding area.
| Sun 10 May | ELTHAM & MAROONDAH AQUEDUCT | EM |
Walk area: Diamond Valley Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 14km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 25km NE Overdue Walks Procedure No
From Eltham via linear reserves to Pauline Toner Butterfly Reserve and then up a hill to the disused Maroondah aqueduct. Return to Eltham along the aqueduct track and Diamond Valley trail.
| Wed 13 May | Castlemaine | E |
Walk area: Castlemaine Max walkers - Walking distance: 9km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 100km NW Overdue Walks Procedure No
Return train travel to Castlemaine where places of interest will include the gaol (possibly a tour – TBA), botanical gardens, Burke & Wills Memorial and a walk through the town to see the heritage buildings, also a peek in the foyer of the art gallery. MEET AT SOUTHERN CROSS STATION AT 8.45 A.M. and expect to return to S.C. Station at 6.18 p.m. Cost of train travel – full fare $23.20, Concession $11.60 or Seniors Pass for free travel. Suggest pre-purchase ticket at a local railway station.
| Fri–Sun 15–17 May | WILSONS PROM PC: SEALERS COVE CIRCUIT | H |
Walk area: Wilsons Promontory Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 36 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 200 km SE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A classic ’Prom’ walk with all the Prom has to offer. A strong walker but new to pack carries might consider this walk as an introduction to overnight walks.
| Sun 17 May | Masons Falls circuit | EM |
Walk area: Kinglake NP Max walkers - Walking distance: 13 km
Cancelled
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 64km NE Overdue Walks Procedure No
Walk starts and finishes at Mt Sugarloaf. There is one steep descent of about 250m, from Mt Sugarloaf to The Tryst. We will need to go most of this height again to reach Masons Falls and the picnic ground where we will lunch. After lunch there is a generally gentle ascent over 6km back to Mt Sugarloaf.
| Sun 17 May | A TOUR OF HEIDELBERG’s PARKS etc | M |
Walk area: City of Banyule Max walkers - Walking distance: 13 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 5 km N Overdue Walks Procedure No
Pioneers came to Heidelberg in 1845, the Heidelberg painters, Streeton and co. came in the 1890’s. It has one of the first public parks, one of the first ‘developers’ suburbs built in the 1930’s. A place of great interests. A few steep bits.
| Wed 20 May | CLUB MEETING | - |
Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road.
| Sun 31 May | Mortimer Circuit | EM |
Walk area: Bunyip State Park Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 14 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 75km E Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A slight modification of last year’s walk, with the addition of an extra section (more climbing!). Starting and ending at Mortimer picnic ground, the walk is through thick forest with stringybark and banksia, damp gullies with tree ferns, past deep tannin coloured dams (perhaps with bunyips) and exposed granite outcrops. There are some steep ups and downs, but we will do it slowly, so suited for those easy medium walkers who want to stretch themselves, but not necessarily at the pace of the regular medium walkers.
| 19Jun-1 Jul | Larapinta Trail | MH |
The Larapinta Trail extends over 231 kilometres west of Alice Springs along the West MacDonnell Ranges. The marked trail alternatives between high, rock ridges that afford extensive views and easier walking over plains and creek beds along the base of the range. Generally, walking the whole trail takes about 20 days. My plan is to undertake only some sections of the trail covering about 10 days walking. Depending on the availability of support, there may be provision for some walkers to only need to carry a day pack for the entire trip – this is uncertain at this stage. Nevertheless, a strong level of fitness will be required by all walkers given the terrain and that camping out will be necessary for all nights on the trail.
| Sun 21 Jun | MERRICKS TO RED HILL RAIL TRAIL | EM |
Walk area: Red Hill Max walkers 19 Walking distance: 13 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 90km SE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
This trail has a long gradual climb to Red Hill, with good views of Western Port, Philip Island, The Nobbies and the Seal Rocks, vineyards and rolling countryside. Returning along the same track.