Date: Feb Mar Apr May Jun Future
| Fri 19 Feb - Sun 21 Feb | MT. WILLS to MT. BOGONG via LONG SPUR PC | MH |
Walk area Alpine National Park Max walkers 12 Walking distance: 28km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 350km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A section of the AAWT walked in reverse to our previous stages. Starting from just off the Omeo Highway near Sunnyside, up to Mt. Wills then along the Long Spur to Mt Bogong. Camping at Mt. Wills and Maddison Hut site or Cleve Cole Hut Down Mt. Bogong via the Granite Flat Spur to the cars. Not a particularly hard section – hot weather may be a problem. The time of year to try ultra light camping.
| Sun 21 Feb | SUMMER SUNRISE #3 | E |
Walk area Yarra Bend Park, Fairfield Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 10 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 4 km SE Overdue Walks Procedure No
Meet at the end of Kanes Bridge near Studley Park Boathouse for a 7.00am departure. (Note: the sun rises later in February!) We follow the river past the flying fox colony, then cross the pipe bridge for a light breakfast at Fairfield Boathouse (opens at 8.30am). Then along the Merri Creek to Dights Falls, and complete the loop via Deep Rock back to Studley Park for another coffee. Experience original indigenous bushland and abundant birdlife, close to the city in the cool of the early morning.
| Sat 27 Feb | SUMMER CHALLENGE | H |
Walk area: tba Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 10 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: tba Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
This walk will be IN a river close to Melbourne. Location will depend on water levels, temperature and fire situation. We will spend the day walking in and out of the water (moslty in). Wear sturdy footwear and have a waterproofed pack (ie pack all gear inside a plastic bag inside rucksack). The challenge includes walking in water, over rocks and navigation.
There might even be the odd waterfall to negotiate.
| Sun 28 Feb | FERRY TO WILLIAMSTOWN | E |
Meet at Southbank berth 5 in time to catch the 10.15am ferry (first one off the rank). Single fare $22, concession $18. We will walk around Williamstown, length depending on thermometer. Bring Sunday ticket for return by train to Flinders St.
| Sun 28 Feb | MACEDON RANGES | M |
Walk area: Mt Macedon Village Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 17 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 65 km NW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A traverse of the Macedon Ranges. This walks takes in the summits of Mt Macedon and Camels Hump. Said to have the finest panoramas near Melbourne. View grand houses. Walk in messmate, mountain ash and snow gum forests. There is some steep climbing, however this will be early in the day.
| Sat – Mon 6 – 8 Mar | BIKE RIDE – STH GIPPSLAND RAIL TRAIL | M |
Walk area: Leongatha - Foster Max cyclists 10 Cycling distance: 50km/day
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 130 km SE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Starting at Leongatha (my home town) the rail trail runs through Gippsland dairy country to Foster 49 km away. The trail is quite flat and surfaced in fine gravel. Day 1 will complete the full length of the trail with the party booking in for 2 night’s accommodation in Foster. If there is still energy left a stroll through Foster’s flower trails and old mining sites can be done. Day 2 will be a gentle roll along quiet country lanes to take in the historic settlement of Port Franklin and then lunch at another historic port at Toora. Return to Foster for a second night and then return to Leongatha on Day 3. Passing through Stony Creek, my first primary school, you may be subjected to accounts of my fabulous football career with Stony Creek U14’s which peaked with the 1970 premiership and then went down hill from there until my retirement after the 1972 U16’s season.
| Fri – Mon 5 – 8 Mar | BASE CAMP BAW BAW | E -M |
Walk area: Baw Baw National Park Max walkers 19 Walking distance: Up to 20km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 120 km E Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Early autumn at Mt Baw Baw staying in the comfort of a ski lodge. Gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths stretching across the Baw Baw Plateau, large granite tors, the final display of summer wildflowers... The perfect way to spend the Labour Day long weekend with classic walks to enjoy. Dependent upon the availability of an experienced Alpine walks leader, for those looking for solid day walks, Mt Baw Baw to Mustering Flat, or alternatively, a 20.4 km walk to Talbot Hut and return. The Easy Medium walkers will be well catered for with a Club favourite, Mt Baw Baw village to Mt St Gwinear, along with the popular Village, McMillans and Summit Trails, a night walk to the summit of Mt Baw Baw. Option of arriving Friday or Saturday.
Accommodation fee: $35 (2 nights) or $45 (3 nights).
| Wed 10 Mar | MORNINGTON-MT. MARTHA | E |
Walk area: Mornington Peninsula Max walkers Walking distance: 11 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 50 km SE Overdue Walks Procedure No
A pleasant flat walk with some lovely views on paths, tracks and sand (tide permitting). Meet at Victoria Park, Kew at 8.45 am.
| Wed 10 Mar | NAVIGATION THEORY | E |
Distance/direction from Melbourne: Overdue Walks Procedure No
A Navigation Theory night to be conducted by Lyn Atkinson, Robyn Teed and Jim Dhaeze. A 7.30 pm start at a local venue to be advised. This is not just for leaders. Everyone can learn how to read a contour map and use a compass.
| Sat 13 Mar | NAVIGATION TRAINING & PICNIC LUNCH | - |
Walk area: Cardinia Reservoir Max walkers 25 Walking distance: Varied
Distance/direction from Melbourne: Overdue Walks Procedure: No
A Navigation exercise to be conducted on an orienteering course. Put into practice the theory you learnt on Wednesday, or just come along and give it a try. There will be fun competitions and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after all the activity.
| Sun 14 Mar | IAN ARNOTT WALKS REVISITED: THE CATHEDRALS | MH |
Walk area: Cathedral Ranges National Park Max walkers 12 Walking distance: 14km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 119 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Starting at Cook’s Mill, 400m climb to North and South Jawbone and the Farmyard, then follow the skyline traverse with rock hopping /scrambling for 2.4km. Walk down 100m to Ned’s Saddle and then 400m to Ned’s Gully. Return to Cook’s Mill via Little River Track. Advise walking poles.
| Sun 14 Mar | MONTROSE | E |
Walk area: Dandenongs Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 10km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 35 km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
We will explore areas of environmental interest in the Montrose area.
| Mon – Sat 15 - 20 Mar | TASMAN PENINSULA | EM-MH |
Walk area: Tasman Peninsula Max walkers 12 Walking distance:
Distance/direction from Melbourne: Tasmania Overdue Walks Procedure Yes\\Walks will in the main be day walks ranging from easy to medium-hard and primarily along the coast from Eaglehawk Neck south towards Cape Pillar. An overnight pack carry is necessary for those wanting to get to Cape Pillar at the end of the Peninsula. Other walks in the vicinity of Port Arthur, eg. Cape Raoul can also be included.
| Wed 17 Mar | CLUB MEETING Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road. | - |
GUEST SPEAKER: Coral Eden - being green at home: self sufficient with water tanks and solar energy
| Fri – Sun 19 - 21 Mar | WONNANGATTA PACK CARRY | MH |
Walk area: Wonnangatta –Moroka Nat. Park Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 30 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne 230 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
This will involve walking up the Eight Mile spur to the Bluff, where superb views are gained at the summit of the bluff (1726m) and the walk along the ridge. Camp will be in the vincinity of Bluff Hut. Next day we head down Sixteen Mile spur and then we will have a river valley walk following the Howqua River back to the cars. Day 1 involves a significant climb.
| Sun 21 Mar | CURRAWONG FALLS | EM |
Walk area: Aireys Inlet Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 112 km SW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Noted for its outstanding botanical diversity, the forests and heathland that hug the coast between Anglesea and Aireys Inlet are a bushwalkers’ paradise. This walk passes through a variety of vegetation types, including low heath, hakea, grass trees and stunted eucalypt, and visits the only waterfall near to Aireys Inlet. There are expansive views of the coast and we pass through an important bird habitat en route.
| Sun 28 Mar | CAPE WOOLAMAI/CHURCHILL ISLAND | EM |
Walk area: Phillip Island Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 135 km 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 at approx 110m above sea level. From here we see panoramic views of Phillip Island. The second part of the walk is around the historic Churchill Island.
| Easter Fri – Mon 2 – 5 Apr | SHORT PACK CARRY / BASE CAMP BOGONG HIGH PLAINS | M |
Walk area: Day walks on the high plains Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 15/17 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 350 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Pack carry no more than 1 and half kms off the Bogong High Plains Road. Day walks on the Saturday & Sunday will be arranged to suit the group.
| Sat 3 Apr (Easter Sat) | IAN ARNOTT WALKS REVISITED: BLACKWOOD GOLDFIELDS AND DINNER | M |
Walk area: Blackwood Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 16 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 80 km NW Overdue Walks Procedure No''
Afternoon evening walk with dinner. Blackwood is an old gold mining town from the 1850’s. Visit several mine sites and
walk a water race high above Lerderderg River. Dry forest, heathy woodland and hidden tree fern gullies. 1km off track.
Dinner in Blackwood Pub. Bring a torch. Meet at Kew for a 12 noon departure.
| Wed 7 Apr | MT. MACEDON | E |
Walk area: Macedon Ranges Max walkers Walking distance: 8 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 70 km NW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes''
Circuit walk through forest from the cross to Camels Hump. All on track with some easy climbs. Great views. PLEASE NOTE – This is the first Wednesday of the month to take advantage of less traffic in school holidays. Meet at Victoria Park, Kew at 8.45 a.m.
| Sun 11 Apr | YOU YANGS: FLINDERS PEAK AND BRANDING YARD TRAIL | EM |
Walk area: You Yangs Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 11 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne:65 km SW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A figure of eight walk with a 200m climb to catch the view from Flinders Peak over the surrounding plains and as far as Port Phillip Heads and the tall buildings of Melbourne. Open forest and granite boulders.
| Sun 11 Apr | FEDERATION TRAIL BIKE RIDE: WERRIBEE -SOUTHBANK | EM |
Walk area: Western Suburbs Max walkers 12 Walking distance: 45km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 30 km W Overdue Walks Procedure No
The ride starts in Werribee. We’ll follow the path alongside the Werribee River to reach the Federation Trail which runs for 24km to Altona North. From here we’ll ride on-road (not too busy) to Newport Lakes then through to the Bayside Trail. and back to Southbank and Flinders St Station. The ride is almost totally flat and mainly on sealed surfaces. Bail outs available at Hoppers Crossing and Newport Stations. Meet at Flinders St Station on the platform to catch the Weribee Train that leaves at 9.05am.
BYO lunch to eat at Newport Lakes. We’ll stop for a morning coffee at Werribee or Hoppers Crossing.
If there are disruptions to the Werribee train service on the day of the ride another route will be substituted and all those listed on the walk sheet will be notified.
| Sat-Sun 17-18 Apr | NEST BOX CHECKING WEEKEND | - |
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 200 km N' Nearest town:Benalla
Walk area: Lugh Hills, near Benalla Max walkers - Walking distance: n/a\\
Part of the Regent Honeyeater Project. Check nest boxes for evidence of use by Sugar Gliders, Squirrel Gliders and Phascogales. Involves helping to 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 (matress only) at Benalla Scout Hall or camp outside the hall; otherwise own arrangements.
| Sat 17 Apr | FRYERSTOWN | M |
Walk area: Castlemaine Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 19km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 130 km NW Overdue Walks Procedure No
THIS IS A RESCHEDULE OF THE WALK CANCELLED IN JANUARY. This historical interest walk includes the settlement of Fryerstown and a host of gold mining relics in the surrounding hills. It also includes the ghost village of Spring Gully.
| Sun 18 Apr | STEIGLITZ | EM |
Walk area: Brisbane Ranges Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 11 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 95 km W Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A circuit walk from the historical Steiglitz courthouse, passing ruins and old mining sites. See stringybark and box forest, and lots of grass trees. All on track, not much climbing and very little rock hopping.
| Wed 21 Apr | CLUB MEETING Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road. | - |
GUEST SPEAKER: Ray Kennedy on photographing landscapes
| Sat 24 Apr | TRAMWAYS WALK | H |
Walk area: Yarra Ranges State Forest Warburton Max walkers 10 Walking distance: 22 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 80 km E Overdue Walks Procedure Yes''
Part of the walk will be along old timber tram tracks logging companies used to take timber to the sawmills located in the bush near Warburton and Powelltown. We will walk along the Federal tramway to Starlings Gap and then return back to Big Pat’s Creek picnic area on alternative track that will include walking along Richards Tramline. Evidence of the logging days are seen as we pass old mill sites. We will walk through forests of myrtle beech and mountain ash.
| Sun 25 Apr | ONE TREE HILL, RIFLE RANGE RESERVE & ENVIRONS | EM |
Walk area: Christmas Hills Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 14 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 35 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure No
The walk is through bush & some quiet roadside reserves. Some climbs but short & not too steep.
| Fri 30 Apr- Sun 2 May | VOLCANIC GEOMORPHOLOGY OF WESTERN VICTORIA | M |
Walk area: Hamilton / Mt Eccles / Mt Napier region Max walkers 12 Walking distance: 20 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 300 km SW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
This is essentially a repeat of the trip I led to the area in 1993. The aim will be to establish a base camp at Mt Eccles National Park (showers, toilets, tables) on Friday night and then do a relaxed tour to nearby areas of recent (7 000 years ago) volcanic activity on Saturday and Sunday morning. These include crater lakes, lava caves, lava canals, and volcanic cones. On the way home on Sunday we will look at volcanic features in the vicinity of Colac – Camperdown. Total expected walking distance over the weekend will be around 20 kms, though visits to the volcanic mountains will entail some ascents. Each participant will also require a headlamp to visit the lava cave at Byaduk.
| Sun 2 May | IAN ARNOTT WALKS REVISITED: ADA RIVER SAWMILLS | M |
Walk area: Yarra Ranges State Park Max walkers: 15 Walking distance: 15 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 75 km E Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
The Ada River area past Powelltown was once a major timber production area, and the walk includes several old saw-mill sites and the famous giant 300 year old tree, The walk involves clamouring over fallen trees in sections – not too difficult, and a circuit of the Island Creek rainforest.
| Sat–Sun 8-9 May | FEDERATION HUT/MT FEATHERTOP BEGINNER PACK CARRY | M |
Walk area: Mt Hotham/Harrietville Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 25km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 450 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
This is one of the classic alpine walks. About 3 hours to the Federation Hut campsite along the razorback. Set up camp then a 45 min walk up to the summit of Feathertop for stunning, 3600 views. Overnight at Fed Hut and then retrace steps the next morning. The razorback is an easy, undulating walk (provided the weather is OK) and the views along the way are spectacular.
| Sun 9 May | MT EVELYN FOREST | EM |
''Walk area: Dandenongs Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 10.5 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 52kms SE Overdue Walks Procedure No
This part of the Dandenongs is much drier than the rest of the national park. An open canopy of box stringybark allows light into the forest. The walk includes part of the Olinda Creek walking track. Climbing 280m.
| Wed 12 May | MELBOURNE ZOO | E |
Walk area: Within the Zoo Max walkers Walking distance: 6 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: Suburban Overdue Walks Procedure No
Being a former Zoo Guide, Barbara will share her inside knowledge of happenings at the Zoo and will also have a current Guide to accompany our group. Cost of entry for seniors is $22 and car parking at the Zoo is available for $2 for five hours. Meet at Victoria Park at 8.45 a.m.
| Sat 15 May | BIRDWATCHING | E |
Walk area: Ricketts Point, Port Phillip Bay Max walkers 15 Walking distance:
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 20 km SE Overdue Walks Procedure No
The Ricketts Point nature reserve area is home to many seabirds and we can also look for a few bush birds. You need money for parking. We should finish around lunchtime and could have lunch at the café if people want to. Binoculars essential. Please bring a field guide if you have one.
| Sun 16 May | STRATHBOGIE RANGES | M |
Walk area: Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 15 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 140 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk area yet to be previewed. Some climbing and some off track walking. See rugged hills, rocky outcrops and misty forests.
| Wed 19 May | CLUB MEETING Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road. | - |
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
| Sat 22 May | TREE PLANTING | - |
Walk area: Kinglake Max walkers 30 Walking distance: NA
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 140 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Come and do your bit to help bushfire reconstruction. We will spend the day planting trees under the guidance of a Parks Victoria ranger. Bring digging tools and strong gardening gloves as well as your lunch. The proposed site is Marshalls Road (off Buttermans Track), St Andrews. It is accessed via quite good dirt roads, and there are no facilities. There is a 350 metre walk into the site. It is quite exposed, so be prepared for inclement weather.
| Sun 23 May | RED HILL RAIL TRAIL | EM |
Walk area: Southern Mornington Peninsula Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 13 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 90km south east Overdue Walks Procedure No
A gentle climb from Merricks up to Red Hill along a pretty track bordered by big old pine trees. Lunch at the wonderful Red Hill Bakery is an option before returning to Merricks with occasional marvellous views to the southern peninsula along the way
| Sun 23 May | KEPPELL HUT | H |
Walk area: Lake Mountain Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 19 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 117 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Lake Mountain and the surrounding State park is the closest part of Victoria’s Alpine region to Melbourne. This is a great walk that visits some of the best features lake Mountain has to offer including alpine ash and snowgum forests, the site of an historic cattlemen hut and several lookouts over the Victorian Alps. Walk contains a steep climb.
| Fri-Sun 29-30 May | MYSTERY WEEKEND | EM |
Walk area: A mystery Max walkers na Walking distance: na
Distance/direction from Melbourne: secret Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
The venue is a mystery and people going will receive written instructions on how to get there in the week prior to the event. The weekend involves camping out and some walking (easy medium level) plus a range of activities and some dressing up. We will all share in a communal dinner on Saturday night. There will a small fee for equipment hire – about $20 each plus any camping fees which might be payable.
| Sun 30 May | CRESWICK FOREST | EM |
Walk area: Goldfields Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 13.5 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 119kms W Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
The area near Creswick was reserved as forest in the late 1800’s following the gold rush. This circuit walk passes through old gold mining areas, St Georges Lake and the homestead site of William Spence who was famous in the early trade union days.
Climbing 170m.
| Sat 5 Jun | TRACK REPAIR |
Walk area: Cathedral Ranges Max walkers 15 Walking distance: NA
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 120 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
An opportunity for those who do medium and harder walks to work with the Parks Victoria ranger to help repair tracks in this favourite walking area.
| Sun 6 Jun | IAN ARNOTT WALKS REVISITED: UPPER LERDERDERG RIVER | M |
Walk area: Lerderderg State Park Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 17km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 87 km W Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Much of this walk will be along the upper reaches of the Lerderderg River, but will include a forest walk to Mt Wilson. Much of the track is along old race lines used for gold mining with some off track.
| Fri-Mon 11-14 Jun | APOLLO BAY BASE CAMP | EM - M |
Walk area: Otways Max walkers 24 Walking distance: varied
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 200 km SW Nearest town:Apollo Bay
Spend the June long weekend in the YHA Eco Lodge at Apollo Bay. A variety of walks in the Ottways and parts of the Great Ocean Walk will be offered. Cost $86 for three nights bunk accommodation. Places strictly limited in the lodge, but you may be able to make your own camping arrangements elsewhere in Apollo Bay.
| Sun 13 Jun | YARRAN DHERAN & Mitcham | E |
Walk area: Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 12km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 15 km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
This walk continues and extends the one that was cut short due to extreme heat in January. Follow the path of the Eastern Freeway. It is well worth a look at how good engineering has preserved the Mullum Mullum Creek area.
| Sun 20 Jun | BELLS BEACH & IRONBARK BASIN | EM |
Walk area: Surf Coast Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 100 km 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.
| Wed 23 Jun | DOONGALLA FOREST WALK | EM |
''Walk area: Dandenong Ranges Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 12 km\\
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 42 km E Overdue Walks Procedure No''
Boots must be worn. Walking pole/s recommended. Some rocky sections and several 50 – 100 m climbs. Doongalla Forest takes in the western slopes of the Dandenong Ranges. Tall Mountain Ash, Long Leaved Box and Red Stringybark eucalyptus, tree fern gullies. Pack an extra morning tea snack to enjoy in the beautiful gardens of Doongalla. Panoramic views of Melbourne and beyond. Meet at Victoria Park at 8.45 a.m.
| Sun 27 Jun | WINTER WARMERS SERIES: DOMINO RAIL TRAIL | E |
Walk area: Trentham Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 10 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 85 km NW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes\\The first in a series of three, where a relatively short winter walk will be followed by lunch in a cosy restaurant. Starting from the old railway station in the picturesque town of Trentham, the trail passes through bushland which is the habitat of the endangered Powerful Owl. Signboards along the trail explain the history of the area. The walk will conclude with lunch at the Redbeard Bakery which specialises in Scotch Oven Sourdough bread. After lunch there will be an opportunity to explore the historic buildings around Trentham.
None listed