* NB: Asterisked walks are intended as previews for the 2013 Federation Day event.
| Wed 16 May | CLUB MEETING | - |
Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road.
Including Annual General Meeting.
| Sun 20 May | WERRIBEE GORGE * | M |
Walk area: Werribee Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 10 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 20 km W Overdue Walks Procedure: Yes
This spectacular gorge close to Melbourne lets you enjoy beautiful cliff scenery and delightful river beaches. All on sandy track or river bank. Two small rock scrambles required.
| Sat 26 May | DANDENONG SHORT AND STEEP: OLINDA | EM |
Walk area: Dandenong Ranges NP Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 7 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 40 km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
Starting on Ridge Road at Mt Dandenong aboretum, the walk follows Mechanics Track to Olinda Falls, Olinda Creek Road, and then returns via Barges Track, Falls Road and Mechanics Track. Downhill first then uphill.
| Sun 27 May | DAREBIN CREEK: EPPING TO BUNDOORA | E |
Walk area: Melbourne Metropolitan Distance/direction from Melbourne:10 km NE
Walking distance: 12 km Overdue Walks No
The lower reaches of Darebin Creek flow through Rockbeare Park, but this Sunday we will follow its flow towards the Yarra in the northerly part. Meet at 9am at Flinders Street Station under the clocks to journey to Epping. Return will be by tram from Bundoora.
| Wed 30 May | BLACKWOOD HISTORIC TOUR* | E |
Walk area: Lerderderg State Park Max 20 walkers Walking distance: 8 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 90km NW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
An extra Wednesday walk this month as a preview for our Federation Day walks in 2013. Visit some of the interesting features in and around the town of Blackwood. Includes the site of an old Chinese village, the museum, cemetery, and Mineral Springs reserve. Partly on walking track, part quiet country road. Meet at Victoria Park at 8.45 am.
| Sun 3 Jun | LERDERDERG GORGE: LOWER LONG POINT SPUR* | H |
Walk area: Lerderderg State Park Max walkers 10 Walking distance: 13 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 86km W Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk starts/ends at Mackenzies Flat (toilets) and initially will entail 5km of rockhopping and scrambling over large log jambs along the river to the Lerderderg Weir. Here we ascend approx. 400m up Long Spur. Along the Blackwood Range Track great views are had of gorge and surrounds weather permitting. It is strongly suggested that you have at least 3 liters of drink on board and pole/s are handy if you use them.You also need to be confident of footfall when rockhopping and ankle supporting boots are recommended. Meet at Kew Library car park 7.30 am.
| Sun 3 Jun | MOGGS CREEK | M |
Walk area: Lorne- Angahook State Park Max walkers 24 Walking distance: 16.5 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 124 km SW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Beach, forest and fabulous views. Prolific birdlife and winter flowering plants. Some beach walking, otherwise good footpaths and unused roads. Total climbing 350m. Car shuffle required.
| Sat 9 Mon - 11 Jun | BASE CAMP: GRAMPIANS | M |
Walk area: Grampians National Park Distance/direction from Melbourne: 280 km W
Walking distance: n/a Overdue Walks Procedure: Yes
We will stay in cabins at the Halls Gap Caravan Park and spend each day doing walks in the area. A range of walks will be offered to accommodate all level of walkers.
| Sun 10 Jun | KINGLAKE NP: MASONS FALLS CIRCUIT | EM |
Walk area: Kinglake National Park Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 65 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
First visit to the Masons Falls area post-2009 fires. At time of planning, the falls remain inaccessible due to fire damage, so we will complete the circuit via Wallaby Track rather than the Masons Falls picnic area, hence distance is slightly less than the standard circuit. Start/End at Mt Sugarloaf. Rating due to 1 steep descent & 1
steep ascent. (If the falls area is open we will of course visit them and complete the standard circuit, 13.5km.)
| Wed 13 Jun | FLINDERS ST. STATION TOUR & LUNCH | E |
Walk area: CBD Max walkers Walking distance: 1 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: CBD Overdue Walks Procedure No
This month there will be a social gathering commencing with a tour of the out-of-the-way places in Flinders Street Station (unfortunately this does not include the ballroom) followed by lunch at Angliss Restaurant. The Flinders St. Tour can only take 15 people so the first to indicate interest will be given priority. Those doing the tour should meet Under the Clocks at 10.15 a.m. for the 10.30 a.m. hour long tour. Those who wish to only do the lunch should meet at the restaurant, 555 LaTrobe Street at 11.55 a.m.
| Sat 16 Jun | GREEN GULLY CIRCUIT* | M |
Walk area: Lerderderg State Park Max walkers Walking distance: 17 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 95km NW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
We will be walking in the upper reaches of the Lederderg River completing a circular walk that involves a climb to Fosters Lookout and then on to McLaughlins Lookout (830m) with good views from here of Mt Macedon and the You-Yangs. We then descend to the river on Green Gully Track and then return on the Lerderderg Heritage River Trail. We will see evidence of gold mining (we walk alongside a water race) in this area following discovery of gold in 1854.
| Sun 17 Jun | WINTER WARMERS SERIES: PUNCHBOWL TO KILCUNDA | EM |
Walk area: Bass Coast Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 14 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 120km SE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A classic walk from Punchbowl along the cliffs to Kilcunda. Lunch in the pub, then retrace our steps to the cars. It may be possible to offer a one way easy option if some people want to arrange a car shuffle. The walking track follows the clifftop eastward to Kilcunda. This walk stays above the cliffs except we will walk down to Sandy Waterholes beach and then rejoin the clifftop track and pass Arch Rock and Black Head.
| Wed 20 Jun | CLUB MEETING | - |
Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road.
Speaker: Andy Elam will talk about First Aid for bushwalkers.
| Sat 23 - Sun 24 Jun | MYSTERY WEEKEND | EM |
Walk area: Unknown it is to be a surprise Max walkers Walking distance: 15 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: ?? (max 3 hours drive) Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
This weekend is designed to be full of surprises. Directions of how to get there will be sent the week prior but the location will remain secret until you arrive. You will be camping in tents, with some EM walks, other activities and a shared feast for dinner on Saturday. There will be a small charge (about $20) to hire a large dining tent in case of cold or inclement weather. Come along for fun and festivities.
| Sun 24 Jun | BYERS BACK TRACK* | EM |
Walk area: Lerderderg State Park Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 10.3 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 87 km Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A 2013 Federation Day walk. The walk involves an initial short climb and then remains fairly level. It follows an old water race around the steep Lerderderg valley with wonderful views of the river. A car shuffle is required.
| Sun 24 Jun | GOLDEN MILE | E |
Walk area: Melbourne Central Walking distance: 10 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: Overdue Walks Procedure No
Use will be made of the Immigration Museum guide to the historical buildings, statues and other features of the city, with a visit to Docklands serving as a modern contrast. As this is a city walk, stout footwear will suffice. Bring lunch, but there will be coffee stops. Free travel for seniors as usual. Meet under the .clocks at Flinders St station at 9.15am.
| Sat 30 Jun | DANDENONG SHORT AND STEEP: DOONGALLA FOREST | EM |
Walk area: Dandenong Ranges Max walkers Walking distance: 8 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 42km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
Doongalla Forest takes in the western slopes of the Dandenong Ranges. Tall Mountain Ash, Long Leaved Box and Red Stringybark eucalyptus. Panoramic views of Melbourne and beyond.
A quick morning's exercise that allows you to be home for lunch.
| Fri 29 Jun - Sun 1 Jul | OVERNIGHT SNOW WALK | H |
Walk area: Alpine Max walkers 8 Walking distance:
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 350km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk area will be Bogong, Feathertop, Mt Wills, Mt St Gwinnear, Mt Erica, or Lake Mountain, depending on snow conditions. Usual equipment required i.e. snowshoes, crampons.
| Sun 1 July | SARDINE & CLEARWATER CREEKS* | MH |
Walk area: Max walkers 10 Walking distance: 13 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 90km NW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Visit the Tunnel and catchments of Sardine and Clearwater Creeks. Involves typical step ridgelines into and out of the Lerderderg River, water races and off track walking beside Clearwater Creek. Also creek and river crossings may mean wet feet.
| Sun 1 Jul | PROFOUND VISIONS:THE DEVONIAN DANDENONGS AND ITS SPIRIT OF PLACE | EM |
Walk area: Sassafras and Olinda Distance/direction from Melbourne: 36 km E
Max walkers 10 Walking distance: 12 km Overdue Walks Procedure: No
Arthur Streeton, one of Australia's best known landscape painters, spent the last years of his life residing in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges among some of the world's tallest flowering plants. Piece together the evidence for his attachment to place by investigating the geological and botanical background (remnants of Gondwanaland).
Visit George Tinsdale Gardens, the outside of Streeton's home, a volcanic caldera, and a lookout where Streeton painted. Leisurely lunch at restaurant overlooking iconic Cloudehill Gardens www.cloudehill.com.au (Entrance fee to gardens $5). Approx 250 metres of climbing with one steep pinch. Walking is all on tracks and quiet roads. Slippery under foot with exposed tree roots in places. Car shuffle
| Sun 8 Jul | WINTER WARMERS SERIES: LERDERDERG HERITAGE RIVER WALK* | E |
Walk area: Blackwood Distance/direction from Melbourne: 90km NW
Max walkers: Walking distance: 9 km Overdue Walks Procedure: Yes
The southern reaches of the Wombat Forest embrace the beautiful stretch of the Lederderg River near Blackwood before it enters the gorge. Most of the walk follows water races with barely a hill to interupt the continiuty. Start/ finish at the Garden of St Earth. Geology, history and mystery will be revealed. Lunch at the Greendale Hotel.
| Sun 8 Jul | EAST TRACK VIA COWANS TRACK (CIRCUIT)* | M |
Walk area: Lerderderg SP Distance/direction from Melbourne: 87km
Max walkers: 12 Walking distance: 14 km Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Start at O'Briens Crossing. Follow Short Cut Tk (150 m climb) over a lovely timbered hill. Then follow O'Briens Rd to Cowans Tk. Descend Cowans Tk (approx. 200m decent and v steep) to Lerderderg R. After which we follow East Tk beside the Lerderderg R back to O'Briens Crossing.
Est 4-5 hrs of actual walking. All on track.
(This walk is a possible walk BBI's Federation Day Oct 2013)
| Wed 11 Jul | SEAHOLME TO SPOTSWOOD VIA WILLIAMSTOWN | E |
Walk area: Western suburbs Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 15km SW Overdue Walks Procedure No
Train service will be utilised, covering Altona coastal park, Williamstown wetlands, botanical gardens, Point Gellibrand heritage area, and finally the river Yarra path. This area is all well made paths. Bring Seniors daily or charged up Myki (no free ride Wednesdays).
Meet under the Flinders Street Station clocks at 9.15 am.
| Sun 15 Jul | SUGARLOAF RESERVOIR | M |
Walk area: Christmas Hills Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 18 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 52km NE Overdue Walks Procedure No
A relatively new walk around an expansive reservoir in the beautiful Christmas Hills. We will walk the entire rim of the reservoir which is part of Melbourne's water supply. This is home to large numbers of kangaroos, wallabies and various birdlife including wedge-tailed eagles. The walk passes in and out of open dry forest clearing to grassy areas with good views. Only a small amount of climbing, a couple of short sharp pinches.
| Wed 18 Jul | CLUB MEETING | - |
Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road.
Walks leaders will talk about what to carry in your pack.
| Sun 22 Jul | YANKEE CREEK MINE* (Cancelled) | M |
Walk area: Lerderderg State Park Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 16 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 95km NW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A preview walk for our Federation Day walks in 2013. A circuit walk along tracks in the Blackwood area including the historic Yankee Mine. Grading M because of distance.
| Sun 22 Jul | RED HILL RAIL TRAIL (New) | E |
Walk area: Red Hill Max walkers - Walking distance: 9 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 50km S Overdue Walks Procedure No
Late change. Lunch at the Red Hill Bakery. Contact Cathy Nall Mob: 0407864997. e-mail: cathynall@bigpond.com
| Sat 28 Jul | DANDENONG SHORT AND STEEP: CHANDLERS HILL | EM |
Walk area: Dandenong Ranges NP Distance/direction from Melbourne: 40 km E
Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 6 km Overdue Walks Procedure: No
Explore a lesser known part of the Fern Tree Gully park area, including Chandlers Hill and One Tree Hill. Lots of great views back to the city. A quick morning's exercise that allows you to be home for lunch.
| Fri 27 - Sun 29 Jul | OVERNIGHT SNOW WALK | H |
Walk area: Alpine Max walkers 8 Walking distance:
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 350km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk area will be Bogong, Feathertop, Mt Wills, Mt St Gwinnear, Mt Erica, or Lake Mountain, depending on snow conditions. Usual equipment required i.e. snowshoes, crampons.
| Sun 5 Aug | WINTER WARMERS SERIES: CARROLL SPRING* | E |
Walk area: Wombat State Forest Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 8 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 85 km NW Overdue Walks Procedure No
A pleasant walk on track through forest along the upper reaches of the Werribee River. The area is home to the powerful owl and greater glider. If we are able to ford the river with ease then you can sample the mineral water from Caroll Spring. Otherwise we will take a modified route that retraces our steps on the return journey.The walk will conclude with lunch at While the Billy Boils in Gordon.
| Wed 8 Aug | BIRDSLAND | E |
Walk area: Dandenong Foothills Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 10 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 40 km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
Starting in Birds Land reserve, the walk passes two lakes and continues along tracks in Lysterfield Park. Pleasant views across the Dandenongs and back to Melbourne. This is a slightly shorter version of a previous Sunday walk, with less steep hills. Meet at Victoria Park at 8.45 a.m.
| Sat 11 - Sun 12 Aug | WILSONS PROMONTORY PACK CARRY | MH |
Walk area: Wilsons Prom Distance/direction from Melbourne: Max walkers 12
Walking distance: 80 km Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
This will be the first Club overnight pack carry to the Prom since the floods early last year. The plan is to camp on Saturday at Little Waterloo Bay. Because of track closures we will need to walk to the campsite via Oberon Beach, a distance of 17 kms. We will leave Tidal River at 09.00 am on Saturday morning, which will allow time for the group to walk part way along the track with daypacks towards Refuge Cove once we have set up our tents. On Sunday morning we will walk part way along the track towards the lighthouse.
Expected time of return to the cars at Tidal River is around 16.00. To enable a 09.00 am departure on Saturday participants may wish to stay at Tidal River on Friday night, either camp or use one of the basic huts. Could you please indicate your preferences ASAP?
| Sun 12 Aug | DANDENONG CREEK | E |
Walk area: City of Dandenong environs Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: Overdue Walks Procedure No\\
South of the city of Dandenong, Dandenong Creek provides extensive walking trails. Free weekend tickets extend to Dandenong. Time of boarding will be announced later, as the new timetable is just out. Meet under the .clocks at Flinders St station at 9.15am.
| Sun 12 Aug | YOU YANGS REGIONAL PARK | EM |
Walk area: You Yangs, Lara Distance/direction from Melbourne: 65 km
Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 14 km Overdue Walks Procedure No
The You Yangs are reopening following 2011 flood damage (with Parks Vic scheduled to complete the Flinders Peak access by end-June). A series of circuit walks through the park with possible cross-country navigation exercise bring your compass/GPS, maps supplied.
| Wed 15 Aug | CLUB MEETING | - |
Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road.
| Sun 19/8 | WESTERN BLUFF & FALCONS LOOKOUT* | MH |
Walk area: Werribee Gorge Distance/direction from Melbourne: 55km West
Max walkers 10 Walking distance: 5.2 km Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
This walk plunges from the Western rim of Werribee Gorge down to the river via a narrow and rocky spur. It then crosses the Werribee River, following it across Needles beach then crossing again to access Ironbark Gorge. From the mouth of the gorge we climb a steep, scrambly section then up a steep spur to
lookout. There are some spectacular views of the gorge and river in this rugged, challenging terrain. Be prepared for river crossings and steep rocky sections to negotiate. Approximate walking time is 4 hours.
| Sun 19 Aug | MORNINGTON TO MT MARTHA | E |
Walk area: Mornington Peninsula Distance/direction from Melbourne: 65 km km S
Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 12 km Overdue Walks Procedure: No
A scenic walk along cliff top paths, beach, quiet roads and estuarine boardwalks. Car shuttle required.
| Sat 25 Aug | DANDENONG SHORT AND STEEP: SHERBROOKE FALLS | EM |
Walk area: Dandenong Ranges NP Distance/direction from Melbourne: 45 km E
Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 8 km Overdue Walks Procedure: No
Starting at the tavern on Monbulk Rd at the bottom of the hill, we go up via Hillclimb track to explore the western part of Sherbrooke Forest. View the falls from both sides of Sherbrooke Creek. See mountain ash, tree ferns and perhaps a lyrebird.
| Sun 26 Aug | WARRANDYTE GOLD | EM |
Walk area: Warrandyte State Park Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 34km NE Overdue Walks Procedure No
This walk visits the location of the first official gold discovery in Victoria at Andersons Creek in 1851, as well as many of the underground mines, surface diggings and alluvial activities. It links together a number of sections of the Warrandyte State Park into a single circuit, following footpaths, gravel access tracks and the occasional sealed suburban road.
| Sat-Sun 25-26 Aug | REGENT HONEYEATER PROJECT PLANTING WEEKEND | - |
Walk area: Lurg Hills near Benalla Max walkers - Walking distance: --km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 200km NE Overdue Walks Procedure No
Conservation Activity. Join landholders, bushwalkers and other volunteers in a nationally significant project to plant wildlife corridors on properties in the Lurg Hills near Benalla. Tools provided, but good idea to BYO trowel. The sponsors provide morning and afternoon tea (drinks only; BYO nibbles) on Saturday and Sunday; dinner on Saturday night, followed by a bush dance or, sometimes, spotlighting; and a BBQ lunch on Sunday.
Accommodation options: free accommodation (mattress only) at Benalla Scout Hall or camp outside the hall; otherwise as arranged by Joslin Guest.
Travel arrangements: requires an early start (about 6am on Saturday morning) to arrive at Benalla by 9.00am
(If you cannot attend on this weekend, alternative planting weekends are on Aug 11-2, Sept 8-9 & Sept 24-24. If you are going on one of these dates, advise Ray Thomas, the RHE Project Coordinator at ray@regenthoneyeat.org.au)
| Fri 24 - Sun 26 Aug | OVERNIGHT SNOW WALK | H |
Walk area: Alpine Max walkers 8 Walking distance:
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 350km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk area will be Bogong, Feathertop, Mt Wills, Mt St Gwinnear, Mt Erica, or Lake Mountain, depending on snow conditions. Usual equipment required i.e. snowshoes, crampons.
| Mon 10- Sun 16 Sep | GREAT SOUTH WEST WALK STAGE 1: PACK CARRY (and BASE CAMP) | MH |
Walk area: South-west coastal Victoria Max walkers - Walking distance: 100km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 290km W Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
This is to be a pack carry walking between Portland and Nelson along the coastline visiting Cape Nelson lighthouse, Petrified forest and blowhole, Bridgewater Bay and its seal colony, Discovery Bay sand dunes and lakes. Stage 2 at a later time follows the Glenelg River (with canoeing option), then through forest back to Portland.
Opportunity for a base camp (tents or cabins) for members interested in doing day walks in conjunction with pack carry walkers, if another leader can organise
Expressions of interest invited for both. Dates negotiable.
| Fri 28 - Sun 30 Sep | OVERNIGHT SNOW WALK | H |
Walk area: Alpine Max walkers 8 Walking distance:
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 350km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk area will be Bogong, Feathertop, Mt Wills, Mt St Gwinnear, Mt Erica, or Lake Mountain, depending on snow conditions. Usual equipment required i.e. snowshoes, crampons.
| Sat 29 - Sun 30 Sep | ROCK CLIMBING | - |
Walk area: Mt Arapiles Max walkers: 12 Walking distance: --
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 350km NW Overdue Walks Procedure No
Rock climbing each morning from 9am to 1pm. Top-rope climbing on Saturday. Multi-pitch climbing on Sunday. Climbing is organised and supervised by the Climbing Company, and will be geared for beginners.
Walks around and over Mt Arapiles, or just watch our climbing efforts or the spectacular climbs of real practitioners of the sport. Camp at Mt Arapiles, or find accommodation at Nutimuk (10km from Mt Arapiles). Cost depends on the number of participants.
| Sat-Sun 27/28 Oct | THE GORGES WEEKEND | EM/M |
Walk area: Lerderderg Gorge State Park Max walkers -- Walking distance:
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 90km NW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Come and along and support the club this weekend. We are planning a series of walks in the area of Lerderderg and Werribee Gorges. We will be having a fun evening on the Saturday night at accommodation. If you cannot join us for the weekend come up for the day.
| Sat 3 - Tue6 Nov (Cup Weekend) | ERRINUNDRA PLATEAU | M |
Walk area: East Gippsland Max walkers Walking distance: TBA
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 375km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Base camp staying in tents at a central site and doing day walks. Walks planning still to be completed (will not
exceed Medium, Easy also available).
The National Park includes both ancient/old growth cool temperate and warm temperate rain forest.
Thanks to Jim McLaughlin for access to trip notes from previous visit.
| Xmas New Year 2012/13 | WALLS OF JERUSALEM NP | M |
Walk area: Central Tasmania Distance/direction from Melbourne: 600km SMax walkers TBA
Walking distance:TBA Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Plan is travel to/from Tasmania with the car (for flexibility of transport) and to spend several days exploring the National Park. Itinerary not yet finalised, input from interested participants invited.