Visit this often overlooked area for a relaxed extended base camp to explore the local area. We will camp in the national park with only basic facilities, and visit different areas of the park as well as local reserves. This trip will particularly appeal to bird watchers, so bring your field glasses.
Easy/Medium 30km | Limit 12 | 375km NW Melb
From Mernda station, catch the 381 bus to Laurimar. From there we walk to Yan Yean Reservoir and return to Mernda station.
Easy/Medium 15km | Limit 15 | 30km N Melb
Meeting at Gembrook we will drive along easy forest tracks (suitable for AWD vehicles) and take short walks to various natural and historic sites: the Kurth Kiln Regional Park, historic tram lines, Mount Donna Buang, the Rainforest Gallery and Acheron Way. See evidence of current and past logging practices and have time to discuss aspects of land management. Picnic lunch in the bush. Run in conjunction with the Land Rover Owners Club of Victoria.
Easy 140km | Limit 12 | 66km E Melb
A pleasant stroll on the Diamond Creek Trail, then on to Montsalvat for a late morning tea.
Easy 6km | Limit 12 | 23km NE Melb
NEW ACTIVITY ADDED TO THE PROGRAM
Boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera) is a Weed of National Significance (WONS) and extremely invasive. The seeds are long-lived posing a persistent threat to the natural environment.
For nearly twenty years, bushwalking clubs including VNPA have removed Boneseed from marked plots along Cook Street Spur, Arthurs Seat. Our aim is to remove the seedlings that emerge each year. Join us at this annual event to experience a beautiful part of the Mornington Peninsula. Lunch provided at Sea Winds through the generosity of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. All welcome.
Easy | 20 + | 70km SE Melb.
It may only be a 16km walk but this is one for those who are fit. The first 9km are straight up from Donnelley’s Weir to the top of Mount St Leonard. We will have lunch there and continue onto the Tanglefoot Track, finishing at the Wirrawilla Car Park. Car shuttle required, so some of us may drive to Wirrawilla and others to Donnelly’s Weir.
Hard 16km | Limit 12 | 85km NE Melb
Introducing Sera Blair, VNPA’s new NatureWatch Coordinator. Learn about NatureWatch activities and how you can be involved.
60 Leicester St Carlton. Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7:30pm start. Entry $2. Tea, coffee, wine and biscuits provided.
Central Park is a new park in New Quay, Docklands. It is the biggest park to open in the inner city since Birrarung Marr. We will explore this new park and visit Icehouse and the Southern Star Observation Wheel. Optional lunch/coffee.
Easy 5km | Limit 15
Starting at Lara station we shall explore Lime Burners Cove, Geelong Waterfront, and the Barwon River, before finishing at South Geelong station and catching the train home. Fairly flat and mostly on bike paths.
Easy/Medium 35km | Limit 9 | 60km SW Melb
Vline train from Southern Cross Station at 10.15am, with BYO lunch. Enjoy the Botanic Gardens, the Campaspe River Walk and the fine old buildings in the town. Possibly late autumn colour. Find a coffee shop before the train home at about 3.30pm.
Easy 6km | Limit 20 | 84km NW Melb
Mount Worth State Park, situated south east of Melbourne, protects 1000 hectares of natural forest, regenerating native bush and cleared pastures in the Western Strzelecki Ranges. The park protects a rich variety of native flora and wildlife. There will be easy walks through the forest. On our way to the park there will be a stop at Drouin for a visit to the farmers’ market and a stop at Yarragon on our return journey.
Leader: Geoff Durham
Easy 7km | Limit 57 | 125km SE Melb
Malmsbury is a special town. It has history galore, a waterfall, a very attractive reservoir, a great view from the Botanic Gardens and a scenic rail journey to and from Melbourne. This walk will try to visit all these features, as well as a short stop in its famous bakery.
Easy/Medium 13km | Limit 15 | 130km NW Melb
Walk through the Australian Garden, Woodlands and Wetlands Area. The garden is a significant area for biodiversity conservation, with many species of native plants. If we’re lucky, we may even see or hear some if its mammal or amphibian residents.
Easy 8km | Limit 10 | 55km SE Melb
10am-1pm. Birding is a wonderful way to bring new excitement to your adventures in nature. Come and learn tricks and tips on bird watching from bird enthusiasts. You’ll learn about bird features, spotting and hearing birds, resources for identifying birds and we can practice our skills on the birds of the Organ Pipes. Suitable for all ages. Family friendly.
Easy 2-3kms | Limit 25 | 30kms NW Melb
From Belgrave station we walk to Kallista and Sherbrooke. We continue to Ferny Creek and One Tree Hill, before heading to Upper Ferntree Gully station.
Medium 17km | Limit 15 | 35km E Melb
An autumnal walk exploring trails around the Dandenongs, to experience the colours of the autumn leaves, including the Pirianda Gardens and the Dandenong Botanical Gardens.
Medium 16km | Limit 15 | 48km E Melb
Help us monitor local wildlife and assist with local conservation efforts! Join our field sessions to set up motion sensor cameras in the forest. No experience necessary. Must be able to walk 1-2km on forest paths. Meeting in Trentham or Blackwood. Community partner: Wombat Forestcare Inc.
Easy | ~100km NW of Melbourne
Tree planting for koala habitat restoration.
Easy/Medium | 235km SE Melb
A pleasant late autumn ramble around the Bryces Gorge area in the Alpine NP. Impressive waterfalls and attractive treeless subalpine plains are a feature of this area.
Medium 20km | Limit 10 | 320km NE Melb
Meet at Werribee train station by 11am. We will be catching the 439 bus to Werribee South Beach, so it is important to arrive on time. Werribee South is developing fast; town houses, a marina and coffee shops. BYO lunch.
Easy 8km | Limit 20
Hear about our recent walks, catch up with those you’ve walked with before, or make new friends to walk with in the future! Dinners are a very informal way to meet others under 35 (more or less) who are interested in bushwalking. Details and contact information for the host will be posted to the U35 email and Meetup list. RSVP essential.
The Elsternwick Golf Course, through which Elster Creek runs, has closed and is now open parkland adjoining the old Elsternwick Park on the other side of the creek. We will follow the creek downstream from Gardenvale station. Optional lunch/coffee.
Easy 5km | Limit 15 | 10km SE Melb
This walk will start and finish at Ned’s Gully, climbing Cathedral Peak en route, and then continuing along the ridge to the Farmyard saddle before descending to the trail back to Ned’s Gully. Great views along the ridge.
Medium 13km | Limit 12 | 116km E Melb
Medium/Hard/Exploratory 15km | Limit 6 | 350km W Melb
Explore the beauty of Gippsland’s rainforest area in these two shorter walks. Discover Victoria’s highest historic trestle timber bridge, as we follow the old rail trail to Noojee Bridge. At Toorongo Falls Reserve, we will also see Amphitheatre Falls from spectacular viewing platforms.
Easy/Medium 9km | Limit 10 | 105km E Melb
ACTIVITY RESCHEDULED (previously 12 June, now will be on 5 June)
Andrew Kelly, Yarra River Keeper will tell the river’s stories, highlighting its heritage and wonders as well as its challenges. 60 Leicester St Carlton. Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7:30pm start. Entry $2. Tea, coffee, wine and biscuits provided.
We will be doing volunteer work to assist the rangers at Hattah NP. Possible jobs include weed removal and cleaning up an old revegetation site, but this may change depending on the ranger’s priorities. Friday departure to camp at Lake Mournpall. There will be an opportunity for a short walk in the area on Monday morning prior to returning home.
Medium 20km | | 450km NW Melb
The water may be chilly, but if you’re out and about along the coast near Melbourne over these days, consider taking images for the Sea Slug Census. Sea Slugs (also called nudibranchs) come in every colour and pattern and can be found in rockpools right through to the bottom of the sea. To find out more about these amazing creatures, and how to send in any photos you take visit www.vnpa.org.au/sea-slug-census.
Easy | Port Phillip Bay & Western Port Bay
Catch a tram to Kew Cricket Ground, near the cemetery. Meet by 1pm. Option to arrive earlier to eat your BYO lunch. We walk part of the Outer Circle Trail, Stradbroke Park and on to Hays Paddock. Return to High Street for coffee.
Easy 6km | Limit 20
On the journey to the Brisbane Ranges NP there will be a stop in Werribee for morning tea and a walk along the river. On arrival at the Brisbane Ranges there will be a 4.5km walk along the Anakie Gorge Walking Track. Prizes for koala spotting. Lunch will be at the Anakie Gorge Picnic Area. On our return journey there will be a stop in Bacchus Marsh for afternoon tea and a visit to the fruit and vegetable stalls.
Leader: Ruth Stirling
Easy 5km | Limit 57 | 80km W Melb
This walk is very close to being completely level, but it can be tiring because of several sections walking along firm surfaces. Views of Corio Bay, Hovells Creek, and, of course, Serendip Sanctuary, are highlights.
Medium 16km | Limit 15 | 70km SW Melb
This walk takes in the northern extremes of the Kinglake NP. It is all on 4WD tracks. A few steep ups and downs.
Easy/Medium 16km | Limit 12 | 80km NE Melb
Family fun! Bring the kids and learn more about monitoring local wildlife using motion sensor cameras. Fun activities at Lyonville Mineral Springs Reserve followed by a chance to help set up cameras in the forest. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Starts 10am, ending approx. 2pm.
Easy | ~100km NW of Melbourne
Starting at Edithvale we walk along the beach to Carrum. We will explore parts of the Paterson Lakes, before linking up trails through the wetlands back to Edithvale.
Medium 16 –18km | Limit 15 | 45km S Melb
Leaving the cars at home we shall catch the train to Upper Ferntree Gully station. The walk will take in spectacular mountain ash trees, fern gullies, and native birdlife. Some steepish, but friendly, hills involved.
Easy/Medium 13km | Limit 12 | 30km E Melb
Meet at 1pm at Alphington station. The walk is through Darebin Park and along the Darebin Creek to Northland Shopping Centre. Coffee at the shopping centre before catching a bus home. The walk will be led by Ruth Stirling. If you want to book during June please ring Ruth, 9699 7225.
Easy 6km | Limit 20
At Diamond station we follow Diamond Creek and Maroondah Aqueduct trail to Research Park. From there we walk on some local trails to Eltham station.
Easy/Medium 14km | Limit 15 | 25km NE Melb
Meet at 11am downstairs at Fed Square, near the entrance to the Ian Potter Centre: NGV. After coffee, we will walk along the river bank, Birrarung Marr, to the Morell Bridge. Cross over to the Botanic Gardens and wind our way to the Shrine. Take in Albert Park Lake, the See Yup Temple, and Emerald Hill, on our way to finish at the vibrant South Melbourne Market. Plenty of food for lunch! Tram 96 will take you back to the city.
Easy 8km | Limit 20
