Events
Upcoming VNPA eventsThese events have been organised by the VNPA's Bushwalking and Activities Group (BWAG), led by committed and experienced volunteers, and graded according to difficulty. Activities cost $5 a day for VNPA members and $9 for visitors, plus shared transport costs, when used. We encourage you to join the VNPA as a member before going on a BWAG activity, however, visitors can participate in up to three trips. After three trips, further participation is restricted to VNPA members. |
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For more information about any of the events please:
> see the activities program or request your FREE copy of the activities program.
> email VNPA at vnpa@vnpa.org.au or phone 03 9347 5188
April 4 - 11 (long trip) - Wed 4 until Tues 10 or Wed 11
THE OVERLAND AT EASTER, TASMANIA (UNDER 35)
Grade: hard
This iconic 6 day walk traverses some of Tasmania's most stunning, mountains and lakes. We'll meet in Launceston Wednesday evening ready for an early bus ride to Cradle Mountain Thursday morning, catching the bus from Lake St Clare to Hobart on Tuesday. Choice of returning to Melbourne Tuesday or recovering in Hobart for an extra day. Early bookings essential. Walkers must be regular, Under 35 pack carriers. Limit 8. Approx total cost $600.
(Note - see also page 30 of Activities Program for another Easter Tasmania walk)
February 3 - 6 (long trip)
WILSONS PROM NP - SOUTH EAST COAST
CANCELLED Due to track closures from floods this walk has been cancelled and replaced with trip to the Alpine National Park - see below.
February 3 - 5 - Friday to Sunday
MT HOTHAM TO MT FEATHERTOP VIA THE RAZORBACK TRACK, ALPINE NP
Grade: medium/hard 22km.
Drive up Friday night and set up camp by the Ovens River near Harrietville. Saturday morning drive up to Mt Hotham and start walk from the Diamantina Hut. Follow Razorback Track to Federation Hut camp site. Mt Feathertop can be scaled for breathtaking views of the Alpine National Park. Hike back to Harrietville on Sunday. Walkers should be capable of overnight pack carry and bring all weather attire. Limit 8.
February 4 - Saturday
U35 SORRENTO AND SURROUNDS
Grade: easy 15km
On Saturday we will walk from the camp ground/ YHA along the back beach of Sorrento and return to the accommodation via the front beach. Swimming in the afternoon and possibly pub grub for tea. On Sunday we will visit the Point Nepean NP fort and other historic sites. Limit 15. 80 km SE Melb.
LONG FOREST RESERVE
Grade: easy 12km
Enjoy the western aspect of Long Forest Reserve taking in the Coimadai area. A remnant protected pocket of uniquely Australian bull mallee woodland with equally rare birdlife for enthusiasts. There may be an opportunity for some easy off track scrambling. Limit 12. 50 km
February 5 - Sunday
MURRINDINDI RIVER WALK
Grade: medium 16km
The Murrindindi River walk track has been recently reopened after bushfire recovery and repair. Highlights of the walk will include the Murrindindi River Cascades and side trip to the 75m Wilhelmina Falls. Both should be looking impressive after recent heavier rains. We will end the day with a coffee stop at either Glenburn or Yarra Glen on the way home. Limit 15. 100 km NE Melb.
February 8 - Wednesday
WARBURTON IN SUMMER
Grade: easy 10km
We will do the River Walk looping around the river as it runs through town, then part of Backstairs Track including the waterfall, then Boing Bob's house. Option of an excellent lunch afterwards at the pub or a riverside cafe. Limit 15. 80 km E Melb.
February 11 - Saturday
RIDE: U35 CAPITAL CITY TRAIL-FED SQUARE TO ABBOTSFORD
Grade: easy 24km
A morning ride to the Farmers Market at Collingwood Children's Farm. Starting at Federation Square we follow the Capital City trail up the Yarra River enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the Market and Farm. Once panniers, baskets and tummies are full, we return back downstream to Federation Square. Suitable for all bikes on sealed bike paths. Entry to Farmer's Market by gold coin donation. Limit 15.
O'SHANNASSY AQUEDUCT TO O'SHANNASSY WEIR
Grade: medium 22km
Starting from Dee Road we walk along the beautiful O'Shannassy Aqueduct and its tall tree ferns all the way to the newly opened section up to the O'Shannassy weir. Car shuttle required. Limit 16. 80 km E Melb.
SORRENTO AND SURROUNDS
Grade: easy/medium 14km
A leisurely day walk exploring front and back beaches and cliff tops, with a swim thrown in if we are brave (wet weather) or lucky (glorious sunshine). Limit 12. 100 km S Melb.
February 12 - Sunday
POUND BEND-WARRANDYTE
Grade: easy 6km
Join us for a family friendly stroll along the middle reaches of the Yarra River. We should be able to spot a koala or six amongst the magnificent manna gums at Pound Bend, before relaxing at one of the riverside cafes in Warrandyte for a mid-morning refreshment. All welcome (including prams), but under-fives will be setting the pace. Limit 20. 35 km NE Melb.
February 13 - Monday
MELTON
Grade: easy 6km
Train from Southern Cross about 11am to Melton. The walk will explore the Toolern Creek, north towards the township with its ancient red gums and take in the volunteer instigated Botanic Garden started in 2009 and pass 'The Willows' historic homestead. BYO lunch and coffee to finish. Limit 20
February 15 - Wednesday
GET ACTIVE FOR NATURE NIGHT
Please RSVP to Amy Dyer on 9347 5188/ vnpa@vnpa.org.au
Everyone is welcome to come to this social night- new members, recent members, prospective members, existing members and friends. Join us for a glass of wine, tea, coffee and nibbles. This is a great opportunity to meet VNPA members, campaigners, staff and bushwalking leaders.
Meeting commences at 6.30pm in the ground floor meeting room at 60 Leicester St, Carlton. Doors open at 6.15pm.
February 18-19 weekend
MT FEATHERTOP PACK-CARRY (EC)
Grade: medium 22km
Savour our beautiful Victorian alps in summer. This classic walk delivers on grand panoramic scenery and wildflowers. Pack-carrying experience/fitness absolutely essential. Limit 6. 370 km NE Melb.
BARMAH NP CANOEING WEEKEND (EC)
Grade: medium 20km
Barmah National Park, together with the adjoining Millewa forest in New South Wales, forms the largest River Red Gum forest in the world. We will explore the Park by canoe (local hire available). Approximate cost for canoe hire and cabin accommodation $120. Applications (email jlbales12@gmail.com) close Friday 6 January 2012. Limit 12. 200 km N Melb.
February 18 - Saturday
EXCURSION BY COACH-TARRA BULGA NP
Grade: easy 5km
An early morning visit to Drouin farmers market and the Rose Garden at Warrigal. At Tarra Bulga there will be a walk through the cool temperate rainforest where there are giant Mountain Ash, Myrtle Beech and Sassafras. A suspension bridge will take us over a fern- filled gully. Afternoon tea will be at the interesting township of Yarragon. Limit 57. 195 km SE Melb.
POINT LONSDALE
Grade: easy/medium 16km
This is mostly a beach walk, accessed by public transport. We start at a lookout in Ocean Grove, then progressively leave the bustle for walking along a surprisingly quiet beach. Later we reach Point Lonsdale, directly beneath the lighthouse, and then our views become of The Rip and Point Nepean. There are two possible routes to follow on to Queenscliff, both also very scenic, dependent upon beach conditions. The beach walking will make the walk feel further than it actually is. Limit 20. 120 km SW Melb.
February 19 - Sunday
NEW MEMBERS WALK YARRA BEND PARK
Grade: easy 8km
Welcome to the VNPA! Celebrate joining Victoria's best nature conservation and bushwalking organisation with an introductory walk around Yarra Bend park. Just a few km from Melbourne's CBD, this park has some great bushland and a surprising diversity of wildlife. We'll explore shady bush tracks in search of birds and bats then relax by the river with a picnic lunch. New, old, and prospective members and friends all welcome. Limit 15. 5 km E Melb.
RIDE: O'SHANNASSY AQUEDUCT
Grade: medium 31km
A bike ride circuit between Launching Place and Warburton in the Yarra Valley, following the O'Shannassy Aqueduct and the Warburton Rail Trail. Trails suit mountain bikes and hybrids, not road bikes. Reliable well maintained bikes only please! Limit 8. 90 km E Melb.
February 22 - Wednesday
MIDDLE YARRA
Grade: easy 10km
Follow the Yarra past many historic and scenic features. A public transport walk. Limit 15. 5 km E Melb.
UNDER 35 SOCIAL NIGHT
Come along to this month's VNPA U35 social night and meet some new or
familiar faces. To find out more about this month's event, keep posted to the
U35 e-group for updates. RSVP essential.
February 25-26 weekend
LAKE MOUNTAIN TO CATHEDRALS
Grade: easy/medium 18km
Walk starts at Lake Mountain along the ski trails out to the Hut trail and down to a camp site at Keppel Hut or nearby if it is already occupied. On Sunday we will walk to Sugarloaf saddle in the Cathedral Ranges. There will be some steep down hill sections and possibly logs to climb over. Walk is mostly on walking track and closed vehicle tracks. We should finish early enough on Sunday to enjoy coffee and cake at the renowned Marysville Bakery. Limit 10. 120 km NE Melb.
BASE CAMP: CAPE OTWAY-AIRE RIVER
Grade: easy/medium 15km
A sensationally fun-filled relaxed weekend away camping in the National Park taking in the beach, river, killer kangaroos, lighthouse, and perhaps even a walk too. Limit 18. 220 km SW Melb.
February 25 - Saturday
POINT LONSDALE TO QUEENSCLIFF MORNING WALK
Grade: easy 7km
Walk along the beach from Point Lonsdale to Queenscliff, see the ships come through the heads and end up having lunch in the park near historic Queenscliff. You can link this with the Queenscliff afternoon. Limit 20. 105 km W Melb.
QUEENSCLIFF HISTORIC AFTERNOON WALK
Grade: easy 3km
Stroll the historic town of Queenscliff and enjoy and afternoon tea at one of Queenscliff grand old buildings to finish. This is a guided tour and costs $12 includes afternoon tea cost (no trip fees as this is an activity). An hour and a half walk. Limit 20. 105 km W Melb.
SNORKEL IN PORT PHILLIP BAY
Previously listed in program as 18 Feb
BOOKINGS: Simon Branigan (VNPA Marine & Coastal Project Officer) 9341 6508 simonb@vnpa.org.au NOTE - Snorkel experience essential
Come and explore Victoria's unique underwater world on a half day snorkel trip in Port Phillip Bay. More details and cost to be confirmed. To see some of the amazing marine plants and animals you may encounter visit www.exploreunderwater.vnpa.org.au
Location: Snorkel departs from Dive Victoria Queenscliff Dive Centre.
Timings: Need to arrive by 8am sharp for a 9am snorkel. Finishes at 12 noon, with optional post snorkel BYO picnic.
Cost: $59 (without gear hire) or $85 (with full equipment hire) - this includes a professional snorkel guide for free! Limit 20
February 26 - Sunday
DANDENONGS CIRCUIT
Previously listed in program as 18 Feb
Grade: medium 20km
A walk from Upper Fern Tree Gully Station to Belgrave, across One Tree Hill
and through Sherbrooke Forest. Limit 8
February 27 - Monday
WILLIAMSTOWN, WITH FERRY BACK TO MELBOURNE
Grade: easy 6km
Meet at Williamstown Beach Station 1.30. Walk through historic Williamstown to the foreshore and Nelson Place for coffee, before boarding the ferry to South Bank. Limit 20
February 29 - Wednesday
KANANOOK CREEK AND CARRUM FRANKSTON FORESHORE
Grade: easy 20km
Walk from Carrum along Kananook Creek to Frankston Pier and return to Carrum along the Frankston Carrum foreshore reserve beside the coast with an opportunity to swim in the Bay. Limit 12. 35 km SE Melb.
Annual walks pass
Do you participate in more than 10 walks from our program per year? If you answered yes to this question, you may want to consider purchasing an Annual Pass. The pass is available to VNPA members as an alternative to paying trip fees each time you participate in an activity listed in the program.
Cost: Family $100, Adult $50, Child $20.
The maximum fee for a trip is the equivalent of the fee for a three-day trip.
The pass is valid for 12 months from the beginning of the next month from which it is purchased and is available from the Treasurer of the Bushwalking & Activities Group. Their contact details are available in the application form link below. Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing.
Download Annual Walks Pass application form