Diamond Valley Bushwalking Club Inc

DIAMOND VALLEY BUSHWALKING CLUB INC. VIC ASSOC No. A 0010907B WALKS PROGRAM July- D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8

July 2018 Revised 30 June

1 Sun Walk: Heidelberg Station to Collingwood Station. Meeting at the kiosk on the corner of Mount and Yarra Streets at 845am for a 9am departure, we will make away down to the Yarra Flats Park to meander along the main Yarra trail passing golf clubs, cricket grounds, enjoying the Yarra River, Fairfield Boathouse, City views, Dight Falls and Abbotsford Convent. An easy medium 14klm approx walk on mostly formed paths. Bring your Myki to catch the train home to your chosen destination from Collingwood Station. Afternoon tea or a quiet wine available at the Convent for those who wish to partake exiting the trail into Gippsland Street to catch the train. Please register online (preferred)

4 Wed Bike Ride: Doncaster to Jells Park. From Elgar Park via Koonung Creek and Dandenong Creek trails to lunch at Jells Park, return via Eastlink trail. M. Approx 48 km. 9.30am start at Elgar Park, Melways 47B4, first car park on the right in Elgar Rd after crossing freeway. Shorter option to start at Schwerkolt cottage Melways 49 D7 at 10.30

Walk: Andrew Hill, Kinglake North 13 km medium. A circuit including a long steady uphill climb and descent that is steep in parts. Poles recommended.

Ramble. Victoria Park to Fairfield. Commencing at Victoria Park (former home of Collingwood Football Club) now a public space, to Main Yarra Trail, stopping at Dights Falls, Fly Fishing Pools & Fairfield Boat House. Public transport. 6/7kms. 8 Sun Walk: Greensborough to Heidelberg Trail and Train. A pleasant walk along the Plenty River and Main Yarra Trails from Greensborough to Heidelberg which takes in the Banyule wetlands and views of Banyule Homestead and the city. Return by train to Greensborough. Bring your MYKI. E 10 to 12 km.

11 Wed Bike Ride: Doncaster to Boronia. Via Eastlink and Blind Creek trails. Lunch at Tim Neville Arboretum. Return via Ringwood/Belgrave rail trail and Dandenong creek trail. E/M 45 km ?? , 9.30. Start at 9.30 at Beasleys Nursery Melways 34 F2 and ride Mullum Mullum Eastlink trail. Conditional on Mullum Mullum link to Freeway opening. Otherwise start at Schwerkolt cottage Melways 49 D7.

Ramble. Edendale farm & Eltham Labyrinth. Walk: Mt. St. Leonards – Condons Track Circuit. Walk from the ford below Donnelly’s weir, up to Mt St Leonards, returning via Monda Road and Condon’s track. Spectacular Yarra Ranges park scenery via a longish walk with steep sections. Hard Long 21km. 15 Sun Walk: Warrandyte. Linear walk along Yarra river through Warrandyte state park to Jumping Creek & Stanebrae & return. E/M 16 km.

Ramble: Gardiners Creek Trail. From Burnley Station a short distance along the Main Yarra Trail 18 Wed is the Gardiners Creek Trail. Points of interest along the trail include, Bicentennial Park, St Kevin's & Scotch Colleges, Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, Sir Zelman Cowan Park & Sir Robert Menzies Reserve. Public transport. BYO morning tea & lunch. Distance approx 4.5km, 6km or 8 km. Train 8.32am from Eltham, meeting Leader at Flinders Street Station.

Walk: Eltham Lower Park to Finns Reserve. Meeting at Lower Park Eltham (melways page 21 G10).Please arrive at 8.45 departing at 9.00. We will be walking a loop through Candlebark Park.through Westerfolds Park to Finns Reserve returning to Lower Park. Mainly on paths and tracks. If we are lucky we may see a platypus.Easy walk with one medium descent on gravel track Please book on line

1 19 Thu Club Meeting: Metzner Hall 8.00 pm. Details to be advised.

22 Sun Walk: Pettys Orchard & Westerfold Park. An easy but longer Sunday local walk along the Yarra and around the park with coffee at Pettys Orchard & finish soon after lunch. Easy/Medium 17km .

25 Wed Ramble. Murrindindi River Walk. A picturesque ramble through eucalyptus forest with regrowth shrubs and fern trees. Start at the Suspension Bridge day area with morning tea. Walk upstream to the Water Gauge camping area for lunch. Return the same route. It is a formed path with good surface mostly. Initially flat but then undulating with several hills. 8km. Walk: Explore the walking tracks around Panton Hill while visiting Bunjil Reserve and surrounding areas. 16kms Easy/Medium.

27 Fri to Base Camp: Central Victoria Walks. Based in Castlemaine we will walk the Domino Trail at to Sun Trentham (12 km), Turpins Falls to The Cascade at Kyneton (12 + km) and a day walk near 29 Castlemaine. Limit 16.

29 Sun Walk: Centenary Walk and The Island Werribee Gorge State Park. Meet at car park back of KFC Greensborough at TBA. The walk is approximately 12K? with several up and downs plus one long uphill but well worth the views once you reach the top. Medium. .More info after 7th July once recci has been done. Book online preferred

2 August 2018

1 Wed Ramble. Outer Circle Railway. Walk along the Outer Circle Railway, Willsmere Park, East Kew to East Camberwell and return. Coffee stop at Cotham Road, Deepdene. Walk required 5 Sun Walk; Mt. Lofty Wonga Park. Short easy walk along the Yarra finished by lunchtime. Good one for new walkers. E 10km.

8 Wed Ramble. Plenty River to Apollo Parkways & return. Lunch at coffee shop. Meet at Kalparrin Avenue. Mel 20 J1 @ 9.00am leave 9.15am. Bring lunch & morning tea. 6kms. . Walk: Plenty River and Main Yarra Trails. A pleasant walk along the Plenty River and Main Yarra Trails from Greensborough to Westerfolds Park which takes in the Banyule wetlands and views of Banyule Homestead and the city. Return 293 or 901 bus to Greensborough Station. Bring your MYKI. E/M 12 km. On line booking preferred.

12 Sun Walk: Anakie Gorge. A circuit walk on paths along the scenic Gorge and up a steep incline through bushland on the Ted Errey Nature Circuit. Some sections are over rough stones and walking poles may be helpful. EM 12 km. 15 Wed Ramble. From Petty’s Orchard at Monckton Road. A pleasant walk by the Yarra River, morning tea at Beasley’s Nursery, then return for lunch at Petty’s Pond. A flat walk, 7kms, Mel 22 ref A2. Walk required 16 Thu Club Meeting Metzner Hall 8.00pm. Walking in Switzerland, 19 Sun Walk required 22 Wed Walk: Beechworth Bakery at Healesville to Donnellys Weir. M 16 km. Meet at Eltham Little Theatre at 8 30.

Ramble. Mullum Mullum Creek, East Link tunnel area. Four suburbs in one short walk. Partly hilly. Meet Eltham Lower Park 9am, leave 9.15am, with morning tea & lunch.

Walk required 26 Sun 29 Wed Ramble: Nortons Park/Shepherds Bush. A pleasant ramble along tracks, boardwalk and native bush. Finishing with a slight uphill. Lunch back at the Picnic ground. 6kms. Walk required

3 September 2018

2 Sun Walk Wombelano Falls. This will be our annual combined walk with the CAEX Club. Starting at the Gums Picnic area in the Kinglake area the uphill climb to Wombelano Falls offers good views over the ranges. All downhill after lunch. M 13 km. 5 Wed Ramble (in two sections) Bushy Creek Trail. Mel 47 B4. Park at the Steam Train car park on Belmore Road, Albert Park. No:1. 4kms return, through a lovely corridor of adjoining parks & return to Elgar Park Picnic grounds. No: 2. 2kms return, Eastern FWY footbridge to Koonung Creek Trail. 6kms.

9 Sun 12 Wed Ramble. Brighton Heritage walk. 12 - Wed - Base Camp - Great Southern Rail Trail - now fully booked. Walking over four days from 15 Sat Leongatha to Port Welshpool. 16 Sun 19 Wed Bike Ride: Hurstbridge to Strathewen. A ride up a very picturesque valley on reasonably quiet roads. Some minor hills. 38km. Ramble: East Melbourne. Discover some fine Victorian homes and the famous people who lived there. Finish at the Pavilion Café on the Fitzroy Gardens. Public transport. 3kms.

20 Thu Club Meeting Metzner Hall 8.00pm. Travelling in Mexico, Cuba and Central America .

23 Sun Walk: Warburton - O’Shannassy Aqueduct: Cement Creek Road to Sussex St. This pretty walk begins at an historic redwood plantation and continues along the O’Shannassy Aqueduct through the forest. It ends near the swing bridge in Warburton. A short car shuffle is required. Grading: Easy/Medium (mostly flat walking).Distance: approx 15km.Limit 20

26 Wed Ramble: Hurstbridge Heritage Trail. Melways Map 185 & 263. Meet at Hurstbridge Railway Station. Train from Flinders Street, 8.25am arriving Hurstbridge 9.36am. The ramble takes in treed parkland & follows the Diamond Creek, passing marked heritage sites, before joining the path to Bridges Café & Nursery. Our return is through the historic town & back to the station.

27 Thur Base Camp: Surf Coast Walk. This is a 46.4 km 3 day walk between Point Impossible and to to Fairhaven along the surf coast. This is not a difficult walk and includes some well made paths, more 30 Sun basic tracks, beach walking and a few hills as well as some lovely scenery and hopefully some spring flowers.

30 Sun

4 October 2018

3 Wed Mt Riddell, Healesville. 13 km medium. A steady uphill climb on well-formed tracks, return by the same route.

Grandparents and Parents - keep this date free for a walk with the children. Location and details to be advised. Online bookings will not be available.

Ramble. Start at Pound Bend Road, Warrandyte, car park. View the unique tunnel, then walking along river Circuit Walk via Everad Road. Bring morning tea & lunch. Approx. 5kms.

7 Sun

10 Wed Walk: Bunjip State Park Circuit. A circuit walk into the Weatherhead Range, good tracks but some steep ascents and descents. M 12 km. or Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track

Ramble. Warburton Yarra Bridges. BBQ lunch, BYO everything plus morning tea. Meet Eltham Community Centre car park, 8.45am for 9.00am departure. 5kms. 14 Sun 17 Wed Ramble: Darebin Parklands to Kew Billabong. This walk takes us from Darebin Parklands to the new pedestrian & cycle bridge, across the Yarra to Kew Billabong. There is a possibility of a talk by a ranger at the Information Centre in Darebin Parklands. This is a repeat of a popular ramble taken earlier this year. Approx 7.5kms. 18 Thurs Annual General Meeting. Metzner Hall 8.00pm. 20 Sat Federation Walk. This year, the Federation Walk will be held on Saturday, 20 October 2018 as a one- day event. The event will be held on the Mornington Peninsula at Elgee Park, 310 Wallaces Road, Dromana. Details will be sent to all Clubs in the next few weeks. Save the Date - it will be a wonderful event.

We are seeking 22-24 walk leaders for this event. If you have led walks on the Mornington Peninsula and are willing to volunteer, please contact Peter Conroy via email: [email protected] - thank you. 24 Wed Ramble. Warburton – O’Shannassy’s Aqueduct trail, from Yuonga Rd to Dee Rd, car shuffle. This is a scenic, flat walk above the town. 6.8kms. Mel 290 E2 start. 28 Sun

31 Wed Ramble. Coastal trail from Williamstown. Public Transport.

5 November 2018

2 to Fri to Proposed Base Camp for The Melbourne Cup Weekend based at Robinvale. Walks at Hattah 6 Tues Lakes National Park, walks along the Murray River in the red gum forests and a trip to Mungo National Park in outback NSW. Staying in Cabins at the Euston Club Caravan park, from Friday afternoon 2 November to Tuesday 6 or Wednesday 7 Nov. If I get people interested in this event I will book some cabins soon as the place is very popular. Robinvale is approximately 470 km's from Melbourne on the Murray River roughly between Swan Hill and Mildura. 4 Sun

7 Wed Ramble: Cranbourne Botanic Gardens.

11 Sun 14 Wed Ramble. From Eaglemont Tennis Courts through parklands. Morning tea at Ivanhoe Golf Club. Approx 6kms. 15 Thur Club Meeting Metzner Hall. Photographic competition. Rules are (a) maximum of 10 photos per member in 4 categories, flora/fauna, members in action, landscape and open. (b) photos to be 6x4 except for open where any size is permitted. 18 Sun

21 Wed Walk: Cherokee to Lions Head. This circuit walk from Cherokee to Lions Head, Mt Macedon will take us through farm areas and then then densely forested mountain slopes with views across to Melbourne (on a good day). There are several steep hill climbs. M 17 km if we do the lot.

Ramble: Tanglefoot Track. Lovely board walk on the Wirrawilla Rainforest walk, which is part of the Tanglefoot Track. Then up Quarry Track, as far as we feel like and return. Hopefully Mint bushes in flower. 4/6kms 25 Sun Walk: Marysville local walk. A pretty walk near Marysville including Beauty Spot trail, Gilberts Gully trail and Wilks Creek Trail out to Anderson Mill. Medium 12km

Ramble: St Kilda Pier to Station Pier. Pleasant walk along the bayside path, with Fish & Chips available for lunch. 4/5kms. Public transport. 28 Wed

6 December 2018

2 Sun Merricks Beach to Coolart. An easy walk along Balnarring Beach to historic Coolart homestead and wetlands, returning along the beach. Afternoon tea at our beach house and opportunity to swim. E 12 km

5 Wed Ramble. Blackburn Lake. Nice bushy track around the tranquil suburban lake. 6/7kms. 9 Sun

12 Wed Ramble Break-up. Walk & BBQ lunch. Hawestowe Park, off Gordons Road, South Morang. Mel: map 183 H8 13 Thu Club Meeting Metzner Hall. Christmas break up commencing 6.30pm. Please bring a savory or sweet dish to share and your own drinks. 16 Sun 19 Wed Christmas Walk and Ride: Annual event for all at Westerfolds Park, bring plate to share for lunch and own drink, utensils and maybe a seat. Melway 33 E3. 9.15 am start. Bike Ride: Ride from Westerfolds Park towards Ivanhoe. Christmas lunch with the walkers. E, About 20 km. 20 Thurs Club Meeting is on 13 December. 27 Dec - Howmans Gap Base Camp – Dec 27th to Jan 1st - Jan This popular base camp offers five night’s accommodation including 3 meals per day in the YMCA 1 Lodge near Falls Creek. This camp has been running for a number of years offering a variety of walks each day to choose from and is a fun and relaxing time with the chance to make new friends.

This is a Diamond Valley, Koonung, Waverley and Essendon Bushwalking venture with combined walks and activities including a New Years Eve celebration.

Due to changes in the administration at Falls Creek this year the pricing system has changed. We have been able to negotiate to hire the full camp but this leaves the individual pricing dependant on final numbers. Our expectation is that singles willing to share a room (bottom bed only) will be around $500 and couples requesting their own room will be around $540 each.

A $100 deposit is required by August 15th. Once you have committed to this if you find you cannot come you will either need to find a replacement person or you may be required to pay the balance of your booking.

Future Events 2019

2019 June Base camp Abruzzo Italy. Walking the Abruzzo National Parks Central Italy sojourning in Tocco for 12 days. Cost approx. $600 pp for 12 days excluding air fares, food and drinks. No deposit, pay the service provider on arrival. .

Emergency contact system. All walks All enquiries about late return of members must first be directed to the Leader’s home telephone number. Do not ring the Police as they will know nothing of the Club’s activities and should only be informed if the Club through appropriate Committee members believe that the party is in danger. Premature contact with the Police could seriously waste their time and may cause difficulties for the Club later. Backpacks and base-camps Leaders are to advise participants of the name and telephone number of the person with emergency contact details. As above the first enquiry is to be to the leader’s home telephone number. The emergency contact person is only to be contacted if there is no response from the Leader’s home. It is the Participant’s responsibility to advise others who may be concerned about them of those details. Cancellation of Walks If leaders are unable to lead their programmed walk, they are requested to arrange for another member to lead the walk, rather than cancel it. High Temperature Activity Cancellation Policy From Minutes of DVBC Club Meeting 18th February 2010. “This was revisited by the Committee in the light of queries by Club members and second thoughts by Committee members. The following revised policy was adopted. a) On days of Total Fire Ban in the region, all walks and bike rides will be cancelled. b) If, at the location and expected time of the activity: i. the temperature is expected to be greater than 35°C; or ii) the Fire Danger is predicted to be Severe (Orange) or greater, then all walks and bike rides should normally be cancelled. c) If, at the location and expected time of the walk or ride: i. the temperature is expected to be greater than 30°C; or ii. the Fire Danger is predicted to be Very High (Yellow), then the Leader should, after consultation with other walkers/riders, use his or her discretion to cancel, modify or continue the walk.

Grading of Walks

Ramble: Walks mostly on level and even terrain with emphasis on visits to areas where social activities can be included. Walking time 4 to 5 hours, 6 to 8 km. Easy – Easy walking, gently undulating terrain, mostly on formed tracks. Suitable for most people. Walking time 4 to 5 hours, 10 to 15 km. Easy / medium – Gently undulating terrain, mostly on formed tracks with some short climbs. Walking time 4 to 5 hours, 10 to 15 km. Medium – Some of the walk not necessarily on formed tracks, with some sustained climbs (1 km or more). Walking time 5 to 6 hours, 10 to 20 km. Medium / hard – As for medium but includes rougher terrain, ie: heavy scrub, rock scrambling or longer climbs or descents. Walking time 5 to 6 hours, 10 to 20 km. Hard Consistent walking in difficult terrain, rock scrambling, thick scrub, steep ups and downs, creek crossings. Experienced and fit walkers only. Walking time 6 to 10 hours, 10 to 20 km. Exploratory.Walks in terrain unfamiliar to the Leader but does not necessarily mean a difficult walk. It is most important that before you consider going on any walk, particularly those graded medium or more strenuously, you should consider whether you are sufficiently fit and experienced and have the necessary equipment. All walkers are not necessarily suited to all walks. Please check the grade and classification of the walk and if you have any doubt check with the Leader. Limitations.- Walk leaders will limit numbers participating depending on the nature of the walk. Sunday walks To assist with planning all day walkers should notify the leader no later than Thursday prior to a walk. Wednesday walks To assist with planning, all walkers wishing to participate in any Wednesday walk should book in with the Leader no later than the Monday prior to the walk. Backpack, Base camp etc. All walkers intending to participate in a weekend activity must notify the Leader at least 10 days prior to that weekend, to assist with planning. Bike Rides Your bike must be in good condition and, unless you are super fit, that your bike has gears and you know how to use them. In particular you must have a spare tube which will fit your bike in case of puncture and some tools to remove your wheel (or quick release levers) and tyre. Other Information All scheduled walks are run regardless of the weather although the Leader may at his/her discretion change or cancel the walk to suit conditions on the day, particularly if safety warrants such as on Total Fire Ban Days. People who book where it is necessary to pay a fee eg. Wilson’s Promontory, must pay after they have booked whether or not they can attend. Also remember that if you have booked for a walk and cannot attend please inform the Leader as soon as you know. Additional walks If there is a free Sunday, or if you want something different then volunteer to Chris Close 9842 2831 to lead your favourite walk or try out a new walk. Transport costs and driver re-imbursement. A rate of 25 cents per kilometre has been determined by the committee to be the fair and equitable average running cost of a car. This does not include general wear and tear on the car, only actual running costs. This rate is divided amongst the number of passengers in the car and does not include the driver. The driver has the responsibility of driving and ensuring vehicle is roadworthy, adequately fuelled for the trip as well as any cleaning of the car after the activity. Where there are the same number of passengers in each car the payment to the to the car driver will be the same for each passenger on that activity.

10 The rate is 25cents per kilometre divided by the number of passengers. A round trip of 120 kilometres (ie 60 km each way) with three passengers will cost $10.00. See examples below of the cost per passenger:- Round Trip Distance in Kilometres. Number of passengers 60 75 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 2 7.50 9.40 12.50 15 17.50 20.00 22.50 25.00 27.50 30.00 32.50 3 5 6.25 8.35 10 11.70 13.35 15.00 16.70 18.35 20.00 21.70 4 3.75 4.70 6.25 7.50 8.75 10.00 11.25 12.50 13.75 15.00 16.25 It is practicable to round up to the next dollar for ease of payment. A short hand method:- Divide the total distance by 4 and call it dollars. Divide the dollars by the number of passengers. So a round trip of 150 km divided by four is $37.50 divided by 3 passengers is $12.50. If you have more in some cars than others you also need to multiply the dollars by the number of cars and then divide by the number of passengers. If all cars are full then because large cars may use more fuel you could have those drivers taking extra because of size also receiving extra. Leaders are to use their discretion. Responsibilities of walkers participating in club walks 1. Be punctual in arrival at the meeting place. 2. Advise leader in good time if unable to come. 3. Be appropriately clothed for bushwalking. Wear strong footwear and carry a waterproof jacket and overpants. Check with leader if unsure of proper clothing for walks. 4. Advise leader of any illness or injury before commencement of walk. 5. Be willing, where possible, to share driving with other members of the group. 6. Accept responsibility to keep up with the group, neither strolling behind, taking side paths, or tearing on ahead. 7. Let the leader know if you are experiencing any problems during the walk. 8. Have with you any necessary medication or first aid equipment you may require during the walk. 9. Carry the personal emergency information sheet in their pack on all walks. 10. Participants to evaluate carefully their ability to cope with the planned walk. 11. Bring a change of footwear so that you do not have to travel in other member’s cars with muddy boots on during the return trip home. A change of clothing may also be appropriate at certain times of the year. 12. To have whatever accident income protection, ambulance and medical insurance as they may require for their own personal circumastances. The Club does not arrange such insurance. Personal emergency information All club members are required to carry the personal emergency information sheet in their pack on all walks. Leader’s Responsibilities 1. Learn all about the area you are walking in. Plan the route to be followed and have alternatives to fall back on in the event of trouble. 2. Know your group. Be sure they are capable of doing the planned walk. 3. See that transport is arranged for every member. 4. Ensure that all members are fully informed on details of meeting places, times and any special requirements regarding clothing, food or water. 5. Count and make a written list of party members, including visitors before moving off and make numerical checks along the track. Retain the list for insurance purposes. 6. Introduce new members, encourage inexperienced members, discourage race horses. Make sure you get to talk to all members of the group during the walk. 7. Appoint a “Whip”. If there are more than 18 members then appoint a deputy leader as well. 8. Control the pace of the group – keep it slow at first until the members have warmed up, then settle on the speed of the slowest member. 9. Have regular rest periods. 10. Keep the party together – keep slow walkers well up the line – not dragging in the rear. 11. If faced with difficulties, discuss the situation with other experienced members.

11 12. Point out features of interest along the track. 13. Demonstrate map position and progress along the way. 14. Final participation on walk rests with leader evaluation. Leaders have the responsibility to refuse to take inadequately equipped (food clothing water) walkers on any trip. Group safety and enjoyment is paramount. 15. Record any injury to members including names of witnesses and a brief description of event for transcription to an Incident Report Form (Form 11).

Leaders are asked to keep a list of walkers participating and collect Visitors fees of $5.00 per Visitor (a Prospective member is NOT a visitor) and ENSURE that the Temporary Membership Form (Form 7) is signed BEFORE the walk start. The Temporary Membership Form and fee must be handed to the Secretary or Treasurer at the next Meeting..

NB! On completion of the Walk or Ramble please send list of the participants to Louise Currie (DVBC walker/rambler collator)

Newsletter walk reports Walk Leaders are encouraged to arrange for one of their party to submit a short summary of their walk to the Newsletter Editor for publication in the Bush Telegraph. Editor: Stephen Clarke, 9 Wiarando Court, Doncaster East,Vic 3109 By Email to [email protected]

More information If you need more information about the club and its activities then please feel free to contact; Chris Close 0417 303 357 or write to us at: P.O. Box 536 Eltham VIC 3095.