Activities Program
The main club activities are day walks and take place in a large number of different areas ranging from suburban parks to the nearby mountains. Historic walks around the suburbs of Melbourne are also on offer.
Basecamps, cycling and a range of social events are also offered. Trips within Australia, overseas and locally are also undertaken periodically.
Grading of Walks
It is most important that before you consider going on any walk, particularly those graded medium or more strenuous, you should consider whether you are sufficiently fit and experienced and have the necessary equipment.
Easy Walking on gently undulating terrain, mostly on formed tracks. Suitable for most people. Walking time 4 to 5 hours, 6 to 12 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 (1km 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
Activity Booking - Once you have registered as a visitor or prospective member (which is free) you can use our online booking system to book. Click Membership or Visitors for more information.
These are our upcoming activities:
Club Bistro Dinner at Greensborough Hotel- All wecome
| Activity Date | Thursday 21 Nov 2024 |
| Categories | SOCIAL EVENT, Easy |
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
| Activity Date | Sunday 24 Nov 2024 |
| Categories | BASE CAMP, Easy/Medium |
Circuit walk starting and ending at Sugarloaf Saddle car park in the Cathedral Ranges southern end. The walk starts with a steep climb up almost to Sugarloaf Peak the highest point in the range, and then walking the ridge along to the Jawbones and the farmyard, finishing the circuit via Cerberus Road.
This walk is graded hard to reflect a tricky rock scramble to get up to the ridge and uneven rock scramble/walking along the ridge. Walkers need to be capable of making good progress in these conditions, it can be particularly hard walking in wet and windy weather.
Meeting at Bishops Rd parking area Panton Hill. Parking also at footy ground.
Arrange your own car pooling if desired.
We will START walking at 8.30am.
16km Medium walk along bush tracks, country roads & through reserves with a few STEEP hills,
Total ascent 332mts.
Meet at Eltham North Playground - car parking available. The 9.6 kms walk will commence at 9.30 on sealed paths via the Diamond Creek trail to Allendale Rd where we walk the only hill leading us to the Aqueduct Trail and onto Imgrams Rd Research - no poles required unless you reguarly use them. Morning Tea supplied but Coffee can be purchased at local Research shops - Public toilets also available. We will complete the circuit via Main Rd past Edendale Farm.
| Activity Date | Wednesday 27 Nov 2024 |
| Categories | SHORT WALK, Easy |
Meeting place to begin the walk is John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve (Mel 16 EF 7 accessible off Sydney Rd, Boundary Rd/Grevillea Rd/Devon Rd/Winifred St,) at 9.20 for 9.30 dep. There is one toilet open usually.
Our walk will begin by following a track south on the western boundary of the J P Fawkner Reserve that leads down to the Moonee Ponds creek where we will cross a ford to the west bank. We will then walk south along the west bank for about 25 mins to (I think) bridge 6 – Adelaide St. From there we will retrace our steps to Srathnaver Reserve and a further 3 Km north to Wonga Plc, Gowanbrae (Mel 16 D2). We will then retrace our steps to the cars with the option of coffee and cakes at into the Francis Winifred Café, 94 Winifred St, Oak Park - 039304 2739.
| Activity Date | Friday 29 Nov 2024 |
| Categories | SHORT WALK, Easy, Easy/Medium |
Approximately 15ks. Incorporating Five Mile Creek Track, Henry's Track, Marshall's Rd and Watsons Creek Track.
Some challenges with uphill walking and a variety of bush tracks.
Bring morning tea and lunch - poles are needed.
There are 2 driveway entrances to the carpark, second entrance is recommended from Buttermans Track. It's a small carpark which can take up to 6 cars. If you would prefer to carpool from Eltham Little Theatre please enter in comments section. Note carpooling will leave at 8.00 am so please be there around 7 50am.
Our Club's Christmas dinner will be held in the Walter Withers Gallery at the Eltham Community & Reception centre. Ample parking is available off Pitt Street Eltham.
Dress in your finest Christmas Outfits for an evening of fun and frivolity and lots of Christmas Cheer! It is a great opportunity to catch up with members you haven’t seen for a while (both new and older members).
Please bring food to share with EVERYONE eg cold meats, your favourite salad ,chicken pieces, savoury slice, sausage rolls.... There will be a huge table for everyone to place their Christmas food and as in previous years bring a plate, cutlery and your own drinks. The club will provide table cloths, decorations, nibbles, dessert and tea/coffee.
We will have entertaining speeches, funny stories, memories from the archive and the annual photographic competition. We also announce the most walks walked by new members, older members and the member who has lead the most walks/bike rides etc.
The last few years has seen the introduction of the “Golden Boot” award – a nomination to the member who has done something either silly or remarkable. What happens on the walk does not stay on the walk in this one instance!!
So please bring food to share and we look forward to seeing you on the night.
| Activity Date | Thursday 05 Dec 2024 |
| Categories | SOCIAL EVENT |
Walk into Wombat State Forest starting at Firth Park Campground. Head out of campground on no name track until we pick up Mill Track all way to Campaspe Road turn left then pick up another track on the left - no name again continue on to Gibbs Access Track on right. Follow for 3+k to another no name track on right follow to Campaspie Road again turn right follow for approx 700m right to track follow meeting up with Campaspie Road yet again before we hit Anderson Mill track - can detour to Sawdust Heap for a look if accessable. Follow Anderson Mill Track all way back to start. Approximately 15k - Ascent 200m approx
Meet at KFC if car pooling at 7.40 for 7.45 departure. Cost will be $17 please advise where you will be meeting.
This is another joint walk with Koonung hence limited numbers
| Activity Date | Saturday 07 Dec 2024 |
| Categories | WALK, Easy/Medium |
Our Christmas picnic will be a combination event with a short walk and a bike ride and/or simply enjoying a picnic. If you are walking or cycling be at our picnic area near the toilets ready to start at 9am. Our aim is to have returned to the picnic area around 11.30. where we can all gather and join in with those of you have arrived to just picnic.Bring all your picnic gear and a plate to share eg sandwiches, fruit/ cheese, cake.There are tables and chairs under cover but you can bring your own chair if that suits.
Darylene Bell will be leading the walk in Westerfolds park and Chris Close will be leading the bike ride.
When you book please include in the comments box the activities in which you will be participating.
We look forward to seeing you there for our end of year finale.
| Activity Date | Wednesday 11 Dec 2024 |
| Categories | SOCIAL EVENT |
Grampians NP Basecamp Exploratory Recce #2
This is the second of perhaps at least three trips to the Grampians over the next 12 months to explore different areas (north/central/south/outlying).
These exploratory trips will only include day walks, but some of the walks will be rated medium-hard, and will include visits to peaks such as Briggs Bluff. Expect conditions such as: steep hills; exposed rocky paths; light rock scrambling; cliffs; no shelter; poor visibility; sustained ascent; walking along steep exposed ridge. Please of course consider your ability before booking.
This second exploratory trip would include the central Grampians. This would perhaps include: Wonderland Loop; Mt Rosea Loop; Tower Hill; Victoria Ranges (to the west outside park).
A third exploratory trip would include the southern Grampians. This would perhaps include: Mt Sturgeon; Signal Peak; Mt Abrupt; The Chimney Pots.
More details to follow. Final choice of walks to be decided. No doubt easier walks will be mixed in.
The main Grampians Basecamp will be from Monday 10th - Sunday 16th November, 2025. Walking grades are expected to be more moderate.
For the first two exploratory basecamps, and the main basecamp, accommodation will be at Breeze Holiday Park, Halls Gap. There is cabin and site accommodation available, but due to the excellent location, it can get booked quickly. I have tried to avoid peak times and other clashes with the existing club programme. For the third exploratory basecamp, I am considering perhaps Dunkeld, due to the distance from Halls Gap. Please refer to the booking page for this trip for more info. For all trips, please arrange your own accommodation.
| Activity Date | Friday 13 Dec 2024 |
| Categories | BASE CAMP, Medium/Hard |
This popular base camp offers five night’s accommodation including 3 meals per day in the YMCA Lodge near Falls Creek. You can choose each day from a variety of walks with different grades of difficulty. It is a fun and relaxing time with the chance to make new friends.
There will be people from Diamond Valley, Koonung, Waverley, Essendon and Bayside Bushwalking clubs with combined walks and activities including a New Years Eve celebration.
Accommodation is in bunk rooms and we generally only use the bottom bunks. The cost is $555 per person with a $200 deposit due by the end of August to confirm your booking.
Whilst this camp currently appears to be full please add your name to the waiting list as in previous years I have been able to accommodate everyone who wanted to come.
If you have questions please contact Darylene Bell.
This camp will include an 18 km walk at Cape Woolamai on Friday, a 15km walk from The Nobbies past the penguins, bird hide and circuit back along the northern beach on Saturday and Sunday consists of two shorter walks - one at Churchill Island and then along the George Bass Coastal Walk to Kilcunda.
We are staying at the BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island - https://www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/vic/phillip-island/ingenia-holidays-phillip-island/accommodation?accommodationtype=cabins. Please organise with friends to book your cabin or camp site. Prices will increase as we get closer to the date and cabins may not be available, so please book your accommodation ASAP.
More information will be provided as we get closer to the camp.
If you have any questions contact Julie Gatenby on 0401864421 or Darylene Bell on 0425771497.
| Activity Date | Thursday 13 Mar 2025 |
| Categories | BASE CAMP, Easy, Easy/Medium, Medium |
Grampians NP Basecamp Exploratory Recce #3
This is the third of perhaps at least three trips to the Grampians over the next 12 months to explore different areas (north/central/south/outlying).
These exploratory trips will only include day walks, but some of the walks will be rated medium-hard, and will include visits to peaks such as Briggs Bluff. Expect conditions such as: steep hills; exposed rocky paths; light rock scrambling; cliffs; no shelter; poor visibility; sustained ascent; walking along steep exposed ridge. Please of course consider your ability before booking.
This third exploratory trip would include the southern Grampians. This would perhaps include: Mt Sturgeon; Signal Peak; Mt Abrupt; The Chimney Pots.
More details to follow. Final choice of walks to be decided. No doubt easier walks will be mixed in.
The main Grampians Basecamp will be from Monday 10th - Sunday 16th November, 2025. Walking grades are expected to be more moderate.
For the third exploratory basecamp, we will be staying in Dunkeld Caravan Park where there are cabins, caravan and camping sites. For all trips, please arrange your own accommodation.
| Activity Date | Friday 21 Mar 2025 |
| Categories | BASE CAMP, Medium/Hard |
This is a basecamp for strong, capable walkers who want, and will enjoy a physical challenge in Victoria’s amazing high country. We’re offering the below 4 walks over 3 days followed by an end of camp celebration dinner at the local pub, The General. As we have a Team of 4 running the walks, we’ll be able to offer 2 speeds of walk, making it achievable for more people to enjoy this amazing place at a pace that suits them.
The Base Camp team:
Lynda – Camp Coordinator & Leader moderate group
Muriel – Leader faster group
Joan – Whip & support to both leaders
Steve – Navigation & support to both leaders
Walks:
Day 1: Afternoon arrival walk Little Mt Higganbotham 2.6km circuit S-6-4 medium grade 1.5hrs
Evening sunset walk to Mt Hotham Summit 1.6km S-6-3 medium grade 1hr
Day 2 Feathertop via Razorback 22km return L-7-6 hard grade 8hrs
Day 3 Huts walk 16km L-7-5 medium/hard grade
Accommodation: will be at a local ski lodge on the mountain, where everyone buddies up and books their own share room, details TBC.
Food & Dinners: Full kitchen facilities at the Lodge, you will need to bring all your food requirements for breakfast, lunch and dinner BUT for those who wish to participate, there will be a group dinner at The General on the last night of the camp.
Walks will include Two Towns Trail (easy), Mt Worth (medium) and rail trails (easy) north of Warragul. Poles are strongly recommended for the Mt Worth walk.
The Friends of Mt Worth secured funding to produce the following videos which provide interesting viewing about the Mt Worth State Park.
A Year in the Life of Mount Worth State Park
- Friends Activities- https://youtu.be/k6sDdy2VLow?si=BjqSCJweuWA7fwd2
Walkers are encouraged to be in Warragul by 3:00pm on the Friday afternoon. This will ensure you beat the Friday night traffic out of the city and, more importantly, are ready for a walk to Drouin along the Two Towns Trail and dinner at the Drouin Family Hotel. We will return to Warragul by V-Line train so please bring your Myki card.
Dinner on the Saturday night will be pizza's at a local farm. Bring food for breakfast, morning tea, lunches and happy hour on Saturday night.
Accommodation will be at the Warragul Gardens Holiday Park, 44 Burke Street, Warragul. There are Superior Cabins and Family Cabins with everything provided. 1 nights' accommodation is required as a deposit and needs to be paid by 1 September 2024. Payments are to be made directly to Warragul Gardens Holiday Park and they can be contacted on (03) 5623 2707 - please quote Diamond Valley Bushwalking Club. The final balance is due on arrival.
| Activity Date | Friday 04 Apr 2025 |
| Categories | BASE CAMP, Easy/Medium |
Castlemaine Base Camp – Mon 5 May 2025 to Thu 8 May 2025 for 3 nights
Staying at the BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park https://www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/vic/goldfields/castlemaine-gardens-holiday-park
Walks over four days have been selected to provide the most interest/best walking/views etc of the area – There will be localised walks on the arrival and departure days (Mon &Thur) and a medium 11.5km (325m) ascent 5hr partially technical walk (Tue) and a contrasting flat (100m) but longer 18km walk ‘with a twist’ (Wed). There will also be time for some sightseeing in Castlemaine and the nearby town of Maldon.
Three 3BR (Sleep 4 – 2 double beds & 2 lower bunks) Villas have been secured under the name of Diamond Valley Bushwalking Club. Please gather four per cabin to sleep in each villa and book direct with the park.
Those wanting smaller studio-type cabins or camping sites can inform the park of our group name (DVBC) and they will assign sites nearest to the three villas.
For further information, contact the below via email/text (see member details at Members Information – List):
Stephen, Sandy, Catherine, or Darylene
| Activity Date | Monday 05 May 2025 |
| Categories | BASE CAMP, Easy/Medium |
Do you want to walk between Australia's two most recognised surf beaches? The Bondi to Manly Beach Walk is an epic coastal and Harbourside walk on public land with the vast majority of the 80kms on existing well made and maintained bush walking tracks. The walk was officially opened on 8 December 2019. We will complete the walk over five days.
Walk information at bonditomanly.com
We are staying at The Rocks YHA. This YHA is very conveniently located within easy reach of the ferries in Circular Quay as well as close proximity to train and bus routes. We will be using public transport to get and from our walk each day.
At YHA Sydney Harbour we will enjoy stunning rooftop panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This YHA offers state-of-the-art facilities. We have booked 9 twin ensuited rooms and two queen rooms with ensuites.
The cost of our accommodation is $999 per walker for 6 nights in central Sydney. Ten percent deposit needs to be paid into the DVBC account when you book. We need to pay said deposit to confirm our booking.
Diamond Valley Bushwalking Club
BSB: 083232
Account no: 027615451
This is a 23 day Exploranges Trip specifically for members for the Diamond Valley Bushwlking Club. Cost approx $8030. Leaving from Perth and return to Perth - highlighting the Pilbara region.
Hike in deep gorges cut by hidden springs and swim in refreshing plunge pools - two of many reasons why the Pilbara is worth taking time to explore. Famous for its iron ore deposits which lend the landscape its fiery hues, the region contains some of the world’s most ancient natural landscapes, set amongst the beautiful Hammersley Ranges in Karajini National Park. Contrast these dramatic landscapes with the tranquility of Ningaloo Reef. Here we cruise and snorkel, discovering the delights of one of the most spectacular marine parks in the world, where the coral reef is just a short swim away
For a detailed itinerary or more information please email. Bookings are now being taken.
| Activity Date | Sunday 07 Sep 2025 |
| Categories | BASE CAMP, Easy/Medium |