People of all ages are welcome to join. Persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Choose a walk that suits your fitness level. If you’re unsure of your fitness level we suggest you start off on a gentle day walk and see how you go. You can then move onto more challenging walks. Refer to the grading on the activities program and/or talk to the trip leader for more information.
CLUB ACTIVITIES
Yes we do. Please let us know if you’re interested in these. If you’ve never done an overnight walk before it’s best to start with an easy/moderate overnight walk to ensure you and your gear are up to it, before embarking on tougher overnight or multi day walks.
Yes, we often have cycling activities. We occasionally have ‘gourmet’ walks, which are as much about food as they are about walking. The club often organises social activities, such as BBQs and dinners.
You definitely need to book onto any walk. Please contact the leader by the Wednesday prior so that the leader can work out transport and advise you of any particulars for the walk.
A few times a year we stay at a location for a night or so and do day walks from there. Where we go will determine the level of facilities available and what food we eat. Some will sleep in their hiking tents, some in larger camping tents, and some in their camper vans. Occasionally a room with a bed might be available.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
We take hot weather very seriously. Nobody wants to be stuck in the bush at risk of heat stroke or bushfires. We generally cancel walks on Total Fire Ban days. For our own personal safety we follow the Sports Medicine Australia temperature guidelines . Speak to your trip leader if you have concerns.
We put on our waterproof jackets and pants! Although walking with blue sunny skies is ideal we don’t let a bit of rain put us off. If it looks like it’s going to be really treacherous the walk leader will make a decision as to whether to embark on the walk, and will let you know if it’s going to be cancelled. In all cases contact the leader if you’re concerned.
JOINING THE CLUB
Yes, you’re welcome to join us on a few activities to see what it’s like before joining. Indeed, that's our preference.
No, but if you haven’t done much bushwalking we recommend coming on some of our activities before you decide whether to join.
No, this isn’t necessary.
Indeed you do not have to attend meetings to stay an active member. Often at the meetings there will be a guest speaker or one of our members will talk about their adventures. We recommend you come to these as it’s a great way to meet other members, as well as to enjoy the presentations.
You can join by completing our membership form and paying the fee of $45.
When you become a member of the Warrnambool Bushwalkers you:
receive a free emailed copy of the Club’s monthly newsletter outlining upcoming activities, previous trip reports and other information
Not necessarily, it depends on the walk and your preferences. For example everyday sneakers might be fine for a beach walk but you might prefer hiking shoes or boots with sturdier soles and/or ankle support if setting off on a rocky track.
Generally a small back pack with water, snacks, lunch (if required), raincoat, jumper, sunscreen and hat. We encourage you to also carry your own personal first aid kit. The trip leader will usually have a club first aid kit, but be sure to check if you’re not carrying your own.
For overnight walks you need to be well prepared. If you haven’t done one before please speak to the trip leader well in advance to discuss what you need to bring. Some of our members are very experienced multi-day hikers and will be able to provide sound advice on what gear you need to carry. The Lotsafreshair website is a great resource for packing lists and how to’s.
The club has some gear and equipment available for hire at minimal cost.
We have many maps and books which members are free to borrow.
TRIP COSTS
We usually meet in a central location such as the Kepler Street carpark near KFC and head off from there so that we only take the minimum number of cars. We share the car running costs between the participants.
Generally our activities are free so you only pay for car sharing costs and perhaps a coffee en route. There may be some third party costs associated with an activity, for example camping fees for base camps. If an activity requires group catering, the cost of food will be shared between participants.
