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Frequently Asked QuestionsThe answers to most questions are covered in the document, "Introduction to Melbourne Bushwalkers", which can be downloaded (0.16MB). Some of the more frequently asked questions are covered below.
How do I join Melbourne Bushwalkers?If you are not yet a member of Melbourne Bushwalkers and would like to join you need to obtain a copy of the Application Form. Application Forms are available from the Clubrooms or by downloading (0.14MB) from this website. Membership is open to anyone who is 16 years old or more.
Anyone who would like to be considered for membership of the Club must complete, to the satisfaction of the committee, either three one-day "walks" or two weekend "walks". If you would like to talk to someone about the Club you are invited call into the clubrooms on Wednesday night or send us an e-mail. Fees:(per annum unless stated. New members joining after 1 September will pay a half year subscription at half the per annum rate)Non-Concession Memberships:
(Proof of Concession (Pension/Centerlink benefits) required; Seniors Card does not apply)
Which club activities are "qualifying" for the purpose of membership application?In general, any club activity where the standard visitor fee is payable is a "qualifying activity" for the purpose of membership application. Qualifying activities include most regular walks but exclude, cycling, skiing, conservation events and training days (the latter being aimed mainly at full members, as preparation for walk leadership). The number of qualifying activities that must be completed prior to submission of a membership application form is stated in the separate "How do I join Melbourne Bushwalkers?" FAQ item above. How do I get on a walk?A list of upcoming walks is provided in the Walks Program with more detailed track notes provided in the club's newsletter available online. Come in to the clubroom on Wednesday Club nights. We are open between 7.00pm and 9.00pm. Here you can talk to the leaders about forthcoming walks and book on a walk that suits you. It is essential to come in person to book on a walk if you are a newcomer. Meetings are quite informal and visitors are always welcome. Two committee members will be on duty each night. Ask someone to point them out and make yourself known to them. Members can book Sunday bus walks four weeks in advance. However, visitors must talk to a walk leader before booking and leaders will only be available two weeks in advance. Wednesday nights are difficult for me. What are my options?If you are a visitor wishing to attend a
Sunday walk, you must come into the clubroom on a Wednesday clubnight
in order to book and pay for the walk. This must be done for the
first three walks, but can be done with two visits to the
clubroom, as leaders may be met and walks booked two Sundays ahead,
places permitting. Once you have completed three walks you must
submit a membership application prior to undertaking any further
trips. Once you are a member,
if Wednesday nights are still difficult, there are other options for
booking Sunday bus trips (refer FAQ item below). How can members book for the Sunday bus?Cost $25 (concession $20) plus $10 for visitors. Full club members have the options outlined below:
The procedure for option 5 is to do a bank transfer from your account into the Melbourne Bushwalkers Club Account. The account details are as follows: BSB 013-006 Account No 0058-46013 When doing the transfer it is essential that you include Date of Walk and Your Name in the description/details area of the transfer. This information will appear on the account statement where money is being transferred and will enable us to identify who the funds are from and the walk being booked. After you have completed the transfer, it is essential that you send an email to busbookings@mbw.org.au, with a screen dump of the "confirmation of transfer", to verify your payment. Bookings will be based on these emails. Please include details of the walk onto which you are booking. Once we have processed your booking we will reply to your email confirming your seat on the bus. Through this system we can take bookings up to 4
weeks in advance. Funds transfer bookings for the current Sunday need
to be completed, including the email by Telephone bookings are not accepted for the Sunday bus. Because we need them to speak to a leader of the walk to be assured that they are capable of doing the walk, visitors ("temporary members") must come into the clubrooms personally to make their bookings (refer FAQ item above) or they may turn up and pay at the bus on the day of a walk but are not assured of a seat. What do I need for my first walk?Being well prepared for a walk contributes to the pleasure and safety of everyone. Unless you are already an experienced bushwalker you should not attempt medium-hard and hard walks at first. Equipment for day walks is fairly basic and you will probably have satisfactory items already. There is no need to outlay much money until you see whether you like bushwalking, get ideas of what gear to buy by talking to others and seeing what is available. See Tips for New Bushwalkers for more details on day walks and Introduction to Overnight Bushwalking for longer trips. "How do I cancel a walk booking if I am ill, etc?Phone the walk leader as soon as possible, to enable the leader to contact someone who is on the waiting list (if applicable), and to let the leader know not to expect you on the day. In the case of a Sunday bus trip, notifying the leader as soon as possible will increase the likelihood that the Walks Secretary can issue you with a credit note for a future bus trip, if your cancellation is due to illness or certain other unavoidable circumstances. The leaders' phone numbers are on the printed walks program, which visitors may obtain at the clubrooms, and which all members receive by mail, or softcopy by email. If it is already later than the Wednesday meeting night, and you need to cancel from a walk on the coming weekend and do not have a copy of the program, the next best option is to send an email to our contact address given on the home page, and we will endeavour to supply you with a contact number for the relevant leader. What happens if there is a Total Fire Ban?Refer to the Fire Season, Total Fire Ban and Extreme Heat Policies which are available in a downloadable document. Where is the clubroom?Our clubroom is located on the first floor of the Royal Historical Society's building at: 362 William Street (Corner of William and A'Beckett Street). Melway Ref: 2F, B2 Click here for the map page. How to contact us:
How do I get trip photos published on the website?Melbourne Bushwalkers members wishing to have trip photos published in the new photogallery on the club's website should download and follow the Guidelines for Submitting Photos, available on the downloads page. |
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