These keen walkers follow a varied program of local walking trails as well as far and wide, eg, regional art galleries.
The walk is usually followed with a relaxing coffee and chat.
When: 1st Monday of the month (unless otherwise arranged)
Convenor: Ken Launder .Ph 9584 1432 Mail: kenlaunder7@gmail.com
SEPTEMBER WALK REPORT
Our September walk began with a train trip to Flinders Station and from there a tram ride on route 57 to West Maribyrnong. For a few of us it had been years since the last tram ride so it was quite an adventure and very interesting trip. We travelled past the Queen Victoria market, the very colourful Royal Children’s Hospital, the lovely seed pod sculptures at the entrance to Royal Park and further along our route spied an old style English red letterbox, amazing. We alighted the tram at stop 43 and proceeded to the walking trail along the Maribyrnong river to start our walk. Beautiful sunshine and sparkling water views accompanied us as we walked along the pathway past the alternating palm and gum trees, playgrounds, exercise equipment and the painted toilets in the Coulson Gardens. to just opposite Poyntons Nursery where we turned back to return to the Anglers Tavern for lunch. The walk was a just under 4 Km so not too far and at our usual leisurely pace which allows for lots of chat. After dinner mints provided by Liz topped off our meals and then it was back on the tram and train to our homes. Another entertaining and fun filled walk thanks to our organisers Ken and Liz.
Wendy Crawford Walking Group Reporter
AUGUST WALK REPORT Brayside Park
On the first Monday in August the Probus members who wished to walk met in the Governor Road car park for Braeside Park by following the explicit directions of our leader. So good were these that no-one got lost. The weather was cool but sunny which allowed for a good walk with plenty of chat. We followed the pathway around to the smaller of the two lakes in the wetlands to a viewing area overlooking the lake. Here I brought to the attention of our group something swimming in the water. I said it was a water rat or as google stated an Australian mammal, an Australian otter commonly known as a water rat. We were able to get a good look at him? As he swam up to a tree stump quite close to where we had congregated for a photo. Just goes to remind us, you never know what can be discovered on our walks. We returned on the wetlands trail to the car park and from there drove to Hendricks Cafe in White Street for coffee and more chat.
Wendy Crawford Walking Group Reporter August 2025
JULY WALK REPORT – PARKDALE
Our group of Probus walkers met in front of the Parkdale Beach Cafe on a brisk but sunny morning for the July Walk. Walking along the beachside path, we made it to Mordialloc pier and then did an about-turn to return to the cafe. As usual there was plenty of chatter along
the way and ample opportunity to take in the lovely views of the bay. We paused on the return
trip at the life size bronze horse statue by sculptor Julie Squires to admire and reflect on its significance. The statue is a tribute to the area’s history of horse training, particularly racehorses. It is located near an historic area known as Horse Paddock Beach, where horses are still allowed to swim before 10.00am each day. Once back at the cafe, we bought our drinks and eats and congregated together in the open-air shelter. What could be better than fresh air, sunshine, bay views and great company provided by another great walk organised by Ken and Liz.
Wendy Crawford Walking Group Reporter
MAY WALK REPORT- DANDENONG CREEK TRAIL
On Monday 5 may, our walk started by taking the train to Carrum station. From there we walked along Station Street to the Patterson River to begin the Dandenong Creek Trail. Viewing as we walked along Station Street the historic old Carrum Fire Brigade building built in 1926 and converted into a residential house. At the river entrance is a spectacular mural of a young indigenous boy and a Burrunan dolphin. There is a resident population of these dolphins in Port Phillip Bay which are monitored by the Marine Mammal Foundation research team who use this waterway into the bay. It was a very windy day but we ventured onwards past several fishermen and a strange green structure on a jetty to the Marina boat ramp where it was decided to about face and return to Freddies Kitchen in Station Street for lunch. I investigated and found out that the green metal structure was a dedicated electric hoist for wheelchair users provided by Parks Vic who have an office at the marina. I am sure we all would recommend Freddies as the service and food was outstanding. The return train trip was the end of another gossipy, fun filled walk.
APRIL WALK- BRIGHTON/ELWOOD
On a mild sunny morning a group of Probus walkers set off from the beach end of North Road and headed north along the Bay Trail. As usual there was lots of chatter and some would say not much to see. How wrong you would be. First of all there was the beautiful bay, with its cargo boats and birdlife. People on the path, walking with and without dogs, running, pushing babies in prams, and a few people on the beach just enjoying the day. About three quarters of the way to our turnaround point was Elwood Pier. This concrete pier with concrete balustrades hides a surprise of several interesting and historically informative painted tile panels which were admired by our group. A few of the ladies in our midst spied something interesting in the water at Elwood Beach, two young males in pretty good nick budgie smugglers. See you never know what you may find on our walks and it doesn’t seem to matter how far we go we always find plenty to talk about. We returned along the path to our starting point and into the North Point Cafe for some welcome refreshments and more chatter. The sweet treats on offer at the cafe was a hit with many. Another enjoyable walk and thanks to Ken and Liz for organising.
Wendy Crawford Walking Group Reporter
FEB/MARCH GELATI WALK
On a hot autumn night, saved only by a lovely breeze, we met for our delayed annual gelati walk. Meeting in Spring St Sandringham we proceeded to walk east along Spring St to Tjilatjirrin Reserve. Never heard of it, well neither had I. Lots of chatter and then laughter when Penny found an abandoned scooter and tried to ride it. Through the reserve we walked which was occupied by lots of white corellas and a few pink and grey galahs and then we cut across the next oval back to Spring St. Then the rush was on as the lure of ice cream claimed all. So into the backyard of Augustus Gelatery where there was heaps of dripping ice creams and lots of chatter until the salesgirls told us they were shutting up for the night. Might have been a short walk but I am sure lots of fun was had by all. Thanks Ken and Liz.
Wendy Crawford Walking Group Reporter
January 2025 Walk Report
After a rainy day, the weather was more than kind to us and there was sunshine for our annual twilight walk around the lake at Karkarook Park. Our leader Ken led the way up the slight hill but stopped at the top making disparaging remarks about the stragglers, which included his wife. Comment was made that Ken, who was already sporting a black eye from a previous mishap was looking for another one. There was plenty of chatter as we caught up each others news from Christmas and New Year. Bird life around the lake was plentiful, including a family of black swans and lots of wood ducks. One of the adult swans took a liking to me as I tried to photograph them. Perhaps he thought I had food for him. A few other walkers were on the track and people fishing in the lake, didn’t enquire as to whether they were catching anything. After some discussion we ventured to the Golden Arches for a coffee and lots more chat. Once again a lovely way to spend an evening. Thanks to Ken and Liz for organising.
Wendy Crawford Walking Group Reporter
