The North West Walking Club, located in Ulverstone, Tasmania, has been providing opportunities for bushwalking and leisurely walking for over 60 years. With a stable membership of approximately 200 members, the club holds meetings twice a month at Apex House on Gollan Street, Ulverstone. Along with regular walks every weekend, the club also offers midweek walks and multi-day trips. Additionally, members can participate in activities such as cycling, kayaking, and caving.
The club warmly welcomes new members and encourages their participation. As a non-profit organisation, the North West Walking Club relies on membership fees to cover various running costs, including insurance, printing, publication of four annual programmes, room rental, and equipment maintenance. Some members of the club receive training and participate in search and rescue tasks, while others volunteer their time and skills in environmental preservation through groups like WILDCARE.
A significant historical milestone for the North West Walking Club was its involvement in the construction of walking tracks in the Dial Range in 1974. This joint effort, supported by Parks, Forestry, the Penguin Council, and funding from the Federal Government, established the Dial Range as a popular recreational area. The Penguin Cradle Trail, a challenging track connecting Penguin and Cradle Mountain, remains a highlight of the region.
The club's walks programme, issued quarterly, can be accessed via their website and the WALKER publication. Interested individuals can register for walks online or contact the coordinator prior to the walk. The walks programme is continuously updated to include new and upcoming events. Walks are graded, and coordinators assist participants in selecting walks suitable for their fitness level.
To join a club walk, prospective members must first complete an online Application for Membership form and pay a fee of $25. 00 through direct deposit. Prospective membership is valid for six months, during which time members must complete three day walks (including a working bee) and a training day to become full members. Training days are offered every three months, and members can request extensions for their prospective membership if unable to meet the requirements.
Club meetings are held at Apex House on Gollan Street, starting at 7:30 pm. These meetings often feature guest speakers, media presentations, theme nights, and reviews of recent club walks, providing opportunities for members to connect, socialise, and make new friends.
For more information about the North West Walking Club, visit their website at nwwc. Org. au. Copyright@nwwc.
org. au 2023.