General Information

 The North West Walking Club conducted its first meeting on June the 6th, 1960, with the notion of forming a club to cater for bushwalkers and those who choose to simply walk for pleasure.

"Walking For Pleasure" remains the motto for the North West Walking Club which has a stable membership of 160 members, aged between eight to eighty plus, with varying levels of fitness.

The North West Walking Club meets twice a month and conducts a minimum of two walks each weekend, where new members are made most welcome and encouraged. Being a non-profit organization, the Club relies entirely upon membership fees to meet the running costs such as insurance, printing, (4 publications p.a.) walks programmes, room rental, track equipment and maintenance.

 Members train and participate in Search and Rescue routines and call outs as they arise, while a section of members volunteer their time and skills to other areas pertaining to preservation of many vital aspects of our environment.

 In 1974, the North West Walking Club was involved in the construction of walking tracks in the Dial Range. This project was a joint effort which included Parks, Forestry, the Penguin Council, funding from the Federal Government and many individuals. Today, the Dial Range remains a popular area for many diverse Recreational Users.

From this involvement, the North West Walking Club was inspired to fulfil its vision and create a track through to Cradle Mountain. By 1977, a track of some 80kms was surveyed and completed in 1983.

Today the track, known as the Penguin Cradle Trail is a challenging link between the Coastal township of Penguin and Cradle Mountain.

 The Penguin Cradle Trail has great Tourist potential and offers a diversity of appeal and attractions for those seeking a picturesque picnic location to a true wilderness experience. Features include historical, geological, a variety of forests and flora, including alpine, exquisite fauna, a canyon, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, mountains and ranges.

 The Penguin Cradle Trail is one of the recognised Eight Great Bushwalks, Sixty Great Short Walks and one of the Ten Best Australian Canyon Walks.

 To date, magazines and authors have and continue to acknowledge the Penguin Cradle Trail. We are indebted to the tributes from John Cannon, John Chapman, Nic Haygarth, Tyrone Thomas and Dr Mary White.

 MEETING VENUE:

 General meetings are held at  Ulverstone High School in Room 25 usually on the first and third Monday of each month at 7.45pm. Entrance to the venue is off Walker St. Visitors are always welcome.  

Initial contact can be made by writing to the club at the above address, by phone, or simply turning up at the meeting and making yourself known to the Membership Officer.