Membership hikes at bushwalking club

BUSHWALKING enthusiasts have been returning to a longstanding local special interest group.

Membership numbers at the Bendigo Bushwalking and Outdoor Club dwindled during COVID with some fearing the group would not survive.

Recent efforts to rejuvenate BBOC by cultivating a stronger social media presence have attracted new members.

“We’ve found it such a great thing to revive the club, because that’s how people read about things these days” BBOC president Graham Borrell said.

In addition to monthly members meetings, BBOC ventures out most weekends for day-hikes in the region.

Mr Borrell said as membership has grown, the club has been planning shorter walks and day hikes to cater to their new audience.

“Last summer, and we’re going to do it again this summer, during daylight savings we’ve added a two-hour walk once a week in the evening.”

The Wednesday evening walks take place around Crusoe Reservoir in summer.

BBOC has some longer outings planned too, with a beginners snow camp to take place later this month at Buffalo.

For Mr Borrell bushwalking is a freeing experience.

“I just love being out in the bush, you can just walk anywhere you want,” he said.

“And walking with a group means you can chat to other people and when you’re on a walk that is a bit challenging having someone to talk to distracts you from the walking. It’s a great way to meet people.”

A calendar of upcoming walks can be found on the BBOC Facebook page and walkers of all experience levels are welcome to join in.