ABOUT US
MUAB is an incorporated association affiliated with Bushwalking Victoria. MUAB aims to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience of bushwalking for all members. Wherever possible, we draw on environmental and conservation information from locals and official information centres. Members freely contribute their own explorations and knowledge with the group.
Our ‘week of walks’ is based in one location away from the city with organised day walks. Accommodation is grouped together either in cottages, motel or lodges. The club has visited Cradle Mountain, Tasmania (2007), Flinders Island (2010), Falls Creek (2011), Central West Tasmania (2013), Heysen Trail, SA (2014), Eden, NSW (2018), Buffalo Plateau (2019).
We offer approximately two ‘walking weekends’ at various times of the year. These have been spent in Cape Otway (Great Ocean Walk), Gellibrand (Beechy Rail Trail Walk), Castlemaine and Bendigo (Dry Diggings Track) for example.
All walks are scoped prior to advertising the activity. Leadership of all walks is shared by members with a mentor scheme for new leaders. Detailed walk notes are prepared and circulated to all members by email prior to each walk. These notes include meeting arrangements, and give ‘how to get there’ directions, map of the walk with descriptions of levels of difficulty.
Walkers don’t have to register in advance for monthly day walks. However, if you are not present on time at the designated meeting spot for a prompt start at the designated time you may be left behind.
The Annual Walks Calendar is posted to the website for reference.
The club organises a long lunch mid-year and a barbecue at end of each year as social events.
Why do we do it?
Our walks are not solely exercises in physical fitness. We delight in the beauty and diversity of landscapes in Victoria and interstate. Some members are keen photographers, poets and painters. Conversation along the track is lively and wide-ranging, with members’ expertise and interests including ecology, conservation, history, water management, health, art, music and overseas travel.
While most members are in their fifties and upwards, we welcome new members of any age, especially younger walkers. We enjoy the mix of interests and ages that stimulates conversation and adds to the range of perceptions and responses to the bush.
Our history
In 1975, our foundation President, the late Dr Gretna Weste AM, an Associate Professor of Botany, led the first walk through the Werribee Gorge. In 2005 the MUAB published Amblers. Ramblers and Scramblers: A History of the Melbourne University and Alumni Bushwalking Group 1975-2005. The work was reprinted in 2009 and copies are available from the Secretary of MUAB for $20. This book gives a lively account of the group’s foundation and evolution. Reflections, photographs and paintings from more than 25 members illustrate both the group’s activities and the responses to the bush by individual walkers. The book also includes fine line drawings by artist, Janet Fenton. The bushwalking boots featured in the logo are used here with Janet’s permission.
The publication of this book was assisted by a grant from the University of Melbourne History of the University Unit.
In 2015 the group celebrated its 40th anniversary. In 2017 we became incorporated as Melbourne University and Alumni Bushwalkers Inc., and we are generally known as MUAB.