+ Can I walk only some parts of the route?
Yes, you choose the distance and you choose the challenge. Walkers may start/finish at any of 12 Songline Stations along the 80km walk. Timings for Songline Station Open/Closure and Ceremonies are provided with your Survival Kit (emailed on registration).
+ Can I see the artwork and not walk?
Yes. Visit any of the 9 Walking Circle ephemeral artworks installed at songline stations along the contemporary songline.
You can also enjoy artworks and performance at our three ceremonies Gathering of the Elders, at Big Rock, You Yangs Regional Park; Gathering of the City at Johnstone Park in central Geelong; and Gathering of the Elements at the mouth of the Barwon River, Barwon Heads.
+ How do I volunteer?
+ Will there be facilities along the way?
Yes.
Amenities
- We will be providing toilets at the 12 Songline Stations during the M~M2018 walk.
- An accessible toilet will be available at each Songline Station.
- Toilets are also available near Suma Park railway siding, mid-point between Drysdale and Swan Bay.
- Please note that the stages from Drysdale to Swan Bay, and from Point Lonsdale to Ocean Grove, are particularly long - please plan accordingly.
- M~M2018 Amenities and Water Locations - 1 page
Food on the Day
- A number of Songline Stations will feature food and beverages from local vendors that can be purchased. However it is advisable to bring your own food and water with you so as not to rely on these sources alone.
- Visit www.centralgeelong.com.au for more information on dining, entertainment, accommodation and shopping options in Central Geelong and the Bellarine.
- M~M2018 Food and Drink Options - 2 pages
On the website under Walk you will find details in our Survival Guide.
+ What do I need to bring?
We recommend:
- Comfortable clothes, in layers that can be removed or added when hot or cold
- Durable, waterproof and well-fitting footwear suitable for walking distances
- A few pairs of thick breathable socks
- For those intending to walk either a full day or the entire 80km we recommend an anti-chafing product for your feet.
- Hat/Hood
- Lightweight raincoat, poncho or other weatherproof gear
- Sunscreen and bottled water
- Small portable snack foods to snack on and/or money to purchase food
- A fully charged mobile phone if you have one
- Night walkers should bring a fully charged torch with them on their journey (even if you prefer not to use it).
On the website under Walk you will find these details in our Survival Guide..
+ I am wanting to stay overnight in Geelong can you suggest accommodation?
Please see visitgeelongbellarine.com.au to find one of the many accommodation options available in Central Geelong. We do recommend booking early, as Central Geelong accommodation fills quickly during events.
+ Are buses available for the event?
Yes.
On Friday 4th May at 9am, a coach will depart from the V/Line Geelong Railway Station, at a signed Bus Bay, for the You Yangs. (Cost $5).
A free bus shuttle service will also be provided for those that choose to drive to the You Yangs and walk sections of the M~M walk. The bus shuttle service will be positioned at stations along the way and take you back to your vehicle, no matter how many stations you walk.
This year the tide is too high to walk a section between Station 10 and 11 and a free coach will be provided to take walkers from Ripview Lookout – Pt Lonsdale to Begola Reserve, Tuckfield St Ocean Grove. The walk will then continue on to the surrounds of the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club.
At the final station, Saturday 5 May, a coach from Barwon Heads will depart at approximately 8.15pm. The coach will depart from Barwon Heads Foreshore, at a signed Bus Bay, to V/Line Geelong Railway Station. (Cost $5).
Details provided when you register.
+ Where does my registration money go?
50% of all tickets sold fund a planting program of indigenous species along the 80 kilometre walk, in partnership with GenU (Karingal-StLaurence). Working with the Bellarine Catchment Network our Green Corridor Strategy guides our long term vision to revegetate the local habitat with plantings of Indigenous species of grasses, trees and shrubs.
Our “Green Corridor” strategy is connecting local communities and revegetation organisations together to care for the eleven songline corridors across the 80km walk, so that the region can retain its natural beauty. In the future, the installation of Mountain to Mouth walking maps and signage at a number of sites will encourage all year walking of this contemporary songline.
By registering for M~M2018, you help raise much needed funds to realise this vision.
The remaining 50% goes back into the event delivery and implementation.
+ Where are the ceremonies?
M~M features three ceremonies that mark the beginning, middle and end of the walk:
Gathering of the Elders: Big Rock at You Yangs Regional Park, Friday 4 May from 10.30am
Gathering of the City: Johnstone Park, Raingarden as a programme highlight of Geelong After Dark, Friday 4 May from 9.30pm
Gathering of the Elements: Mouth of the Barwon River Barwon Heads Saturday 5 May from 6pm
Ceremonies provide key gathering points and include performance and visual arts. Join in and celebrate with us.
+ Is food and water provided?
A number of Songline Stations will feature food and beverages from local vendors that can be purchased. However it is advisable to bring your own food and water with you so as not to rely on these sources alone.
+ Are dogs allowed to walk with me?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the walk under owner’s control. Please be mindful of other walkers and make sure you pick up any droppings and provide your dog with plenty of water.
+ When does the event finish?
M~M will finish Saturday 5 May at approximately 7pm.
Buses are available from Barwon Heads at 8.15pm. A coach will depart from Barwon Heads Foreshore at a signed Bus Bay, to V/Line Geelong Railway Station.
