Bendigo Outdoor Club History
The Bendigo Outdoor Group was a successful and popular club of 40 - 50 members at its peak, and reached a mature 25 years in operation. Based in Central Victoria, BOG's (the preferred name, even after incorporation as Bendigo Outdoor Club in 1983) have roamed far and wide - principally bushwalking but also mountain-bike riding, canoeing, rafting and cross-country skiing.
The Club has consistently enjoyed a healthy calendar, with no shortage of members leading a range of activities on most weekends throughout the year. These have included day trips, base camps, overnight and extended trips throughout Victoria and also interstate.
A core group of overnight pack carrying enthusiasts have walked extensively in the Victorian and N.S.W. Alpine country, Victorian desert and mallee country, and Victorian and N.S.W. coast.
Members regularly organised extended interstate and international walking trips. These have included Flinders Ranges S.A., Western Arthurs Tasmania, New Zealand and Peru.
A couple of longstanding members moved interstate, but continued to enthusiastically organise and participate in BOG trips. Bendigo Outdoor Club was also probably the only Australian bushwalking club to have a Swedish member who couldn't resist dropping in from Sweden from time to time.
The Club owned a pair of rafts and a Club history would not be complete without mention of the fabulous weekends members have had using and abusing them.
No matter how big or small the trip, Boggers have always prided themselves on enjoying the company of fellow members, and remember the many trips fondly.
Duty was not neglected, as the Club has also been involved in hut and track maintenance in Alpine and local areas. Some of the more experienced leaders ran skills training, navigation and first aid training nights to enhance the skills base of the Club.
The 20th Anniversary in 2003 was a huge celebration, with a number of events being organised to celebrate the occasion including an anniversary dinner, a social night and a number of memorable walks run from Sheepyard Flat. Mugs featuring the boot logo were designed for the occasion.
The Club celebrated its 25th Anniversary in March 2008 with a weekend at Nelson. Members enjoyed day walks around the Glenelg National Park and Cape Bridgewater and snorkelling at Piccaninnie and Ewans Ponds. This was the final 'BOG' activity as the club decided to merge with Bendigo Bushwalkers to form the Bendigo Bushwalking and Outdoor Club.
