YHA Victoria was formed over 60 years ago in 1939. Hostels were to provide for walkers and cyclists in and around Kinglake, the Dandenongs and the Mornington Peninsula. The inaugural walk by YHA Bushies was at Easter 1940 in the Kinglake area. The cyclists held their first ride on the Mornington Peninsula when a group of 60 led by none other than Hubert Opperman (later knighted) cycled the Frankston-Mornington-Dromana circuit in July 1940.

Over the years we have seen many changes. In the early 1980’s and earlier, transport for just about all bushwalking trips was by van or bus. Today very few trips have the luxury of bus transport and while the old furniture van is still in use it is not the preferred mode of travel. Framed packs are seldom used and there are those who use a GPS instead of a compass. In 1959 Paddy Pallin extolled the virtues of the 3 B’s - Burn, Bash and Bury - but today the practice endorsed by the club is to take everything out. The boom years of the 1930’s when 1000’s participated in day walks are now over and probably just as well.

And while walking with a club may not be as popular with young people today, clubs such as YHA Bushwalking are still relevant and still have a large part to play in the walking and social arena. Walking with a club group can be, and is, a very satisfying and rewarding experience. So when we look back at 60 years of walking with YHA let us also look forward to another 60 years of walking.