Ben Cruachan Walking Club is a sports club located in Wellington Shire, Australia. The club was founded on 27 June, 1965, by a group of bushwalking and field naturalist enthusiasts who hiked to the summit of Ben Cruachan, an 836-metre mountain in Central Gippsland, Victoria.
Currently, the club has around 140 members, primarily from Central and East Gippsland, with ages ranging from young to seniors aged 80 and above. The club has a strong connexion to McMillans Walking Track, which spans 220 kilometres from Omeo to Woods Point, following tracks originally cut by Angus McMillan in 1864 to connect goldfields communities in the Gippsland high country.
The club organises 40–50 walks throughout the year, including day walks, mid-week walks, weekend car camps, overnight hikes, and longer distance multi-day walks. These walks are graded from easy to hard, catering to both experienced and inexperienced walkers. Experienced members of the club are eager to share their knowledge and love of the bush with newcomers.
In addition to walking activities, non-active members, as well as family and partners of members, are welcome to join car camps and other social events.
The Ben Cruachan Walking Club has clear objectives and is organised as an incorporated association. The club encourages members to develop their bushcraft skills, lead walks, suggest new walks for the programme, or simply enjoy being part of the community.
Membership in the club offers numerous benefits, including access to the walk programme, input into club activities, insurance cover, access to experienced club members, a bi-monthly newsletter, and resources. Members also gain automatic membership to Bushwalking Victoria, with access to discounts at partner stores. The club upholds proper bushwalking etiquette and has rules and guidelines in place for members to follow.
To become a member, interested individuals can fill out the membership application form and submit it to the club along with the required fees. Dual membership is also available to individuals who are already members of another club affiliated with Bushwalking Victoria, with a discounted annual membership fee. Once the application and fees are received, new members are welcome to join club activities, provided they meet the pre-requisites and guidelines for each activity. Emergency information and other relevant details will be provided to new members upon joining.
Overall, Ben Cruachan Walking Club offers a welcoming and active community for individuals who enjoy bushwalking and exploring the natural beauty of Gippsland and beyond.