On Ya’ Bike to Maldon and Back Again
After the positive feedback for our April 25 ride from Newstead to Maldon (and back), here at Newstead Walks and Wheels we think a follow up ride is in order. We are proposing to saddle up at 10 am on June 25 and again find our way to Maldon through the beautiful Muckleford bushland.
Beginning at the Newstead Park, diagonally opposite the IGA in Lyons St, Newstead, we will make our way to the rotunda-less park and then head up the MacLaren Road hill and into the bush. We will cycle past the Red, White and Blue mine and enter Maldon from the Railway Station side of the town. A few kilometres longer than our last ride. We’ll stop for coffee and refreshments in Maldon before making our way back along the Mia Mia Road route. This will be a roughly 34-kilometre circuit with plenty of stops along the way The route is mostly well-maintained dirt tracks, with a small amount of footpath, or asphalt at either end.
Bring a snack, water bottle, money for coffee (and cake!) and a basic repair kit.
Time:10 am, Date 25th of May 2023. Contact: 0409 544 063 or 0401 107 857
Future Walks and Wheels Rides (Put the date in your calendar)
Date | Proposed Ride |
July 30 2023 | A longer ride – Newstead -> Maldon -> Castlemaine -> Guildford -> Newstead |
August 27 2023 | Route to be confirmed |



On Ya’ Bike
Yep, now that the weather is cooling down a bit, here at Newstead Walks and Wheels we think it’s the perfect time to get on your bike and cycle through the beautiful Muckleford bushland. Join us at 10 am on April 23rd, as we head off to the historic township of Maldon. This will be a leisurely ride along the dirt tracks that meander through the forest up to Maldon.
Beginning at the Newstead Park, diagonally opposite the IGA in Lyons St. Newstead, we will make our way to the rotunda-less park and then head up the MacLaren Road hill into the bush. From the top of the hill things are easier all the way to Maldon so you can focus on enjoying the surrounding landscape.
Arriving in Maldon, we’ll stop for a coffee and refreshments before making our way back along the same route, roughly a 34 kilometre circuit with plenty of stops along the way to catch your breath and catch up with each other while you are at it.
The route is mostly well-maintained dirt tracks, with a small amount of footpath, or asphalt at either end.
Bring a snack, water bottle, money for coffee (and cake!) and a basic repair kit.
Time:10 am, Date 23rd April 2023. Contact: 0409 544 063 or 0401 107 857

Autumn Community Bush Walk
Thursday 30 March 2023, 5 pm
Come and enjoy an evening stroll in the Muckleford Bushland
- Meet at the BBQ area, Rotunda Park
- BYO drink, snack, sunscreen, first aid kit
- Moderate level of fitness required.
- Route will be on gravel roads and tracks
- Distance will be approx 6-7 kms.
- Cancelled if it is a Code Red Day
For more information please contact: Jen 0438 568 736
If you would like a poster of this event please find it here.

Enjoy an evening stroll in the Muckleford
Newstead Walks & Wheels invites everyone to come on a delightful bush stroll in the Muckleford Forest on Thursday 8 December, 5pm.
Invite your friends and neighbours too – here’s a poster to share.
Meet at the BBQ area, Rotunda Park. BYO drink, snack, sunscreen, first aid kit – and dress for the weather.
The route will be on gravel roads and tracks and a moderate level of fitness required. The distance will be approx. 6-7 kms and we expect to be back at Rotunda Park around 7.30pm. The walk will be cancelled if it is a Code Red Day.
For more information please contact: Jen 0438 568 736.
An initiative of Newstead Walks and Wheels

The new Active Transport Reference Group needs you!

As a part of the Active Transport Strategy development, MASC is setting up a new Active Transport Ongoing Reference Group. Please consider joining it.
What is active transport? ‘Active Transport is a term which describes many forms of physical travel and movement, across a range of activities including walking, cycling, scooting, using prams, mobility scooters and wheelchairs.’
The Reference Group will work with Council to provide advice on improving active transport in the Shire.
Council’s looking to hear from residents who are passionate about active transport, and have an association with, or are engaged in active transport.
If this sounds like you, visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/active-transport-strategy and express your interest by Friday 4 November.
There will also be a range of opportunities for residents to input to the strategy development.
Steven Oliver is the Council Officer coordinating the strategy development. His details are on the web page.
Welcome to our new Committee
Newstead 2021’s 2021/22 Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Thursday 29th September. The following people were elected as office bearers:
Genevieve Barlow – President
Dimity Fifer – Vice President
Don Culvenor – Secretary
Steve Muller – Treasurer
Newstead 2021 would like to thank these people for taking on office bearer roles. The Newstead 2021 2022/23 committee will be finalised at the next meeting to be held on 13th October and from the committee, an executive committee will be drawn.
New members are always welcome to join Newstead 2021; there is no joining fee, just fill out the application form or contact the Secretary on info@newstead2021.org.
Community Bike Rides in Spring
Save the Date: AGM 29 September 2022, 6pm
Newstead 2021 has helped our community create and sustain many of Newstead’s great projects: our Community Plan; Renewable Newstead; Community Garden; Arts Hub; Walks & Wheels; Newstead Open Studios; Talking Fire.
So come along to the 2021/2022 AGM for Newstead 2021 Inc on Thursday 29 Sep at 6pm and find out what we have achieved over the last 12 months. Venue: Newstead Community Centre meeting room (at the back of the building). We’ll let everyone know about the agenda and reports at least 2 weeks beforehand.
Some of our office-bearers will be stepping down at the AGM, so it’s time to put your hand up! Newstead 2021 is on the hunt for a new President and Secretary. Interested? Contact Newstead 2021 (info@newstead2021.org) for a chat with Genevieve Barlow (President) or Jane Lean (Secretary) who hold those positions now. Steve Muller, a newcomer to Newstead, has kindly agreed to nominate as Treasurer and take over that role from Geoff Park.
If you are not already a member of Newstead 2021, please join. It’s free, but you do need to fill in a membership form each year. So if you can’t recall filling one in recently, it’s probably time to renew. Download a membership form, or if you need a hard copy form, please email Jane Lean – info@newstead2021.org – and she will send you one.