GDTA Authors Walk (Frank Hardy and Peter Carey) on Wednesday 12 November, 10am – 1pm

LOCATION: Bacchus Marsh, the authors’ childhood home – details will be emailed to registered walkers prior to the event.

REGISTRATION: Registrations are essential before COB Monday 10 November. Click on this link to register: https://www.gdt.org.au/events/bacchus-authors-0810

WALK LEADERS: Gib Wettenhall and Tim Bach

DESCRIPTION: Another leisurely ramble, this time visiting the childhood locations of two Booker prize-winning authors, who were brought up in Bacchus Marsh: Peter Carey, who’s the only Australian novelist to win the Booker twice; and Frank Hardy, author of Power Without Glory, which sensationally sparked Australia’s only criminal libel suit. Although from different generations, they coincidentally lived in houses only a few doors apart. Other locations we will visit – all within easy strolling distance – include their primary schools (Frank, a dedicated communist, went to a convent); the site of the Carey servo and car dealership; Hardy’s caricatures in the Bacchus Marsh RSL that launched his career as a journo; what’s left of the prefab iron church that was subconsciously inspirational to Oscar and Lucinda and more… Joan Lindsay of Picnic at Hanging Rock fame lived for a few years in Bacchus March – and we know where she lived. Both Hardy and Carey wrote extensively about their childhoods – Carey’s novels are full of Bacchus Marsh characters if you know where to look.

DIFFICULTY: Easy, 5-7km, depending on how slowly we stroll.

HEALTH AND SAFETY: Please call or text the walk leader if you are unable to attend on the day.

DOGS: Dogs on a lead are allowed on this walk. Refer to the GDTA dog policy.

GUEST MEMBERSHIP AND INSURANCE: The walk is free to members and open to non-members. For non-members, a $10 fee is payable for insurance cover under the Bushwalking Victoria insurance policy. Please note that children under 5 years cannot be covered by this policy.

BRING: It is recommended, you carry a personal first aid kit, your own medication, water bottles, sun screen and personal hiking gear (sun glasses, walking sticks, small pack, etc). Wear clothing appropriate for the predicted weather conditions on the day. Bring light refreshments for breaks and your own lunch at the end of the walk (or during – depending on pace).

BOOKINGS: Bookings are essential – see registration link. You may cancel your booking by returning to the GDTA website page and clicking the cancel button. This will free up a space for other walkers. If the walk is full, you can elect to be put on the waiting list. You will be emailed if a space becomes available. You have 24hrs before the space is withdrawn and offered to the next on the list.