What is the exact route?
Day 1 – Pier To Pier: Frankston Pier to Mornington Pier
Day 2 – Mornington Park to Arthurs Seat
Day 3 – Golden Valleys Adventure Camp to Cape Schanck.
Information on the exact route will be provided closer to the date. Please note, last minute changes to the route are sometimes required due to natural events, road closures etc.
Day 1. The first day takes us from the Frankston Foreshore on an undulating climb over Mount Eliza and via the Moorooduc train line through to Mornington.
Day 2. You can expect fantastic views as the trail hugs the coastline from Mornington to Mt Martha, descends from the heights of Mount Martha to the stunning foreshores of Safety Beach and Dromana. Not to mention the amazing views from the beginning of the Two Bays Trail as our journey ascends Arthurs Seat.
Day 3. If you love the bush, you’ll thoroughly enjoy Day 3 as we head from Golden Valleys Adventure camp immersed in nature to our final destination — the Cape Schanck Lighthouse.
Fundraising
Do I have to ask people to sponsor me?
No, you are not required to fundraise to join ‘Frank To Schanck’! However, we welcome donations if you can contribute. We are currently raising crucial funds for the next ‘Spirit of Transformation’ program, enabling women who have experienced disadvantage to join our 10-week transformation program across the City of Casey, Frankston, Kingston and Mornington Peninsula. You can ‘Pay It Forward’ by supporting our ‘Transforming Lives Appeal’ at the checkout or via our Donations Page.
Registration
A $150 deposit is payable at the time of registration to secure your place in the Event.
The closing date for all event registrations is Friday, 30 September, 2024.
Full payment of your Event Registration Fee is due by Friday, 30 September, 2024.
The Women’s Spirit Project is a non-profit organisation. Registration fees go towards non-refundable expenses to host the Frank to Schanck Event. The registration fee is non-refundable if you change your mind.
If a registered participant needs to withdraw from the Event due to extenuating circumstances, a refund may be provided at the discretion of Women’s Spirit Project (WSP) Management. Please check out the event’s T&C’s here for more information.
In the event WSP is forced to cancel the WWW Frank to Schanck walk due to COVID19 and any governments restrictions put in place which prevent us from hosting the event, we will refund all event registration fees paid by registered participants.
Your T-Shirt will be handed out at the start line. You can collect it from the Event Registration Desk. Other merchandise will be available for sale at the accommodation venue ‘Golden Valleys Adventure Retreat’. You are also welcome to order additional items you may need ahead of the event in our online shop.
Event Logistics
Departure times and exact locations will be advised closer to the date
Scheduled bus transfers will be provided each day as follows:
Morning Shuttle from the finish line near Mornington Pier/Schnapper Point to the start line at Frankston Pier.
Morning Shuttle from Golden Valleys Adventure Camp in Flinders to the start line at Mornington Park.
Afternoon Shuttle from Arthurs Seat (finish line) to Golden Valleys Adventure Camp.
Afternoon Shuttle from Cape Schanck to Golden Valleys Adventure Camp in Flinders.
| Morning Shuttle Bus From Mornington Pier / Schnapper Point (Finish Line) to Frankston Pier (start line) | Departing from Mornington Pier /Schnapper Point (Finish Line) to transport walkers to Frankston Pier (Start Line). |
Afternoon Limited Shuttle From Mornington To Golden Valleys Adventure Camp (by prior arrangement ONLY) | If you don’t have your own car / transport at the end of the day in Mornington and you are overnighting at Golden Valleys Adventure Camp, please contact us if you need to get from Mornington Pier / Schnapper Point (finish line). Strictly limited availability. Please ensure you arrange this option well before the walk by contacting us at [email protected]. Our Crew will be able to look after your luggage until you need it at the end of the day. PLEASE NOTE — THERE IS NO SHUTTLE BUS RETURNING TO FRANKSTON IN THE AFTERNOON. If you are NOT accommodating at Golden Valley Lodge and you have NOT parked your car in Mornington for the day, please arrange your own pickup (e.g. family / friends / UBER) to make your way home upon completion of Day 1. |
| Parking | Walkers with Cars: Prior to the walk on Day 1, we recommend you drive your own car to park near Mornington Pier / Schnapper Point (finish line). Park your car safely in the streets near the finish line (observe parking restrictions). Then take our Day 1 MORNING SHUTTLE BUS to the start line in Frankston. Your car will be available for you to depart for Golden Valley Adventure Camp at your leisure upon completion of your Day 1 Walk. If you are accommodating at Golden Valley Adventure Camp, please leave your luggage in your car for the day (take valuables with you). Walkers without Cars: Please make your way directly to the start line at Frankston Pier. |
| Morning Shuttle Bus From Golden Valleys Adventure Camp to Mornington Park (start line) | Departs Golden Valleys Adventure Camp | Arrives Mornington Park (Start Line). |
AFTERNOON SHUTTLE BUS: Departs Arthurs Seat (Finish Line) | Arrives Golden Valleys Adventure Camp. BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT ONLY: AFTERNOON LIMITED SHUTTLE — Departs Arthurs Seat to Mornington PLEASE NOTE – NO NIGHT TIME SHUTTLE AFTER THE CIRCLE | AFTERNOON SHUTTLE BUS: Departs Arthurs Seat (Finish Line) | Arrives Golden Valleys Adventure Camp. BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT ONLY: AFTERNOON LIMITED SHUTTLE (FOR DAY 2 ONLY WALKERS): If you don’t have your own transport at the Arthurs Seat finish line, please contact us if you need to get back from Arthurs Seat to the Mornington Pier Start Line. Strictly limited availability. Please ensure you arrange this option prior by contacting us at [email protected]. This option is suitable for ‘DAY-2-ONLY’ Walkers. PLEASE NOTE – NO NIGHT TIME SHUTTLE: THERE IS NO SHUTTLE BUS after the women’s circle at Golden Valleys. If you need to get home after the circle, please ensure you park your car at Golden Valley in the morning |
| Parking | DAY-2 ONLY WALKERS: Going to the Womens Circle Event at Golden Valleys in the evening? You can drive to Golden Valleys in the early morning. Leave your car here for the day. Take advantage of our MORNING and AFTERNOON SHUTTLES. Depart in your own car after the conclusion of the Womens Circle. Walking on Day 2 (only) but not coming to the circle? Take advantage of our Day 2 AFTERNOON LIMITED SHUTTLE OPTION above. You are welcome to park at the camp in the morning, take the morning shuttle to the start line and get driven back to camp via shuttle in the afternoon. |
| No Morning Shuttle | NO MORNING SHUTTLE REQUIRED: the day 3 Start Line is at Golden Valley Adventure Camp, we will meet in the car park to start our walk. |
| AFTERNOON SHUTTLE: Cape Schanck (Finish Line) to Golden Valley Adventure Camp (Start Line) | AFTERNOON SHUTTLE from Cape Schanck (Finish Line) to Golden Valley Adventure Camp (Start Line) if you have reserved a seat as part of your booking. The shuttle will take you from Cape Schanck back to Golden Valley where you will pick up your car and any luggage. As many walkers are being greeted by loved ones at the finish line at Cape Schanck, we ask you to indicate as part of your booking, if you need a shuttle back to Golden Valley. If you have answered ‘yes’, a return shuttle is available for you. If you answered ‘no’, we understand you will be making your own arrangements when leaving Cape Schanck. |
| Parking & Finish Line | OVERNIGHTERS: prior to the walk this morning, you are required to pack up and check out of your room. Your luggage stays in your car for the day at Golden Valleys.
Don’t have a car? You can either choose to leave your luggage in a friend’s car or store with Golden Valleys (please note, the venue accepts no liability, you are responsible for your luggage) DAY 3 ONLY WALKERS: Please arrive at Golden Valleys Adventure Camp in the morning to join the walk. If you leave your car here in the morning, you can take the afternoon shuttle back as long as you have reserved a seat as part of your booking. You will pick up your car at Golden Valleys and head back home. You are also welcome to make your own arrangements from Cape Schanck. IF YOU are being picked up by loved ones at the finish line (Cape Schanck), they can take you back to Golden Valleys to pick up your car or head home if you didn’t leave your car. |
Hiking Equipment
You only need to carry a ‘day pack’ which would contain your personal items for the walk such as food, water, snacks, sunscreen, medication, spare clothes, camera etc. Any overnight items can be left in your car and / or accommodation if you are staying at Golden Valley’s Adventure Camp.
Whatever would provide you with the best support and comfort level to walk on a variety of different terrains (including residential footpaths, bitumen roads, gravel and rocky trails, bush trails, grass, boardwalks and some sand) and over 20+ kilometres daily.
Consider that the weather may be wet, and your shoes should offer some water resistance to cope with walking through grass or puddles. The journey will take you from areas that are flat across undulating hills and will also include two steep descents and one steep incline.
Potentially participants may easily make use of both styles of shoe (ie. changing between the morning session to the afternoon session).
Pack several pairs of thick wool blend or bamboo socks. They absorb moisture and cushion the feet.
If you are prone to sore feet or blisters, changing socks during the walk and putting PawPaw Cream on your feet before and during walking can help.
Strapping in advance and the use of blister bandaids are also advisable if your feet are prone to blisters.
Recommended
If you don’t wear long pants that cover your shoes/boots, then Gators are recommended, they assist in keeping grass seeds and small pebbles from entering into your socks and shoes/boots.
Gators are available from outdoor stores, however a budget option is to wear tradie gators (available from Bunnings).
Hiking poles don’t need to be expensive, and it is recommended to use two poles to adequately support your body movement (left and right hand), although it is not essential.
Hiking poles are recommended for longer hikes and are particularly useful going up and down steep inclines more so than on flat terrain. Some packs and day bags offer designated storage places for hiking poles.
Remember, if have forgotten to pack your hiking poles and you find you are missing them during your walk, the natural bush often will often provide the perfect size stick from the ground, which can be left in the bush when you have finished with it!
Being aware of the weather-forecast is critical when venturing into the outdoors. Lightweight rain gear (like the pack & go pocket products), can be useful in a passing shower, but are unlikely to keep you dry in heavy rain for more than 5mins.
Investing in a good quality, weather-proof jacket (Goretex or similar) will be money well spent.
If your jacket is older, you can re-waterproof this with waterproofing spray available from outdoor stores and Bunnings (eg: Selleys Watershield) please ensure you read and follow safety instructions and that it is appropriate for your gear. Water-proofing spray can also be used on shoes and other gear.
A shirt with long sleeves and a collar is ideal for both warmth in cold weather and protection from sunburn.
A light t-shirt should be carried and if it is cold a thermal is a good edition. Layering clothing is essential for staying warm after your period of activity ends and aiding recovery.
Likewise, layering clothing can help to regulate body temperature and stay cool during periods of activity.
A polar fleece long sleeve jumper will maintain warmth and is advisable as it is a lightweight, fast drying fabric. Avoid cotton or bulky woolen jumpers whilst walking but these are great for the evening.
Long pants are essential in cold weather.
However, shorts are comfortable in most conditions and can be worn whilst hiking.
Tight fitting jeans should not be worn. Cotton fabrics do not dry quickly and are also not recommended.
Tracksuit pants or loose-fitting pants are good for the evening..
Hikers wool has helped many of our women get through longer treks. It provides a cushioning effect in any areas of your feet where you may be starting to feel some discomfort after walking for some hours. You can purchase it online or in store, for example at Kiwi House in Mornington.
A torch is essential for evenings at Golden Valleys. Head torches are excellent for freeing up hands. Remember to pack spare batteries!
Day Bag Packing Ideas
You only need to carry a ‘day pack’ which would contain your personal items for the walk such as food, water, snacks, sunscreen, medication, spare clothes, camera etc.
Any overnight items can be left in your car and / or Golden Valleys if you are staying overnight.
It is essential your pack fits properly, is packed properly and fits well on your back. It should have wider shoulder straps and a firm padded hip belt.
If your pack does not have a rain cover then lining your bag with a light-coloured bin liner can help keep things dry.
It is easier to find things if the colour of the plastic is light, rather than a black bin liner – but this will also do.
The below list is not exhaustive and many people have personal preferences:
Weather Protection
- Cap/Sun hat, possibly beanie if it’s cold (consider night times at Golden Valleys)
- Sunglasses
- Scarf or tube scarf
- Rain Jacket
- Rain Pants (optional)
- Jacket
- Gloves (optional if chilly at night)
Spare Clothing
- Extra socks
- Hair elastics
- Alternative shoes (eg: runners)
Electronics
- Mobile phone
- Back Up Battery Packs
- Phone Chargers/Cords
Equipment – see equipment section for details
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Gators
- Hiking Poles (optional)
- Toilet Paper in Seal bag
- Empty Plastic Bag
- Possibly torch for evenings at Golden Valleys
- Consider a whistle
- 2 litres of Water
- Lunch (See food List)
- Snacks (See food List)
Yes, you will need to carry the water you need to complete the walk each day. A 2-3 litre water bladder with drinking hose is recommended for ease of access and carrying sufficient water.
If using water bottles 2 x 1 litre water bottle, plastic or aluminum with a large mouth (for cleaning).
You will need to carry all of your snacks and lunch for during the walk.
A morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea stop will be scheduled by your walk leader.
It is recommended to eat food that you normally eat and that you know your body is familiar with.
The below are some ideas:
Snacks
- Nuts
- Fruit
- Veggie sticks: celery, carrot etc
- Bliss balls
- Dry biscuits
- Snack packs
- Pretzels
- Popcorn
- Chocolate
- Hard boiled eggs
- Choc coffee beans
- Protein bars
- Protein shakes
- Electrolytes
Lunch
- Salad packs
- Tinned fish
- Wraps
- Sandwiches
- Crackers
- Cold cooked pasta
Women’s Spirit Project First Aiders will carry First Aid kits.
However, it is essential that everyone carries a personal first aid kit. This also ensures you have access to the products you like and are familiar with.
Personal first Aid Kit Recommendations:
- Hand sanitiser (WSP will provide a clip on sanitiser to all participants)
- Hikers Wool
- Blister-aids
- Bandaids
- Pain relief
- Sanitary Items
- Hair elastics
- Lip balm
- Paw Paw Cream
- Tissues
- Wipes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
To store damp socks, towels and rubbish and to prevent items from accidently getting wet if it rains.
A plastic bag in your day pack can be used to sit on to stay dry during breaks or when changing socks. Plus, it won’t add much weight. A snap lock bag in your day pack with a small amount of toilet paper is a must, as public toilets tend to be out!
Toilet roll in a zip lock bag for when the public toilet is out or you need to go in the bush. You can remove the middle to reduce space.
A second zip lock bag or nappy bag or dog bag to put dirty toilet roll in if going in the bush.
Overnighting
If you have booked an accommodated walk, you will be overnighting at Golden Valleys Adventure Camp. You will be checking in after your Day 1 walk.
No, you do not have to stay overnight. You can arrange to be picked up and dropped off at the relevant locations each day, or you can commute in your own vehicle to the daily start point. Please refer to these FAQ’s under the Event Logistics section to find out more about Car Parking.
Overnight Items
We recommend a camp chair, yoga mat, picnic blanket and warm layers a blanket and or jackets for the Saturday night event to keep you cozy.
This list is not exhaustive, use as a guide and add and omit items as suit you:
- Sheets
- Sleeping Bag or Doona
- Pillow
- Towel/Face Washer
- Personal Hygiene Items (deodorant,soaps,creams etc
hair elastics, brush etc) - Toilet Paper
- Night Light
- Torch + Spare Batteries/Charger
- Night light
- Book
- Blanket – night event
- Chair – night event
- Battery Packs
- BYO cup
- Chargers/Cords
- Snap lock bags*
- Garbage/plastic bags*
Clothes For 3 Days:
- Boots (waterproof suggested)
- 2-3 T-shirts
- 2-3 long sleeve tops/shirts
- 2-3 comfortable pants/leggings/tracksuit pants
- Fleecy / warm jacket(s) for nights
- Thermals (optional)
- 6 sets socks
- Underwear
- PJ’s
- Ugg Boots/ Slippers
- Thongs (optional)
- Beanie and gloves if cool weather forecase
- Hat
- (Tradie) Gators (optional but recommended)
Breakfast
If you have booked an accommodated walk, staying at Golden Valleys, breakfast is being provided on Saturday and Sunday. Please bring your own favourite teas, coffee, UHT milks and any other extra breakfast items you make like. Refrigeration is very limited, please bring items that will not rely on fridge access as we cannot guarantee fridge space.
Lunch and Snacks
You are responsible for your own lunch and snacks as these are usually a personal preference and everyone tends to eat different types and amounts of food on hiking treks. Make sure you keep your body fueled with nutritious food and plenty of water. Please refer to suggested food items in the day bag section.
Dinner
If you are staying at Golden Valleys, dinner will be provided on Friday and Saturday night. If you have booked to attend the Women’s Circle on Saturday night, dinner is included on the night, even if you are not staying at Golden Valleys.
Water
Tap water is available at the accommodation. Please bring your own bottled water if you prefer.
Pre Event Training
The training walks are offered at no additional cost and scheduled for the following dates and locations. All walks and meeting locations are scheduled on our Facebook page.
Please ensure you register prior to each training walk. Lookout for our WSP Volunteers who will be wearing their teal t-shirts.
- 13 October 2024 — 9.15 am — #3 – F2S training walk – Green Day Hike (16kms).
- 27 October 2024 — 9.15 am — #4 – F2S training walk — London Bridge Lookout and Fort Nepean (allow 5 hours).
- 10 November 2024 — 9.15 am — #5 F2S training walk – training maintenance walk.
No, due to coverage under our insurance policy, children and pets are unfortunately not permitted on our training walks.
Yes. You are required to register for each training walk even if you cannot participate in the actual Frank To Schanck event for insurance purposes.
