Important: Change of Camping Ground

This is an important update to everyone intending to come to our "Bears In The Wild" camping trip February 11-13.

In order accommodate as many people as we can, it has been decided that the camping trip will be moved to Warburtons Bridge Camping Ground, slightly more than one kilometre south east of Vaughan Springs Camping Ground.

Warburtons Bridge does allow solid fuel fires so break out all of your favourite campfire recipes and acoustic guitar. However the site does not have flushing toilets or tap water. It is advised that each carload brings a sensible amount of water to last the weekend and considers their means of heating food. Vicbears will endeavour to provide a discrete chemical toilet on-site, flushing toilets are still available in Vaughan Springs.

Please refer to the revised event description below for more information and stay tuned for further updates.

We look forward to seeing you there,

Jack Chapman
Event Captain
Vicbears Inc

Vicbears' Monster Midsumma!

January is here! The temperature is hot and the Bears are even HOTTER! In 2011 Vicbears is offering a triple treat for those spicy Midsumma nights.

BEARAOKE - 22 JANUARY

STEP RIGHT UP, STEP RIGHT UP! See the WOOFIEST men in town take to the stage in this special MIDSUMMA edition of Bearaoke! Shanobear and his merry crew are back down to Melbourne again, bringing with them an expansive song-list for you to sing your favourite tunes! Come down for a drink, BBQ is from 7PM, and the vocals start from around 8! So come sing along or take to the stage! There are prizes for stand-out performances and the night is FREE - what more could you want!? Bearaoke is always a big night, and we'd love to have you there at this official Midsumma event! To have a look at Shanobear's tracklist, visit: http://karaoke.shanobear.com/

UNDERBEAR - 25 JANUARY

STEP RIGHT UP AND STRIP DOWN, BOYS! Underbear is back in a VERY big way! It's the hottest party of the summer, and we're not just referring to the weather. There's something about a bunch of big, burly, HAIRY men getting down to their underwear that just rubs us the right way; it only happens in Melbourne twice a year, so come and take advantage of one of the biggest and BEST parties Vicbears has to offer!! ... With DJ Nick Shepherd on the decks spinning the tunes, the vibe will be pumping, and it's an event certainly not to be missed! So come and get down to your essentials in this very popular Midsumma official event! Entry is $15 for VicBears members, $20 for non-members.

BEAR SOUP - 26 JANUARY

COME GET YER FUR WET AND FROLLICK WITH THE BEARS! Come to Wet on Wellington this AUSTRALIA DAY and recover from Underbear; we just know you'll be crawling out of bed at around midday after a night of fur-flying madness at The Laird Hotel for the biggest bear party of Midsumma... so come relax for the day! Lounge by the pool, play in the water, have a nice hot spa or go for a wander upstairs and see what wonders you can find! ... There's also going to be a tasty BBQ put on for your eating pleasure, so if hangover food is your pleasure, then feel free to indulge in a feast of meat, salad and cake! So why not come on over and enjoy a nice day playing in the water with all of your bear mates? We know you want to!! Woof!! (Also, we know the poster says 2pm... but bears will be around guaranteed when the event officially kicks off from 1pm so feel free to come a bit earlier!) Members entry fee is $20, Non-Members can still enjoy the fun for the regular price of $22.

For more information on Midsumma, visit: http://www.midsumma.org.au/

*****
Visit our good friends at MANNHAUS - discounts for VicBears members!!

130 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford - www.mannhaus.com.au

*****

WOOF!

Announcing our Inaugural Camping Trip

VicBears Presents:

Bears in the Wild.
Warburtons Bridge Campground
February 11-13
Free Weekend.

This February, the blokes from Vicbears are not only down-to-earth, they are also getting back-to-nature! Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a weekend under the summer stars surrounded by the natural beauty of Castlemane Diggings National Heritage Park. It's your weekend to do what you want, surrounded the the friendliness and hospitality the Bears are known for.

This is a FREE event. You will need to supply your own camping goods and food and drink. Some camping equipment is available for loan, please email jack@vicbears.org.au to enquire.


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About Castlemaine Diggings National Park:

Castlemaine Diggings National Park features both a rich mining heritage and ecological splendor. Populated in the mid 19th century by goldminers, panning and digging along the Loddon River. The forest is comprised predominantly of regrown Iron-Bark trees, originally harvested for fuel and timber for the mines and associated industries. Today people can explore the relics from the mines, climb into the local caves and explore the park bushwalking, cycling and driving.

About Warburtons Bridge Camping Ground:

Nestled around the flowing waters of the Loddon River, Warburton's Bridge is Warburton's Bridge Camping Ground area is a a quick drive from the nearest townships of Guildford and Maimsbury and 130km North-East of Melbourne.

Feel free to break out the marshmallows, the damper, the baked potatoes and the acoustic guitar, solid fuel fires are permitted at the camping ground.

Vicbears will endeavour to provide discrete chemical toilets for your sanitary enjoyment.
About Vaughan Mineral Springs Reserve (Nearby):

Established in 1853, and currently serviced by Parks Victoria, Vaughan Springs Reserve features camping areas, park-benches, an electric barbecue, a gazebo and an extra-large fun slide and flushing toilets. The reserve is adjacent to the fresh waters of the Loddon River where you can take a dip in the swimming hole or fish or trout, redfin, tench and blackfish (with a recreational fishing licence)

There is no mobile phone service in the valley.

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How to Get There:

Via Midland Highway:

* From the Midland Highway turn right into "Kemps-Bridge Road" in the township of Guildford.
* Continue for about three kilometers until you reach "Vaughan-Springs Road", turn right.
* Continue until you cross a white bridge, Warburtons Bright will be to your right.

Via Calder Freeway:

*Follow the Calder Freeway (A73) from Melbourne to the town of Maimsbury.
*From the Calder Freeway, turn left onto "Maimsbury-Dalesford Road"
*Continue for three kilometres. Turn right onto "Vaughan Springs Road"
*Continue on Vaughan Springs Road for several kilometres, travelling over sealed and unsealed road. You will eventually reach Warburton Bridge Camping Ground to your right, just before you pass over the Loddon River.

Look-out for the Bear-Flag hanging from the tree.

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Checklist:

*Tent
*Camping Chair
*Additional Toilet Paper
*Camping Matress/Air matress
*Pillows and Sleeping Bag
*Torch/ Lantern
*Garbage Bags
*Sunscreen
*Insect Repellent
*2 Towels
*Cutlery,
*Bowl, Plate and Mug
*Cooking utensils
*Weather appropriate clothing
*Thongs and comfortable walking shoes.
*Bathing attire. (please be courteous to other campsite users).
*Food and Drink
*Adequate drinking water.
*A means of hearing food food.

Are you new to Vicbears? This is a perfect opportunity for you to introduce yourself to the Bears up-close and personal. There's no need to be shy, we don't bite.

Photos of the campsite and a map of Castlemaine Diggings National Park can be viewed at:

http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/3411039/3/Vicbears%20Photos/Vaughan%20Springs/Camping%20Ground?h=2b5270

We hope to see you there!