Conservation Groups Melbourne

Maribyrnong River Walk: Birds, Wetlands & Coffee – Footscray to Edgewater

Join me for a relaxed nature walk along the Maribyrnong River Trail, exploring the section from the Footscray Community Arts Centre to Edgewater and Burndap Park. We’ll allow time to pause along the way and observe birdlife and enjoy the natural environment, and if you enjoy photography, you’re welcome to bring your camera or phone to capture the flora and fauna we encounter along the river trail. Our route takes us past the Heavenly Queen Taoist Temple, and through Newell's Paddock Wetlands Reserve and past Footscray Park. Newell’s Paddock is a conservation area that has been regenerated over the past 30 years from a polluted industrial site into thriving wetlands, where more than 80 bird species have now been recorded. We may also see the local swan family out exploring with their cygnets. [https://www.newellspaddock.org.au/2016/06/07/birds-of-newells-paddock/](https://www.newellspaddock.org.au/2016/06/07/birds-of-newells-paddock/) When we reach Edgewater Marina, we’ll stop to have something to eat or drink. There are two cafés and an Italian deli nearby. From here we will walk through Burndap Park, a revegetated space that provides an important habitat for waterbirds and other native wildlife. The Superb Fairy-wren, the endangered Growling Grass Frog and Spotted Marsh Frog have found a home here. For anyone interested in identifying birdlife and frogs there are many free apps, including [Frog Census ID](https://www.melbournewater.com.au/learn-about/making-difference/citizen-science-waterwatch/frog-census) app and [Merlin Bird ID](https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/). The Maribyrnong River Trail is flat and well maintained, and this walk is rated easy to moderate. Distance: approximately 7 km Walking time: around 1 hour 45 minutes, with breaks along the way. **Agenda** 2:00 pm – Meet at the Footscray Community Arts Centre (see event photos for a map and meeting point) 2:10 pm – Begin our walk 3:30 pm – Arrive at Edgewater Marina for a break 4:15 pm – Walk through Burndap park 5:15 pm – Arrive back at the Footscray Community Arts Centre **Getting There** If you’re coming by public transport, the Arts Centre is about a 7-minute walk from Footscray Station—head down Bunbury Street and turn left onto Moreland Street. For those driving, there is on-street metered parking as well as a car park at the Arts Centre. **RSVP & Event Notes** Please RSVP by clicking Attend on the event page, and I’ll be in touch with any additional details via direct message. This is a rain or shine event and I add any updates about weather conditions in the Event Comments on the day if needed. *Please note once we meet at 2:00 pm, I will be connecting with guests and unable to respond to direct messages. For anyone running late, I will post a location tracker in the Event Comments so you can find us along the trail.*

Olinda Reserve Loop (17km Grade M-H)

Maribyrnong River Bank Clean Up

Join us for a relaxed morning of community connection, light activity, and caring for the Maribyrnong River. **What to Expect:** We will walk along the riverbank and surrounds collecting litter, enjoying fresh air, gentle exercise, and friendly conversation. After the clean-up, we will head to Myrtle Café together for a coffee and chat. This is an optional part of the event, and all are welcome to join. **What to Bring:** * Drinking water * Sunscreen * Closed shoes * Gloves (optional – we also provide gloves if needed) We will supply rubbish bags, and have gloves, extra sunscreen, and hand sanitiser available. **Meeting Point:** We meet at Footscray Wharf, near Waterside Metal Art in Footscray. This location offers shelter and free parking on nearby streets. **Important Information:** Please check the exact meeting point before attending. If you need help finding us on the day, call 0418 184 457 or 0415 635 063. Our clean-ups take place once a month and continue in all weather, unless conditions are extreme. Please check the event page on the morning of the clean-up for any last-minute updates.

Engineering Machine Consciousness Monthly Meetup

The discussion topic for this meetup will be identity and whether or not history is a necessary condition for consciousness as Dretske proposed. James

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) - Archibald Prize Exhibition

Explore the Unconscious: Group Event 4th of October

Welcome! I am hosting a meet up at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne for personal exploration through dreams, imagery, symbols, intuition, imagination, free-association, embodied awareness, and reflection! Each meetup will offer creative interactions designed to help approach a question, experience, or area of curiosity from a different perspective. Rather than focusing only on our usual ways of thinking and making sense of things, we'll experiment with less cognitive and more imaginative ways of exploring. **\*\*For this Meetup** **Please:** * RSVP so I have a rough idea of how many people are attending * Bring notebook, pen, something to sit on (chair or towel), and appropriate clothing for the weather. * Keep an eye out for updates in case the meetup spot changes due to weather. * We will meet at the Central Lawn in the Botanic Gardens and I will have a sign for you to know where to sit. You should be able to just search "Central Lawn" in Google maps and it will show up. * Message me with any questions and have fun with the process! **What is this group about?** A space for curious people to slow down, explore their inner world, and experiment with different ways of listening to themselves. Each meetup will have a particular theme or area of exploration and will include guided prompts, individual reflection, and a group discussion. You don't need any prior experience with dreamwork or intuitive practices for this kind of self-exploration. The intention isn't to find a single “right” interpretation, but to be curious about what arises and what it might offer us. **What happens at a meetup?** * **Group Meetup:** I'll guide the group through a series of creative prompts and reflective exercises while in nature (or in a sheltered space depending on the weather). You'll have some time to write, draw, reflect, mediate, or simply notice what comes to mind based on the prompt. Then, we'll then come together for a group discussion and share whatever we're comfortable bringing into the conversation. Please bring a pen and paper or a notebook for your own reflections. **Who should join?** Anyone who is curious about dreams, symbols, intuition, imagination, self-discovery, or exploring their inner world in a creative way. You don't need to consider yourself “spiritual” or have any particular background in psychology—just bring an open mind and some curiosity. **Are there any fees?** There is no membership fee to join the group. **Is this group affiliated with a business or organization?** These meetups are hosted by Stephanie Wilson and are associated with Roots & Realms, which offers Holistic Mentorship and self-exploration services. Visit [www.rootsrealms.com](http://www.rootsrealms.com/) for business information. **Disclaimer:** These meetups are separate from Roots & Realms counselling services and are intended for personal reflection and self-exploration rather than clinical support or counselling.

Nature Walk and Bird Watching at Albert Park Lake with Coffee & Conversation

Join me for an easy going walk and bird watching together at Albert Park Lake, an extraordinary wetland habitat and one of Melbourne's favourite nature spots. Whether you are new in town or looking to connect with other nature lovers this walk is a great opportunity to chat with new and old friends as we explore by the water's edge. We can enjoy the stroll together and sharing our birdlife discoveries along the way. We'll have time for photographs and to take in the magnificent views of the city skyline at the southern end of the lake. We'll finish up at the Coots Picnic area to relax, socialise and enjoy something to eat and drink. **Agenda** I will meet you at **2pm** on the lakeside of the Light Rail Tram Stop No.129 Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. We'll set off at 2.10pm to walk clockwise around the lake. We'll stroll past the wharves and Gunn Island and pause at the southernmost point of the lake. Then we'll make our way back to the Coots Picnic area for a snack and drink together. You can pick up a coffee and a snack at the nearby Sir Albert Cafe or bring your own favourites. This is an easy walk on flat pathways and the distance will be about 5.5km all up. The walking time is around 1hr 45mins including stops along the way. **Location** Light Rail Tram Stop No.129 on the No.96 Light Rail Tram line (Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre Tram Stop) There is free street parking available on Canterbury Road which runs beside the tram/light rail line. Parking Fees apply to all car parks within Albert Park. When you RSVP, please **click Attend** on the event page and I will be in touch via Direct Messages about the details. I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day.

Melbourne Reptile Keeping Excellence Masterclass Workshop

We are hosting our next gathering for The Reptile Keepers Masterclass Social Club, focusing on the practical side of reptile husbandry and maintaining long-term health for our animals. This session is designed to move beyond the basics, offering a space where we can troubleshoot common challenges, share insights on enclosure optimization, and discuss the nuances of refined keeping practices. Whether you are an experienced hobbyist or someone looking to elevate your current standards of care, this workshop is a great opportunity to connect with others who take their commitment to these animals seriously. The afternoon will be informal but focused, providing plenty of time for hands-on discussion and questions. We want this to be a genuine exchange of knowledge where everyone feels comfortable sharing what has worked for them and what hasn't. Our goal is to foster a supportive local network where we can all learn from each other's experiences in a collaborative environment. If you are interested in joining us for this session, please make sure to RSVP at your earliest convenience so we can manage numbers for the space. We look forward to seeing everyone there and hearing about your latest projects.

Breathtaking GREAT OCEAN ROAD: Day trip: Hike + Lunch, Kayaking, Meditation

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → GREAT OCEAN ROAD** 🏙️ * 📅 **SUN 4 OCT — DAY TRIP** ☀️ * 🌊 **Where the Forest Meets the Sea** 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Escape the city and join us for a refreshing day in **Anglesea**, one of the Great Ocean Road’s beautiful coastal destinations. Here, eucalyptus forest meets the sea, ocean waves roll towards sandy beaches and scenic trails open onto wonderful coastal views. We’ll begin with coffee, tea and snacks before setting out on an **easy-paced, guided 10 km hike** through coastal bushland. Along the way, we’ll enjoy fresh sea air, beautiful scenery and opportunities to spot kangaroos and native birds. We’ll pause in nature for a gentle **guided meditation**, allowing time to breathe deeply, slow down and reconnect. After the hike, we’ll gather for a **supplied Spanish vegetarian lunch** 🇪🇸, served with unlimited tea, coffee, snacks and refreshments. Everything is prepared for the group—simply relax, enjoy the food and share the moment. Our afternoon continues with peaceful, beginner-friendly **kayaking**, followed by a beautiful **Anglesea coastal lookout** overlooking the cliffs, beaches and open sea. Come solo or bring a friend. Expect welcoming company, relaxed conversation and a thoughtfully organised day combining nature, movement, Spanish flavours and the sea. ✨ **Hike the coast. Savour Spain. Breathe in the sea.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🎒 **All-Inclusive — Just $99!** ✅ Comfortable return transport in a **Mercedes minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **10 km coastal hike** and hiking gear 🥾 ✅ Supplied **Spanish vegetarian lunch** 🇪🇸 ✅ Unlimited snacks, soft drinks, coffee and tea ☕ ✅ Kayaks, life jackets and all paddling equipment 🛶 ✅ Guided meditation in nature 🧘 ✅ Anglesea beaches, coastal scenery and panoramic sea lookouts 🌊 ✅ Friendly small-group atmosphere 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- #### 🕒 **Adventure Itinerary** 📍 **07:30** — Pick-up near **St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street** ☕ **08:00** — Short rest and refreshment stop 🍵 **09:00** — Arrive in the Anglesea area · Coffee, tea and snacks 🥾 **09:15** — Easy coastal bushland hike Approximately 10 km · 190 m elevation 🧘 **12:00** — Guided meditation and grounding in nature 🇪🇸 **12:30** — Supplied Spanish vegetarian lunch with drinks and refreshments 🛶 **13:30** — Beginner-friendly kayaking on calm water 🌊 **16:00** — Anglesea coastal lookout and beautiful sea views 🚐 **18:30** — Return to Melbourne 📍 **Drop-off: Hamer Hall** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 💰 **How to Book** Secure your place with a **$99 transfer**. An RSVP alone does not reserve your seat. Your booking is confirmed once payment is received. 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **Name:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **Account:** 226325836 **Reference:** Gor 🌟 **Limited places available—RSVP now!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring?** ✔️ **Comfortable hiking shoes (or able to supply, let me know size)** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie/gloves** 🧢 ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share Instagram: nogeography.hike.kayak https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🥾 **Easy Hike · 🇪🇸 Supplied Spanish Vegetarian Lunch · 🧘 Meditation · 🛶 Kayaking · 🌊 Anglesea Sea Views** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

HIKE - Lysterfield Lake to Lysterfield Hill loop (14km- Moderate)

Join as **Jade** leads us on a wildlife filled journey through Australian bushland, rocky paths and plenty of good views across Melbourne and beyond. This is a 14km loop beginning and ending at the main Lysterfield Lake carpark. Expect dense bushland,rocky terrain, the soothing sounds of nature, eucalyptus and wildflowers. ## 🥾 Terrain & Difficulty \*\*\*Australian Walking Track Grade: \*\*3 \*\ *\*Difficulty: \*\*Moderate \*\*\ *Terrain: \*\*Some Steep Sections, Bushland, dirt tracks, and gravel ##\*\ *🎒 What to Bring\*\* \*💧 3L of water \*🥙 Snacks and Lunch \*🤠 Hat and sunscreen \*First aid kit (optional) \*Hiking poles (optional) \*Electrolytes (optional) ## 👕 What to Wear \*🥾 Hiking boots or sturdy runners *👕 Moisture‑wicking clothing and wet weather gear as you see fit. \*🤠 A hat ## 📍 Meeting Point Spotted Gum Carpark -Horswood Rd, Narre Warren North VIC 3804 **Trail Route:** https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/victoria/lysterfield-loop-to-lysterfield-hill?sh=e6ztqg&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality Toilets: Available at the start point. Water: Bring your own; **no drinking water available on route.** My **mobile number is 0466980126,should anyone need to contact me.** ## • 🌦 Weather & Safety We hike in all conditions — rain, shine, mist, or cold — as long as it remains safe to do so. If weather conditions become **unsafe** (strong winds, storms, extreme heat, or track closures), we may modify or postpone the walk. Any updates will be posted on the event page. ## ❤️ About Walking With Grace & Our Hiking Community Walking With Grace is a faith‑inspired, non‑profit community that welcomes people from all backgrounds and beliefs. Our hikes are community‑led, volunteer‑run, and focused on connection, kindness, and enjoying nature together. This event is part of **club.hiking.org.au**, a free online hiking community where you can: *Download GPX files \*Share your outdoor adventures *Connect with other hikers \*Discover new trails and inspiration Because **Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared.** ## ✨ RSVP Etiquette If your plans change, please update your RSVP so we can plan well and make space for others on the waitlist. ## 🌟 We Look Forward to Sharing This Adventure With You Every walk is a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the simple gift of being outdoors together. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another adventure, we’re grateful to have you with us. We look forward to sharing this experience with you — the conversations, the views, the quiet moments, and the joy of walking side by side. Because **Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared.** 🌟 **How Can You Help WWG?** If you have suggestions for walks you would like to do or can recommend please let us know. WWG is run by volunteers. Fees are incurred to run the group. If you would like to donate to help spread the cost, any contribution would be very gratefully received. **Bank Details: BSB 484799 ACC 481491970** **⚠️ Disclaimer** This is a social, community‑led outing rather than a guided or professionally supervised activity. By attending, you accept responsibility for your own safety and wellbeing. The route may include uneven ground, shallow water crossings, slippery surfaces, and natural hazards typical of bush environments. Please consider your fitness and comfort level, bring suitable gear, and look out for one another as we move through the terrain. If conditions change or anything feels unsafe, we’ll adjust the plan together as a group. Our volunteers carry first‑aid supplies, an emergency radio, and satellite navigation/communication devices. These are available to support the group, but they are not a substitute for personal preparedness. We also recommend having active ambulance cover whenever you take part in outdoor activities.

Spotswood to Williamstown Beach Walk - 8 going

Spectacular Grampians - Grand Canyon, Pinnacle Lookout, Boroka Lookout &more!

We are heading to Grampians National Park, one of the most incredible places in Victoria to lose yourself in nature for a while. We will book a bus with a driver. Our events are only open to people aged 18 years and older. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please buy the bus ticket via Trybooking ($99 - Early Bird, $119 - Regular): [https://www.trybooking.com/DPXUZ](https://www.trybooking.com/DPXUZ) Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an **"Unpaid"** status on your RSVP. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email. I will manually update the meetup payment status closer to the event date. Trybooking payments are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking payments will be refunded only if the event is cancelled or moved to a new date. If you are a digital creator or youtuber, please message the organizer before buying the ticket. Meeting Point: Let's meet in the Corner of Russell and Flinders Street (Federation Square Bus stop) at 8:45 AM. We should be back at Federation Square Bus Stop around 9 pm. Map: [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-37.817028%2C%20144.97006](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-37.817028%2C%20144.97006) This is a rain or shine event. Cost: Bus Ticket: $99 - Early Bird $119 - Regular Lunch: Varies (depends on what you buy at Halls Gap). Tentative list of locations we will be visiting: Tentative list of locations we will be visiting: **Halls Gap**: Stop at Halls Gap for a lunch break (own expense). **If you are lucky**, The Halls Gap Recreation Reserve is a fantastic place to see **Kangaroos** in the Grampians. 🕒30 mins **Boroka Lookout**: Picturesque views of mountain ranges, lakes & plains. (Please **stay within the safety barriers for your own safety**. In the news: [https://bit.ly/3o3MvAI](https://bit.ly/3o3MvAI) ) 🕒15 mins \| 1\-2 mins walk **Reed Lookout:** From the summit of Reed Lookout you will enjoy stunning views over the entire Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range, Lake Wartook, and the Mt Difficult Range on a clear day. (Not much walking involved) 🕒15 mins \| 1\-2 mins walk **Pinnacles Lookout:** The Pinnacle is the Grampians’ most iconic lookout — and for good reason. The sweeping views are nothing short of spectacular, making it one of the most breath-taking vantage points in the entire Grampians National Park. 4\.2km return hike \| 🕒2 hours **Grand Canyon -** Climb your way through a stunning gorge beneath towering rock walls on this short but challenging hike. Take a moment to pause, listen to the gentle stream, and soak in the natural echoes all around you. It's short strenuous walk up and the downhill coming back. 🕒45 mins Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) Explore Melbourne is Australia's largest meetup group, with a big social media community too. To keep everyone safe and make sure every event is a good time, we have nine simple rules. Anyone who breaks them is removed from the group, and so far that's 336 people. ❌ **Not a dating group**. We're here to make friends, not find soulmates, so no flirty business, please! 📵 **No phone numbers.** Asking for or sharing phone numbers has led to scams, harassment and privacy problems in the past, so anyone who does it will be removed. Swapping social media is fine if you're both happy to, but please don't add people to WhatsApp or other group chats. 🔞**18+ only.** All our events are for adults aged 18 and over. 📢 **No promoting other events** or groups. 😅 Give people room. Everyone's here to meet lots of people, so please **don't be clingy**. 🚗 **No carpooling.** We've had safety incidents, and our public liability insurance doesn't cover motor vehicle accidents. 💰 **No sales pitches**. That means no selling, no MLMs, no pyramid schemes and no "life-changing mentorship" offers. 📸 **Cameras welcome, but**… – please **refrain from taking photos of our members** for privacy reasons. 😊 A lot of work goes into every event. **Please be kind to our organisers.** Rudeness towards them won't be tolerated. By joining this event, you agree to follow these rules. Break them and you'll be removed, just like the 336 people before you. **No second chances.** Let's keep it fun, friendly and drama-free! Liability Waiver: The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)