Community Gardens Melbourne

Riverside Bush Regeneration

Meeting in the car park of the Heavenly Queen Temple, 20 Joseph Road, Footscray. Bring along a bottle of water, wear a hat and old clothing. Gardening gloves are handy, but these will be provided if you need them. Come and meet some friendly, like-minded people working to increase the amount of native bushland along the banks of the beautiful Maribyrnong River.

Walk at Royal Botanical Gardens

Lets go for a walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens Melbourne! Maybe we could stop for an ice cream at The Ornamental Lake in the middle. Let's see what flowers are out at the moment for spring time. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne has been a treasured part of Melbourne’s cultural life for almost 180 years – much loved by generations of Victorians, as well as by many visitors from interstate and overseas. It is a picturesque haven for recreation and an important resource for education, conservation, science and horticulture. The Gardens are located on the fringe of Melbourne's CBD in the popular arts district, which is also home to other cultural organisations including The Shrine of Remembrance, The Arts Centre, The National Gallery of Victoria and Federation Square as well as the nearby tourism hub in the Melbourne Town Hall. Melbourne Gardens extends over 38 hectares and houses a collection of more than 8,500 species of plants from around the world, including amazing and diverse plant collections such as camellias, rainforest flora, cacti and succulents, roses, Californian species, herbs, perennials, cycads, plants from Southern China and, in the Rare and Threatened Species Collection, plants from south-eastern Australia. **Event Organiser Fee** A $5 organiser fee is required to secure your place at this event. Your RSVP will be confirmed once the fee has been paid. This fee helps cover the monthly Meetup organiser subscription, as well as the time and effort involved in organising events, reserving places and creating activities for the group. Thank you for supporting the group and helping me continue to create enjoyable, small-group events! **Refund Policy:** Cancellations are permitted up to **24 hours before the start time** of the event. Please note that voluntary refunds are issued for the **base ticket price of $5 only**. Any third-party platform booking, service, or processing fees charged by Meetup/PayPal are strictly non-refundable, as these are kept directly by the service providers and are not received by the host. **No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 24 hours of the event start time.** **Small Group — MAX 8 Attendees** This event is capped at 8 attendees to keep our small-group format. A paid RSVP through Meetup is required. **No walk-ins or unregistered guests.** Your name will be checked against the RSVP list when you arrive. Please only attend if you have a confirmed RSVP through Meetup. If you’d like to bring someone, they must have their own RSVP. **Waitlist** If you can no longer attend an event, please remove yourself from the waitlist as soon as possible. This gives someone else the opportunity to take your place and helps us keep our small-group events running smoothly. Thank you for being considerate of other members!

Community Camp (Drouin West VIC | 1.5 Hours from Melbourne CBD)

**Registration is required at below link:** **Tickets: $50** https://events.humanitix.com/oot-and-aboot-community-camp-sep-2026-edition-or-drouin-west-vic-or-1-5-hours-from-melbourne-cbd Oot & Aboot’s Community Camp is a relaxed, low-pressure overnight camping experience designed to bring LGBTQIA+ people and allies together in nature. This is our fifth camping event, and we’re intentionally keeping it simple. There’s no packed schedule or expectations — just space to slow down, connect, and enjoy the outdoors in good company. Across one night, you can look forward to: * A self-paced 1-1.5 hour hike to Mount Cannibal (Saturday morning, optional) * A welcoming and inclusive camp environment * Lawn and board games * Swimming * Plenty of unstructured community time to talk, laugh, and connect * A simple self-serve breakfast on Sunday morning This is an **adults-only (18+)** event with a maximum of **15 participants**, creating an intimate and friendly atmosphere. No prior camping experience is required. New: pre-event WhatsApp group For this event, we're trialling an opt-in WhatsApp group for confirmed ticket holders. It's a relaxed space to say hi, ask questions, or get to know a few faces before the day — especially handy if you're coming solo and want a bit of a heads-up on who else will be there. Joining is completely optional — your phone number may be visible to other members — and the group will be deleted 3 days after the event. The campsite is located in Drouin West, VIC, approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne CBD. For safety and privacy reasons, the exact location will be provided only to confirmed ticket holders and can be found on the ticket sent via email after payment. Please remember to check your junk or spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox. Know before you go: * Participants should bring their own camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, pillow, etc.), warm clothes, food, cooking stove, utensils and drinks (except breakfast). Please reach out if you don't have any or missing some of the camping gear, we may have a solution for you * Alcohol may be consumed responsibly * As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we are not able to guarantee accommodation of specific dietary or allergy requirements. We encourage you to contact us in advance at [hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au](mailto:hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au) to discuss whether this event is right for you. Please ensure your own needs are met by bringing food that suits your requirements * Our events take place in outdoor environments across various locations in Victoria, which may involve uneven ground and bush walking. Some venues may not meet all accessibility needs. As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we are not able to guarantee accessibility assistance. We encourage you to contact us in advance at [hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au](mailto:hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au) to discuss whether a specific event is right for you. If you feel you may need support on the day, we encourage you to bring a carer or support person * Dogs and other pets are not permitted due to our insurance, though registered assistance animals are welcome Park Facilities (shared with other guests): * Powered and grassed/gravelled sites * Water taps throughout the park * Toilets and showers * Campfire is allowed when conditions are suitable Oot & Aboot events are grounded in respect, inclusion, and care. We aim to create spaces where LGBTQIA+ people and allies feel safe, welcome, and supported. If you’re looking for a gentle way to reconnect with nature and community, we’d love to have you join us. ## Know before you go * Who is this event for? This event is for LGBTQIA+ adults and allies (18+). It’s designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and low-pressure. * Do I need camping experience? No. This is a relaxed community camp. If you can set up basic camping gear, you’ll be just fine. * What does my ticket include? Your ticket covers campsite fees, access to facilities, lawn and board games, casual group walks, and a simple shared breakfast on Sunday morning. * What food is provided? A simple self-serve breakfast (bread, spreads, fruit, tea & coffee) is included. Please bring your own food and drinks for all other meals. * Is this event accessible for people with mobility needs? Our events take place in outdoor environments across various locations in Victoria, which may involve uneven ground and bush walking. Some venues may not meet all accessibility needs. As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we are not able to guarantee accessibility assistance. We encourage you to contact us in advance at [hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au](mailto:hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au) to discuss whether a specific event is right for you. If you feel you may need support on the day, we encourage you to bring a carer or support person. * Can you cater for dietary requirements or allergies? As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we are not able to guarantee accommodation of specific dietary or allergy requirements. We encourage you to contact us in advance at [hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au](mailto:hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au) to discuss whether this event is right for you. Please ensure your own needs are met by bringing food that suits your requirements." * Can I bring alcohol? Yes — alcohol may be consumed responsibly in line with campsite rules and community expectations. * Are pets allowed? Unfortunately we're unable to accommodate pets, though registered assistance animals are welcome. * Will I get the exact location after booking? Yes. Exact campsite location will be shared with confirmed ticket holders for safety and privacy. * What should I bring? Bring your own camping gear, food, cooking stove, utensil, and drinks, a camp chair, warm layers, and a torch or headlamp. More details will be shared via email closer to the event. Please email or text us if you would like to borrow some camping gear. We might be able to arrange for you.

Expand Your Social Circle - Kudos 2 Friends Garden Stroll + Coffee/Brunch?

**—— Details ——** We will meet at the starting point, take round long stroll in the Fitztroy Garden garden. We may sit down for a coffee/ bite within the garden for a chill chit-chat. You are welcome to BYO coffee/ water bottle. Dress for outdoor walk. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the organiser to introduce you. You can take it slow and start from there. If you enjoy the conversations, take the initative to invite others to hang out over a bite/ drink after. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos 2 Friends is a Melbourne based community created for individuals who are looking to expand their social circle and form long term friendship overtime. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, hiking, sporting, chilling, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **— Download “Heylo" App > Google Store & Apple App Store —** We use Heylo App for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please download the Heylo app from the App store and let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the Heylo Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Instagram \-\-\-** Follow us on Instagram @kudos2friends **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

🎉 Coffee Mingle in Fitzroy Gardens ☕️🧁🥤🏞️

**Want to meet new people in an inclusive and welcoming space?** 🤗 Let’s make the most of the sunnier days and gather for an afternoon coffee in **Fitzroy Gardens**. 🌸 We will gather just outside the **Kere Kere Green Cafe & Visitors Centre** in large grassy area (to the left of the building when you are facing the entrance). You can go inside the cafe any time before or during the event to purchase a coffee and/or some yummy snacks. Please feel free to bring a picnic blanket if you prefer to sit down, but I find that standing allows you a bit more freedom to move around and mingle. And mingle we shall! This is a great opportunity to socialise with other attendees who all there for the same reason as you: to have conversations and meet new people! If it's your first time and you're a bit shy, feel free to find me (Annette) and say hello and I will help you on your way. 🤗 If it happens to be a bit rainy or drizzly we can use the sheltered section in front of the cafe entrance. Please note that in the event of extreme weather (eg. lots of rain, strong winds) this event will be postponed, so please check for any updates (in the comments section of the event page) prior to the event. **Location & Directions:** We will be located in the grassy area left of the Kere Kere Green Cafe & Visitors Centre, under the large tree. If you haven't been to this event before, its best to use the map provided on this page (click on it to open in your apps) to find the location. Otherwise you can manually type 'KereKere Green' into your Google maps. The other landmark to look out for is 'Cook's Cottage' which you can see in the background of the photo I have uploaded. **Parking advice:** There is metered parking on the surrounding streets but hard to find a free spot on weekends. You can try your luck getting a 2hr free spot on the streets coming off Clarendon St. But, I would highly recommend catching a tram there rather than driving. See you all there! Check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/melbourne_mingle) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567494869532) 👀

Day out to Melbourne Botanical gardens

With Spring well and truly here I thought it might be nice to hop on the train and have a walk around Melbourne's beautiful Botanical gardens, finishing up with a spot of lunch at the terrace cafe. Catch the 10.07 am train from Sandy, meet at Flinders st 10.45 am. ***Please let me know where you'll be meeting us.*** Let me know if you have any questions Gillian 0409 219 524

Ripponlea market and gardens

Expand Your Social Circle - Kudos 2 Friends Around the Tan Stroll

**—— Details ——** We will meet at the starting point, take round trip around the Tan and a short stroll inside the botanical garden. BYO coffee/ water bottle. Dress for outdoor walk. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the organiser to introduce you. You can take it slow and start from there. If you enjoy the conversations, take the initative to invite others to hang out over a bite/ drink after. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos 2 Friends is a Melbourne based community created for individuals who are looking to expand their social circle and form long term friendship overtime. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, hiking, sporting, chilling, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **— Download “Heylo" App > Google Store & Apple App Store —** We use Heylo App for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please download the Heylo app from the App store and let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the Heylo Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Instagram \-\-\-** Follow us on Instagram @kudos2friends **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

Smith & Deli "Lazy Picnic" Saturdays! 100% Vegan! :-D

From the highly-successful Smith & Daughters is this amazingly tasty spin-off lunch bar! More options than you can poke a stick at, and it's all very punny! :-) This meetup is a picnic! So we'll meet, grab food, and eat it in a park nearby.

☀️🎉 Sunday Social: Good Vibes & Great Company 🥂✨

🪴🏵️ **Welcome to Good Nature! A fresh take on a city pub**🍹🍻 Formally Beer Deluxe at Fed Square, Good Nature is now a greenery oasis with cool spaces and tantalizing food and drinks. Come along to enjoy a fun and social Sunday afternoon, in a relaxed atmosphere with friends old and new. Flying solo or new to the group, no worries! We’re a friendly bunch and you’ll have new friends before you know it! Let Andy or Annita know and we’ll do an intro with other members **🎉🍸**. We'll have a booking in the Beer Garden, easily accessed from Flinders St 😎.

Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival — Day Trip by Train

Join me for a spring day trip out to Kyneton for the Daffodil and Arts Festival! We'll catch the train up together from Melbourne, spend the afternoon soaking up the festival, catch the Grand Parade down Mollison Street, and — time permitting — wander the lovely Kyneton Botanic Gardens before heading home. The festival is a much-loved celebration of spring, with colourful parade entries, a riverside fair, delicious food, live entertainment and plenty to see for all ages. It's a relaxed, wander-at-your-own-pace kind of day. We'll meet at Southern Cross Station at 10:30am, travel up on the 11:02am train, and arrive in Kyneton around 12:12pm — perfect timing for the Grand Parade and Fair, which runs from 12:30pm to 4:00pm. We'll then head back on the 5:14pm train, arriving back at Southern Cross at 6:29pm. This is a casual social meetup arranged so we can head along together — it isn't run by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival. Please sort out your own train ticket (see below); an RSVP here doesn't include travel. **Who this is for** * Anyone who enjoys a relaxed day out, a bit of spring colour, and a scenic train trip * No fitness requirements beyond comfortable walking around town and the gardens * Solo attendees are very welcome — this is a friendly, easy way to meet people **Links** * Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GtcWHSYcWiSEPNvGA * Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival: https://www.kynetondaffodilandartsfestival.com.au/ * Grand Parade (Facebook event): https://www.facebook.com/events/1350890243809875 * Kyneton Botanic Gardens: https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/See-Do/Parks-Gardens-Reserves/Find-a-park/Kyneton-Botanic-Gardens **Timeline** * 10:30am – Meet at V/Line Tickets and Information, Southern Cross Station, and say hello * 10:40am – Head towards the train platform together * 11:02am – Train departs Southern Cross * 12:12pm – Arrive at Kyneton * 12:30pm–4:45pm – Explore the festival, catch the Grand Parade, and visit the Kyneton Botanic Gardens (time permitting) * 4:45pm – Start walking back towards Kyneton station * 5:14pm – Train departs Kyneton * 6:29pm – Arrive back at Southern Cross Station — meetup ends **Tickets** The festival itself is free to attend. **Transport** We're travelling by V/Line. Train times can occasionally change, so it's worth double-checking the V/Line timetable/app on the day. **Bring** * A charged Myki or your train ticket * Water and some cash/card for food and festival stalls * Weather-appropriate layers — it's early spring and can be cool or wet * Comfortable walking shoes * A hat and sunscreen if it's fine **Expect** * Difficulty: Easy * Pace: Relaxed, plenty of free time to explore * Vibe: Friendly, social and low-pressure **Important notes** * The parade and fair run rain or shine, but conditions can affect how much we do — we'll play the gardens by ear depending on weather and timing. * Please take part within your own ability and look after yourself on the day; you're joining at your own risk. * If your plans change, please update your RSVP so numbers stay clear.

Dutch Weekend at Tesselaar Tulip Festival

Join me for a day trip out to the **Tesselaar Tulip Festival** for its **Dutch Weekend**, when the farm transforms into a mini-Holland! Think five acres of tulips in full colour, live Dutch music, clog dancing, a historic cheese market, and traditional Dutch food like poffertjes, oliebollen and patat frites. We'll take the train and bus out together, so it's a relaxed, no-car way to enjoy the day. We'll meet at **Boost Juice at 7:30am**, catch the 7:46am train to Lilydale, then the 663 bus up to the farm — arriving around 9:53am. From there we'll wander the fields, catch some of the entertainment, and have lunch, before heading back to the city mid-afternoon. This is a casual social meetup arranged so we can head along together — it isn't run by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Please book your own ticket directly with them; an RSVP here doesn't include entry. **Who this is for** * Anyone who enjoys flowers, a bit of culture, good food and an easy day out of the city * No fitness requirements — it's a working farm on a gentle slope with unsealed paths, so it involves some walking on uneven ground * Solo attendees are very welcome — this is a friendly, easy group to join on your own **Links** * Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wd8FPiEp95unpccU6 * Tesselaar Tulip Festival: https://tulipfestival.com.au/ * Dutch Weekend: https://tulipfestival.com.au/whats-on/dutch-weekend * Tickets: https://tulipfestival.com.au/buy-tickets * FAQs: https://tulipfestival.com.au/faq/ * Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aVWu-BStww **Timeline** * 7:30am – Meet at Boost Juice and say hello * 7:46am – Train towards Lilydale * 8:55am – Arrive at Lilydale Station * 9:27am – Take Bus 663 * 9:53am – Arrive at Tesselaar's Tulip Farm * 10:00am – Explore the festival, catch the entertainment and have lunch * 1:20pm – Start walking towards the bus stop * 1:43pm – Bus back to Lilydale Station * 2:11pm – Arrive at Lilydale Station * 2:19pm – Train towards Flinders Street Station * 3:17pm – Arrive at Flinders Street Station and the meetup ends **Driving?** You're welcome to meet us at the farm at around 9:55am instead of joining the train. Just message me beforehand so I know to expect you. **Tickets** * You'll need to buy your own festival ticket in advance. * The festival currently lists **General Admission at $39.50 (adults)**. **Transport** * We're going by public transport — Lilydale line train plus the 663 bus. * Bring a **Myki** with enough balance (or set up Myki on your phone). **Bring** * Myki (topped up) and some cash/card for food and extras * Your festival ticket saved on your phone * Layers and a warm coat — it's outdoors and the weather can change * Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny spells; a small umbrella or raincoat just in case * Sensible, closed footwear (it's a working farm — paths can be muddy if it's rained) * A refillable water bottle, and a picnic rug if you'd like to sit on the lawn **Expect** * Difficulty: easy — mostly gentle walking * Pace: relaxed, plenty of time to explore at your own speed * Vibe: cheerful, colourful and social **Important notes** * The festival runs rain, hail or shine, so come dressed for the weather. In rare extreme-weather cases they can close for safety. * Times for trains and buses are based on current timetables and can change on the day — please allow a little buffer, and I'll help keep us together. * Please take part within your own comfort and ability, follow any farm rules and staff instructions, and look after yourself on the uneven ground. You're joining at your own risk and responsible for your own safety and wellbeing on the day. * If your plans change, please update your RSVP so our numbers stay clear. 🌷