Maribyrnong Meandering Mixer - 15km - Easy/Moderate

🌿 Maribyrnong Meander: Flirty River Ramble & PicnicSaturday 7 February — 9:30 a.m. start (arrive from 9:15 a.m.)
Boathouse Café → Canning Reserve → Boathouse Café (15 km return)

Long but an easy to moderate walk.

### Before you consider joining this event, read the group rules section at the end ###

Ready to stretch your legs, your social muscles, and maybe your flirtation radius? Join us for a long, lazy, exploratory wander along the Maribyrnong River—an easy, flat 15 km return that’s perfect for conversation, curiosity, and seeing who naturally drifts into step beside you.

We’ll meet at the Boathouse Café in Moonee Ponds, where the early birds can caffeinate, snack, or casually “accidentally” bump into someone over a croissant. If you want breakfast, best to get there at 8.30 am. At 9:30 a.m. sharp, we set off at a relaxed, chat-friendly pace. This route is new to the organiser (yes, we’re all discovering together), so expect a little adventure, a lot of scenery, and the occasional “Is this the right path?” bonding moment.

Around the halfway point, we’ll settle into Canning Reserve for a picnic lunch—bring whatever fuels you, whether that’s sandwiches, strawberries, or strategic snack-sharing. After lunch, we’ll wander back along the river to the Boathouse Café, sun-kissed, endorphin-lit, and pleasantly tired.

Please Note
As I am removing No Shows from the group I get a lot of people flaking just prior to the registration cut off, usually not giving people on the waitlists fair warning to attend. If there is a waitlist and you're on it and would still like to come (i.e. Under 21 people registered to attend which is my max number) contact me to put you on the going list.

🌞 What to bring

• Sunscreen, water (1 or 2 litres) and snacks, small backpack
  Sun hat or parasol
• Comfortable walking clothes and shoes (runners or better)
• A light picnic lunch
• Your best riverside banter
• A sense of exploration (the route is flat?… presumably). I've not done it before.

🤔 What not to b ring
Purses, tote bags, long dresses, shoes more appropriate for Chadstone than long walks. Jeans aren't a great idea.

🌡️ Weather note
If the temperature forecast is set to go above 33°C during the walk , the walk may be cancelled—because heatstroke is not a meet-cute.

🚋 Public transport
Catch the 57 tram from Elizabeth St and hop off at Stop 41 (Maribyrnong Park). From there, it’s an easy stroll to the café.

Come for the walk, stay for the company, and let the river do the mood lighting.

Optional extension, depending on how people feel I may extend the walk by another 4km to Flemington via the wetlands and the racecourse.

⚠️ Group Rules & Event Etiquette ⚠️
These are basic, commonsense standards that keep events safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone.

👟 Fitness Requirements
Walking: 3–4 km/hr for 15km with few breaks

We walk at a relaxed pace. Please ensure you meet the fitness level for the event. If the group is forced to wait excessively, you may be asked to leave the event.

⛹️ Pace: Too Fast or Too Slow
Small social events rely on staying together. If you prefer a very different pace, consider going solo, joining a faster/slower group, or choosing events that match your fitness.

👩‍💼 Time Constraints
If you’re on a tight schedule, this may not be the right event. Social activities rarely run exactly on time.

⚠️ CRITICAL EXPECTATIONS ⚠️

👻 No‑Shows
No‑shows block waitlisted people from attending and disrupt small-group events.

• Remove yourself at least 24 hours before the event.
• No‑shows will likely be removed and blocked from the group.
• Last‑minute cancellations (“flaking”) may also result in group removal, especially when there is a waitlist.

👀 Attending Without Being on the Going List
This is a security issue.
Do NOT turn up unannounced.
If you’re not on the Going list and haven’t arranged it with the organiser beforehand, you will be asked to leave. Event check‑ins are performed.

⏰ Late Arrivals
If you’re late, the group will not wait.

• You may be marked as a No‑Show and removed from the group.
• It’s your responsibility to communicate and catch up—this may not be possible for some events.

🎲 Second Chances
If something goes wrong, communicate with the organiser. Silence + poor behaviour = removal. Communication + accountability = second chances. As the organiser is busy organising this may be impossible during the event.

🚩Disclaimer: No Liability & Organiser IndemnityBy participating in this event, you acknowledge and accept full personal responsibility for your own safety, wellbeing, and belongings. The organiser assumes no liability for injury, loss, or damage incurred during the activity. Participation is entirely at your own risk.