Explore Melbourne

Sat, Oct 18 · 08:35 AEDT

Cape Woolamai Hike to Pinnacles Lookout in Phillip Island - 15km [20,000 Steps]

Corner of Spencer Street and Bourke Street, Spencer St & Bourke St, Melbourne, AU

We are taking the V/Line coach to Cape Woolamai to do the hike to Pinnacles Lookout. Spots are limited. Please read the group rules before signing up.

Please follow these three steps to confirm your spot:

Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup.

Step 2: Please pay the organizer fee via Trybooking ($20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular): https://www.trybooking.com/DFTCE

Step 3: Please get your return V/Line ticket: http://bit.ly/3Vji5eE
Departure: 9:03
Return: 18:08

Please note that you can use your V/Line ticket instead of myki for coming into the city and heading back out of city.

Trybooking tickets will be scanned at the meeting point. Trybooking Tickets are non refundable. Tickets will be refunded only if the event is moved or cancelled. There is no option to transfer the ticket.

This is a rain or shine event. We will make a quick stop at Phillip Island Chocolate Factory for lunch.

Meeting Point: Let's meet in the Corner of Spencer Street and Bourke Street (Station Side - Near the steps) at 8:35 AM. We should be back to city around 8:30 PM.

Meeting Point Photo: https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2

Let's head to the beautiful Phillip Island. We plan to visit places that are a little bit off the beaten path. We will have more than 7 hours in Phillip Island.

Total Walking/Hiking Distance: 15km or 20,000 steps - Please note that a part of the walk will be on the beach.

Locations we will be visiting:

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory – Lunch stop in the cafe.

Pinnacles Lookout – A dramatic clifftop viewpoint at Cape Woolamai, offering sweeping views of rugged sea stacks and the wild Bass Strait.

Anzacs Beach – A peaceful sandy stretch named in honour of the ANZACs, popular for its natural beauty and quiet coastal vibe.

Woolamai Surf Beach – One of Phillip Island’s most famous surf breaks, drawing surfers with its powerful waves and wide golden sands.

Cape Woolamai Beacon – A striking navigation beacon perched on the cliff’s edge, surrounded by panoramic ocean views and seabirds in flight.

Gull Island Lookout – A scenic lookout point overlooking the tiny rocky Gull Island, often teeming with seabirds and framed by turquoise seas.

Cost:

Organizer Fee: $20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular
V/Line Ticket cost: $7.60

Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates:
YouTube | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | TikTok | ExploreMelbourne.AU

Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia with more than 42,000 members. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully!

❌ Not a dating group – We’re here to make friends and share experiences, not find soulmates.

📵 No phone numbers – You’re welcome to swap social media if you both agree, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups.

🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older.

📢 No advertising – Please don’t promote other events, groups, or businesses here.

😅 Don’t be clingy – Give people space to mingle and chat with others too.

🚗 No carpooling – For safety reasons and insurance coverage, we don’t allow carpooling or ride-sharing through the group.

💰 No sales pitches – That means no selling, MLMs, pyramid schemes, or “life-changing mentorships.” Keep it scam-free.

By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you!

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/

Sun, Oct 19 · 10:20 AEDT

Scenic Ferry Ride to Geelong from Docklands | Explore Geelong [Online Ticket]

131 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, VI, AU

We're embarking on a scenic ferry journey from Docklands to Geelong (one-way). We will also explore Geelong when we are there. We will also make a lunch stop at Geelong.

Please follow these three steps to confirm your spot:

Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup

Step 2: Please pay the Organizer fee ($20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular) via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/DGLHP

Step 3: Please book your one way ferry ticket for Sun, 19 Oct ($26.50 - Adult, $24.50 - Concession): Ferry Booking Link

Tickets will be scanned at the meeting point. There are no refunds. Tickets will be refunded only if the event is cancelled or moved. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date or transfer it to another person.

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.

Meeting Point: Let's meet at 131 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands at 10:20 AM. Meeting Point Photo: http://bit.ly/2Wtqgq1

Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/131+Harbour+Esplanade,+Docklands+VIC+3008/@-37.8170855,144.9431804

We will take the Ferry from Docklands to Geelong. We will take the train on the way back. We should be back at Southern Cross Station around 6:40 PM. You have a option to come back earlier.

Cost (a, b, c):

a) Organizer Fee: $20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular

b) One way Ferry Ticket

• Adult ($26.50), Students/Concession ($24.50).

c) Vline:
Myki Money: $7.60, Concession: $3.80

The ferry departs 131 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands at 10:40 AM. Boarding opens 20 minutes before departure and closes 3 minutes before departure. This service is on a vessel that comfortably sits 400 passengers.

• On-board licensed café
• barista-made coffee
• FREE Wi-Fi
• Charging stations
• Endless scenic views.

We should arrive into Geelong around 12:50 PM.

Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia with more than 42,000 members. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully!

❌ Not a dating group – We’re here to make friends and share experiences, not find soulmates.

📵 No phone numbers – You’re welcome to swap social media if you both agree, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups.

🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older.

📢 No advertising – Please don’t promote other events, groups, or businesses here.

😅 Don’t be clingy – Give people space to mingle and chat with others too.

🚗 No carpooling – For safety reasons and insurance coverage, we don’t allow carpooling or ride-sharing through the group.

💰 No sales pitches – That means no selling, MLMs, pyramid schemes, or “life-changing mentorships.” Keep it scam-free.

By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you!

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/

Fri, Oct 24 · 19:00 AEDT

Epic Trip to Chase the Northern Lights in Abisko [A blue hole to the Aurora]

Melbourne Airport, Arrival Dr, VI, AU

We're off to Europe to chase the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Abisko, Sweden!

** Everyone will first go to the waiting list before getting confirmed. International aurora trips are open to people who have attended a certain number of overnight trips/ Aurora chase in TAS **

If the skies are clear, you can spot the Aurora in Abisko even with a Kp index of 1, since Abisko is directly beneath the Aurora Oval. Tromsø sits at 68°N latitude. While there’s never a guarantee—no matter how far you travel—there is one place where your odds are better than most in Abisko. If you want to increase your Aurora chances, I recommend spending longer time in Abisko. But what truly sets it apart is a fascinating meteorological phenomenon—the “blue hole.” I'll have my camera with me and would be happy to snap a few photos of you with the Aurora!

The estimated costs are in the event description below. This is our third adventure to chase the Northern lights. The trip starts from Melbourne on Fri, 24th Oct 2025 at 7 PM. If you are travelling from other parts of Australia or New Zealand or wanting to spend longer in Abisko, you have an option to directly meet us in Abisko on Sun, 26th Oct 2025 evening.

5 Nights in Abisko:

26th Oct 2025
27th Oct 2025
28th Oct 2025
29th Oct 2025
30th Oct 2025

We will only meetup in the evening each night. Please feel free to rest up during the day or do you own thing.

The event ends around 6 PM, 31st Oct 2025 in Stockholm. I will be staying a little longer in Europe before returning to Melbourne.

Please ensure that you don't need a visa for the Schengen Area before signing up for this trip, as the organizer fee is non-refundable and we won't be able to provide visa help. Our events are only open to guests 18 years and older.

Please follow these three steps to confirm your spot.

Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Everyone will first go to the waiting list before getting confirmed. We won't be accepting RSVPs from people who have violated the group rules.

Step 2: Please pay the organizer fee ($199 - Early Bird, $299 - Regular) via Trybooking once RSVP is confirmed: https://www.trybooking.com/DEFTP

Step 3: I will share the flight/hotel details that I have booked for myself after you have paid the organizer fee. Please only book your flights/hotels after you have got the confirmation email.

Trybooking tickets are non-refundable. Unfortunately, tickets cannot be transferred. All payments are processed through Trybooking, not Meetup, so you can disregard the "UNPAID" status that may appear on Meetup.

You will get 8 stamps on your loyalty card for this trip. If you have discount codes on your loyalty card, please send me a message.

Meeting Point: Let's meet directly at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport at 7 pm. The exact meeting point will be shared with the ticket holders.

Cost:

Organizer Fee: Early Bird: $199, Regular: $299
Return Flights from Melbourne:
$1,343 (international) + $316 (domestic) as of 18:30 30th July 2025.
This will likely increase.

Accommodation (Stockholm for 1 night): From $134
Accommodation (Abisko for 5 nights) - Dorms from $81 a night, Hotel rooms for $225 a night. This will likely increase.
Aurora Tours: Varies. If we have clear skies in Abisko, there are many locations with walking distance and we don't need to join a tour. If not, we need to join a tour.
Airport transfer: Varies
Food: Varies

Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates:
YouTube | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | TikTok | ExploreMelbourne.AU

Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia with more than 42,000 members. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully!

❌ Not a dating group – We’re here to make friends and share experiences, not find soulmates.

📵 No phone numbers – You’re welcome to swap social media if you both agree, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups.

🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older.

📢 No advertising – Please don’t promote other events, groups, or businesses here.

😅 Don’t be clingy – Give people space to mingle and chat with others too.

🚗 No carpooling – For safety reasons and insurance coverage, we don’t allow carpooling or ride-sharing through the group.

💰 No sales pitches – That means no selling, MLMs, pyramid schemes, or “life-changing mentorships.” Keep it scam-free.

By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you!

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/

Sat, Nov 15 · 09:00 AEDT

Day Trip to the Spectacular Pink Lake of Victoria in Dimboola [Once a Year]

Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone, Russell Ct, Melbourne, VI, AU

We will be heading to Victoria's spectacular pink lake in Dimboola (Nearly 350km away from Melbourne). We will be hiring a bus with a driver. If you plan on going into the lake, please bring gumboots knee high. These can be purchased from Kmart or Anaconda. We will book a 24 seater bus with a driver.

Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot:

Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup.

Step 2: Please book the tickets via Trybooking (Early Bird - $99, Regular - $119): https://www.trybooking.com/DGHXC

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. You do not have to message me for the same. I will manually update the meetup payment status closer to the event date if the names on Trybooking and Meetup are the same.

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.

Meeting Point: Let's meet in the Corner of Russell and Flinders Street (Federation Square Bus Loop) at 9 AM. We should be back to city around 9 pm.

This is a rain-or-shine event.

Cost:
Bus Ticket (including organizer fee, bus with driver): $99 - Early Bird, $119 - Regular

Locations/Stops:

Beaufort - 20 mins
🚻

Horsham - 50 mins
Time for lunch 🚻

Pink Lake Dimboola: Situated six kilometres north-west of Dimboola along the Western Highway, the Pink Lake gets its vibrant colour from a salt tolerant alga living in the salt crust. The lake's colour varies throughout the seasons and is generally most striking after rain events.
🕒2 hours 🚻

Ararat: 25 mins
Dinner Break🚻

Loyalty Card Stamps for this event:

If you are not using a discount code: 1
If you are using a discount code: 0

Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates:

YouTube | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | TikTok | ExploreMelbourne.AU

Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia with more than 42,000 members. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully!

❌ Not a dating group – We’re here to make friends and share experiences, not find soulmates.

📵 No phone numbers – You’re welcome to swap social media if you both agree, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups.

🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older.

📢 No advertising – Please don’t promote other events, groups, or businesses here.

😅 Don’t be clingy – Give people space to mingle and chat with others too.

🚗 No carpooling – For safety reasons and insurance coverage, we don’t allow carpooling or ride-sharing through the group.

💰 No sales pitches – That means no selling, MLMs, pyramid schemes, or “life-changing mentorships.” Keep it scam-free.

By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you!

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/