Explore Melbourne

See Koalas in the Wild | Day trip to the Beautiful French Island [Event #14]

Sat, Feb 28 · 09:55 AEDT

Fed Square, Melbourne, VI, AU

We are heading to French Island to spot Koalas in the wild. This is our 14th event to French Island. If you are a youtuber or content creator, please message me before signing up.

Please complete these three steps to confirm your spot:

Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup.

Step 2: Please pay the organizer fee ($20 - Lucky Bird, $25 - Early Bird, $30 - Regular) -
https://www.trybooking.com/DJMJI

This includes Parks Victoria fee of $2.40 per person, 10% GST and other costs such as insurance among other fees.

Step 3: Please buy the return ferry ticket ($33).
https://bookings.westernportferries.com.au/BookingCat/Availability/?&brand=WPF&parentcategory=WAF-WPF
Choose: "Return" under Stony Point to French Island
Date: 28th Feb
Onward (Stony Point to French Island) : 2 pm
Return (French Island to Stony Point): 5:55 pm

Trybooking tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking tickets will be only refunded if the event is cancelled or moved. 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 infront of the Timeout Federation Square at 9:55 AM. Meeting directly at Stony Point is not an option for this event.

This is a rain or shine event.

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

Please bring your myki. You will need $8 on your myki card or have myki pass. Please add money into your card before coming to the meeting point. Please also carry water and take away lunch. We will also make a quick stop in Frankston for buying takeaway lunch.

We hope to be back in the city around 9:10 PM if we make the return connecting train.

Let's go Koala spotting on the beautiful French Island. Our journey will involve Train and Ferry journey. French Island is the largest coastal island of Victoria. 70% of the island is a national park. The Island is home to the world's densest population of koalas, and many species of birds.

Cost:

Organizer Fee: $20 - Lucky Bird, $25 - Early Bird, $30 - Regular
This includes Parks Victoria fee of $2.40 per person, 10% GST and other costs such as insurance.

Public Transport Cost (varies):

Myki Pass (Zone 1/2): $0
Myki Money: $8
Myki Money (Concession): $4

Please ensure that your myki has enough money before coming to the meeting point.

Ferry to French Island: $33 (Return).

Walking Distance: We will have a little over 3 hours on French Island. Expect to walk around a total of 10km. There is a shuttle bus for people who eat at the General Store which can reduce the walking distance by half (Advance Booking essential). I will share the booking steps with the ticket holders a day before the event. If you are booking this complimentary shuttle, please only book for yourself. Don't worry about the group.

Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen to protect your skin. There is very little shade on French Island.

Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia. We have eight simple rules in place to protect our community and for everyone to have a positive experience.

❌ Not a dating group! – We’re here to make friends, not find soulmates. No flirty business, please!

📵 No phone numbers, please! – Feel free to swap social media if both parties are cool with it, but let’s keep our digits private. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups.

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

📢 Please do not advertise other events or groups.

😅 Don’t be a social octopus! – Give people space to chat with others. Please don't be clingy.

🚗 We don't allow carpooling due to safety incidents/our public liability insurance not covering motor related accidents.

💰 No sales pitches! – No selling, no MLMs, no pyramid schemes, no “life-changing mentorship” offers—let’s keep things scam-free.

📸 Cameras welcome, but… – please refrain from taking photos of our members for privacy reasons.

By joining this event, you’re giving us a virtual pinky promise 🤝 that you’ll follow the rules. Break them, and—poof!—you’re out for good. No second chances, no do-overs. 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/

Pick Your Own Sunflowers - 2026 | Limited Spots | Opening Day [Event #4]

Sun, Mar 1 · 10:10 AEDT

Spencer Street & Bourke Street, Melbourne, VI, AU

We are heading to one of the "Pick Your Own" Sunflowers farms near Ballarat. The tickets are limited. Please note that this trip also involves a shared taxi/uber. The payment shared taxi/uber can be made on the day of the event. Please note that that 1st March is their opening day and the Sunflowers won't be in full bloom.

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) - https://www.trybooking.com/DJROZ

Step 3: Please buy the farm entry ticket ($10) via Trybooking for 1st March: https://www.trybooking.com/events/1540269/sessions

Organizer fee tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Organizer fee tickets will be only refunded if the event is cancelled or moved. Organizer fee 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 in the Corner of Spencer Street and Bourke Street (Station Side - Near the steps) at 10:10 AM and take Vline train. We should be back in the city around 5 pm. Please note that meeting at the destination is not an option for this event. Please plan to show up at the meeting point as uber/taxi groups will be formed at the meeting point.

Meeting Point Photo: [https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2](https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2)
** Please make sure you bring your Myki. Please ensure that it has atleast $8. Please ensure that your myki money is added before coming to the meeting point. **

Cost:
Organizer Fee: $20 - Early Bird, $25
Myki Cost: $8
Sunflower Farm: Tickets $10
Sunflowers: $2 per stem – available for purchase as you leave
Shared Taxi/Uber: $20-$30 (To be paid via PayID or cash on the day of the event)

This is a rain or shine event.

Pick Your Own Sunflowers - Every year since its beginnings, Sunflower field in Dunnstown has grown into one of Regional Victoria's most popular rural experience, with visitors flocking from all over Victoria and interstate.

Please carry snacks and water. There are no food options at the farm.

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

Loyalty Card Stamps for this event:
If you are not using a discount code: 1
If you are using a discount code: 0

Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia. We have eight simple rules in place to protect our community and for everyone to have a positive experience.

❌ Not a dating group! – We’re here to make friends, not find soulmates. No flirty business, please!

📵 No phone numbers, please! – Feel free to swap social media if both parties are cool with it, but let’s keep our digits private. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups.

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

📢 Please do not advertise other events or groups.

😅 Don’t be a social octopus! – Give people space to chat with others. Please don't be clingy.

🚗 We don't allow carpooling due to safety incidents/our public liability insurance not covering motor related accidents.

💰 No sales pitches! – No selling, no MLMs, no pyramid schemes, no “life-changing mentorship” offers—let’s keep things scam-free.

📸 Cameras welcome, but… – please refrain from taking photos of our members for privacy reasons.

By joining this event, you’re giving us a virtual pinky promise 🤝 that you’ll follow the rules. Break them, and—poof!—you’re out for good. No second chances, no do-overs. 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/)

Moomba Festival 2026 Fireworks [Free Event]

Thu, Mar 5 · 20:30 AEDT

TimeOut, Federation Square, Cnr Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne, AU

Please remember to RSVP for this event on meetup to confirm your spot. Please read the group rules listed below before signing up. If you are bringing friends, please ensure that they RSVP on meetup as well.

Meeting Point: Let's meet infront of Timeout Fed Square at 8:30 PM. It will not be possible to find us once we leave the meeting point. Please don't be late.

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wANGQW4e1pBUUdwu6

Let's go to see Moomba Fireworks 2026. Feel the explosion of joy as the sky lights up with a colourful firework display each night of Moomba. Sit, stand or dance under the pyrotechnic spectacular, an exploding array of flowers and multi-layered colours.

This is a Free Event!

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. We have eight simple rules in place to protect our community and for everyone to have a positive experience.

❌ Not a dating group! – We’re here to make friends, not find soulmates. No flirty business, please!

📵 No phone numbers, please! – Feel free to swap social media if both parties are cool with it, but let’s keep our digits private. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups.

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

📢 Please do not advertise other events or groups.

😅 Don’t be a social octopus! – Give people space to chat with others. Please don't be clingy.

🚗 We don't allow carpooling due to safety incidents/our public liability insurance not covering motor related accidents.

💰 No sales pitches! – No selling, no MLMs, no pyramid schemes, no “life-changing mentorship” offers—let’s keep things scam-free.

📸 Cameras welcome, but… – please refrain from taking photos of our members for privacy reasons.

By joining this event, you’re giving us a virtual pinky promise 🤝 that you’ll follow the rules. Break them, and—poof!—you’re out for good. No second chances, no do-overs. 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/)

1000 Steps Dandenong Ranges Hike - Kokoda Track [Online Ticket]

Sat, Mar 7 · 09:50 AEDT

Fed Square, Melbourne, VI, AU

We are doing the popular 1000 Steps Dandenong Ranges Hike.

Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot:

Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup.

Step 2: Please pay the organizer fee ($15 - Lucky Bird, $20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular) via Trybooking - https://www.trybooking.com/DKCPK
This includes Parks Victoria fee of $2.40 and 10% GST.

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 tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking tickets will be only refunded if the event is cancelled or moved.

Meeting Point: Let's meet infront of Timeout Federation Square at 9:50 AM. Please remember to bring your myki. You will need atleast $8 on your myki or have myki pass. Please ensure that your myki has enough money before coming to the meeting point.

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

** Reasonable level of fitness required for as the climb is steep. **

Located within the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk is a unique spot in the Dandenong Ranges. The Kokoda Track is a beautiful walking track with adjacent forested areas and bushlands. You will get a small glimpse into the physical effort experienced by the Australian soldiers during 1942.

Walk Time: 2 hr return
Grade: Steep (reasonable level of fitness required)
Track: Gravel, Dirt, Stairs

Cost:

Organizer Fee: $15 - Lucky Bird, $20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular. This includes Parks Victoria fee of $2.40 and 10% GST.
Myki: $8 or myki pass

Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia. 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/