Travel Tips

Hello! This is a rain or shine event! I have done over 50 road trips in 3 years and no matter the weather, the sights are still beautiful! Photos from some past road trips are on the group Instagram below (pinned posts also show the 14 routes and various rentals I have hired): [Instagram: Road Trips by The Dancing Voyager: Ron Singh](https://www.instagram.com/the_dancing_voyager_ron_trips) **IMPORTANT NOTE! If no attendees are confirmed 24 hours before the trip, event will be cancelled! At least 1 confirmed attendee needed for the event to go ahead and it will be a rain or shine event! Once you confirm your spot, further information will be messaged to you regarding breaks, meals, what to wear and what to bring. Thank you!** Please see the group description if you want to know more about who I am and why I run this group. If you have any questions, please feel welcome to reach out through Meetup or Instagram! **\-\-\- RULES \-\-\-** **Two simple rules to join:** **1: You must be either an International Student, Working Holiday Maker or a tourist (no evidence is required! I will trust you!).** **2: It will be your first time going to the location (again, I will trust you!).** **\-\-\- ROAD TRIP SUMMARY AND ITINERARY \-\-\-** Day trip to Yarra Ranges waterfalls, lakes. The Yarra Ranges has an abundance of inspiring natural beauty! **Itinerary:** **Lilydale Lake - Maroondah Reservoir Lake - Revells Falls - Black Spur Drive - Marysville - Steavenson Falls - Lake Mountain - Healesville lookout - Lilydale Lake encore** **Meeting point: Fed Square, 9 am**. Back there by **7:45 pm**. Meet by the steps. **\-\-\- PAYMENT \-\-\-** **Total fee: $20 (payment details will be messaged). This covers a new, large rental (SUV), fuel and driver.** Prepayment is needed to finalise your spot. I will provide you my mobile number for PayID, which is a secure payment through internet banking. The fee is very low because this is just a formality to confirm your place, so that I know you are serious on attending. This project is my community service. I have done over 50 road trips and it has never been about the money. Please see the group description for reason on why the fee is so low. **Cancellations:** If I cancel the road trip for any unforeseen issues, a full refund will be given. If you cancel, there is no refund. Sorry! **\-\-\- RESPONSIBILITY\, LIABILITY\, SAFETY \-\-\-** As your driver, I am responsible and liable for your safety while we are in the vehicle. Passengers are insured as per the Australian law. For times we are outside the vehicle, we then become responsible for our own liability and safety, just like every other capable adult in society.

Please contact me on 0413261925 to organise an appointment. Wednesdays 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. From $25. Ask for Angelique.

Celebrate Christmas Eve with a scenic cycling loop around Melbourne. The Capital City trail completes a circuit around Melbourne joining up several bike paths such as the Merri Creek Trail, Main Yarra Trail, Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and Inner Circle Rail Trail. We'll be riding over the new Gipps Street bridge into the Abbotsford convent where we can take a quick coffee stop. We'll aim for a steady average pace of around 15km/h varying the pace depending on the terrain. We'll go anticlockwise and reach the Boat Builders Yard for an early lunch around 12pm. After lunch we'll cruise back riding a leisurely 6km back to the start. The trail is mainly tarmac. Hybrid bikes, gravel bikes, road bikes and mountain bikes. **Pump up your tyres and check your bike the night before!** **What to bring** * Suitable Bike (MTB, Gravel bike, Hybrid bike, Road bike) * **Bike lock** \- we may need to lock up bikes for lunch * Helmet * Bike gloves * Spares/tubes/repair kits * Water (bottle or backpack) * Snacks/food * Sun screen/Sun glasses/Protective eye wear **MEETING POINT** Meet at the carpark at 500 Tourist Drive 2, Burnley VIC 3121. This is a short ride from Burnley station. There's a 2nd carpark a short distance down the road if this carpark is full. https://maps.app.goo.gl/hvRcCTtQB1HRMAST9 **LIABILITY WAVER** The organiser of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury or accidents to participants or their property on 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.

Come along and join in a relaxed evening of dev and tech talk, drinks and dinner.

**No pressure, no plan—just new friends** ✨ Whether you’re visiting Melbourne for the first time, recently relocated, or simply love connecting with curious people, this weekly meetup is the perfect way to share stories, make friends, and go explore, as a group, the magic that Melbourne has to offer 🇦🇺 **What to expect?** • **Casual & hostless**: no formal host, no schedule: just show up, be yourself, meet fellow solo travellers & expats and decide as a group where you feel like going • **Central meeting point**: it is surrounded by cultural landmarks, cafes, and restaurants, making it a convenient and safe starting point. • **Open to everyone**: whether you are a local, an expat or just passing through for a few days, you are welcome to join. (English is the primary language, but feel free to switch of course) **How to talk with strangers?** (and create meaningful connections) To help you get started, I curated a little game of **[ridiculously good questions](https://www.pierrebonvalot.com/theblog?p=285a9711d7df80d5ac25dd4ef8fe5394&pm=c)** you can ask to break the ice, shift the conversation from dull to intriguing and fun, and eventually create meaningful connection quickly. I hope this helps! **The only things you need to do are…** • Leave a message in the comment section to let the others know that you will actually be there (I don’t want you to end up alone there :) • If you can’t make it anymore, no problem! But please update your RSVP to let the others know • Please be gentle and patient with each other. We all want to make good friends here. **Why join?** • Meet open-minded travellers and locals who are keen to connect, learn and have fun together. • Experience Melbourne... as a group. • Be part of a global community that celebrates solo travelling and meaningful connections between foreign and locals. **How does it works?** 1\. Arrive at the meeting spot at the scheduled time\. 2\. Look for other joiners—friendly faces and curious explorers\. 3\. Introduce yourself\, connect with others\, and decide as a group where to go\. **When & where?** • Day: every Sunday • Time: 4:00 PM (meetup sometimes displays a different time zone: but it’s always 4pm local time) • Location: in front of the Dolphin Fountain (inside Fitzroy Gardens) **Hostless**: I am setting up the event for you all to meet, but I won't be there myself this time :) **Hi my names is Pierre** I created this Meetup group because I want to see more human connection happen in the real world. I feel many of us want this, but don't exactly know how to go about it. I hope this helps a little bit. I also work as a transformational coach: I help people who feel stuck in their life to reconnect with themselves, create real change and ultimately live more fulfilling lives. 🔗 bento.me/pierrebonvalot

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → GRAMPIANS**🏙️ + **CHRISTMAS DINNER** * 📅 **THU-FRI 25-26 DEC, 2-DAY TRIP ☀️** * ✨**Nature, Peaks & New Stories**✨ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿 **Grampians Getaway — Nature, Peaks & Stories** 🌄 - **CHRISTMAS** Join us and step into the magic of the **Grampians** — where rugged mountain ranges rise above peaceful valleys, waterfalls tumble into fern-filled gullies, and every lookout whispers a story. Across two unforgettable days, we’ll **hike** scenic forest trails, **kayak** across a tranquil lake, uncover ancient Aboriginal **rock art**, and savour **wine** in a beautiful valley setting. Add Christmas **BBQ**, **1-night** Cosy shared **accommodation**, **Meditation** & grounding and plenty of laughter — and you’ve got a journey stitched with memories \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🎒 **All-Inclusive for $319** ✅ Round-trip transport in a comfortable **Mercedes minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **10 km hike** with gear 🥾 ✅ **Kayaking** on a stunning lake (gear provided) 🛶 ✅ Unlimited **snacks, soft drinks, coffee & tea** ☕ ✅ Visit to breathtaking **lookouts & waterfalls** 🌄 ✅ **1-night** Cosy shared **accommodation** ✨ ✅ **Winery visit** 🍷 ✅ Exploration of **Aboriginal rock art** ✅ Christmas **BBQ** ✅ **Meditation** & grounding \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🕒 **2-Day Itinerary Highlights** **Day 1** 🌅 06:30 — Meet at St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street 🍉 07:30 — Refreshment **stop** ☕ 09:30 — Welcome morning **tea & snacks** (included) 🥾 09:45 — Guided 10 km forest+mountain easy **hike** (190m elevation) 🍽️ 13:30 — **Picnic** & lunch (BYO) with tea & snacks (provided, ulimited) 🌄 14:30 — Explore **Venus Baths** & scenic **peaks** 🌊 15:30 — Breathtaking **lookout** visit 🦘 16:30 — Spot native **wildlife** 🚐 17:30 — **Scenic drive** through the ranges 🍝 18:00 — Hotel check-in & relaxation - shared **accommodation** 🏨 20:00 — Christmas **BBQ** - **Group dinner** ✨ 21:00 — **Meditation** under the stars \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Day 2** 🍳 08:00 — Hotel check-out & **breakfast** 🛶 09:30 — **Kayaking** on a beautiful lake (beginner friendly!) 🥪 12:30 — Lunch break + **Picnic** ✨ 13:30 — **Meditation** & grounding 🌅 14:30 — Visit Aboriginal **rock art** sites 🍷 15:30 — **Winery** & **scenic** valley views ☕ 17:30 — Stop for refreshments 🏙️ 19:00 — Return to **Melbourne**, filled with memories 📍 Drop-off: Hamer Hall, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$319 transfer** **Please note:** An RSVP alone does not secure your spot — only a transfer confirms your place on the trip. Thanks for understanding! 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** Gra 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now to avoid missing out!** 🎒 S*pots are only confirmed once payment is received !!!* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**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** 🧢 ✔️ **Lunch for day 1+2** ✔️ Christmas dinner share plate ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***🌟 Days Include :*** 🥾 A 10 km guided forest **hike** (190 m elevation gain) 🍉 Snacks, coffee/tea, soft drinks 🌄 Visits to stunning **lookouts** 🌺 **Winery** — scenery and beauty combined 🚐 Scenic road trip through ✨ **Meditation** & grounding 😊 Christmas **BBQ** 🛶 **Kayaking** on a beautiful lake ✨ Cosy shared **accommodation** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 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/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Credited or refunded only if the event is canceled/moved. Non-refundable in any other cases \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **\*\*\*Two Days. Endless Views. Lasting Joy**. **\*\*\*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **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!

Hello! This is a rain or shine event! I have done over 50 road trips in 3 years and no matter the weather, the sights are still beautiful! Photos from some past road trips are on the group Instagram below (pinned posts also show the 14 routes and various rentals I have hired): [Instagram: Road Trips by The Dancing Voyager: Ron Singh](https://www.instagram.com/the_dancing_voyager_ron_trips) **IMPORTANT NOTE! If no attendees are confirmed 24 hours before the trip, event will be cancelled! At least 1 confirmed attendee needed for the event to go ahead and it will be a rain or shine event! Once you confirm your spot, further information will be messaged to you regarding breaks, meals, what to wear and what to bring. Thank you!** Please see the group description if you want to know more about who I am and why I run this group. If you have any questions, please feel welcome to reach out through Meetup or Instagram! **\-\-\- RULES \-\-\-** **Two simple rules to join:** **1: You must be either an International Student, Working Holiday Maker or a tourist (no evidence is required! I will trust you!).** **2: It will be your first time going to the location (again, I will trust you!).** **\-\-\- ROAD TRIP SUMMARY AND ITINERARY \-\-\-** Day trip to Port Phillip Bay for a loop. Vehicle will be going on a ferry to complete the loop! Amazing changes in scenery during the entire road trip! **Itinerary: Arthurs Seat lookout - Rye Beach - Sorrento - relaxing ferry crossing to Queenscliff (45 minutes) - Thirteenth Beach - Torquay Beach - Bells Beach - You Yangs mountain range lookout (you can swim at the beaches (except Bells) or just walk/relax)** **Meeting point: Fed Square, 8:45 am**. Back there by **7:45 pm**. Meet by the steps. **\-\-\- PAYMENT \-\-\-** **Total fee: $20 (payment details will be messaged). This covers a new, large rental (SUV), fuel and driver.** Prepayment is needed to finalise your spot. I will provide you my mobile number for PayID, which is a secure payment through internet banking. The fee is very low because this is just a formality to confirm your place, so that I know you are serious on attending. This project is my community service. I have done over 50 road trips and it has never been about the money. Please see the group description for reason on why the fee is so low. **Cancellations:** If I cancel the road trip for any unforeseen issues, a full refund will be given. If you cancel, there is no refund. Sorry! **\-\-\- RESPONSIBILITY\, LIABILITY\, SAFETY \-\-\-** As your driver, I am responsible and liable for your safety while we are in the vehicle. Passengers are insured as per the Australian law. For times we are outside the vehicle, we then become responsible for our own liability and safety, just like every other capable adult in society.

Everybody's welcome! Non MBTC members need to join club by the fourth ride with us, ask us how! An easy ride, on this balmy weather, aimed to leisure cyclists mostly on bike paths and quiet suburban streets. In the event of extreme temperature, over 30 deg C, we'll ABANDON the ride and look for a rail station to go back home! Please bring your own food, drinks and plenty of water for the day. Ride end time is a guesstimate only. Check route here (give or take a couple of wrong turns): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51689092 Early lunch at the 22 k mark, around Jells park, or if you know the area we could take your suggestion. The route is 90% sealed, and the terrain is pretty easy to navigate with no climbs. So bring your, in good condition, bike, we suggest 32+ mm tires. We'll keep a steady pace, stopping often to regroup. No one left behind policy applies, but you need to keep yourself properly fueled and hydrated through the ride. RIDE REGISTRATION FORM This is to be completed when you RSVP and can be found at: [www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider](www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider). ESSENTIAL ITEMS Functioning front & tail light, spare tube and a puncture kit MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, etc. Suncream; sunglasses; lip balm; hat brim; etc. Check your app for any changes the day before a the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If you can not make it to the ride, please change your RSVP to 'NO' at your earliest opportunity. When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law. I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).