Delectable Social Stroll: Full Yarra Bend Circuit 11km - Dights Falls - Easy

🌞 Delectable Summer Social Stroll: Full Yarra Bend Circuit

Saturday 17 January - 11 AM..Arrive at 10.45 AM please

Join us for a long, lazy, laughter‑filled summer social stroll tracing the full Yarra Bend circuit — a gorgeous loop of river bends, bushland, boardwalks, and iconic Melbourne nooks. This is our expanded version of the smaller Yarra Bend walk many of you enjoyed, now stretched into a full, flirty, scenic adventure.

+++Ensure you read the rules at the end before joining. Registering = agreeing to them+++

We’ll begin at the Abbotsford Convent, (or more specifically st the Collingwood children's farm entrance), wander past Dights Falls, pause for snacks at the Studley Park Boathouse, and follow the river’s contours through some of the most beautiful natural pockets in inner Melbourne. Expect birdsong, breezes, shady gums, and plenty of social mingling along the way.

This walk is exploratory for me as I've not done the full circuit before.

You can choose your own finale:

• 11 km Full Yarra Bend Circuit ending back at the Convent, or
• 14 km Extended Merri Creek Trail Option finishing at Rushall Station for those who want a little extra summer sparkle in their step.

🕙 Timing

• Option A: Arrive from 10:00 a.m. if you’d like breakfast or a pre‑walk coffee at the convent bakery (it gets very busy so allow time for queues).

The Convent Bakery is rumoured to have ice‑cold smoothies worth writing home about, and we’ll swing by at the end for anyone who wants a refreshing treat.

• Meet at 10:45 a.m. at the gates of the Collingwood Children’s Farm (about 50m from the Convent entrance at the end of the road).

- Walk begins at 11:00 a.m. sharp. Prior to the heat of the day. Arrive by 10.45 a.m.

• Expect 3–4 hours depending on pace, weather, silly jokes, banter, and snack enthusiasm. My priority is having a relaxing time so I'm not following a strict timetable.

☕ Mid‑Walk Pause
We’ll stop at Studley Park Boathouse for coffee, cold drinks, or a light bite. Bring a little cash or card if you’d like to indulge.

🚶 Route Highlights

• The leafy bends of the Yarra
• Dights Falls lookout
• Riverbank boardwalks and shaded bushland
  Abbotsford Convent
• Studley Park Boathouse
• Optional Merri Creek extension to Rushall Station
• Plenty of photo spots, conversation pockets, and nature‑soaked moments

🚆 Getting There

• Train to Victoria Park Station is the easiest option, followed by a short walk to the Convent.
• Parking at the Convent can be a gamble on weekends — arrive early if you’re trying your luck or choose elsewhere.

🌿 What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water 2 litres
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A light snack if you like
• Curiosity, good humour, and your best summer social energy

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

Fitness Requirements:
This should be an easy to moderate walk for people with average fitness.

Ensure you can walk around 4km/hr for about 4 hours with breaks. Walk 15km comfortably with a small pack.

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 group events rely on staying together. If you prefer a very different pace, consider attending 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 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 being introduced

⏰ 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, attempt to communicate with the organiser. Silence + poor behaviour = removal. Communication + accountability = second chances.
This may not be possible during the event as the organiser is busy organising.