Explore Melbourne

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/

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 8:50 AM. We will depart at 9 AM sharp. It's going to be a very long time. Please be on time. 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 - 15 mins
🚻

Horsham - 30 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: 30 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/

Step 2: Please get your bus ticket ($99 - Lucky Bird, $109 - Early Bird, $119 - Regular) via Trybooking - https://www.trybooking.com/DGXEE

The bus ticket includes entry fee ($25) into Cherryhill Orchards for Cherry Picking. It's also includes 10% GST.

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 in the Corner of Russell and Flinders Street (Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone) at 9:45 AM. Please don't be late. We should be back to city around 7 PM.

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5JNLSKfmehyFYYDq5

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.

Cost:

Bus Ticket: $99 (Lucky Bird), $109 (Early Bird), $119 (Regular)

The bus ticket includes entry fee ($25) into Cherryhill Orchards for Cherry Picking.

Tentative list of locations we will be visiting:

• Cherryhill Orchards (Coldstream) for Cherry Picking straight from the trees. As you’re picking, eat as many cherries as your heart desires. Takeaway cherries are charged per kilogram upon leaving. ⏰2 hours
• RJ Hamer Arboretum & Woolrich Lookout - One of the most fascinating viewing spots located in the Dandenong Ranges. ⏰ 15 mins
• Burkes Lookout - Some of the best views over Melbourne & Port Philip Bay. ⏰ 20 mins
• Maroondah Reservoir - The impressive 41-metre high dam wall offers a scenic lookout over formal gardens, forested slopes and the broad, peaceful reservoir lake. ⏰ 45 mins
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery - Great stop for the chocolate lovers. ⏰30 mins

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/

Step 2: Please get your bus ticket via Trybooking ($89 - Early Bird, $99 - Regular) - https://www.trybooking.com/DGHWB
Bus ticket includes 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. 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 & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone) at 9:30 AM. Please don't be late. We should be back to city around 6:30 PM.

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5JNLSKfmehyFYYDq5

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

This is a rain-or-shine event.

Please snacks, water, and snacks. We will make a stop on the way for lunch.

Total Hiking Distance: 5 km
John and Millie Borbridge Track – 2 km return walk from the car park to the peak.
Crater Rim Walk – Add on a 3 km loop that takes you right around the crater’s edge.

Cost:

Bus Ticket:

$89 - Early Bird
$99 - Regular

Tentative list of locations we will be visiting:

1) Mount Elephant

Get ready to conquer Mount Elephant – the mighty, 380-metre-high giant that looms over Derrinallum! This dramatic cone-shaped landmark isn’t just a hill – it’s actually a dormant volcano that last erupted around 184,000 years ago.

Mount Elephant is what geologists call a breached scoria cone. Translation? Picture a steep-sided mini-volcano formed in a single fiery burst of activity. In its heyday, it likely held a glowing lava lake at its heart, until the molten rock burst through its side and left the iconic “breached” look we see today.

So when you hike up this ancient volcano, you’re not just walking on rock – you’re stepping into a story of fire, lava, and time itself.

2) Inverleigh

Food/Coffee stop.
* Inverleigh Bakehouse
* Sonny Café

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 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/