What we’re about
Welcome to Explore Melbourne - The largest and the most active meetup group in Melbourne with over 40,000+ members. We are also the largest group in Australia.
Our group is for anyone interested in exploring the wonderful city of Melbourne and surrounds together. We run a combination of Free and Paid events. We have organized over 3000 events since September 2016.
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.
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/
![See Koalas in the Wild | Day trip to the Beautiful French Island [Event #13] cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/f/2/0/event_489276640.webp "See Koalas in the Wild | Day trip to the Beautiful French Island [Event #13]")
We are heading to French Island to spot Koalas in the wild. This is our 13th 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/DBHDN
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 ($32.20).
https://bookings.westernportferries.com.au/BookingCat/Availability/?&brand=WPF&parentcategory=WAF-WPF
Choose: "Return" under Stony Point to French Island
Date: 17th May
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 black direction sign in Federation Square at 10:00 AM. Meeting directly at Stony Point is not an option for this event.
Meeting Point Photo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ldSwcbr0ag7AGnQQGDk_T8uXjsY9N26Q/view?usp=sharing
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 $7.60 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 8:45 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: $7.60
Myki Money (Concession): $3.80
Please ensure that your myki has enough money before coming to the meeting point.
Ferry to French Island: $32.20 (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/
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- See Koalas in the Wild | Day trip to the Beautiful French Island [Event #13]Fed Square, MelbourneA$25.00
We are heading to French Island to spot Koalas in the wild. This is our 13th 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/DBHDN
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 ($32.20).
https://bookings.westernportferries.com.au/BookingCat/Availability/?&brand=WPF&parentcategory=WAF-WPF
Choose: "Return" under Stony Point to French Island
Date: 17th May
Onward (Stony Point to French Island) : 2 pm
Return (French Island to Stony Point): 5:55 pmTrybooking 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 black direction sign in Federation Square at 10:00 AM. Meeting directly at Stony Point is not an option for this event.
Meeting Point Photo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ldSwcbr0ag7AGnQQGDk_T8uXjsY9N26Q/view?usp=sharing
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.AUPlease bring your myki. You will need $7.60 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 8:45 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: $7.60
Myki Money (Concession): $3.80Please ensure that your myki has enough money before coming to the meeting point.
Ferry to French Island: $32.20 (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/
- Day Trip to Castlemaine [Online Ticket]Corner of Spencer Street and Bourke Street, MelbourneA$20.00
We are heading to Castlemaine to explore the town on foot. The walking distance will be flexible.
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 ($20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular) via Trybooking - https://www.trybooking.com/DBRMX
Trybooking tickets will be scanned at the meeting point.
Please note that the ticket will be only refunded if the event is moved or cancelled. There are no refunds. The tickets also cannot be transferred to a different event. 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 9:55 AM and walk to take the Bendigo Vline train at 10:06 AM. We should be back in the city around 5:30 PM. Please carry your myki card.
Meeting Point Photo: https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2
Cost:
Organizer Fee: $20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular
Myki: $7.60 or Myki pass
Historic Home & Garden of Buda: $12 (optional)Photos: All the photos will be uploaded to our Facebook Group (Explore Melbourne) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb and to meetup.
Let's head to the beautiful town of Castlemaine . We plan to visit the following locations:
* Maine Second Hand Centre and Auctions
* Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar
* Historic Home & Garden of Buda (Optional - Entrance Fee, $12 Adult, $10 Concession)
* Castlemaine Botanical Gardens
* Coffee Basics Das Kaffeehaus
* The Mill Castlemaine
* Shedshaker Brewing Company
* Cabosse & Feve Chocolates
* Icecream RepublicPlease follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates:
YouTube | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | TikTok | ExploreMelbourne.AUExplore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia. We have seven 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.
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/
- Milkyway & Shooting Stars in Premium Location - One Solo PhotoSpencer Street & Bourke Street, MelbourneA$20.00
Please note that this event is not open for photographers (no option to bring Camera/GoPro or tripod). We will be taking photos of people with the Milkyway.
** Trybooking tickets will be posted once the event is confirmed based on weather forecast **
We will scan Trybooking tickets at the meeting point.
Please note that Trybooking tickets will only be refunded if the event is moved or cancelled. Trybooking Tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to also transfer the ticket to a new date. 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 6:10 PM and head to one of the premium locations (100km away from Melbourne). Driving to the destination is not an option for any of our stargazing events. We should be back in the CBD around 11:30 PM.
Meeting Point Photo: [https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2](https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2)
** Please make sure you bring your Myki. Please ensure that it has atleast $11 or have myki Zone 1/2 pass. Please ensure that your myki money is added before coming to the meeting point. **Please carry a warm jacket. Please carry takeaway dinner as there are no food options at the destination.
Cost:
Organizer Fee: $20
Transport: Myki Money: $11
If you have Myki Zone 1/2 Pass: $0
Concession: $5.50Taxi: $50 (In an event where Vline services are cancelled )
Photos: All the images will be uploaded to our Facebook Group (Explore Melbourne) - [https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) and meetup.
I take one solo photo for everyone with the Milkyway. These events are not aimed at photographers.
Location: For the safety of people attending the event and flexibility to change location at the last minute based on the weather forecast, we will only share the location details with people at the meeting point. For the safety of people attending future events, please do not share the Milkyway location with anyone. Also, please do not tag the location when sharing photos on Social Media.
The Milky Way Galaxy is one of the most interesting naked eye sights in the night sky. We live under light-polluted skies, and to see a glimpse of the Milkyway, we need to travel outside the city. We run Milkyway events near Melbourne (40-50km away) and events in premium locations (over 80-100km from Melbourne CBD). We will mention premium events on the title of the event.
Many Solo and some group photos from previous events: [https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1F0fE1-s4mkkNIi1oATIVBE3I5riDTRO3](https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1F0fE1-s4mkkNIi1oATIVBE3I5riDTRO3)
Please follow us on Social Media for photos & updates:
Facebook Group (Event photos): [https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb)
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/)
Facebook Page: [https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb)
TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne)Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia. We have seven 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.
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/) - Chasing Aurora (Southern Lights) in Tasmania [Last TAS Event of the Year]Allurity Hotel, HobartA$199.00
We're going to Tasmania again to chase Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) after dark for up to 9 nights. This will be last Aurora chase in TAS for this year. This is perfect for people who have the option to work remotely or have 5 days of annual leave or if you simply live in Hobart/ or on holiday. You are welcome to work during the day or do things on your own. The cost details can be found in the description below.
I will be carrying the camera and can help taking your photos with Aurora/Milkyway. Please note that Auroras are very hard to predict and TAS is not directly under Aurora oval. If we don't get to see Aurora, we will try and take photos with the Milkyway (weather permitting), chase bioluminescence and also do light painting photography.
This is also a great event to connect with fellow Aurora chasers from all over Australia. You are welcome to carry your camera and tripod.
This event is only open to guests 18 years and older. You are welcome to directly meet us in Hobart.
Please follow these 5 steps to confirm your spot.
Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup.
Step 2: Please pay the organizer fee: https://www.trybooking.com/DBQRG
Step 3: Please book your return ticket to Hobart from anywhere in Australia.
I will be flying in from Melbourne. Here are my flights::
Melbourne -> Hobart
Fri 23 May 2025: 4:15pm (Jetstar)
Hobart -> Melbourne
Sun 01 Jun 2025: 8:00am (Jetstar)Step 4: Please book your accommodation in any place in and around Hobart CBD. If there are no hotels, please check for Airbnb or look for hotels in Hobart. I have booked in Allurity Hotel via Booking.com
Checkin: 23rd May
Checkout: 1st June
https://www.booking.com/city/au/hobart.en-gb.html
https://www.google.com/search?q=hobart+hotelTrybooking tickets will be scanned at the meeting point. Trybooking Tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket.
You will get nine stamps on your loyalty card for this trip if you are attending all 9 nights. The stamps for others will vary based on the number of days you are attending.Meeting Point: Let's meet in Allurity Hotel lobbay (96 Bathurst Street, Hobart) at 8 PM on 23rd May. For all other nights, we will be meeting at 7 PM at the same location.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kVZNi2LshRPVpsPn7
Cost:
Organizer Fee:
$199 - Early Bird (upto 9 nights)
$270 - Regular (upto 9 nights)
$39 - One night only
$60 - Two consecutive nights
$90 - Three consecutive nights
$120 - Four consecutive nights
$150 - Five consecutive nights
$180 - Six consecutive nightsReturn Jetstar Flight to Hobart from Melbourne: $259 (this will potentially increase and will vary for other cities)
Public Transport/Uber/Taxi: Varies based on trips we do each day for the chase. You will share the uber/taxi cost with others.
Accommodation:
Hotels from $112/night in Hobart. There are cheaper accommodation options in Hobart.Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates:
YouTube | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | TikTok | ExploreMelbourne.AUExplore 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/
![Day Trip to Castlemaine [Online Ticket] cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/1/event_527882801.webp "Day Trip to Castlemaine [Online Ticket]")
![Chasing Aurora (Southern Lights) in Tasmania [Last TAS Event of the Year] cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/c/a/3/event_525971427.webp "Chasing Aurora (Southern Lights) in Tasmania [Last TAS Event of the Year]")
