Delectable Social Stroll: Full Yarra Bend Circuit 12km - Dights Falls - Moderate**🌞 Delectable Summer Social Stroll: Full Yarra Bend Circuit About 12 km Moderate to Difficult**
**Easter Monday 6 April- 12 PM..Arrive at 11.45 AM please**
Join us for a long, lazy, laughter‑filled Autumn 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. This has a couple of difficult sections where you may need to use your hands.
***+++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.
Bonus or not, we'll be going through the section where the many thousands of flying foxes roost during the day.
We will also make a diversion to the golf course cafe which is much more manageable to get a snack.
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 autumn sparkle in their step.
🕙 **Timing**
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 11:45 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 12:00 p.m. sharp. Prior to the heat of the day**. Arrive by 11.45 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 the golf course cafe for coffee, cold drinks, or a light bite. Bring a little cash or card if you’d like to indulge. Hopefully it's open, much better than stopping at Studley Park boathouse.
**🚶 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
- Suitable clothes for a lengthy walk
- 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 a moderate to difficult walk for people with average fitness.
There are ssmall ections requiring easy scrambles requiring the use of your hands.
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.