Backpacking Melbourne
Find your next backpacking adventure in Melbourne

Epic Trip to Central and South America | Invite Only
Fri, Mar 27, 11:00 PMWe’ll be travelling through Central and South America over the Easter period. Due to the complexities around visas, vaccinations, and logistics, this is an invite-only event. It is primarily intended for members who are already planning to be in Central or South America at the same time. Central America: Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador South America: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina **Cost**: Organizer Fee: $30/day Accommodation - Varies Flights - Varies Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://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/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

Mt Feathertop via Razorback Spur – pack-carry
Sat, Mar 21, 12:15 AM
MBTC Summer Meeting & Ride - Physiology of Touring Cycling & Yummy Food
Sun, Mar 1, 3:00 AMJoin us at the MBTC Summer meeting for an afternoon of discussion and learning on the **physiology of touring cycling**. Learn about pre, post and daily strecthing and excercises to help with your time in the saddle and assist recovery after a ride and during a tour. What nutrion will help in preparing for a tour and get you through the time on the road. Come join us for this interesting afternoon at a new, easy to access, comfortable indoor/outdoor venue, the **Djerring Centre in Abbotsford/Collingwood** **Ride to the event** Join Jen for the social ride to the event, taking inner Melbourne cycle paths and scenery, check the route at Ride with GPS (route to be uploaded soon) **Summer food** Enjoy a variety of home made summer inspired savoury and sweet food and maybe even a cheese platter and fruit punch ***Bring a plate, knife, fork, spoon and a cup*** to serve up your afternoon food and beverage **Venue** Djerring centre, Eddy Court, Abbotsford 3067 Next to the Collingwood town hall, and directly below Collingwood station Check the location map and images in the event **Time** Start at 2pm and finish up around 5pm

Labour Day Long Weekend – ChillOut Camping - 8 Campers
Fri, Mar 6, 7:00 AM
Australia Felix - Grade Experienced (1,917 km)
Sat, Mar 21, 8:00 PMA grand exploration, to commemorate another great explorer. Meetup will not allow me to post anything longer than 2 weeks. This will be a ***full month-long event***. Riders may be able to join/depart for shorter segments. We will be camping mostly. Very self-sufficient travelling. The planned route is [HERE](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52265117). It will be possible for people to join the ride for sections, ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks using V/Line rail services. The following would be the sectors: 1\. Swan Hill to Pyramid Hill 2\. Pyramid Hill to Horsham \(using the Overland train service\) 3\. Horsham to Ararat \(about 14 days\) 4\. Ararat to Maryborough 5\. Maryborough to Castlemaine and/or Nagambie\, and 6\. Nagambie to Violet Town and/or stations along the line to Albury\. The ride will commence in Swan Hill on Sun 22nd March, having taken the Swan Hill train. It is retracing Major Thomas Mitchell's route through Victoria, 190 years later (by the 200th anniversary in 2036, I may be riding an e-bike then and who knows whether I will still be happy to go camping). The plan is to travel along the Major's route (roughly) taking in a whole host of Victorian country towns, scenic and historic sites, and a few of the 'Major Mitchell passed this way' monuments. We hope to finish in Albury on about ANZAC Day, 25th April. ***RSVPs will open on Dec 14.*** RIDE REGISTRATION FORM The form should be available within a day or two of the ride announcement. The link will be seen in the messages when you RSVP. Please complete it when available. ESSENTIAL ITEMS Camping gear for self-contained travel (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping matt, stove, mess-kit, etc) Functioning headlight & tail light Spare tube and a puncture kit MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, food/snacks, Power bank for electronic devices. WATER It's your responsibility to check the temperature and distance for the day and carry an appropriate amount of water. When riding outside suburbia remember that carrying too much water is better than not enough as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances. 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 cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' at least one day before the ride day. ***This ride is for MBTC club members only***. To join our club check out [https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership](https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership) 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 organizer 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.

Phillip Island Penguins, Koalas, Churchill Island, Cape Woolamai Surfing Beach
Sun, Mar 8, 12:00 AMExplore Phillip Island in a small group of 11 with koala reserve, penguin parade, The Nobbies and a Cape Woolamai coastal hike 4.9km. Includes entry tickets, snacks, a free drink, an instant photo. About this experience This Phillip Island day tour is designed for travelers who want to move, explore, and connect with nature, not just be driven between attractions. With a maximum of 11 guests, the experience combines coastal hiking, ethical wildlife encounters, and iconic evening penguin viewing — all with transparent, all-inclusive pricing. Everything listed is included in the price. There are no hidden fees, no upgrades, and no surprise costs during the day. A day shaped by nature and movement Leaving Melbourne, the journey heads toward Phillip Island with relaxed pacing and local commentary focused on wildlife, coastal landscapes, and conservation rather than scripted facts. Koalas in the wild Koala Conservation Reserve Begin with a peaceful walk through eucalyptus woodland on elevated boardwalks, where koalas can be seen resting, feeding, and moving freely in their natural habitat. Your entry ticket is included, and the experience prioritizes quiet observation and animal welfare. Free time for lunch in Cowes Stop in Cowes, Phillip Island’s main township, with time to choose your own lunch. Lunch is not included by design, allowing flexibility for different dietary needs, preferences, and cultural beliefs. Cafes, bakeries, and takeaway options are available. Cape Woolamai coastal hike (7 km) This is what makes the tour truly different. Enjoy a 7 km coastal hike at Cape Woolamai, following clifftop trails with sweeping ocean views, rugged rock formations, and abundant birdlife. The hike is paced for enjoyment rather than speed, with time for photos, rest, and appreciation of the landscape. This active element transforms the day from a sightseeing tour into a genuine coastal adventure. Guests who doesn't want to join hiking can visit Churchill island instead. The Nobbies coastal boardwalk Continue to The Nobbies, where boardwalks stretch above crashing waves and rocky headlands. Learn about local marine life, seabirds, and the powerful Southern Ocean that shapes this coastline. Penguin Parade at sunset End the day with the world-famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Watch little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle back to their burrows at sunset. Your entry ticket is included, and the experience follows strict guidelines to ensure penguin protection and minimal disturbance. Honest, all-inclusive experience There are no extra costs during the tour. Complimentary snacks, a free drink, and a printed Instax instant photo are included as personal touches. To give back to nature, trees are planted to offset the carbon emissions created by this tour, ensuring each journey contributes positively to the environment. ### What to Bring * Comfortable walking or hiking shoes * A warm jacket (weather can change) * Hat & sunglasses * Sunscreen * Motion sickness medication if needed ### What's Included * Small-group transport * Professional local guide * Entry to Churchill Island, Koala Reserve and Penguin Parade * Complimentary drink * Snacks throughout the day * Free one instant printed photo (take-home souvenir) * Carbon offset through tree planting * All listed stops and experiences ### Important * Not suitable for children under 7 years old * Cancellations or rescheduling require 7 days’ written notice * Requests must be emailed to: [info@ch-ex.com.au](mailto:info@ch-ex.com.au)
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