Foraging Walks Melbourne

🌿Dandenong Ranges Experience: Hike+ Ukranian Dumplings, Meditation, Bakery&more

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → DANDENONG Ranges** 🏙️ * 📅 **SUN 23 AUG, DAY TRIP ☀️** * ✨*Walk gently • Taste deeply • Breathe fully*✨ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### 🌿 Wander the Rail Trail of the Dandenong Ranges 🌿 Step into a storybook journey just beyond Melbourne — a day where forest paths, quiet villages, and simple moments come together. ☕ With **coffee and snacks** in hand, we begin gently in the charming village — easing into the rhythm of the day. 🚶‍♂️ From here, our trail unfolds along the historic rail line — a \~15 km **easy hike** through tall eucalyptus forests, fern gullies, and peaceful clearings where time slows and nature leads. 🌲 Along the way, we pause… to breathe, to listen, to take in the stillness of the forest — not just a hike, but a moving reset. 🚂 If we’re lucky, we’ll catch the iconic **Puffing Billy** passing through — a quiet moment where everyone stops and simply watches. ☕ Midway, we arrive in a small village for a relaxed **coffee stop** — warm drinks, easy conversation, and a chance to recharge. 🥟 By early afternoon, we reach the beautiful Lake — where something special awaits. A lakeside picnic with **Ukrainian dumplings**, shared together in the open air — simple, soulful, and unforgettable. 🧘 We slow down even further with a gentle **guided meditation** by the water or forest— a moment to reset, reflect, and just be. 🥐 And to finish the day on a delicious note, we visit a **renowned gourmet bakery** — a final treat of something fresh, flaky, and indulgent. 🌄 As the day winds down, we take a final scenic pause at a **beautiful lookout** — where golden light stretches across the ranges. 🚐 Then, a relaxed drive back to Melbourne — calm, content, and filled with fresh energy. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 All-Inclusive for $99** ✅ Round-trip **transport** in a comfortable **MERCEDES minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **15 km hike** + all gears 🥾 ✅ Unlimited **snacks**, **soft drinks, coffee & tea** ☕ ✅ **Picnic** \- with great company 🧃 ✅ **Ukrainian dumplings** experience 🥟 (Veg.) ✅ **Meditation** session 🧘 **✅** **Puffing Billy** viewing experience 🚂 ✅ Visit **stunning scenic lookouts** 🌄 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- #### 🕒 Itinerary: 🌅 07:30 — Meet at **St Paul’s Cathedral,** Flinders Street 🍉 08:00 — Short **break** to stretch and refresh ☕ 09:00 — Morning **coffee/tea** and snacks (included!) 🥾 09:15 — **Hike** into the forest magic 15 km - 180 elevation 🍫 11:00 — **Break** & snacks🦘 🥾 12:00 — Continue to **Hike** 🚂 12:30 — **Puffing Billy** Experience • Visit a historic railway station • Scenic stop to observe the steam train passing (timing dependent) • Photos, short break, storytelling moment 🍽️ 13:30 — Picnic & **Ukrainian dumplings** 🥟 +snacks & drinks (included) 🎨 14:30 — **Art-Gallery** \- local artists ✨ 15:00 — **Wishing Well** \- make a wish 🥐 15:30 — Finish hike and visit **gourmet bakery** 🚐 16:00 — **Scenic drive** through Ranges 🌄 16:30 — Breathtaking **lookout** 🏙️ 18:00 — Return to **Melbourne** with a heart full of memories 📍 Drop-off: Hammer Hall, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$99 transfer**: 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** Dan 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ## **🎒 What to Bring?** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **BYO lunch** 🍽️ (optional) ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿✨ Don’t miss this **epic day of adventure, nature, and fun!** ✨🌊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share](https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share) Instagram: [nogeography.hike.kayak](http://nogeography.hike.kayak/) [https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/](https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property on this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

Meet at Sebastian's in Hampton for a beach walk then back for coffee.

Meet Gillian outside Sebastian's - to walk along the beach to Green Point in Brighton (one hour round trip). There are plenty of benches along the way if you don't feel like doing the whole walk. Then back to Sebastian's for a cuppa & chat. For any queries, don't hesitate to get in touch with Gillian 0409219524 http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/8/6/8/event_431898536.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/7/5/4/event_306566452.jpeg

Walk: Yarra River walk and coffee ~10km

Starting from 'Walker Fountain Kings Domain' we walk along the River track to MCG and Fitzroy Gardens, We meet at 11:30am for a 11:40am start. If you're new to the group, come along and meet some of the regular hikers and suggest your favourite hiking locations for the coming months. The pace will be moderately brisk towards fast. We will not be stopping often to regroup. I will pause at the turns to help ensure no one misses them. **By attending, you agree to match the pace and stay in sight of the group or be comfortable navigating your own way to the destination.** **What to bring:** * Water bottle * Appropriate clothing if it's windy or possibility of rain * Hats/Sunglasses/Sun protection if it's sunny **MEETING LOCATION** Walker Fountain https://maps.app.goo.gl/nhrP8XMr1xCGpCoh8 Tap on the map below to get the pin location for the exact meeting spot. **LIABILITY WAVER** The organiser of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury or accidents to participants or their property on this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms.

Meet for a walk at Brighton Baths 10am

Meet outside Brighton Baths for a 1 hour return walk towards Elwood. Then relax with a coffee and chat at the Brighton Yacht Club. Jane is away - please make welcome anyone new to our walk Parking is free if you have a Bayside beach parking sticker. Otherwise try your luck for 2hr free parking in Chelsea or Grosvenor streets.

Sunday Bus: Burchell & Macs Trks Brisbane Ranges - 12km and 15km - 23 Aug

**WALK DESCRIPTION:** Come join 25+ of our members on these walks in the northern area of the Brisbane Ranges, known for its open forest of Messmate, Stringybarks and occasional Manna gums along with the spectacular Grass Trees. Also at this time of year Golden Wattle will be flowering and native wildflowers will be starting to appear, including native orchids although these can be difficult to spot. There are also deep gorges and valleys and we will be walking through some of these and we may be lucky and see a koala high up amongst the foliage. Both groups will be following the classic Burchell Track route initially but the loop involving Quarry Trk, which includes an old disused slate mine, will be avoided by the E group. Both groups will proceed to Little River Camping Area via Thompsons Rd depending on progress and both will traverse Macs Trk. This is an old vehicular access track through a sheltered narrow valley with mossy rocks and is a delight to walk through. I don’t think MBW has walked this track before. Of note though this area of the Brisbane Ranges is infested with Cinnamon Fungus (colloquially known as Die Back) and walkers are asked to keep to the designated tracks/roads to avoid its spread. You may notice coloured bands around some trees - these are delineating areas where the effect this fungus has had on native birdlife is being studied. **The paths:** E group: Mostly on wide forest tracks, old vehicular tracks or unmade roads. There are several steepish sections but nothing over 100m in length. There are no particularly rocky areas and no vertiginous sections. Generally pretty easy walking. There are no creeks or rivers to cross. E/M group: The same as the E group as well as the loop involving Quarry Trk. This is narrow, rocky and steep but again no vertiginous sections. And again there are no creeks or rivers to cross. Please carry at least 2 litres of water and bring a change of shoes for the trip back. . **DISTANCE(S):** 12km and 15km . **TOTAL ASCENT(S):** 300m Rise and 500m Rise . **GRADINGS:** Easy and Easy/Medium **Easy (E):** Walking mostly on tracks or in open country, with possibly some stretches of light scrub. Few hills and adequate rest stops. Distances may be up to 15km in flat open terrain but will be shorter if scrub or significant hills are involved. **Easy/Medium (E/M):** More consistent walking, mostly on tracks or in open country, but with some significant hills, probably some stretches of light scrub. Possibility of some rock hopping. Distances up to 19km but may be much shorter depending on the difficulty of the terrain. Reasonable lunch and rest stops. **.** **PLEASE NOTE:** Your RSVP on MeetUp lets us know who may be interested but does not add you to the booking list. To register and pay for the walk you must visit our clubrooms (details below). Come join our many members who will also do this walk! . **HOW TO BOOK AND PAY:** (a) Visit the Melbourne Bushwalkers' clubrooms on either of the two Wednesday evenings before the walk, speak to the leader and, if it is agreed to walk, make a payment to secure your place on the bus. (b) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking before 4pm on the Thursday before the walk, send a note to sunday@mbw.org.au. A credit will be issued for a future walk. (c) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking after 4pm on the Thursday before the walk contact the walk leader direct. You should be given the walk leader contact details at the time of booking. (d) The costs for the walk are $30 bus fare plus $10 visitor fee if you are not a paid-up Member of Melbourne Bushwalkers. . **OUR CLUBROOMS:** Our clubrooms are located at The Mission to Seafarers Victoria, 717 Flinders Street, Docklands. We are open Wednesday nights 6:30pm - 8.00pm. . **CONTACT US:** To contact us regarding this walk send an email to sunday@mbw.org.au. We do not regularly check the MeetUp site for messages and the above address will get a faster response. **.** **CAN I MEET AT THE START OF THE WALK?** No! Since Sunday Bus walks are generally walks starting and finishing at two widely separated locations we do not accept walkers meeting at the start of the walk. There is no way for them to get back to their transport. We can arrange for a pick-up and drop-off at a designated location along the route closer to Melbourne, however, the full bus fee is still payable since a seat has to be kept free on the bus. . **IMPORTANT TO KNOW:** Registration (membership) on Meetup is not the same as paid-up Membership of MBW. To become a paid-up Member with online booking and other benefits see: [https://mbw.org.au/MBW_membership.php](https://mbw.org.au/MBW_membership.php) . **WHAT TO BRING:** A day pack containing: \*Lunch, a morning and afternoon snack. \* Full water bottle - we recommend 2 litres, more in warmer weather. \*An unlined waterproof jacket or cape, waterproof over-trousers (if your jacket is short). \* Whistle, pencil and paper. \*Personal and first aid items, including sun screen, lip screen, toilet paper, identification, Club green Health Card, some money etc. Note: The leader always carries a first aid kit. \* A change of footwear for the trip back. . **DO YOU HAVE COMPREHENSIVE AMBULANCE COVER?** The Club strongly recommends that all participants have comprehensive personal ambulance cover. . **MORE DETAILS:** The visit to the clubrooms on a Wednesday before a walk is to cover three things: (a) Provide background on the club and ensure all walkers are familiar with the safety and courtesy guidelines we adopt; (b) Meet with the leader of the walk who will be in the clubrooms to discuss any special features of the walk and ensure that adequate gear and fitness requirements are met. (c) Sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form and pay the visitor fee (10) and bus fee (30) to reserve a seat on the bus. No booking is accepted until the payment is received. . **DAY WALKS BY BUS** with Melbourne Bushwalkers: [https://mbw.org.au/mbw_activities/walks/MBW_bus_walks.php](https://mbw.org.au/mbw_activities/walks/MBW_bus_walks.php)

Meet at Sebastian's in Hampton for a walk and brunch .

Meet Kay outside Sebastian's - to walk along the beach to Green Point in Brighton (one hour round trip). **This week a few of us are going to have** **Brunch when we get back to Sebastian's, Please let Kay know if you'll be staying for brunch.** Contact Kay on 0432098716 http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/8/6/8/event_431898536.jpeg http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/7/5/4/event_306566452.jpeg

Practical Navigation Training Using Phone Maps – Dandenongs Sherbrook Area

TBC - 6 hours - Rogaining

Cornella Canola Walk & Heathcote Day Trip [Once a Year Event]

Join us on our day trip to Heathcote and Cornella Canola Walk in Shiraz Republic. We will be hiring a 24 seater bus with a driver. This is a once a year event. Don't miss out. If you are a Youtuber or video creator, please message me before getting the ticket. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please buy your ticket ($89 - Early Bird, $99 - Regular) via Trybooking - [https://www.trybooking.com/DOHZD](https://www.trybooking.com/DOHZD) This includes the bus ticket and the entry ticket to the farm ($18) 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 Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone at 9 AM. We should be back to city around 5 pm. **[Google Map Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jDfdQNtiVMU1SAGk7)** This is a rain-or-shine event. Please carry water, and snacks. We will make a stop at Heathcote for food. Cost: Bus Ticket (including organizer fee, bus with driver, farm entry): $99 - Early Bird, $109 - Regular The golden sea is back at Shiraz Republic! For just four weeks each spring, 100 acres of canola fields burst into a dazzling carpet of yellow. Special walking tracks weave right through the blooms, making this the only spot in Victoria where you can safely step inside a canola field without damaging the crop. Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins (One way) We will spend 90 minutes in Healthcote and 90 minutes at Shiraz Republic for the Canola Walk. 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. 📸 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/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

Maribyrnong River Wak

🎨🍺🥾 Paint & Sip + Hike

[👉🏻 GET YOUR TICKET (CLICK HERE) 👈🏻](https://activelocals.app.link/BBb3XWva84b) **Join us for a unique day out combining a scenic social hike with a relaxing Paint & Sip by the river.** Meet new people, enjoy nature, and finish the day creating your own masterpiece! **📅 Date:** Sunday, 30 August 2026 **📍 Location:** Studley Park Boathouse, Yarra Bend Park ### What to expect * A friendly, beginner-friendly social hike through beautiful Yarra Bend Park. * **Distance:** Approximately 10 km * **Duration:** Around 3 hours * **Difficulty:** Easy * **Pace:** Relaxed and suitable for most fitness levels. * A relaxing **Paint & Sip** by the river after the hike, where you can paint the scenery, recreate your favourite photo from the day, or create your own artwork. Our volunteer artists will be there to guide you and make the experience enjoyable for everyone. * Food and drinks are available for purchase from the Studley Park Boathouse. ### Important information * Please arrive between **9:30 AM and 9:45 AM** for check-in, a quick icebreaker, and a toilet break. The hike departs promptly at **10:00 AM**. * No carpooling will be organised for this event. The venue is easily accessible by public transport and has ample parking available. * Your ticket does **not** include food or drinks. * Please note that refunds are not available, as Active Locals does not currently have an individual refund process in place. * In the event of heavy rain, the event will be postponed to **Sunday, 6 September 2026**. **Accessibility** * ✔ Parking available * ✔ Close to public transport * ✔ Beginner-friendly

St Kilda and Beach walk, chat and coffee