NeuroSparks Picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens 🌿

NeuroSparks Picnic in the Park
SUNDAY 18th October 2026, 2–5 pm

Location: Picnic Point, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

Cost: Free
📍 Exact meeting point on Google Maps
Join us for a relaxed afternoon with other neurodivergent adults. Chat, enjoy the gardens, play a game or simply sit with us.
There are no compulsory icebreakers or structured activities. Come on your own or with someone, drop in anytime between 2 and 5 pm and stay for however long suits you. Our organisers will help you settle in.

Do I need to bring anything?
No, you’re welcome to just bring yourself! If you can, food, snacks or water to share would be appreciated, but there’s no obligation. A picnic rug or small game is also welcome.

Getting there

Tram: Routes 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 or 72 to Stop 19, Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Road. Walk approximately* 650 metres to Observatory Gate**, then continue through the gardens to Picnic Point.
** Train:*** Anzac Station**, served by the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, is another option. Walk to the gardens, then follow the map to Picnic Point.*
*** Finding us: *Use the Google Maps pin and attached map. We’re meeting at Picnic Point by the Ornamental Lake. Message an organiser through Meetup if you need help finding the group.

Comfort and facilities
Headphones, quiet time and breaks away from the group are welcome. The attached map shows nearby toilets, drinking water and The Terrace café. Bring any support you need to attend comfortably.

Meeting spot: If our spot is taken, we’ll relocate nearby and update this event’s description and comments on the day. Check those before heading over so you can find us easily.
Weather
We’ll update the listing if weather changes our plans. Please check before heading out.

🛡️ SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITY
If something feels unsafe, uncomfortable or just not right, or you notice a hazard, incident or injury, please let one of our organisers know as soon as you can. We want NeuroSparks to be a safe and welcoming space, but we can only address issues we're aware of.
Everyone is responsible for their own behaviour, belongings, personal decisions and individual support needs. In an emergency, call 000.
We look forward to seeing you!

📸 Social media / photos: We may take photos and short videos to share NeuroSparks events and promote our community. Please let a volunteer know if you'd prefer not to be photographed or filmed.