Adventure Sports

Excited to announce our new ADVANCED openplay session during the week at KCARC! Welcome to Melbourne Volleyball Academy. 🤗 **[[WHAT]]** This session is specifically for games only (no training). There will be a cap of 18 players, allowing for 3 teams of 6. Games will be played to 15 points, with a cap at 18 points. These games are intended to be played at a high-intermediate(BB)/advanced(A) level. Please see an explanation of skill levels on our website here: [https://melbournevolleyballacademy.com.au/skill-levels-explained](https://melbournevolleyballacademy.com.au/skill-levels-explained) **[[WHO]]** The session is intended for Intermediate players. Players should be able to: * Have strong fundamentals for all volleyball techniques * Serve receive a majority of serves well & serve over the net consistently * Basic understanding of 5-1, and 6-2 systems (we do not play a pass middle 4-2 system in this session) * Have an understanding of base defense * Know all/most volleyball rules Players that are not of the intermediate(BB)/advanced(A) level will be asked to leave as we want to ensure that all players have an enjoyable time playing. **[[HOW MUCH $$]]** $21 card payment will be processed on the day via square reader (EFTPOS). **[[WHEN]]** The stadium is booked from 6:30 PM-9:30 PM weekly, every Thursday. However, feel free to come early and stretch as the Community Centre is open earlier. Last minute dropouts and no shows will have a zero-tolerance policy going forward. All players are expected to update their RSVP at least 24 hours in advanced if they are unable to attend. This applies to players on the going list and the waitlist. **[[OTHER DETAILS]]** Only those on the “going” list are permitted to play. If you are on the waitlist, or not registered at all, you will not be permitted into the gymnasium.

Join us for a night/evening hike around Churchill park to Trig Point Lookout. Note: The toilet block has been REMOVED from the park. There are a few good hills to get the heart pumping and night time conditions to create a sense of adventure. About the Park: Consisting of woodland and small areas of original forest, Churchill National Park is home to a large Eastern grey kangaroo and Swamp wallaby population. The park is a wonderful display of the original landscape before clearing and settlement. With an abundance of peaceful walking tracks, as well as many jogging and riding tracks, you will likely spot some native wildlife as you venture through the park. Please do not RSVP to any Eastern Hiking & Adventure event unless you are fully committed to attending. It is your responsibility to check the date, distance, and difficulty of the walk before RSVPing. Members who frequently withdraw at the last minute, fail to show up, arrive without being on the "going" list, or behave disrespectfully towards leaders or fellow members will be asked to leave the walk and may be removed from the group. All leaders are unpaid volunteers who invest a great deal of their own time to plan and research each walk. Their efforts deserve respect and consideration. Organisers do their best to minimise waitlists where possible, and priority will be given to reliable members who attend regularly and contribute positively to the group experience. Fitness level: This is a moderately challenging, Grade 3(ish) hike. You need to be in good physical fitness. What to bring: Hiking shoes, Weather appropriate clothing, Torch, DISCLAIMER Our events may involve challenging and potentially hazardous conditions. Eastern Hiking & Adventure organisers accept no liability for any loss, injury, or accident that may occur. You are solely responsible for your own safety. Participants are expected to take appropriate precautions, including: Ensuring you have a suitable level of fitness and health for the specific event. Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear and keeping your equipment in good working condition. Acting responsibly and being aware of your surroundings following all directions given by the event leader. Ambulance cover is strongly recommended. By RSVP’ing to this event, you acknowledge and accept these terms.

\* Our 19th Altona weekly evening ride in its 12th season. Only a few more before daylight saving ends on Easter Sunday, 5th April \* Td'A is a 50km evening ride in the daylight saving months and intended for intermediates due to the speed and headwinds. We cycle on bike paths to Williamstown and Altona and return in the dark on paths and roads. Meeting in South Wharf at Jeff's Shed on Clarendon St, we ride through Docklands to Williamstown for a short break then continue on the coastal path to the seaside suburb of Altona for a quick bite (30mins or so) in the park opposite the fish and chip shop and other eateries. Usually, we're back in town around 9:30pm. **Forecast:** 25°C, Melbourne area Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day. Check this link a few days before the ride date: https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/altona/forecast/detailed/#d2026-03-05 *Strong winds are the usual experience on this ride making it unsuitable for beginners whenever blowy which is most of the time.* **Bike:** Any mechanically sound bicycle. Check it and pump your tyres before coming. MTBs may struggle. **Lights:** Excellent lights that illuminate the path are essential. Consider bringing spare lights. **Speed:** 25 km/h typically on paths where appropriate and faster on a few roads but it is mostly paths. You can be sure of headwinds by the coast. **Distance:** 50 km for the round trip **Map:** https://ridewithgps.com/routes/6954193 \* \* Actual route may vary on the night **Bring:** \- Water\, jacket\, Myki\, tube\, tools\, bright bike lights\, \- Your phone with my number\. \- Emergency Contact Details \* **Contact:** Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 **Photo:** Altona Pier - Feb '26 **\*EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS** : Please ensure you carry these on you in case of a medical emergency. ie Family member's name, phone number and relationship (eg, Sister). Written down preferably and with your personal items so it can be found by emergency personnel. There is a link to a template in our Meetup homepage (browser) down in the discussion area. https://www.meetup.com/melbournecycling/discussions/ "All riders are riding at their own risk and Melbourne Cycling does not take any responsibility for any injuries or accidents you may have on any of our rides"

Established in 1853, **The Duke of Wellington** is Melbourne’s oldest licensed pub. Join us on the all-weather rooftop for after work socialising. 📍Location: Rooftop, 146 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Opposite The Forum. A short walk from Fed Square. Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. Come along for relaxed socialising and making new friends in a change of scenery. New people are always welcome. We have all been the new person at some point in time. How often do we have events? Weekly! Join us at a different bar/pub each week to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. Events are also on: Meet New People, Make Real Friends [https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/](https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/) Bartopia [https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/](https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/) Bartopia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/)

2026 will be a big year for Jugger with the world championships in Germany taking place in September, so it's time to get training! * ✅ Free to attend * ⚔️ Jugger Equipment is supplied * 🍜 Post-training social lunch - all welcome * ➡️ [Find us on Discord](https://discord.gg/WHnMyk56Cu) Jugger is an exciting, mixed-gender soft combat sport. Two teams use a selection of padded foam spars to tag opponents as they aim to put the jugg (the game ball) into their opponent's goal. **Watch Jugger being played in [this excellent short demo video](https://vimeo.com/28592980).** Jugger Melbourne training sessions include both full games of jugger, as well as a variety of training drills designed to promote **teamwork, communication, exercise, health and fitness, and teach core game skills.** After training we head across to Glenferrie Rd for lunch and socializing, which you are welcome (and encouraged!) to join. **‍🏃‍♀️‍➡️ New Player Info / Who Can Join** New players are always welcome! Our experienced coaches will teach you basics to get you and and swinging in no time Jugger is easy to pickup the basics while deep to master. We have a minimum age policy of 16 years (please note, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian), but other than that we welcome anyone of all fitness levels. Jugger is a great way to keep active, and a fun way to meet new people in a friendly and inclusive community! **👟 How to Join a Session and What to Bring** Joining is simple - just show up! RSVPing on Meetup or Discord is a big help as it helps us plan around expected numbers. You are also welcome to bring along any interested friends and family. **⚔️ Jugger equipment is supplied.** We have a collection of gear to loan out to new players. Bring a water bottle (there is a tap nearby), sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes for running around in - and that you don't mind getting a bit dirty! Recommend but not required items include: sunglasses, football boots, kneepads, and gloves if you have them. You don't need any of these to get started, but you may find you want them if you become a regular. **✅ Are there any costs are involved?** Our training sessions are **free to attend** as often as you like, we are essentially just a group of friends that meet for training and socializing on the weekend. The Australian Jugger League has a voluntary annual membership that helps to support the sport (including maintaining equipment and paying for Meetup), and we encourage people to join once they become a regular attendee or begin attending tournaments. However there's no obligation so spend any money when you're first trying it out or just attending casually. **➡️ External Links** We organise our regular players through our Discord group and their attendance is not often represented in the Meetup attendance numbers (we use Meetup to reach out to new people). Events are also (though less regularly) posted to Facebook, while event photos and videos are shared on our Instagram. * [Join our Discord](https://discord.gg/WHnMyk56Cu) * [Jugger Melbourne on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/JuggerMelbourne) * [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jugger_melbourne/) * [Australian Jugger League website](https://www.jugger.au/) \*\* See you on Sunday \*\*

Dance under the sky at Open Air Disco in [Queens Park]() — feel-good grooves, community vibes & sunset magic. **What to expect** Open Air Disco is a joyful outdoor dance gathering at [Queens Park](), designed for music lovers who want to move, connect, and enjoy great tunes in a relaxed, welcoming space. Expect an uplifting soundtrack of disco, soul, funky classics and feel-good grooves — the kind of music that keeps you dancing without pressure or pretence. This isn’t a hard nightclub vibe; it’s a friendly, community-focused atmosphere where everyone is welcome. Bring a picnic rug, bring friends (or come solo and meet new ones), enjoy the park setting, and let the music carry you from chilled afternoon energy into a vibrant open-air dancefloor. Whether you stay for an hour or the whole session, Open Air Disco is about simple things done well: good music, open skies, and shared moments on the dancefloor. DJ SLD curates crate digging, genre-blending, groove-driven, non-mainstream sets. A Melbourne based DJ with over 30 years of experience behind the decks, he is dedicated to all things funky — where classic records meet modern reworks, warped edits meet timeless vocals, and every mix is built to create atmosphere, not just noise. Expect smooth transitions, slow jams, late-night energy, and a playful touch of personality woven through sophisticated, dancefloor-ready selections.

Keep the energy high with our Saturday Pickleball Socials! Whether you’re playing for fun or looking for some friendly competition, this session is perfect for all skill levels. 💰 $20 per person \| 2\-hour session 🏓 Basic paddles & balls provided 👥 Approx. 7 players per court 🔥 Great for fitness & social play! 📍 Location: SPORTS POINT Altona North, Unit 1, 64-66 McArthurs Road, Altona North, VIC 3025 📞 Contact: 0403 556 859 \| ✉ Email: admin@sportspoint\.com\.au Register for SOCIALS using any of the below options: \- https://bookings\.sportspoint\.com\.au/ \- https://opensports\.net/sports\-point\-indoor\-pickleball/tab/events

**History** [Slate Run Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/slate-run/), located south of Canal Winchester in Pickaway County, has roots tracing back to the early planning efforts of the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District. In 1963, Metro Parks officials identified the land along Slate Run as having strong potential for a large metropolitan park due to its expansive acreage, diverse habitats, and natural features like the stream that gave the area its name. The largest stream in the vicinity, Slate Run, flows south to northwest through a ridge, providing a logical basis for the park's designation. Between 1964 and 1968, Metro Parks acquired approximately 1,662 acres through multiple parcels, including a key 212-acre farmstead that had been continuously operated since 1805. This acquisition phase positioned Slate Run as a future major addition to the system, following the openings of other parks like Sharon Woods in 1968 and Highbanks in 1973. The park officially opened to the public in 1981, marking it as the sixth Metro Park in the district and, at the time, the largest with its substantial land holdings. From the outset, Metro Parks envisioned incorporating a living historical farm to educate visitors about 19th-century Ohio agriculture. The focal 212-acre parcel, purchased from the White family heirs in 1964, included historic structures that made it ideal for this purpose. The park's development preserved natural areas such as grasslands, wetlands, meadows, and forests while integrating interpretive elements. Upon opening, Slate Run quickly became a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Central to the park's identity is the Slate Run Living Historical Farm, which interprets life on a typical Ohio farm in the 1880s. The gothic revival farmhouse on the site was constructed in 1856 by owner Isaac Fridley and later restored by Metro Parks for historical accuracy. Visitors can explore interiors like the living room, parlor, and kitchen, where interpreters demonstrate period activities. The multi-bay barn, built in 1881 by Samuel Oman (the fourth owner), was meticulously restored with help from Amish carpenters. Heirloom animals such as Percheron horses, pigs, geese, and turkeys inhabit the farm, enhancing the immersive experience. The historical farmstead reflects a long lineage of ownership and agricultural use dating back to the early 19th century. Continuous farming on the land since 1805 made the site authentic for recreating late-19th-century practices, including grain harvesting and animal husbandry. Metro Parks focused on authenticity by restoring original buildings and introducing period-appropriate methods, such as horse-powered threshing machines from the late 1880s. The farm operates with volunteers and staff in period attire to portray daily rural life. This educational component has drawn school groups and families for decades. Today, Slate Run Metro Park spans about 1,705 acres and attracts roughly 250,000 visitors annually for its blend of natural preservation and historical interpretation. The park maintains diverse habitats supporting wildlife like nesting sandhill cranes and reintroduced northern bobwhite quail. Trails and open spaces offer opportunities for hiking and observation amid the preserved landscapes. The Living Historical Farm remains a crown jewel, continuing to teach about Ohio's agricultural heritage. Ongoing programs and restorations ensure the site's relevance for future generations. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Slate Run](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SLR-parkmap@2x.gif). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Five Oaks, Sugar Maple, Covered Bridge, Shagbark, and Lake Trails. This will be around 4.5 to 5 miles. While Slate Run is moderately strenuous in a few places, it's generally a good place to hike and doesn't seem to wear people out. Some spots on the hike are unshaded, though, so be prepared for the possibility of some sun. I find Slate Run to be very underappreciated for the quality of its hiking. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet at the [Shady Grove Picnic Area](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B045'30.1%22N+82%C2%B050'13.2%22W/@39.758347,-82.83701,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.758347!4d-82.83701?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). You can use the map pin I've provided here; it's accurate. There's a latrine at Shady Grove, but there is no running water (no water fountains). We will pass a water fountain when we get to the Buzzard's Roost Picnic Area, although I can't guarantee this fountain won't be off for the winter. I'd recommend bringing some water just in case, at least for after the hike. I'd also recommend [hiking shoes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D972KN3W) for this park. **After the Hike** Once we're finished at Slate Run, we'll head over to [Loose Rail Brewing](https://looserailbrewing.com/) for [drinks](https://looserailbrewing.com/canal-winchester-canal-winchester-loose-rail-brewing-drink-menu) and [food](https://looserailbrewing.com/canal-winchester-canal-winchester-loose-rail-brewing-food-menu). The brewery's actual address is [37 W Waterloo St, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/37+W+Waterloo+St,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/@39.8432511,-82.8071032,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88387be3ac496d83:0x23e8ee9d9391dd6b!8m2!3d39.8432511!4d-82.8071032!16s%2Fg%2F11cp8n8x1j?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's about 10-12 minutes from Slate Run. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

Meet in front of the Nature Center

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 18 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.