Boating

Join your fellow LGBTQIA+ folks for a social evening of board games at Marché Board Games Cafe. We have access to the games library at the cafe. If you have a game that you want to share, please feel free to bring it along. We play all sorts of games - card games, party games, strategy games - and we're happy to teach new players. Groups for games usually form between 6:30-6:45, so it's important to try arrive on time to ensure you're allocated to a game/group. Anyone arriving late may have to wait for a game if all groups have started. The cafe has drinks and food available. Check out their menu here: https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf We only accept payment at the time of booking to reserve your spot. This means you will need to pay the booking amount via PayPal at the time of booking to confirm your spot. If you can't make it to the event, please ensure you get in touch by messaging the event hosts or emailing rainbowbg.melbourne@gmail.com at least one day before the event, and we can reverse your payment via PayPal. The cafe does NOT have a liquor licence. Consuming alcohol on the premises is illegal, and will result in any members being banned from future events. See you on Thursday!

Please remember to RSVP for this event on meetup to confirm your spot. Please read the group rules listed below before signing up. If you are bringing friends, please ensure that they RSVP on meetup as well. We have an event daily to view the fireworks on all days of the Moomba Festival 2026. To keep group sizes manageable, we kindly ask that you RSVP for only one of the five fireworks sessions. If you’ve signed up for more than one session, your RSVP will not be accepted — this helps give everyone a fair chance to attend and to keep group sizes manageable. **Meeting Point**: Let's meet infront of Timeout Fed Square at 8:30 PM. It will not be possible to find us once we leave the meeting point. Please don't be late. Map: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/wANGQW4e1pBUUdwu6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wANGQW4e1pBUUdwu6) Let's go to see **Moomba Fireworks 2026**. Feel the explosion of joy as the sky lights up with a colourful firework display each night of Moomba. Sit, stand or dance under the pyrotechnic spectacular, an exploding array of flowers and multi-layered colours. **This is a Free Event!** 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/)](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

Come along a join us to play some board games and meet some cool people. If you don't like games, come along anyways haha. Its just a good excuse to meet new people and have fun.

\* 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"

Join us for an evening of Japanese Riichi Mahjong at **Marché Boardgame Cafe**! Players of all skill levels are welcome, and no experience is needed! If you want to learn how to play, we can teach you, and if you already know how, then join our shuffle and monthly leaderboard! This event has a $10 fee which you can pay on the night. This money is used to pay for our use of the store space, maintaining equipment and other meetup services, and organising larger events open to everyone! Members get a special discount - ask the organisers for more details. Marché provides food and drink for purchase to consume at the table. Check out their menu here: [https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf](https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf) Tables are shuffled at around 7:00 pm and again at 8:30 pm. If you're looking to learn, please aim to arrive at 5:30 pm, otherwise there might not be an open seat - you're more than welcome to stay, watch, and ask lots of questions! Be sure as well to check your RSVPs leading up to the event as attendances and wait listed attendees may change. We take photos and videos at our meetups for posting on social media, you may potentially appear in these. Hope to see you all then! *** Scores tracking: [https://scores.vicriichi.org/](https://scores.vicriichi.org/) The mahjong ruleset we play with: [https://www.vicriichi.org/mahjong-meetups#meetup-rules](https://www.vicriichi.org/mahjong-meetups#meetup-rules) Join us on Discord and connect with other jongers! [https://vicriichi.org/discord](https://vicriichi.org/discord)

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/)

Want to try something different? Get some exercise with good company, maybe challenge yourself in a team environment? Come paddle with us! Join us - **Southern Storm Paddle Club** - for a Saturday morning session to give Dragon Boating a go! **Introduction session** We host an introduction session regularly on Saturday mornings — 8.30 to 10.30.am at 912 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008. For the first part of the session, we will provide you a safety briefing and some demonstrations on basic paddling technique. Then you will join our club for their regular \*on water\* training session. There will be a small coffee catch up after the session at the nearby café. Once you complete the introduction session, you can join us on regular weekday trainings and ***paddle for free for 30 days*** (with a valid Dragon pass - free to register). **To join us**, simply RSVP to the event on Meetup and email/message your contact details (email or phone number) to our host if this is your first time attending the session. We will provide a PFD (life jacket) and paddle. We recommend you bring a drink bottle, sun protection and clothes for change as you may get wet in the boat. There are shower facilities and lockers at the boat hub. More specifics will be provided to you the day before the event! **Can't make it** on Saturday session? We also train on Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6pm. Contact us and see what we can arrange. **Southern Storm Paddle Club** trains all year around in Docklands, weather permitting. (Rain is not an issue!) If you have any questions, please get in touch with us on Facebook, meetup or email on [southernstormpaddleclub@gmail.com](mailto:southernstormpaddleclub@gmail.com) Follow the team on Social Media @ [http://www.southernstorm.com.au](http://www.southernstorm.com.au) [https://www.instagram.com/southernstormpc/ ](https://www.instagram.com/southernstormpc/)[https://www.facebook.com/southernstormpaddleclub/](https://www.facebook.com/southernstormpaddleclub/)

Melbourne Flames Dragon Boat Club is your gateway to the exhilarating sport of dragon boating. As one of Australia’s fastest growing water sports, dragon boating is truly unique as men and women of all ages can train and compete together in one crew. We welcome new members regardless of gender or fitness level (minimum age is 12 years). Come along and try dragon boating with one of Australia's top teams for FREE! Simply sign up for a Dragon Pass (1 month free trial) via the link below and follow the instructions sent to your email. You will need to download TeamApp and RSVP there to confirm your spot. [Registration - Melbourne Flames](https://members.melbourneflames.com.au/registration/) We recommend you attend a welcome Sunday session for your first training. After you've learnt the ropes, you can join any of our Tuesday and Thursday on-water sessions. **What to bring to a training session** * Water bottle * Weather appropriate clothes that you don't mind getting wet i.e. hat and thongs in summer, thermals and shoes in winter * Towel and a change of dry clothes * Any friends you think would be interested, get them to register for DragonPass and TeamApp as well! * A sense of adventure and a positive attitude! All equipment, including a lifejacket and paddle, are provided. If you have any questions, please message the page!

The hilarious Birdman Rally is a long-held Moomba tradition that sees competitors hurtle themselves off a platform over the Yarra River to see who can fly the furthest before splashing down. The rally runs from 11 am to 12 pm on Sunday, 8th March, and the platform is usually on the North side/City side of the Yarra, so it's best photographed from the south side. Our meeting point will be behind the Alexandra Gardens Skate Park on Boathouse Drive at 10:30 am. [Moomba Event Map](https://moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au/map/) **Event Schedule:** 10.30 am -10:50 am - Australian Skateboarding League – Semi Finals & Finals. This is right next to our meeting point and runs all day. 11:00 am -12:00 pm- Birdman Rally 12:00 pm - 1:06 pm - Men's Trick Preliminary 1:06 pm - 2:26 pm - Pro Men Wakeboard 2:41 pm - 3:35 pm - Women's Slalom 3:35 pm – 4:11 pm – Men's Slalom 4:15 pm event ends [Full Moomba event schedule](https://moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au/schedule/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23549729973&gbraid=0AAAAAC11gOuLT6tgB8NqEPEFU-CXmW7mm&gclid=CjwKCAiAqprNBhB6EiwAMe3yhjGrFMf7FrlDS4m9wVCPEBvzpcwlOgbsgHXuhyeVwjZGxJNNciOTGxoCW8QQAvD_BwE) Disclaimer & Waiver of Liability By attending this photography meetup, you acknowledge and agree to the following: • Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. • The organisers, hosts, and affiliated parties are not liable for any personal injury, property damage, loss, or theft that may occur during or as a result of this event. • You agree to hold harmless the organisers from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from your participation. • Attendees are responsible for their own equipment, belongings, and conduct throughout the event. • Photography activities may involve public spaces, varied terrain, or interaction with others; you are responsible for exercising caution and respecting local laws, regulations, and private property. • Any advice, demonstrations, or recommendations provided during the meetup are for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional instruction. • By joining, you consent to being in a public setting where photos or recordings may occur, and you release organisers from any claims related to such media use.

Our First Friday meeting of the month. Come join us !!! Your first visit is FREE!!!

The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area. Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.

Welcome to Casual Boardgames, where we enjoy classic tabletop games and social deduction games while bonding over good food, drinks, and great conversations. 
We started this group to meet new people and make new friends, and bonding over games in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to do that. We currently meet near route 23 and Polaris Parkway, and this is close to areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Worthington, and parts of Westerville and Columbus. 
Feel free to bring your own games or play one of the many games our members bring. If you are inexperienced, we will help you learn. 
Here are just a few examples of the kind of games we play. 
Tabletop/board games: Splendor, Catan, Azul, Dominion, 7 Wonders… 
Social deduction games: Code Names, Chameleon, Werewords… 
IMPORTANT: 
1. While we love playing a variety of games and competing, we are not just about the games. We interact and talk while playing, and this leads to a lot of laughter and fun. If you just want to compete and focus solely on the game, then this is probably not the group you are looking for. 
2. Many people join groups like this and never (or rarely) show up after weeks or months. If you join and never really come, we will eventually remove you from the group as a courtesy to our members. Why? Because limiting group conversations (on the app) to regular members makes communication and planning much easier. Also, while it may be rare, it protects members from people who join because they are interested in following a person instead of having a real interest in our group. If you get removed, it is just because you haven’t come, and we follow this protocol as a courtesy to our regular game players.