Daytrips to the Mountains

Trivia night at the Bentleigh social!

**\*Rolling hills and some steeper ones \*** A ride we did with a former leader, Mark, some years ago. **Ride:** Starting at Thornbury we roll along through Ivanhoe and Heidelberg into a few short climbs of Lower Plenty before continuing along to Eltham. From here we head north via the suburban back roads to Diamond Creek where we take the beautiful Broad Gully Rd into Hurstbridge for a tasty lunch. After the break we climb up and over Panton Hill into Watsons Creek for some country laneways before heading back towards Eltham and returning to Thornbury via Watsonia. **Suitable for competent road riders with good climbing legs.** **Map, Profile & GPS files:** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20926475](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20926475) \* \* Actual route may vary on the day. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/4/0/b/600_460713803.jpeg **Getting there:** The 8:52 am Mernda train from Flinders St (Plat 1) arrives at Thornbury at 9:22 am. If driving, allow time for congestion on High St, for example. If everyone is there early, we can leave early. Finish time is a guess. **Target Group:** Suits Upper Intermediates and above. Conventional road bikes only. You should enjoy a bit of climbing and be capable of riding up extended hills without stopping. Some steep gradients >10% are along this ride. Nothing extreme, though. *If you only have time for half the ride then you are welcome to catch the train back from Hurstbridge (depart every 40 minutes)* **Speed:** 25-30 on the flat. (Typical speeds not average) **Etiquette:** We wait for each other at the top of the main climbs and at major way points. Nobody gets left behind with a puncture. **Bring:** Spare tube(s), tools, water, sunscreen, Myki, snacks and energy bars, cash/card for coffee/lunch and emergencies. Emergency contact details with you. See below. (Just in case) **Contact:** Neil on 0419 560 409, please place my number into your phone **\*Photo:** Carters Lane (steeper than it looks) - by Lee (March '21) **EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS :** Please ensure you have 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 that you carry so it can be found by emergency personnel. You'll find a link to a template in our Meetup [homepage ](https://www.meetup.com/melbournecycling/)(browser) down in the discussion area. "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"

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/melbourne-vic/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

[Instagram: Road Trips by The Dancing Voyager: Ron Singh](https://www.instagram.com/the_dancing_voyager_ron_trips) Good weather! Spontaneous day trip to the High Country for mountain views! Very short notice! These are always fun! Over 60 road trips done in 4 years! I run 3 Meetup groups (shown on my profile). This road trip is for people new to Australia who have not been to this location (International Students, Working Holiday Makers and tourists)! No evidence is required. I will trust you! **Details given below in sections: (1) Questions / (2) Road trip itinerary / (3) Payment / (4) Responsibility / (5) Breaks / (6) Weather / (7) Phone charging / (8) Contact** **\-\-\- \(1\) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS \-\-\-** **Your questions for me:** Why is the total fee so low at $20, covering a new, large rental (SUV), fuel and driver, on something that seems really high quality and well planned, like a private tour company? Sounds too good to be true or that there is a catch. Is this genuine? **My answers to you:** Because this project is my community service to give back. I explain this further below. The low fee is just a formality to confirm your place, so that I know you are serious on attending. This is genuine. Over 60 road trips done in 4 years! I have created precious memories for many people new to Australia. Photos on Instagram link further above. **\-\-\- \(2\) ROAD TRIP SUMMARY AND ITINERARY \-\-\-** Day trip to the High Country through Mansfield! In the warmer months, the views from high up are truly amazing! You feel at peace with life! **Itinerary: High lookout stop morning version - Yea - Lake Eildon - Mansfield - Mt Buller Village summer version - Mt Buller Summit Carpark - Mt Buller Summit mountain views - Mansfield - Lake Eildon encore - Yea - high lookout stop evening version** **Meeting point: Fed Square, 8:45 am**. Back there by **8:45 pm**. Meet by the steps (main entrance, opposite the Swanston Street tram stop). **\-\-\- \(3\) PAYMENT \-\-\-** **Total fee: $20 in total (no other costs). This covers a new, large rental (SUV), fuel and driver.** **Eventbrite link for payment:** [https://highcountry-road-trip.eventbrite.com.au](https://highcountry-road-trip.eventbrite.com.au/) **Cancellations:** If I cancel the road trip for any unforeseen issues, a full refund will be given. If you cancel, there is no refund. **Why is the fee so low?** The low fee is just a formality. It might sound too good to be true or that there is a catch. There is no catch. I am simply someone who has been giving back for many years. I playfully call this project a “Melbourne travel secret”! There are people in this world who want to genuinely give back without any expectations because they are truly fulfilled and grateful for what they have. I am one of those people. This is my community service. I am not doing this for money and I never have. Money cannot buy passion. The nature of majestic Australia helped me find peace and passion and I want to give back by sharing that inspiring nature with people new to this country. If they are also inspired by that nature, then that is my reward. There is no hidden agenda in doing this project. The reason I am being quite upfront is because in this day and age, there is always a catch when people do something like this. There is none with me and I am not selling or promoting anything. I do not need anything because I have peace, passion and fulfilment. I have everything. I am truly humbled and grateful. Photos from road trips are on Instagram link below: [Instagram: Road Trips by The Dancing Voyager: Ron Singh](https://www.instagram.com/the_dancing_voyager_ron_trips) **\-\-\- \(4\) RESPONSIBILITY\, LIABILITY\, SAFETY \-\-\-** As your driver, I am responsible and liable for your safety while we are in the vehicle. Passengers are insured as per the Australian law. For times we are outside the vehicle, we then become responsible for our own liability and safety, just like every other capable adult in society. **\-\-\- \(5\) BREAKS/MEALS \-\-\-** There will be many breaks for sightseeing/walks. I will stop at places where food/snacks will be sold but you are welcome to bring your own as well. There will be a lunch break at either a cafe or takeaway shop. **\-\-\- \(6\) WEATHER AND WHAT TO WEAR \-\-\-** I plan events when weather looks good but please also see itinerary for location details and check the forecast to dress accordingly. My advice is to always be prepared! Recommend to have something to cover you if rain suddenly appears or if winds suddenly get cool. Also recommend to carry sunscreen and a hat. Please also wear good, comfortable shoes that can provide protection from water (in case there are muddy areas). You can bring many things, as the vehicle will have a lot of storage space. My road trips do not have a lot of long walks. The focus is on sightseeing, relaxing and appreciating the beauty of nature. **\-\-\- \(7\) PHONE CHARGING \-\-\-** Please charge your phone before joining. In the past, people have taken lots of videos and photos and used up their batteries! You can bring your charging cable if you want. The vehicle will have various charging ports. **\-\-\- \(8\) CONTACT \-\-\-** If you need to contact me, please reach out through Meetup, Eventbrite or Instagram. If you wanted my mobile number, please let me know.

We are heading to one of the "Pick Your Own" Sunflowers farms near Ballarat. The tickets are limited. Please note that this trip also involves a shared taxi/uber. The payment shared taxi/uber can be made on the day of the event. Please follow these three steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please pay the organizer fee ($20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular) - [https://www.trybooking.com/DKAME](https://www.trybooking.com/DKAME) Step 3: Please buy the farm entry ticket ($10) via Trybooking for 8th March: [https://www.trybooking.com/events/1540269/sessions](https://www.trybooking.com/events/1540269/sessions) Organizer fee tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Organizer fee tickets will be only refunded if the event is cancelled or moved. Organizer fee 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. **Meeting Point**: Let's meet in the Corner of Spencer Street and Bourke Street (Station Side - Near the steps) at 10:10 AM and take Vline train. We should be back in the city around 5 pm. Please note that meeting at the destination is not an option for this event. Please plan to show up at the meeting point as uber/taxi groups will be formed at the meeting point. **Meeting Point Photo**: [[https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2](https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2)](https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2) \*\* Please make sure you bring your Myki. Please ensure that it has atleast $8. Please ensure that your myki money is added before coming to the meeting point. \*\* Cost: Organizer Fee: $20 - Early Bird, $25 Myki Cost: $8 Sunflower Farm: Tickets $10 Sunflowers: $4 per stem – available for purchase as you leave Shared Taxi/Uber (Total): $20-$30 (To be paid via PayID or cash on the day of the event) **Pick Your Own Sunflowers** \- Every year since its beginnings\, Sunflower field in Dunnstown has grown into one of Regional Victoria's most popular rural experience\, with visitors flocking from all over Victoria and interstate\. Please carry snacks and water. There are no food options at the farm. 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/) Loyalty Card Stamps for this event: If you are not using a discount code: 1 If you are using a discount code: 0 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/)

We are doing the popular 1000 Steps Dandenong Ranges Hike. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please pay the organizer fee ($15 - Lucky Bird, $20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular) via Trybooking - [https://www.trybooking.com/DKCPK](https://www.trybooking.com/DKCPK) This includes Parks Victoria fee of $2.40 and 10% GST. 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. You do not have to message me for the same. I will manually update the meetup payment status closer to the event date if the names on Trybooking and Meetup are the same. Trybooking tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking tickets will be only refunded if the event is cancelled or moved. **Meeting Point:** Let's meet infront of Timeout Federation Square at 9:50 AM. Please remember to bring your myki. You will need atleast $8 on your myki or have myki pass. Please ensure that your myki has enough money before coming to the meeting point. This trip will involve Metro train and Bus (replacement express bus). 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/) \*\* Reasonable level of fitness required for as the climb is steep. \*\* Located within the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk is a unique spot in the Dandenong Ranges. The Kokoda Track is a beautiful walking track with adjacent forested areas and bushlands. You will get a small glimpse into the physical effort experienced by the Australian soldiers during 1942. Walk Time: 2 hr return Grade: Steep (reasonable level of fitness required) Track: Gravel, Dirt, Stairs Cost: Organizer Fee: $15 - Lucky Bird, $20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular. This includes Parks Victoria fee of $2.40 and 10% GST. Myki: $8 or myki pass Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully! ❌ Not a dating group – We’re here to make friends and share experiences, not find soulmates. 📵 No phone numbers – You’re welcome to swap social media if you both agree, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups. 🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older. 📢 No advertising – Please don’t promote other events, groups, or businesses here. 😅 Don’t be clingy – Give people space to mingle and chat with others too. 🚗 No carpooling – For safety reasons and insurance coverage, we don’t allow carpooling or ride-sharing through the group. 💰 No sales pitches – That means no selling, MLMs, pyramid schemes, or “life-changing mentorships.” Keep it scam-free. By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you! **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/)

Hi all Fortnightly dinner and movie at Pentridge Palace cinema in Coburg. Generally get dinner at Jacky Jones then see a fick around 7-7.30pm screening slot. Hope you can make it

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

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.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Meet in front of the Nature Center