Dog Friendly Events

Hi everyone, I’m launching a dating-focused social group for ABC singles aged 35–50 in Melbourne and am looking for a few co-organisers to help run events and build a positive, respectful community together. If you enjoy meeting people, sharing ideas, and helping organise social activities, I’d love to hear from you. We can start by co-hosting one event and see how it goes. Feel free to message me for a chat!

To BOOK you must GET a FREE TICKET from the Nomads website by following: **[https://thq.fyi/se/98fd2111eff3](https://thq.fyi/se/98fd2111eff3).** Click on **Get Tickets.** **Note:** *An RSVP on Meetup is **NOT** a booking.* *Please visit the Nomads website for full and early details of events.* Enjoy a leisurely picnic and explore one of Inner Melbourne's historic treasures, Burnley Gardens, located in the traditional country of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People. **GRADE \| LENGTH \| TYPE**: Grade 1: Easy - picnic together with a short walk to explore the extensive range of flora in the Gardens (graded according to the **[AWTGS: Australian Walking Tracks Grading System](https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/hiking-and-bushwalking/choose-the-right-hike/how-walking-tracks-are-rated)**). **ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION**: The Burnley Gardens are a great escape for inner Melbourne, even though they are little-known and difficult to find. Open to the public 24/7, they are tucked away within the heritage buildings of the Melbourne University campus on a remote bend in the Yarra and accessed via Yarra Boulevard. Created in 1863 for horticultural research and teaching, they contain more than 1000 species of plants and have some of the inner city’s oldest trees. Now part of the University of Melbourne since 1997, much of the late 19th-century form of the Gardens remains, though with extensive additional building, including a rockery by Ellis Stone, a new stream and pond system by Robert Boyle in the native garden, and a courtyard by Steve Mullany, a Californian landscape designer. **NOTE:** this is an uneven and hilly area plus has gravel / dirt based paths, thus "stilettos" or similar footwear are not suitable - LOL. ***The Park is dog friendly.*** **BOOKING**: By Wednesday 31st December. To BOOK you must GET a FREE TICKET from the Nomads website by following: **[https://thq.fyi/se/98fd2111eff3](https://thq.fyi/se/98fd2111eff3).** Click on **Get Tickets.** **Note:** *An RSVP on Meetup is **NOT** a booking.*

Kick off the New Year by joining 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 New Year's Day!

**walk & meet new people @Albert Park Lake** \- social walking \- dogs welcome \- prams welcome \- for ages 18 and over how it works: We will do 1 lap around Albert Park Lake (4.8 km) where - meet at pin on Meetup map @Palms Lawn, Albert Park Lake - coordinates 37.84198S, 144.96466E \>\[note: searching **37.84198S, 144.96466E** in your maps app will show the exact meetup location] who is it for - anyone 18 years old and over **cost: FREE** \- rain: this walk will continue in the event of rain\, unless conditions are deemed unsafe Got a question? contact **0431 833 624**

Join us for a coffee and connections event to celebrate the year 2026. The new monthly catch up. It’s very casual and staying in the theme of non-alcohol events. Grab your coffee and come make some connections. Meeting at 1:30pm and go until 3:30pm or so but people tend to hang around Meeting Oscar, who’ll be in rainbow, in the middle over by the lake. It is a s small lake. You’ll see him in rainbow shirt. It’s a mixer in the park, where the host Oscar will mix and move you around so you’re able to chat, mingle and connect with range of different people. This mixing and moving helps break up dynamics and gets people chatting to array of people. ***This is a FREE event but can donate cash to Oscar for his hosting. Dogs, kids, partners and ALL genders and sexualities. It’s also up to YOU to engage, everyone is there for the same reason.

**\* Important info for this event \* Start time adjusted to 4:30pm \*** **Due to the size of the group, the venue has asked that we start at 4.30pm once another function has finished so they can give us a separate area in the courtyard. Booking is under Andy. Live music continues until 6.30pm.** **Please be aware that Republica is still open to the public and if the venue reaches capacity entry might be restricted.** **Thanks** 😎 **Hello 2026!** **Welcome to a new year**🍾🏵️ Come along to **Republica** for a relaxed summer atmosphere, beach vibes and live Soul, R&B and Funk tunes with Soultribe, a local 6-piece band🏖️☀️🍹. **We'll have bookings in the outside courtyard under Andy** 😎.

We are heading to the stunning Great Ocean Road! This will be a once a year event. We will be hiring a 24 seater bus with driver. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please get your Trybooking ticket ($89-$109): [https://www.trybooking.com/DHNST](https://www.trybooking.com/DHNST) 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 at Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone at 8:50 AM. It's around 4-5 minutes walk from Flinders Street Station. To get directions, please follow this \*\*[Google Map Link ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Federation+Square+Bus+%26+Coach+Pickup+Drop-off+Zone/@-37.8171217,144.9679412,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x6ad642b7a89d520f:0x9629c0ef7d056ab5!8m2!3d-37.817126!4d144.9701299)\*\*or click on the meetup map icon. Cost: $89 - Lucky Bird $99 - Early Bird $109 - Regular Locations: **Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery** \- Huge selection of chocolate and ice cream\. They also offer free chocolate tasting which is a bonus\. 🚻 **Memorial Arch at Eastern View** \- Take photo with Great Ocean Road Sign\. Eastern View's memorial arch is one of the first stops on the Great Ocean Road\. The 243km war memorial was built four times in memory of those who built it\. **Teddy's Lookout** \- Teddy's Lookout at Lorne has one of the best ocean and beach views on the Great Ocean Road\. **Apollo Bay** \- Apollo Bay is one of Australia's most picturesque seaside villages\. This is also be our lunch stop\. Please note that lunch is not included as part of the bus ticket\. 🚻 **Loch Ard Gorge** \- The power of the coastline can be truly felt at Loch Ard Gorge\, one of the few places along the Great Ocean Road that can also be accessed from the beach\. **12 Apostles** \- Despite the 30 rock formations along this stretch of coast\, only eight of the original Apostles remain\. 🚻 **Colac** \- Quick stop at Colac on the way back to Melbourne\. 🚻 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 with more than 42,000 members. 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/)

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

Join us at Highbanks for sledding, snacks, hot cocoa, and nature 🛷🌲🌈 Bring your own sled. No snow? We’ll enjoy the nearby trails together instead. This event is dog and kid-friendly and accessible to wheeled aids. [Please register here for more details closer to the event ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn3P7WpBONMJXiL6v_KrVGj688NLtmeUl81rIMt_6GHe8jEQ/viewform?usp=preview)

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

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.