Eating & Drinking

Join a group of Fine Diners at the ‘Gluttonous Duck’ Melbourne Food And Wine Festival lunchtime event. You will enjoy a three-course degustation of Aurum Poultry duck, served with all the trimmings. Relax with a drink on arrival in a sun-drenched dining room, then experience the many different ways to prepare a duck and the best ways to eat it. A long lunch and a whole duck - what could be better? This MFWF event is being held on Sun 29 March 12:30pm at RESIDENCE at The Potter, 815 Swanston St, Parkville. I’ve booked for 8 Fine Diners to join ‘Gluttonous Duck’ at $90 per person (ticket includes a three-course duck lunch with a drink on arrival). 
Join the waitlist to express interest. Once I have names in the waitlist, I’ll send you a ‘Meetup Message’ to confirm you have a spot and how to pay. You’ll need to send me $90 to secure your place as this is a prepaid event and tickets have already been purchased in full. Once paid I’ll move you from the waitlist to going. Please check that you don’t have your settings blocking messages; if I can’t contact you I’ll have to move on to the next person. Also if you don’t respond to my message within 3 days, I’ll let you know that I’m offering the seat to the next person on the waitlist. 
Thanks and bring on the duck!

**Werribee Gorge Off‑Track Adventure Circuit — Scrambles, River Crossings & Big Grins** *This is a serious grade 5 hike, similar in sone sections to the Cathedral Ranges Southern Circuit but generally without the exposure*. Ready to ditch the manicured trails and step into something a little wilder? This is a 12 km off‑track circuit through the heart of Werribee Gorge, weaving together hidden tracks, rugged terrain, rocky scrambles, three cheeky river crossings, and a whole lot of “I can’t believe we just did that” moments. Expect 4–5 hours of proper adventure, teamwork, and big views across one of Victoria’s most dramatic gorges. **⛰️ What to Expect** - Off‑track walking on rough, uneven terrain - Three minor river crossings (yes, your feet may get wet) - Low‑grade scrambling using hands for balance - Minor hill climbs and occasional bursts of strenuous effort - Countless small obstacles to negotiate together - A swim option for the brave — the water here is gorgeous - Lunch together in a picturesque location - A huge sense of accomplishment at the end This is a real bushwalk, not a Sunday promenade. You’ll need a healthy, adventurous spirit and a willingness to help each other out. I used to be a hiking guide and climbing instructor if that gives you a clue on the type of route this might be, I’ve done this special route many times with many people that I've taken for a little adventure — very few people know it exists, and it’s an absolute gem. **Note:** As a proper adventure style hike conditions may dictate the route, nothing is certain and we may need to find alternative routes if necessary. Times are only an estimate and please give a large allowance as to how long things actually take. If you have strict schedules, don't come on this trip. The walk will be done at a pace that may be slow due to the terrain that needs to be negotiated and for observing all the amazing natural wonders along the way. **📍 Start Time & Meeting Point** 11:00 a.m. sharp Meikles Picnic Area, Werribee Gorge State Park Please aim to arrive by 10:45 a.m. — there is usually no phone reception, so once you’re in the carpark, you’re in the communication void. **🎒 What to Bring** - Hiking boots/shoes (preferred) or sturdy runners (the are some step slippery sections where having a heel and decent lugs as opposed to flat soles would be far better) - I'd bring a pair of sandals or thongs for the river crossings unless you prefer bare feet or happy to clomp around in wet footwear - 2 litres of water minimum - Snacks + lunch - First aid kit, whistle, hiking pole, gaiters (if you have them) - Swimwear/towel if you’re keen for a dip - A sense of humour and a willingness to get a little dusty - It's a team effort, so a willingness to help each other out - Bring clothes suitable for a hike, not street clothes. **Ideally** Gaiters, Whistle, First aid kit, small backpack **⚠️ Experience & Fitness** Requirements This walk requires: - Prior bushwalking experience - Reasonable fitness - Comfort with rough, rugged ground, scrambling, and uneven surfaces Because this is a more demanding route, the event will be waitlisted. If I don’t know you, please include a short description of your recent bushwalking experience and current fitness level. This helps ensure everyone on the day can complete the circuit safely and enjoyably. ***I reserve the right to refuse participation of people that are improperly equipped and dressed, this is a demanding trip*** I will only accept around 8/10 people on this trip **🍻 Post‑Walk** We’ll wrap up with a well‑earned drink at a Bacchus Marsh pub — the perfect way to toast a day of adventure. **Group policies** **👀 Attending Without Being on the Going List** This is a security issue. **Do NOT turn up unannounced**. If you’re not on the Going list and haven’t arranged it with the organiser beforehand, you will be asked to leave. Event check‑ins are performed. **🚩Disclaimer: No Liability & Organiser Indemnity** By participating in this event, you acknowledge and accept full personal responsibility for your own safety, wellbeing, and belongings. The organiser assumes no liability for injury, loss, or damage incurred during the activity. Participation is entirely at your own risk.

See our city’s beautiful skyline 🏙️ from 22 floors above ground at Fleet Rooftop Bar in the heart of Melbourne CBD. Enjoy a drink or two and a bite to eat on our last Sunday before Daylight Savings ends. Watching as the sun sets overlooking the Yarra river is a beautiful experience. Live acoustic music is available on Sundays too, extra special! Fleet Rooftop Bar is situated on level 22 of Vibe Hotel at 1 Queens St in the city. Easily accessible from Flinders St Station and parking options nearby. RSVP as soon as possible to secure booking. Cost: $5 (Meetup organiser fee) Please make payment via PAYID on 0417 387 640 including your name when you RSVP. Thank you and hope you can join us 🤗

Join us for a relaxed Sunday morning picnic followed by a visit to the vibrant **Indonesian Festival at Queen Victoria Market**. It’s a great chance to enjoy good food, meet new people, and experience Indonesian culture together. **Meetup Location:** 📍 **Flagstaff Gardens – Picnic Area** (on Google Maps), near the playground 🕚 **11:00 AM** **Highlights & Activities** 🧺 **Picnic at Flagstaff Gardens (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)** We’ll start with a casual picnic at the park. Bring some snacks to share and relax while getting to know others. 🥘 **Indonesian Festival at Queen Victoria Market (12:00 – 1:30 PM)** After the picnic, we’ll head to Queen Vic Market to explore the Indonesian festival, grab lunch, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Participants are free to roam around the market and check out the food and stalls. 🎉 **Optional Festival Time** Our event officially finishes at **1:30 PM**, but you’re welcome to stay longer and enjoy the festival, which continues until **5:00 PM**. **Note**: This event has limited spots. Please only RSVP if you plan to attend. If your plans change, kindly cancel your RSVP so someone else can join. **What to bring:** • Snacks to share • Water bottle • Picnic blanket or mat (optional) • Check the weather and dress accordingly Come along for a laid-back Sunday of **picnic, culture, and community**. ✨ **Bondaroo** **Community Rules** ✨ * This is a rain-or-shine event. * 18+ only. * Maintain respect and no unsolicited contact. * No advertising and selling during the event. * Adherence to the liability waiver is mandatory: [Read here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hKqVIMcXMFdzvpjqO3KRf_uQ5xAzd-jt/view?usp=sharing) * By attending this event, you are consent to our media policy: [Read here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rgNOcewZs-tKYUEBt3gV84hob1HdDXydjrGf_tEiXjQ/edit?usp=sharing)

**PLEASE READ THE FULL DESCRIPTION FOR HOW TO RSVP**👇 If you're keen to attend the Melbourne Gals Brunch on the **29th of March at 11am** to make some awesome new friends, please sign up via the Airtable personality form at [www.chillsy.app/brunch](http://www.chillsy.app/brunch) Spaces are limited to 25 so get in QUICK! If you've already filled out the form, sign up here: [https://www.chillsy.app/returning](https://www.chillsy.app/returning) 😁 **TO REGISTER:** Please sign up via the Airtable form, as it gives us the most accurate view of who is attending on the day which helps us hugely as organisers and makes it easy for you attending! Unfortunately, Meetup-only RSVPs will not be counted as registering for this reason. Signups close on the **Wednesday of the brunch**, please note any signups past this date may not guarantee you a spot. **BRUNCH FEE:** Our Gals Brunches require a fee because of the organisation and admin involved, and to maintain high-quality attendees. **LATE PAYMENTS:** If you make a payment **after** the Wednesday night cut-off, and don’t hear from us regarding the event details, we will automatically process a **refund** for you. To avoid confusion, please reach out directly to \*\*[galsbrunch@gmail.com**.](http://galsbrunch@gmail.com%2A%2A./) Meetup only shows display names which can make it difficult to locate your form/payment. **CAFE LOCATION:** If you have completed the signup & paid via Stripe, you will receive an email on the Thursday or Friday of the brunch with brunch details. **QUESTIONS & HELP:** Please email \*\*[galsbrunch@gmail.com**](http://galsbrunch@gmail.com%2A%2A/) directly, so we can resolve any issues quicker :)

Join fellow ABC/Chinese singles for a laid-back Sunday afternoon of yum cha, laughs, and good vibes in the Eastern suburbs 🥟✨ We’re heading to a much-loved traditional Cantonese spot (est. 2002), perfect for anyone who grew up chasing trolley carts and stacking bamboo trays—expect all the classics for a proper old-school yum cha experience (minus the carpet, sorry!). *New members are always welcome, and many people attend solo 😊* **Plan for the afternoon** * Meet at 1:00pm for a 1:15pm booking (currently capped at 6 people—small group, easy chats). * After we’ve eaten our fill, we’ll roll over to Ruffey Lake Park for a chill stroll or hang by the lake (weather behaving 🤞). **Helpful info** * Plenty of off-street parking at both spots! * Keen to just join for the post-yum cha hang? You’re more than welcome—just RSVP & comment so we can keep an eye out for you. We’ll drop an update with our ETA to the park after lunch. * If you can’t make it last minute, please let the organiser know ASAP so someone else can grab your spot 😊

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your ceramic, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** **Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop - Melbourne** **Hosted by Art Masterclass** Unleash your creativity at our fun and relaxing Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop! Whether you're a seasoned artist or have never touched a paintbrush before, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels—no prior knowledge is required. Join us for different sessions every day, where you can personalize your ceramic masterpiece while enjoying a glass of wine in the heart of Melbourne. Book your session today and experience the joy of art in a fun and social setting!

Come and catch up at Fluffy Torpedo in Fitzroy (they give 50% of profits to effective international charities). Talk malaria, vitamin deficiencies, fistula repair and discuss which are the most effective ways to do good in this world.

**100th Event Celebration!** Please join us this Sunday at 2pm for our first Philosophy in the Park walk and picnic event to celebrate our 100th event at Philosophy Circle (our sister group). We will be meeting at the **Tecoma Pavilion in the Royal Botanic Gardens**. Please bring a plate of food to share, or donate $15 and we will buy a plate or drinks to share on your behalf. You must RSVP to this event by Sunday, 12pm to attend! We also kindly ask attendees to donate $5 to attend to help with MeetUp subscription costs & our usual in-person venue costs. This is not mandatory, but if you are a regular member it would be appreciated. From Tecoma Pavillion we will walk to the picnic spot, put down our things and go on a short philosophically curious(!) walk around the gardens before returning to the picnic location and enjoying the rest of the day in the park. Hope to see you there!

***Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Wyandotte Winery!*** Discover where local wines are crafted, and gain insights into the making of small-batch wines. Learn about the interesting history of Wyandotte Winery and the unique aspects that make it a local gem. **Highlights:** • Guided tour of the wine cellar and details on our wine-making process • Historical overview of Wyandotte Winery - and updates on What's New at the winery! • Opportunity to taste our current wine selection • Ask questions and interact with the Wyandotte team **Start Times**: 1:00 PM, other times by request. **Cost:** $10 (includes 1 glass of wine). Pay at the door **Parking:** usually best to park one block down the road in the church parking lot. 2 minute walk. **Note:** Touring the cellar requires taking one flight of stairs. After your tour, feel free to join us for a Fired Up Pizza or winery small plate! Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just curious, this tour will enhance your appreciation for wine and small-batch winemaking. Cheers!!![🍷]()

***Let's join together for a fiesta!*** (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) * Taco Bar * Margarita and Beer tasting * Complementary chips and salsa * Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase * Freshly prepared snacks in the deli for purchase * Festive Band/Music **Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: *$15.00 per person (covers 4 Margarita or beer samples and one pass thru the Taco Bar)*** **Where:** [#MarketDistrict](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/marketdistrict?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXglupYTNnuPXhU3gU2DI9GInOg8OWWSvEJTry0VDGnMwh3tC6LxAkyc13s7j-hzoCa7zpemBLJbwdOAIfL-4l-h-eX3x7UFBl6CgHm1ijsL9C9hR_jWvIa_CNOjxBCQzMpVcaRfKr1LrRukr4nY0KHoqN2w3gXLadSqHBf6hPcBx13ltDk2suI8GhnjfjDOUs&__tn__=*NK-R) (*Grandview Yard*) location. The party room (our private space) will be decorated with both patios open! Adjoining upstairs area also open for over flow and mingling. **After Party:** Sometimes, we head to a venue to hear live music afterwards. LDNL is at Black Swan in Hilliard tonight! Wear your bright colors and cheerful !Salud!

This is "***New Members Night***." If you are one of the many folks on the fence about coming to your first wine tasting with the *Hilliard Wine Club*, this is the night to come. There will be many other new people, so you won't be alone. And the regulars will be there to help make you feel welcome. We're a relaxed and warm group. We hope to see you. **SIDE NOTE:** New members are welcome to ALL our Friday night wine tastings, but this night is a special overture to those who don't want to feel that they are the only new person in the room. Don't worry. You won't be. And don't hesitate to RSVP to other events. **OLD MEMBERS NOTE**: Hey Old Members! You're not excluded from this event. We expect to see you there to help make the new members feel welcome. **Sample 4 different wines** this Friday for $15 (*Cash or Venmo only please*). Glasses are provided. Bring a snack to share. Bring a bottle to share if you care to. See all the details below for the Hilliard Wine Club Wine Tasting. In Person. In Real Life. Actual Wine from glass bottles with corks and everything. **Wine**: Tastings will be $15 for four samples as always. And you are welcome to bring a bottle of your favorite wine to share with others. Participation in the wine tastings is optional. But since you’re going, I will buy enough wine to cover you. If you bring your own wine and do not participate in the tasting you will only pay $10 to cover the door charge. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **Extra Wine**: After everyone has had their samples, we remove the pouring spouts and any remaining wine is poured freely to whomever wants it. I hate having leftover wine. **Queen of Hearts**: The Queen of Hearts raffle is a fundraiser for the club and a Barnum and Bailey type extravaganza - minus the dancing ponies, clowns, and actual circus. Bring your ***cash*** as the Queen does not accept American Express or other plastic. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

I hope you'll join me at [Carfagna's](https://carfagnas.com/) AMAZING complex on Gemini/Polaris. *Live, local acoustic music during dinner.* **Come by early for happy hour til 6pm.** Or, join us for dinner; show time is 6-9PM, Thursday. Reservation at 6pm for 12 under Michele Z (overflow can linger near the bar). Each Thursday they host live music in their beautiful upscale bar at **Carfagna's Ristorante**; but you need to check out everything this place has to offer Italian under one roof!!

Someone told me about Due Amici and I hear it has some of the finest Italian food in town mangia bene, vivi felice! (eat well, live happy). Let’s enjoy the great food, the conversations, and most importantly the amazing company we keep, guys.

**In an unprecedented effort** to cram WAY too much FUN into one single night this is a **wine tasting** (*sample 4 wines*) / **Kentucky Derby** celebration (*wear your fancy derby hat that you literally cannot wear anywhere else*)/ and **New Members** Night. But mostly THIS IS "***New Members Night***." If you are one of the many folks on the fence about coming to your first wine tasting with the *Hilliard Wine Club*, this is the night to come. There will be many other new people, so you won't be alone. And the regulars will be there to help make you feel welcome. We're a relaxed and warm group. We hope to see you. **SIDE NOTE:** New members are welcome to ALL our Friday night wine tastings, but this night is a special overture to those who don't want to feel that they are the only new person in the room. Don't worry. You won't be. And don't hesitate to RSVP to other events. **OLD MEMBERS NOTE**: Hey Old Members! You're not excluded from this event. We expect to see you there to help make the new members feel welcome. **Sample 4 different wines** this Friday for $15 (*Cash or Venmo only please*). Glasses are provided. Bring a snack to share. Bring a bottle to share if you care to. See all the details below for the Hilliard Wine Club Wine Tasting. In Person. In Real Life. Actual Wine from glass bottles with corks and everything. **Wine**: Tastings will be $15 for four samples as always. And you are welcome to bring a bottle of your favorite wine to share with others. Participation in the wine tastings is optional. But since you’re going, I will buy enough wine to cover you. If you bring your own wine and do not participate in the tasting you will only pay $10 to cover the door charge. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **Extra Wine**: After everyone has had their samples, we remove the pouring spouts and any remaining wine is poured freely to whomever wants it. I hate having leftover wine. **Queen of Hearts**: The Queen of Hearts raffle is a fundraiser for the club and a Barnum and Bailey type extravaganza - minus the dancing ponies, clowns, and actual circus. Bring your ***cash*** as the Queen does not accept American Express or other plastic. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*