Hiking

Please note that **this event is not open for photographers** (no option to bring Camera/GoPro or tripod). We will be taking photos of people with the Milkyway. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please get your tickets on Trybooking ($Early Bird - $20, Regular - $25) : [https://www.trybooking.com/DJSDD](https://www.trybooking.com/DJSDD) We will scan Trybooking tickets at the meeting point. Please note that Trybooking tickets will only be refunded if the event is moved or cancelled. Trybooking Tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to also transfer the ticket to a new date. 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 7:50 PM and head to one of the semi locations (80km away from Melbourne). Driving to the destination is not an option for any of our stargazing events. We should be back in the CBD around 12:20 AM on Tuesday. You do have an option to take an earlier train and get back to Melbourne around 11:45 PM. **Meeting Point Photo**: [https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2](https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2) \*\* Please make sure you bring your Myki. Please ensure that it has atleast $11.40. Please ensure that your myki money is added before coming to the meeting point. \*\* Please carry a jacket as the temperature is expected to be around 22-24°C. Cost: Organizer Fee: $20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular Transport: Myki Money: $11.40 Concession: $5.70 Shared Taxi: $50-$60 per person (This only applicable when the Vline train is cancelled and there is no replacement bus) Photos: All the images will be uploaded to our Facebook Group (Explore Melbourne) - [https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb ](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb)and meetup. I take one solo photo for everyone with the Milkyway. These events are not aimed at photographers. Location: For the safety of people attending the event and flexibility to change location at the last minute based on the weather forecast, we will only share the location details with people at the meeting point. For the safety of people attending future events, please do not share the Milkyway location with anyone. Also, please do not tag the location when sharing photos on Social Media. The Milky Way Galaxy is one of the most interesting naked eye sights in the night sky. We live under light-polluted skies, and to see a glimpse of the Milkyway, we need to travel outside the city. We run Milkyway events near Melbourne (40-50km away) and events in premium locations (over 80-100km from Melbourne CBD). We will mention premium events on the title of the event. Please only attend this event if you can keep the location a secret. Many Solo and some group photos from previous events: [https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1F0fE1-s4mkkNIi1oATIVBE3I5riDTRO3](https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1F0fE1-s4mkkNIi1oATIVBE3I5riDTRO3) 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 seven 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. 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/)

Urban Climb Blackburn If you've never climbed before, you need to complete a brief safety induction before you climb the first time (and they'll teach you everything you need to know to be safe indoors). There are sauna facilities, bouldering cave, speed wall and sparkling water too. This group is primarily for rope climbing; top roping or lead climbing. Many members have their lead pass and equipment, but feel free to go and do some bouldering too if you like! If you arrive on time, you'll find us chatting next to the couches in the bouldering area. If you're a little late please let the staff know that you are with the Climb Victoria Meetup, they can make an announcement and someone will come and collect you and introduce you to the group. Some members may even be wearing a black shirt with our logo on it. For more information about the venue and first time waiver, please check out this link to the Urban Climb website - https://urbanclimb.com.au/locations/blackburn/ **Fees:** Fees are paid directly to Urban Climb (this is not a free event). Further information on costs can be found at: https://urbanclimb.com.au/pricing/ . Some climbing memberships also may offer discounted entry, so it may be worth checking your member benefits in such groups **We also now have a Facebook Group:** [https://www.facebook.com/groups/663576119053808](https://www.facebook.com/groups/663576119053808) . This also has a chat function which may help

Meet in the car park right at the end of Breen Drive at Dendy Park past the tennis courts. We’ll walk around Dendy Park, some do 1 lap, others 2. As the Dendy cafe is currently closed, we'll head to Rustica on Hampton st. for a coffee & chat Any concerns, don't hesitate to get in touch on 0409 219 524 - Gillian

This is a relaxed after-work bouldering session at **[BlocHaus Bouldering Port Melbourne](https://maps.app.goo.gl/sXoZZVviD4eJY8w89)**, focused on moving, chatting, and unwinding rather than performance or grades. If you’re curious about bouldering, coming back after a break, or just want a low-key way to be active and social on a weekday evening, this one’s for you. No partner required, no pressure to climb hard, and no expectation to already know anyone. We’ll climb at our own pace, take plenty of rest, and socialise between attempts. **Who This Is For** * Beginners or first-timers * Casual climbers who prefer a social pace * Solo joiners who don’t want it to feel intimidating * Anyone who wants to move their body without it feeling like a workout class If you’re an experienced climber, you’re still welcome — just expect a chill, mixed-ability vibe. **Plan** * 6:00 pm — Meet at reception, quick hellos * 6:15 pm — Gentle warm-up & easy climbs * 6:30 pm — Climb at your own pace, rest, and chat between attempts * 8:00 pm — Wind down, stretch, and head off Feel free to arrive later or leave earlier — no rigid structure. **What to Bring** * Change of clothes * Climbing shoes (hire available at the gym) * Entry fee paid individually at the desk * Check out the pricing here: [https://mlb.blochaus.com.au/pricing/](https://mlb.blochaus.com.au/pricing/) **Event Notes** This is not a lesson or coaching session — just a friendly container to climb and socialise together. The goal is to make weekday movement feel easy and welcoming, not intense. **Meeting point:** [BlocHaus Bouldering](https://maps.app.goo.gl/sXoZZVviD4eJY8w89) reception at **6pm**. I’ll post a photo of myself here once I arrive. If you’re running late, please message me your ETA beforehand — once you arrive, I can share our location with you.

You must be able to snorkel and swim on your own. I’m not an instructor or first aid qualified. We’ll meet on the beach close to this carpark: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vNXxagvhVLDz8AMr9?g_st=ic Parking is $5/hr afaik. Aiming to explore around the Tea House Reef. There’s Ricketts Point Beaumaris cafe close by to have a debrief/compare what we spotted after. Depending on the weather conditions, we might have to postpone. I’ll update this event the day before.

Hello Climbers! Just meet at the yellow sign and introduce yourself :) From there we pair up to climb. If we have an odd number of people, we can make a rotating group of 3. There is also a self-belay area if you want to get in more climbing if in a group of 3 or arriving earlier. If the event you are planning to go to only has one or 2 people on the ‘attending’ list, we encourage organising a climbing partner in advance so you can make sure you have at least one other person there to climb with! Feel free to reach out on the event wall or message a host :) Meet up will start at 6pm but if you want to start earlier you certainly can, but again you will need to organise a climbing partner in advance. New climbers are welcome, however your mandatory induction takes about 15/20mins. Harnesses, shoes and chalk bag can be hired also. Current pricing for Hard Rock here: https://www.hardrock.com.au/prices/

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is an 6 mile hike with 400' elevation gain in the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. [https://bansheereeksnp.org/](https://bansheereeksnp.org/). We follow our AllTrails route as we go through the many trails in this Preserve. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph while moving. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) [Rating: D](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Meet: Plan to arrive at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Visitor Center at 8:45am so we can get everyone checked in and start at 9:00am. The address in Meetup may not get you to the exact location, use GPS Coordinates. GPS coordinates: 39.028758, -77.599534 [https://goo.gl/maps/AADrS4iNX1kYTUZo7](https://goo.gl/maps/AADrS4iNX1kYTUZo7) Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Alltrails Maps: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/banshee-reeks-6-miles-7648732?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/banshee-reeks-6-miles-7648732?u=i&sh=7cs7ov)

We will hike at Sky Meadows State Park, 5.2 miles with an elevation gain of 1000’. The pace for this hike is suitable for beginners and families, at 1.4-1.9 mph, with slower options available as needed. The hike is referred to as a lollipop. We will meet at the Visitor Center parking lot and hike to the Boston Mill Road Trail. We will take the North Ridge Trail to the Appalachian Trail and then the Ambassador White House Trail. We will return on the North Ridge Trail and Boston Mill Road Trail. **DIRECTIONS AND PARKING:** Physical Address: 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144 The park is less than two miles south of Paris, VA via U.S. Route 50 to Route 17 South, or seven miles north of I-66, Exit 23 on Route 17 North. The park’s main entrance is on Rt. 710/Edmonds Lane. Park in the lot at the visitor center. Sue's vehicle is a white Toyota Corolla. **RESTROOM**: Onsite at the visitor center. **THINGS TO BRING:** You will need a Virginia State Park Pass or pay a $10 fee to access the park. Dress in layers and be prepared for cold weather. Bring water, snacks, a first aid kit, hiking poles, and pack extra socks. Hiking Guides: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/patc-mentoring-hike-sky-meadows-d06f64a](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/patc-mentoring-hike-sky-meadows-d06f64a) [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf) **Notes:** * Participants are required to sign a PATC HIKE SIGNUP SHEET AND LIABILITY form. * RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP. * To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). * Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership). Please check the night before for any updates. A hike will be cancelled due to weather conditions and Virginia Department of Transportation travel alerts. Attendance will be limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. Preference will be given to PATC members. PATC rules do not permit children under the age of 18 to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. Please leave your canine companions at home. Thanks!

This Shenandoah National Park out-and-back hike starts at the Dickey Ridge Trailhead before reaching the North Entrance pay station. A pretty stream runs parallel with the trail for about a mile until we begin an ascent to our turn around point where the trail again intersects with Skyline Drive. At this time of year, we should see early spring flowers! Sections of the trail are rocky, and there are several very small “rock hop” water crossings. Elevation gain is about 600 ft. We typically hike about 2 mph; however, we leave no one behind and will move at a pace that is comfortable for all. Breaking for flower photos is encouraged! **Group Size:** 20 hikers **Time to Meet:** Please meet 15-20 minutes prior to hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in. If you can't make the hike, please edit your RSVP with 24-48 hours notice if possible to open a spot for another hiker. This request also applies to those on the waitlist. **Meeting Location/Parking:** 17065 Skyline Drive, Front Royal, VA There is ample shoulder parking on both sides of Skyline Drive adjacent to the marked Dickey Ridge Trailhead although carpooling is encouraged to conserve spots. Heading south on Skyline Drive, the trailhead is on the right BEFORE the Front Royal/North Entrance Pay Station. **Facilities:** No restroom is available at the trailhead. **Admission:** Park fee or pass. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leader is Lisa Peterson. **Cancellation**: In the event that the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates. **What to Bring:** Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, personal first aid kit and medications, snacks/meal, sunscreen/protection from weather, insect repellant, trekking poles if you use them (highly recommended for hikes with water crossings), sturdy hiking footwear. Please leave pets at home. Thanks! **Notes:** * RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP. * To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). * Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership). Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is an 6.5 mile hike with 1000’ elevation gain to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and is perfect for those that want to experience Maryland Heights without having to do a long hike. We will begin at the Harpers Ferry Train Station parking lot. We will hike the AT and then along the Shenandoah River and then at Appalachian Trail across the Potomac River on the footbridge. Taking a left we go briefly along the C&O Canal before taking the ***steep*** trails up to Maryland Heights for lunch. We hike at a pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving. [Rating: C](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) (Upper level C hike, almost a B) Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) Park Entry Fee: $20 or free with National Park pass. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Carpools: Arrive at the One Loudoun Park and Ride at 7:45am, carpools leav at 8:00am GPS Coordinates: 39.053141, -77.459133, [https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUJ2c9E1oVYRu5Rp7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUJ2c9E1oVYRu5Rp7) . Suggested carpool fee is $4. ***The leader will be at the carpool location.*** Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location \~1 hour. If you are going to the trailhead, meet at the Harpers Ferry Train Station at 9:00am, hike starts at 9:15am. A national park pass (leave on car dashboard) or $20 payment upon arrival using a **smartphone and a credit or debit card** via a QR code system. GPS coordinates: 39.324540, -77.731047 [https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7](https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7) Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. AllTrails Map: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-4165db0?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-4165db0?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) ***You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.***

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is a pleasant 7.3 mile/ 212 foot elevation gain hike around Beaverdam Reservoir with plenty of water views. For those of you who like numbers the reservoir is 350 acres and holds between 1.3 and 1.5 billion gallons of water. We will meet in front of the Visitors Center at 8:45. The Visitor Center, with the trailhead, is new and the GPS mapping apps are still updating. **The Reservoir Park Main entrance is located within the Brambleton Community Park West Baseball field complex, accessed from Belmont Ridge Road in Ashburn.** The address is 22211 Water Vista Drive Ashburn, Virginia. The GPS coordinates are: 39.00223 N, 77.53529W. We hike at a pace of \~ 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain. Meet in front of the Visitor Center at 8:45am for sign-in. Restrooms are available. Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leaders: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/reservoir-park-trail?sh=iypgzx&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality