Historic Locations

**HIKE OVERVIEW:** **The Castlemaine to Maldon Rail Trail is a 16.7km, moderate hike which runs parallel to the Victorian Goldfields Railway. It passes through bushland, farmland and some gold-era historical sites.** **We will start and meet at Castlemaine Train Station and walk towards Maldon. Our route will take us via Muckleford Train Station.** **We will return back to Castlemaine aboard the steam train operated by the Victorian Goldfields Railway. This historic railway served rural Victoria from 1880 through to the 1970’s and has been restored to its former glory.** **Excursion class one way tickets are $37 ($32 concession) and once you have confirmed your attendance, I will advise here in comments when to book your one-way ticket from Maldon. Please wait for the go-ahead to book your tickets as the event may be suspended if we don’t attract enough interest.** ***when advised*** **you can book your tickets at the following link:** [Book train ticket](https://secure.vgr.com.au/BookingCat/Availability/) **USEFUL LINKS:** **For more details on the route including the gradient involved please see the links below.** [https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/victoria/railway-track-maldon-to-castlemaine?sh=uoghfo](https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/victoria/railway-track-maldon-to-castlemaine?sh=uoghfo) [https://www.vgr.com.au/](https://www.vgr.com.au/) **Lunch** **Lunch: In Maldon we will stop for lunch at the Maldon Hotel, 58 Main St.** [Maldon Hotel](https://www.google.com.au/search?client=safari&hs=mGY&sca_esv=b3ca9c57de57aa89&channel=41&biw=393&bih=641&sxsrf=ANbL-n5zcNoRt1nlnk20vEuCOQZJ3tv4UQ%3A1778719407548&kgmid=%2Fg%2F1tdfyvxv&q=Maldon%20Hotel&shem=rimspwouoe&shndl=30&source=sh%2Fx%2Floc%2Fact%2Fm4%2F3) **BEING PREPARED:** 1. **Arrange your transport** 1. **Check the weather forecast** 1. **Suitable footwear / clothing** 1. **Plenty of water / food / snacks** **RSVP’s / START TIME:** **Plans change, but please keep your RSVP up to date to allow others the chance to attend. Aim to arrive 15 minutes before the start time and message if you are running late. Remember that phone reception won't always be available so contact me as soon as possible if required.** **NOTIFICATIONS:** **All notifications will come via the Meetup app. Ensure you have enabled alerts & check the app in the lead up to an event. Notifications may include; comments, instructions & cancellations.** **QUESTIONS:** **Please feel free to post any questions.**

**Brighton to Point Ormond – Elwood Beach** ***As it is Mothers Day next Sunday, our next walk will be the following Sunday, 17th May.*** This popular walk along the Elwood foreshore is the perfect outing for an autumn Sunday morning. Join the thousands of Melburnians who regularly walk, jog and ride this wide, well-formed path along the shores of the Bay. Our coffee stop this morning will be at Northpoint Cafe, after we’ve walked from Brighton Beach to Point Ormond and return. **Start:** Bay St, Brighton. Assemble at the beach end of Bay St. **Parking:** Park along Bay Street or in St Ninians Road, off Bay St, just back from the beach. Parking is FREE. **The Walk**: The walk is along the Bayside Trail as far as Point Ormond Lookout and then return the same way. **Total distance**: 6.0 km. **Time:** Allow 2 hours for the walk, including coffee at the end. **Difficulty:** Easy **Toilets:** At several places along the way. **Coffee:** The café at Northpoint Cafe, or other venue (selected on the day) **Cost:** Free

Join party-people from around the globe and discover Melbourne's best bars, lounges, and clubs including a famous rooftop bar/club with amazing city views, a truly wild "underground" nightclub, and a premiere Melbourne ultra-club featuring top DJ’s from around the world -all with exclusive free VIP entry. Enjoy no entry fees, no queues, free shots and exclusive “pub crawl only” drink deals @ every bar! https://pubcrawlmelb.com.au https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melbourne-cbd-pub-crawl-tickets-45461115420

Enjoy Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Williamstown Beach beach, a Williamstown Sunday ***Craft*** Market in historical heritage side. With short break at Kiosk or Cafe near beach during walk. During walk (or towards ends of walk, but not Meetup end) visit *Sunday Craft Market* near Gem Pier, on shops & historic buildings side of Williamstown. Forecast TBA (16C & rain if Sun; 22C partly cloudy if change to this Saturday). Meet Outside Williamstown Station (last station on the the line\*). Under Big Tree just Outside Station entrance. (Is only 1 Platform here). Meet 12:30-12:40pm. My Phone 0402816644; Best to phone/text. We'll be walking past Williamstown Beach Station during walk, if any persons wish to join us, but not for the Full Meetup/Walk. 2 mins by train back to Williamstown Station (if u drove), or 15 mins walk. Route/plan may vary depending on temp (if gets quite hot, we'll go to village side, with plenty shaded places); OR if weather changes. We may walk early or later during walk to Sunday *Craft* Market (open till 4); all Craft Market items are Created, Handmade, Home Grown or Baked. (*Different market & different location - Alongside Nelson Place/Near Gem Pier - to one we went to last time)* We'll spend about 30-45 minutes there — Check out stalls, grab a coffee or cold drink. And some food, or treats :) to take home. Bring shopping bag or something to put any purchases, if you do, in. If we do market near towards end of walk; after *official Meetup end, we can go to best, most range, icecream & sorbet place in Melbourne.* For those who wish to leave; is easy 7 mins walk to Williamstown Station. Another option, *for yourself,* info re Williamstown to St Kilda Ferry is below As well as visit to Market we'll walk to & through the Park like Botanic Gardens. We'll stop here briefly. Also Toilets less busy & bit cleaner available here, than along beach. (No Toilets at Market, but some at Station/Meet Point) We'll also walk along the foreshore path near the beach. Group can choose to stop at the on foreshore kiosk/cafe — if weather is pleasant & not too breezy or fresh or too hot (__C forecast), OR to go to proper but casual cafe, with beach & bay views. After our almost final stop, we can walk to/via either Williamstown Beach Station (or, Williamstown Station). Those who drove can easily get train 1 station back to Williamstown Stn, if have a myki, OR credit card (new) Option tap may be also available. Or if some people wish, can walk back to Williamstown Station, BUT it will mean, total duration of event will be longer than posted/scheduled. OR, after Meetup/Walk & Cafe some may like to take Ferry to St Kilda — $22 one-way (/$34 return if wish to, if Home is in Williamstown area). I've put duration as generous 2.5 hours (to allow for longer time at market, & at kiosk OR cafe). But we can finish earlier, if you wish. Total actual walking time/distance: approx 75-90 minutes/4-5 kms. Remember to wear hat, sunscreen & bring water. This Walk/Wander is also posted on/combined with 2 more groups; event/meetup is Open to all (18+ - under 18s may attend with an adult). A train arrives at 12:26. Intention is walk to start by/before 12:45pm! If are late getting there; or on next train (arrives 12:46) please post comment on Meetup. I'll post comment which way we go, to start. But may not respond promptly to comment msg, as may be pointing out some items & explaining re them My Phone 0402816644. Best to phone/text, than msg me via Meetup. Public Transport: Take (direct) Train from Flinders St Station or Southern Cross Station, to Williamstown Station. Or take a train from (the new) Town Hall Station or State Library Station, & change at Footscray Station, to Platform 6 for Williamstown Line train. \*If unfamiliar with the Williamstown Line, last 3 stations are: North Williamstown, Williamstown Beach, Williamstown Station/line ends. Mentioning, as some general public get off train at Williamstown Beach Station when meant to go Williamstown Station. Parking/Driving: Recommend parking in Hammer St, & then walk around corner (along Ann St), to Williamstown Station area. There's a few only unrestricted parking spots directly outside the Station, but doubtful if a good place to park, for a few hours. There's the Railway travelers carparking area 35 metres from the station. Finding Me/Us: Exit Williamstown Station (only 1 exit/1 platform) & look to the left, where there's a big tree. Or if drove, go to Ann St (on north side of Station) & walk past Station. [\*Please Note: I posted/edited/copy-modified quickly details (from last walk in Williamstown); please check details in a day or 2, for any alterations]. (And I will condense so easier to read it all).

Enjoy Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Williamstown Beach beach, a Williamstown Sunday ***Craft*** Market in historical heritage side. With short break at Kiosk or Cafe near beach during walk. During walk (or towards ends of walk, but not Meetup end) visit *Sunday Craft Market* near Gem Pier, on shops & historic buildings side of Williamstown. Forecast 27C, partly cloudy, sunny at times. **Meet Outside Williamstown Station** (last station on the the line\*). Under Big Tree just Outside Station entrance. (Is only 1 Platform here). Meet 12:30-12:40pm. My Phone 0402816644; Best to phone/text. We'll be walking past Williamstown Beach Station during walk; if any persons wish to join us, but not for the Full Meetup/Walk; 2 mins by train back to Williamstown Station (if u drove), or 15 mins walk. Route/plan may vary depending on temp (if gets quite hot, we'll go to village side, with plenty shaded places); OR if weather changes. We may walk early or later during walk to Sunday *Craft* Market (open till 4); all Craft Market items are Created, Handmade, Home Grown or Baked. (*Different market & different location - Alongside Nelson Place/Near Gem Pier - to one we went to last time)* We'll spend about 30-45 minutes there — Check out stalls, grab a coffee or cold drink. And some food, or treats :) to take home. Bring shopping bag or something to put any purchases, if you do, in. If we do market near towards end of walk; after *official Meetup end, we can go to best, most range, icecream & sorbet place in Melbourne.* For those who wish to leave; is easy 7 mins walk to Williamstown Station. Another option, *for yourself,* info re Williamstown to St Kilda Ferry is below. As well as visit to Market we'll walk to & through the Park like Botanic Gardens. We'll stop here briefly. Also Toilets less busy & bit cleaner available here, than along beach. (No Toilets at Market, but some at Station/Meet Point) We'll also walk along the foreshore path near the beach. Group can choose to stop at the on foreshore kiosk/cafe — if weather is pleasant & not too breezy or fresh or too hot (__C forecast), OR to go to proper but casual cafe, with beach & bay views. After our almost final stop, we can walk to/via either Williamstown Beach Station (or, Williamstown Station). Those who drove can easily get train 1 station back to Williamstown Stn, if have a myki, OR (new) credit card Option tap may be also available. Or if some people wish, can walk back to Williamstown Station, BUT it will mean, total duration of event will be longer than posted/scheduled. OR, after Meetup/Walk & Cafe some may like to take Ferry to St Kilda — $22 one-way (/$34 return if wish to, if Home is in Williamstown area). [ANZAC Station & Metro Tunnel Line is great option, if in Inner South Suburbs/ Bayside east side Suburbs; to get Inner West, & Bayside West, suburbs, As can change at Footscray Station, to Williamstown train. Instead of crowded tram to CBD/to Southern Cross or Flinders St Stns]. Another option (Private Operator): Ferry from St Kilda to Williamstown [$22 one-way/34 return] then 12 mins/850m walk to Williamstown Stn] I've put duration as generous 2.5 hours (to allow for longer time at market, & at kiosk OR cafe). But we can finish earlier, if you wish. Total actual walking time/distance: approx 75 minutes/3.5-4 kms. Will be nice 21C Sunny; remember to wear hat, sunscreen & bring water. This Walk/Wander is also posted on/combined with 2 more groups; event/meetup is Open to all (18+ - under 18s may attend with an adult). Some attendees may not be single, & some may not be 30s-60s range — is demographics of one group this is on. & often Rsvps, to my events. Getting there: A train arrives at 12:26. If late or on next train (arrives 12:46), please post a comment on Meetup. If all rsvps arrive by 12:40 we'll leave. My Phone 0402816644. Best to phone/text, than msg me via Meetup. Public Transport. Take a Direct Train from Flinders St Station or Southern Cross Station, to Williamstown Station. (Williamstown trains wont go via City Loop, then). Or take a train from (the new) Town Hall Station or State Library Station, & change at Footscray Station, to Platform 6 for Williamstown Line train. \*If unfamiliar with the Williamstown Line, last 3 stations are: North Williamstown, Williamstown Beach, Williamstown Station/line ends. Mentioning, as some general public get off train at Williamstown Beach Station when meant to go Williamstown Station. Parking/Driving: Recommend parking in Hammer St, & then walk around corner (along Ann St), to Williamstown Station area. There's a few only unrestricted parking spots directly outside the Station, but doubtful if a good place to park, for a few hours. There's the Railway travelers carparking area 35 metres from the station. Finding Me/Us: Exit Williamstown Station (only 1 exit/1 platform) & look to the left, where there's a big tree. Or if drove, go to Ann St (on north side of Station) & walk past Station.

Join **Bondaroo** for a relaxed Sunday morning exploring the vibrant Docklands waterfront and local farmers’ market together. This casual social event is a great way to get outdoors, discover new spots around Melbourne, and connect with new people in a friendly atmosphere. We’ll begin at Docklands Library before taking a scenic walk along the harbour, enjoying the waterfront views, public spaces, and city scenery. From there, we’ll explore the Farmers’ Market, where you can browse local stalls, artisan products, baked treats, and fresh produce at your own pace. 📍 **Meetup Location:** Library at The Dock ⏰ **Time:** 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ### 🌟 Highlights & Activities 🚶 Relaxed waterfront walk around Docklands 🛍 Explore local market stalls and artisan goods 📸 Enjoy city views and discover hidden corners of the harbour 🤝 Meet international students and new friends ☕ Optional coffee or snack stop along the way This is a low-pressure social event — feel free to come solo or bring a friend along. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and check the weather before attending. See you there! **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. ✨ **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)

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** EVERY SUNDAY AT 11AM Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You'll gain insights into: * The true definition of the subconscious * How it generates unwanted emotions * Its real purpose and function * What determines the pressure it exerts on you But this isn't just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It's interactive and engaging - you can ask questions at any time. FREE ADMISSION Reserve your spot today. Seats are limited, so don't wait too long to sign up.

We will get-together at the KereKere cafe - at the community table just inside the cafe entrance. *This is a group for people with intermediate and advanced level French who are able to engage in a conversation en français. It is not suitable for beginners.* The cafe is close to the corner of Wellington Parade and Lansdowne St, East Melbourne in the Fitzroy Gardens. It takes about 5 minutes on Tram 75 from Flinders St Station, or 15 minute walk. Car parking around Fitzroy Gardens on Sundays now is $2 per hour with a 4 hour limit, Some parking is limited to 1 hour even on Sunday. And occasionally, if there is a game at the MCG for example there might not be much parking at all. Price: The event fee is $4.00 - cash necessary! . and please be sure you are a member of MyFrenchLife.org before attending reunion - merci https://www.MyFrenchLife.org. The event fees are transferred to MyFrenchLife contributing to the meetup platform - thank you. À bientôt ! Veronica and Daniel Réunion Hosts MyFrenchLife.org

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-columbus-online-tickets-1988563717610?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - +971504724873 ( WhatsApp Only)

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Let's check out the Maker's Market in German Village, a large outdoor Artisan Market, featuring over 65 Makers, Goods, Art and Delicious Food Trucks! Admission is FREE! [GVMM](https://www.gv-mm.com/) Let's get outside and enjoy the New Spring Season and Warm Weather! We will meet at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village on South 3rd Street at Noon, 12 PM and then take a brisk walk to the Maker's Market, just south of Schiller Park. We can initially get coffee at Stauf's Coffee Roasters, if anyone may want to do so. Parking is widely available at Schiller Park and surrounding side streets. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.