Walking

Join me for a relaxed walk and bird watching at Albert Park Lake, an extraordinary wetland habitat that is home to nearly two hundred species of birds. Created from a lagoon and originally part of the extensive Yarra River Delta, the lake and its surrounds are a popular parkland for locals and visitors alike. Together we can enjoy conversation and make new friends as we follow the path beside the water's edge and look out for gulls and cormorants roosting on the wharves. We'll wind our way around the lake and pass Gunn Island, a tranquil sanctuary and a safe nesting environment for local and migratory birds. Further around the lake we'll see waterbirds such as stilts, swamphens and coots among the reed beds. When we reach the southern end of the lake we can stop to enjoy the magnificent views of the city skyline across the water. This is a great spot for photography. We'll return to relax and socialise together in the Coots Picnic area and enjoy a snack and a drink. You can pick up a coffee and something to eat at the nearby Sir Albert Cafe or bring your own drinks and snacks. **Agenda** I will meet you at 10am on the lakeside of the Light Rail Tram Stop No.129 Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. We'll set off at 10.10am and follow the path beside the Melbourne Aquatic Centre and through the picnic area to the lake. From there we'll stroll past the wharves and Gunn Island, follow the long stretch of reed beds and walk to the southernmost point of the lake to take in the stunning views of the city skyline. We'll then make our way back to the Coots Picnic area to enjoy a snack and a drink together. This is an easy walk on flat pathways and the distance will be about 5.5km all up. It will take us around 1hr 45mins at a leisurely pace with stops along the way to enjoy and photograph the birdlife. **Location** Albert Park Lake is located in the suburb of Albert Park, 3km from the Melbourne CBD. The No.96 tram/light rail runs from the Melbourne CBD down past Albert Park Lake. There is free street parking available on Canterbury Road which runs beside the tram/light rail. Parking Fees apply to all car parks within Albert Park. When you RSVP, please click Attend on the event page and I will be in touch via Direct Messages about the details. I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day.

Walk to Ricketts Point

Join us for a walk and lunch in St Kilda. Meeting 10:30am, on corner of Fitzroy St and Nepean HWY. Making our way to Albert Park Lake at 10:45am. Giving ourselves 1 hour for the walk, to take our time, take in the fresh air and to connect! Throughout event, I'll mix and move you around so we can all connect with each other. Walking also helps our nervous system. Then heading to a local cafe or pub (most likely the Prince Hotel). See comments on day for exact location. Dogs welcomed. Looking like a lovely day.

**🌞 Delectable Summer Social Stroll: Full Yarra Bend Circuit About 12 km Moderate to Difficult** **Easter Monday 6 April- 12 PM..Arrive at 11.45 AM please** Join us for a long, lazy, laughter‑filled Autumn social stroll tracing the full Yarra Bend circuit — a gorgeous loop of river bends, bushland, boardwalks, and iconic Melbourne nooks. This is our expanded version of the smaller Yarra Bend walk many of you enjoyed, now stretched into a full, flirty, scenic adventure. This has a couple of difficult sections where you may need to use your hands. ***+++Ensure you read the rules at the end before joining. Registering = agreeing to them+++*** We’ll begin at the Abbotsford Convent, (or more specifically st the Collingwood children's farm entrance), wander past Dights Falls, pause for snacks at the Studley Park Boathouse, and follow the river’s contours through some of the most beautiful natural pockets in inner Melbourne. Expect birdsong, breezes, shady gums, and plenty of social mingling along the way. Bonus or not, we'll be going through the section where the many thousands of flying foxes roost during the day. We will also make a diversion to the golf course cafe which is much more manageable to get a snack. You can choose your own finale: - 11 km Full Yarra Bend Circuit ending back at the Convent, or - 14 km Extended Merri Creek Trail Option finishing at Rushall Station for those who want a little extra autumn sparkle in their step. 🕙 **Timing** The Convent Bakery is rumoured to have ice‑cold smoothies worth writing home about, and we’ll swing by at the end for anyone who wants a refreshing treat. - Meet at 11:45 a.m. at the gates of the Collingwood Children’s Farm (about 50m from the Convent entrance at the end of the road). **- Walk begins at 12:00 p.m. sharp. Prior to the heat of the day**. Arrive by 11.45 a.m. - Expect 3–4 hours depending on pace, weather, silly jokes, banter, and snack enthusiasm. My priority is having a relaxing time so I'm not following a strict timetable. **☕ Mid‑Walk Pause** We’ll stop at the golf course cafe for coffee, cold drinks, or a light bite. Bring a little cash or card if you’d like to indulge. Hopefully it's open, much better than stopping at Studley Park boathouse. **🚶 Route Highlights** - The leafy bends of the Yarra - Dights Falls lookout - Riverbank boardwalks and shaded bushland Abbotsford Convent - Studley Park Boathouse - Optional Merri Creek extension to Rushall Station - Plenty of photo spots, conversation pockets, and nature‑soaked moments **🚆 Getting There** - Train to Victoria Park Station is the easiest option, followed by a short walk to the Convent. - Parking at the Convent can be a gamble on weekends — arrive early if you’re trying your luck or choose elsewhere. **🌿 What to Bring** - Comfortable walking shoes - Suitable clothes for a lengthy walk - Water 2 litres - Sunscreen and a hat - A light snack if you like - Curiosity, good humour, and your best summer social energy **⚠️ Group Rules and Event Etiquette ⚠️** These are basic, commonsense standards that keep events safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. **Fitness Requirements**: This should be a moderate to difficult walk for people with average fitness. There are ssmall ections requiring easy scrambles requiring the use of your hands. Ensure you can walk around 4km/hr for about 4 hours with breaks. Walk 15km comfortably with a small pack. We walk at a relaxed pace. Please ensure you meet the fitness level for the event. If the group is forced to wait excessively, you may be asked to leave the event. **⛹️ Pace: Too Fast or Too Slow** Small social group events rely on staying together. If you prefer a very different pace, consider attending solo, joining a faster/slower group, or choosing events that match your fitness.. **👩‍💼 Time Constraints** If you’re on a tight schedule, this may not be the right event. Social activities rarely run exactly on time **⚠️ CRITICAL EXPECTATIONS ⚠️** **👻 No‑Shows** No‑shows block waitlisted people from attending and disrupt small-group events. - Remove yourself at least 24 hours before the event. - No‑shows will likely be removed and blocked from the group. - Last‑minute cancellations (“flaking”) may also result in removal, especially when there is a waitlist. **👀 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 being introduced **⏰ Late Arrivals** If you’re late, the group will not wait. - You may be marked as a No‑Show and removed from the group. - It’s your responsibility to communicate and catch up—this may not be possible for some events. **🎲 Second Chances** If something goes wrong, attempt to communicate with the organiser. Silence + poor behaviour = removal. Communication + accountability = second chances. This may not be possible during the event as the organiser is busy organising.

This will likely go ahead even if there’s light rain. So bring a rain jacket and umbrella if required. You can expect a relaxing and friendly walk/hike 5.5km (but there’s also a longer option which we can decide by poll together)- Bring your fluffy friends, or bring your friends. **Things to bring:** Umbrella and rain jacket (if required) Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat Comfortable trail walking/hiking shoes Comfortable clothes Maybe a light snack (like Apple/granola bars) **Meeting Point:** **Beasley’s Nursery and Tea House Carpark** 195 Heidelberg-Warrandyte Rd, Warrandyte VIC 3113 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/4BzYZhf5x22YVNkz7?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4BzYZhf5x22YVNkz7?g_st=ic) Assuming everyone needs a quick toilet break we will likely meet near the Nursary and Tea House. The Trail: Mullum Mullum Creek Trail starting at Target Road (near Beasley’s Nursery and Teahouse). I hope to come earlier to let you know our exact meeting point. The total hike will likely be 8-10km. We won’t be walking the entire trail, we will likely start at Target Road and walk half way to Mullum Mullum Reserve (there’s toilets), and then walk back to the Beasley’s Nursery and Tea House Carpark. If anyone is up, we can also go to the Tea House afterwards. **Here is the AllTrails map link for the trail:** Mullum Mullum Creek Trail: Warrandyte to Ringwood on AllTrails [https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/victoria/mullum-mullum-creek-trail-warrandyte-to-ringwood?sh=rzosme&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality](https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/victoria/mullum-mullum-creek-trail-warrandyte-to-ringwood?sh=rzosme&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality)

Hi Everyone, The next walk & talk is happening Monday 6th @ 1pm. We're meeting @ **Shrine of Remembrance "Flame"** then we'll walk to Botanic Gardens from there. For newcomers, this group is meant to help participants nurture and create a comfortable, trustworthy and safe emotional space to connect with other men, while sharing vulnerabilities about themselves. Men of all ages welcome. This will provide another great opportunity to practice being more present in the moment, authentic within ourself, while challenging our ability to break the ice with others in attendance. Let's continue practicing connecting in a deeper way with new people we meet. This group will help reinforce the benefit of showing vulnerability with others, while staying authentic to ourselves. This Sunday's group will be led by **Ra'id.** (Mindset Coach) and Co-led by **Fabien** (Group Facilitator) Looking forward to seeing you there. (message me thru meetup if needed)

**Registration required at below link:** **Tickets: $5** https://events.humanitix.com/april-2026-oot-and-aboot-x-euphoria-social-lgbtqia-afternoon-wellbeing-walk Join Oot & Aboot in collaboration with Euphoria Social for a relaxed LGBTQIA+ Afternoon wellbeing walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. This is not a fitness session. This is not a race. This walk is designed to create space for slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and building safe community. At the start of the walk, you’ll have the option to select a simple intention word to carry with you throughout the afternoon. We’ll move at a gentle, inclusive pace through the gardens, pausing occasionally to notice elements of the natural environment — such as scent, sound and scenery — and reflect on how time in green spaces supports mental wellbeing. No one is left behind. You’re welcome to talk, walk quietly, or simply be present. ## Post-Walk Community Coffee (Optional) The event concludes with a coffee at The Observatory for those who wish to continue connecting. This is completely optional. ## Meeting Point We will meet outside The Visitor Centre of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Please arrive by 2:50 pm for an 3:00 pm sharp start. ## Agenda * 2:50 pm - 3:00 pm ### Arrival & Welcome * 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm ### Gentle Guided Walk Short Nature Pause * 3:45 pm - 4:30 pm ### Optional Community Coffee The Observatory Cafe in front of the Visitor Centre. ## Know Before You Go 1\. Who is this walk for? This walk is for LGBTQIA+ adults seeking connection, gentle movement and time in nature. All fitness levels are welcome, provided you are comfortable walking 4-5 km at a relaxed pace. 2\. How far will we walk? Approximately 4–5 km on mostly flat, accessible paths, with some sections that may be slightly hilly. 3\. What should I bring? Please bring: * A bottle of water * Hat * Sunscreen * Comfortable walking shoes Staying hydrated is essential, especially in warmer months. 4\. What should I wear? Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Enclosed walking shoes recommended. 5\. What happens if the weather is bad? The event will be cancelled if severe weather is forecast. Participants will be notified at least 24 hours prior. 6\. Is this a therapy session? No. This is a peer-led wellbeing walk focused on community and nature connection. It is not a therapy or clinical service. 7\. Can I get a refund? Tickets are non-refundable. You may transfer your ticket to a future event with at least 24 hours’ notice. 8\. Can I ask for a wheelchair? Please let us know at least 48 hours in advance so we can book with the Visitor Centre, as availability is limited. ## About the Collaboration Oot & Aboot is a volunteer-run registered LGBTQIA+ charity creating inclusive outdoor and nature-based experiences that support mental wellbeing. Euphoria Social, a grassroots not-for-profit championing mental health, inclusion, and belonging for LGBTQIAPN+ communities across Victoria. Together, we’re creating safe spaces to move, breathe and belong.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

We'll meet at Wyandot Park, cross Riverside Dr at Lane Rd, then walk south along the water to Griggs Park and back — 4.7 miles total. A scenic out-and-back route along the Scioto River. One of the nicer stretches of trail in Columbus. Parking is available at Wyandot Park, off Lane Rd. Here's an overview of the route on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8g2NGhPhg8k5ZFQQ9 All paces welcome. See you there.

Meet at Wolfe Park parking lot by tennis courts. We willl walk along Alum Creek trail, through Jeffrey Mansion Park then along Bexley neighborhood and back. Optional lunch at Trolley District.

Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in! We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind. If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward.

Let’s walk the gardens and enjoy what has spring has on display.