Challenging Hikes Melbourne

Arthurs Seat (Half-Day Hike)

🎨🍺🥾 Paint & Sip + Hike

[👉🏻 GET YOUR TICKET (CLICK HERE) 👈🏻](https://activelocals.app.link/BBb3XWva84b) **Join us for a unique day out combining a scenic social hike with a relaxing Paint & Sip by the river.** Meet new people, enjoy nature, and finish the day creating your own masterpiece! **📅 Date:** Sunday, 30 August 2026 **📍 Location:** Studley Park Boathouse, Yarra Bend Park ### What to expect * A friendly, beginner-friendly social hike through beautiful Yarra Bend Park. * **Distance:** Approximately 10 km * **Duration:** Around 3 hours * **Difficulty:** Easy * **Pace:** Relaxed and suitable for most fitness levels. * A relaxing **Paint & Sip** by the river after the hike, where you can paint the scenery, recreate your favourite photo from the day, or create your own artwork. Our volunteer artists will be there to guide you and make the experience enjoyable for everyone. * Food and drinks are available for purchase from the Studley Park Boathouse. ### Important information * Please arrive between **9:30 AM and 9:45 AM** for check-in, a quick icebreaker, and a toilet break. The hike departs promptly at **10:00 AM**. * No carpooling will be organised for this event. The venue is easily accessible by public transport and has ample parking available. * Your ticket does **not** include food or drinks. * Please note that refunds are not available, as Active Locals does not currently have an individual refund process in place. * In the event of heavy rain, the event will be postponed to **Sunday, 6 September 2026**. **Accessibility** * ✔ Parking available * ✔ Close to public transport * ✔ Beginner-friendly

Cumberland River and Lorne Waterfalls hike

Warburton: O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail & Redwood Forest

Grampians Hiking + camping trip

【Itinerary】 Day 1: Drive to the Grampians. Please bring your lunch as we will have a picnic when arrived Grampians. Set up our tents at our campsite (Smiths Mill Campground). Do the Chatauqua Peak Loop hike (6km), then Hiking to Balconies lookout, Boroka lookout, enjoy the sunset. Back to campsites for cooking and dinner. Day2: Sunrise if you can get up early. Pack the tents. Do the Mount Rosea track hike (12km) Drive back to Melbourne 【Cost】 $20 including campsite fee, group management fee. After the bank transfer, I will add you to the Facebook Messenger group for this trip to discuss hike, camping, and car pooling. 【Car Pooling 】 To be environment-friendly and cost-effective, we help with carpooling. You can join the carpooling group as either a driver or a rider in the link above. Recommended riders pay $35-$45 ( or other amount as agreed with the driver) to the drivers to cover fuel, parking and other costs. 【What to bring?】: Sufficient water per day (2 litres min.); Sunscreen; A hat and suitable shoes; A first-aid kit; Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, and mattress) 【Risks and Waiver of Liability】 By attending the OZ Adventurers event, I represent that I am in good physical health and capable of participating in the event. I understand that risks of Injuries and Damages are involved in hiking and other adventure travel, and I appreciate that I may have to exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me. I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY OZ Adventurers, Its organisers, leaders, volunteers, members and attendees from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages. 【Facebook Group】 You can also visit our Facebook group or Facebook page for more events. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ozadventurers](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ozadventurers) [https://www.facebook.com/OZadventurers](https://www.facebook.com/OZadventurers)

Wilsons Prom Lighthouse (Grade M-H)

Epic Hike to Dormant Volcano in Spring | Mount Elephant

It’s time to conquer the mighty Mount Elephant in Derrinallum! This dormant volcano promises a climb to the summit with jaw-dropping views and a dose of fresh country air. Kangaroos and wallabies often hop about at the base, while hawks and eagles soar above. If you’re a YouTuber or content creator, please contact me before purchasing tickets. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot. Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please get your bus ticket via Trybooking ($89 - Early Bird, $99 - Regular) - [https://www.trybooking.com/DOHZS](https://www.trybooking.com/DOHZS) Bus ticket includes 10% GST. *Your spot is not confirmed until you complete steps 1 and 2.* 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. I will manually update the meetup payment status closer to the event date if the names on Trybooking and Meetup are the same. Trybooking payments are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking payments will be refunded only if the event is cancelled or moved to a new date. **Meeting Point:** Let's meet in the Corner of Russell and Flinders Street (Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone) at 9:30 AM. Please don't be late. We should be back to city around 6:30 PM. **Map:** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/5JNLSKfmehyFYYDq5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5JNLSKfmehyFYYDq5) 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/) This is a rain-or-shine event. Please snacks, water, and snacks. We will make a stop on the way for lunch. **Total Hiking Distance:** 5 km John and Millie Borbridge Track – 2 km return walk from the car park to the peak. Crater Rim Walk – Add on a 3 km loop that takes you right around the crater’s edge. Cost: Bus Ticket: $89 - Early Bird $99 - Regular Tentative list of locations we will be visiting: **1) Mount Elephant** Get ready to conquer Mount Elephant – the mighty, 380-metre-high giant that looms over Derrinallum! This dramatic cone-shaped landmark isn’t just a hill – it’s actually a dormant volcano that last erupted around 184,000 years ago. Mount Elephant is what geologists call a breached scoria cone. Translation? Picture a steep-sided mini-volcano formed in a single fiery burst of activity. In its heyday, it likely held a glowing lava lake at its heart, until the molten rock burst through its side and left the iconic “breached” look we see today. So when you hike up this ancient volcano, you’re not just walking on rock – you’re stepping into a story of fire, lava, and time itself. **2) Inverleigh** Food/Coffee stop. \* Inverleigh Bakehouse \* Sonny Café Loyalty Card Stamps for this event: If you are not using a discount code: 1 If you are using a discount code: 0 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 44,000 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. ❌ 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/)

Edmondsons Hut Snow Camp – Bogong High Plains

🇧🇷 16-Day Brazil Expedition: Rio Hikes, Desert Lagoons & Pantanal Safaris

Join a small group of Australian travelers (ages 20s to 40s) for an epic 16-day adventure across Brazil! From scaling coastal peaks in Rio to swimming in crystal-clear desert lagoons and tracking wild jaguars in the Pantanal, this trip is designed for active, like-minded explorers. ### 📌 Trip Overview * **Dates:** 6 September – 21 September * **Group Size:** Small group (Australian travelers, 20s–40s) * **The Highlights:** 🥾 Iconic coastal rock hikes in Rio de Janeiro 🏝️ Freshwater lagoons among white dunes in Lençóis Maranhenses 🦩 Scarlet Ibis flocks in the Parnaíba Delta 🤿 Snorkeling crystalline subterranean rivers in Bonito 🐆 Tracking wild Jaguars on safari in the Pantanal ### 🗓️ Proposed Itinerary *(Note: The detailed daily activities will be collaboratively discussed and finalized by the group.)* * **6 Sep:** Depart Australia / Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil * **7 Sep:** Christ the Redeemer (*Cristo Redentor*) & Sugarloaf Mountain Sunset * **8 Sep:** Hike Pedra Bonita (Beginner/Intermediate) + Relax at Ipanema & Copacabana Beaches * **9 Sep:** Hike Pedra da Gávea (Advanced/Challenging) * **10 Sep:** Morning in Rio / Fly to São Luís * **11 Sep:** Explore historic São Luís & organize excursion transport * **12 Sep:** Tour Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (dunes & lagoons) * **13 Sep:** Preguiças River boat tour * **14 Sep:** Parnaíba Delta (Spotting bright-red Scarlet Ibis flocks) * **15 Sep:** Fly to Campo Grande * **16 Sep:** Subterranean cave & river snorkeling tour in Bonito * **17 Sep:** Bonito freshwater adventure tours * **18 Sep:** Drive to the Pantanal & begin Jaguar Tracking * **19 Sep:** Wildlife Safaris in the Pantanal * **20 Sep:** Full-Day Wildlife Safaris in the Pantanal * **21 Sep:** Drive back to Campo Grande & international departure flight ### 💰 Expenses & Cost-Sharing * **Shared Cost Model:** This is a non-profit, shared-expense trip. We will transparently split all shared costs for transport, accommodation, local tours, and group fees. * **Organizer Contribution:** A small contribution of **$10 AUD per day ($160 AUD total)** per participant goes to the organizer to help cover the significant time and administrative costs of planning and logistics. * **Flights:** Please hold off on booking individual flights until recommended routes are shared with the confirmed group. ### 📝 Important Notes * **Co-Op Style Trip:** This is **not** a commercially guided tour. The organizer is a volunteer from our community coordinating the logistics and enjoying the trip alongside everyone else. * **Travel Insurance:** Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is **mandatory** for all overseas trips with our group. ### ⚠️ Waiver of Liability By attending this OZ Adventurers event, I confirm that I am in good physical health and capable of participating in all activities. I understand that outdoor adventures, hiking, and travel carry inherent risks of injury and property damage, and I agree to exercise extra care for my own safety and the safety of others. I agree to **WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY** OZ Adventurers, its organizers, leaders, volunteers, and participants from any and all liability or claims resulting from personal injury, illness, or property damage connected to this event. 🌐 **Connect with OZ Adventurers:** OZ Adventurers provides a community platform bringing together like-minded outdoor enthusiasts across Australia to explore locally and globally. 🔹 **Facebook Page:** [https://www.facebook.com/OZadventurers](https://www.facebook.com/OZadventurers) 🔹 **Facebook Group:** [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ozadventurers](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ozadventurers)

Club Night – Book Presentation by Stephen Whiteside

Creswick to Ballarat (25km Grade M-H)

Cornella Canola Walk & Heathcote Day Trip [Once a Year Event]

Join us on our day trip to Heathcote and Cornella Canola Walk in Shiraz Republic. We will be hiring a 24 seater bus with a driver. This is a once a year event. Don't miss out. If you are a Youtuber or video creator, please message me before getting the ticket. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please buy your ticket ($89 - Early Bird, $99 - Regular) via Trybooking - [https://www.trybooking.com/DOHZD](https://www.trybooking.com/DOHZD) This includes the bus ticket and the entry ticket to the farm ($18) 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. I will manually update the meetup payment status closer to the event date if the names on Trybooking and Meetup are the same. Trybooking payments are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking payments will be refunded only if the event is cancelled or moved to a new date. **Meeting Point:** Let's meet in Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone at 9 AM. We should be back to city around 5 pm. **[Google Map Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jDfdQNtiVMU1SAGk7)** This is a rain-or-shine event. Please carry water, and snacks. We will make a stop at Heathcote for food. Cost: Bus Ticket (including organizer fee, bus with driver, farm entry): $99 - Early Bird, $109 - Regular The golden sea is back at Shiraz Republic! For just four weeks each spring, 100 acres of canola fields burst into a dazzling carpet of yellow. Special walking tracks weave right through the blooms, making this the only spot in Victoria where you can safely step inside a canola field without damaging the crop. Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins (One way) We will spend 90 minutes in Healthcote and 90 minutes at Shiraz Republic for the Canola Walk. 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 eight 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. 📸 Cameras welcome, but… – please refrain from taking photos of our members for privacy reasons. 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/)