Conservation Groups Melbourne

Connecting with Nature at Newport Lakes

Description: Join me to meander along the two-kilometre nature trail in this bushland oasis. We'll enjoy this beautiful environment together as we take in the sights, sounds and stillness of nature. Agenda: 9.50. I'll meet you at the car park above Newport Lakes near the Newport Lakes sign. 10.0am. Walk around the trails in the reserve. After the walk, we'll go to the picnic area to enjoy refreshments. Please bring your own refreshments as there is nothing nearby. If you are coming by public transport, catch either a Werribee or Williamstown line train and get off at Newport. It takes about 15 minutes to walk along Mason St to Newport Lakes If you are driving, park in the car park above the reserve. When you RSVP please click Attend on the Event Page and I will be in touch via direct message. I will also be available on the Events Comments page on the day

Beach Walk & Good Conversation | Brighton to St Kilda

**A gentle seaside walk from Brighton to St Kilda, for people who enjoy meaningful conversation without pressure or performance.** It's 8km along the foreshore - around two and a quarter hours at an easy pace, with stops. Flat the whole way, and beautiful. We'll be walking close to the water and the Bay Trail rather than along the main road footpath. You can check out our planned route here. [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-brighton-beach-station-to-st-kilda-beach-a1de7dc](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-brighton-beach-station-to-st-kilda-beach-a1de7dc) We walk in small clusters that naturally re-form as we go, so you'll end up talking with several different people rather than the same one the whole way. **Where to meet** 📍 Brighton Beach Station carpark, behind the station near the bicycle parking (see the map in the photos) 🕒 4:00pm for a 4:15pm start 🚶 First stop is the Beach Boxes **Rough timings** * 4:00pm – meet at Brighton Beach Station carpark * 4:15pm – start walking * \~4:35pm – toilet stop at Brighton Baths * \~5:40pm – passing Elwood Beach * \~6:30pm – arrive St Kilda, optional dinner **On the walk** There's light structure so nobody feels awkward arriving on their own, but plenty of freedom to just enjoy the views and the company. Good Conversation questions will be available - completely optional. We'll regroup at a few points along the way, including the toilet stop at Brighton Baths. You're welcome to peel off at any station along the route if you've had enough - no need to explain, just let one of us know. **This is for you if you enjoy** * Thoughtful, curious conversation * Being outdoors and moving your body gently * Social connection that feels relaxed and human * Meeting likeminded people without loud venues or small talk overload **What to bring** Comfortable shoes, layers, water and sun protection. It's the bay, so it's usually cooler and windier than the city. **Weather:** we walk in light rain. If it's genuinely miserable we may post here by midday - check the event page before you leave home. **Afterwards** Optional dinner in St Kilda from around 630pm for anyone who'd like to keep talking. Suggestion: Mya Tiger - the food is lovely, and there's a hidden bar upstairs worth a look. **Running late?** We start walking at 4:15pm and follow the foreshore path the whole way, so we're easy to find. Either walk quickly along the path to catch us up, or take a train or tram to a point further along and wait by the beach path for us to pass. Elwood Beach around 5:40pm is the easiest place to join us. The route map and timings are in the photos. Please note the host won't be checking their phone once we set off - they're on the walk too, and they'd rather be present with the group than on a screen. Everything you need is in this description. **Who it's for** Young-at-heart adults, most of our members somewhere between 25 and 50, though the vibe matters more than the number. Strictly 18+. Come as you are. Conversation's an invitation here, never an obligation. **Cost: free.** \-\-\-\-\-\- HOST RESOURCES: [https://mastercoaches.net/good-conversation-club-questions.pdf](https://mastercoaches.net/good-conversation-club-questions.pdf) Print double sided. Cut up cards. Hand out at the start of the event. Guide people to introduce themselves to other guests - for example, talk to someone wearing the same colour as you, or someone about your height. Call Mya Tiger ([(03) 9534 0211](https://www.google.com/search?q=mya+tiget&oq=mya+tiget&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTILCAEQABgKGAsYgAQyCwgCEAAYChgLGIAEMgsIAxAAGAoYCxiABDIRCAQQLhgKGAsYrwEYxwEYgAQyCwgFEAAYChgLGIAEMgsIBhAAGAoYCxiABDILCAcQABgKGAsYgAQyCwgIEAAYChgLGIAEMgsICRAAGAoYCxiABNIBCDE1MDNqMGo0qAIAsAIB&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#)) to make 630pm table reservation for \~10 people. Update on the walk at 5:30pm when people share what their plans are for after the walk.

SPECIAL EVENT - Maribyrnong River Mega Clean Up

*** **SPECIAL EVENT** *** This month, our clean-up is part of a special multi-site event with Maribyrnong Council, Melbourne Water, City of Melbourne, Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association, and Victorian Fisheries. It brings together groups who care about the river, with a particular focus on fishing related litter and pollution. Our Footscray site will be the event base, and our clean up will run as usual alongside activities at other locations. At the end of the event, at 11:00 am, Maribyrnong City Council will provide a barbecue at our meeting point, Footscray Wharf. We’d love to make it a big community effort, so please join us and bring others along **What to Expect:** We will walk along the riverbank and surrounds collecting litter, enjoying fresh air, gentle exercise, and friendly conversation. A free BBQ will be provided immediately followingour clean up at 11am. **What to Bring:** - Drinking water - Sunscreen - Closed shoes - Gloves (optional – we also provide gloves if needed) We will supply rubbish bags, and have gloves, extra sunscreen, and hand sanitiser available. **Meeting Point:** We meet at Footscray Wharf, near Waterside Metal Art in Footscray. This location offers shelter and free parking on nearby streets. **Important Information:** Please check the exact meeting point before attending. If you need help finding us on the day, call 0418 184 457 or 0415 635 063. Our clean-ups take place once a month and continue in all weather, unless conditions are extreme. Please check the event page on the morning of the clean-up for any last-minute updates.

Riverside Bush Regeneration

Meeting in the Heavenly Queen Temple car park at 20 Joseph Road, Footscray, down near the beautiful Maribyrnong River. We're mulching and planting along the riverside. It's a fun experience! Come and meet some friendly, like-minded people working to increase the amount of native bushland along the banks of the beautiful Maribyrnong River. Bring along a bottle of water, wear a hat and old clothing. Gardening gloves are handy, but these will be provided if you need them. It's a great way to meet people and have fun! See you then!

Safari at the Werribee Open Range Zoo

Join me for a full day out at Werribee Open Range Zoo — open grasslands, a free safari bus ride past rhinos, giraffes and zebras, and keeper talks running right through the day. It's one of those places that feels a long way from the city without actually being far at all. We'll travel out together by public transport. Meet me at Boost Juice inside Southern Cross Station at 7:45am, we'll walk to the platform together and catch the 8:04am train, then the connecting bus to the zoo, arriving around 9:29am. If that's too early for you, you're very welcome to make your own way there and meet us at the zoo entrance instead — just let me know so we can look out for you. Once we're in we'll take our time: hop on the safari bus, catch a few keeper talks, wander the walking trails and stop for lunch somewhere along the way. It's a relaxed day, not a race to see everything. One important thing: a Meetup RSVP is not a zoo ticket. Zoos Victoria asks that every person pre-books their entry online, so please sort your own ticket before the day. **Who this is for** * Anyone who enjoys animals, walking and a slow, easygoing day out * Great for first-timers to the zoo and for people new to Melbourne * No fitness requirement, though there's a fair bit of walking on flat paths — comfortable shoes matter more than anything * Coming solo? Perfect. Most people do, and it's an easy group to slot into **Links** * Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sfyVPt3akkGBKxrF9 * Werribee Open Range Zoo: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/ * Tickets / membership: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/whats-on/events/entry/ * Free safari bus: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/free-safari-bus/ * Animal and keeper talks: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/animal-talks/ * Interactive zoo map: https://werribeeopenrangezoo.maptivateapp.com.au/ * Cafes and facilities: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/food-and-facilities/ **Timeline** * 7:45am – Meet at Boost Juice, Southern Cross Station, and say hello * 7:50am – Head to the train platform together * 8:04am – Train departs, then the connecting bus to the zoo * 9:29am – Arrive at Werribee Open Range Zoo (or meet us here if you're travelling separately) * Through the day – Safari bus, keeper talks, walking trails and a lunch stop * 4:33pm – Catch the bus, then the train back to the city * 5:44pm – Arrive back at Southern Cross Station, and the meetup wraps up **Tickets / cost** * Everyone books and pays for their own zoo entry online in advance. * If you have a Zoos Victoria membership, bring it along. **Transport** * We're going by train and bus from Southern Cross Station, so bring a myki with enough balance to get you there and back. * Driving instead? There's parking at the zoo — just plan to meet us at the entrance around 9:30am. **Bring** * Your pre-booked zoo ticket and your myki * Water bottle * Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen — much of the zoo is open and exposed * A light jacket or rain layer * Lunch and snacks if you'd rather pack your own; otherwise there are cafes on site **Expect** * Difficulty: Easy — flat, mostly sealed paths * Pace: Relaxed, with plenty of stops * Vibe: Friendly, chatty and low-pressure * Group style: We'll stay loosely together, but you're free to peel off and explore at your own pace and rejoin us **Important notes** * This is a casual social meetup arranged so we can head out to the zoo together. It isn't run by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Zoos Victoria or Werribee Open Range Zoo. * Your RSVP here is not a ticket and doesn't guarantee entry — please book directly with the zoo. * Safari bus and talk times are set by the zoo and can change without notice, so we'll check the board when we arrive and work around whatever's running. * Public transport timetables can change or be disrupted. I'll do my best to keep everyone together, but please keep an eye on your own connections, especially on the way home. * It's an outdoor day, so dress for the weather. Some animals may be less visible in heat or rain — that's just how open range works. * Please look after yourself on the day: stay hydrated, follow all zoo rules and staff instructions, and take part within your own comfort and ability. You're joining at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety and wellbeing. * If your plans change, please update your RSVP so the numbers stay clear for everyone.

Knitting and Crocheting with Conversation and Coffee at Kindred Studios

**Description**: Join me to knit or crochet in the warm, friendly environment of Kindred Studios where we can share our skills and ideas. Knitters, crocheters and crafters of all abilities are welcome. The conversation is relaxed as we work on our projects together and it's a great way to make new friends. The Bass Note Cafe is within the studios and will bring great coffee and delicious snacks to our table. **Agenda**: I'll meet you at 10.00am inside Kindred Studios at the large table near the tiered seating. We have the space available until 12.00pm. **Location**: Kindred Studios 3 Harris St Yarraville Street parking is available nearby in Harris, Cowper, Hyde and Whitehall Streets. There are large red signs on the footpath to guide you to Kindred Studios. If you are coming by train take the Williamstown/Werribee line to Seddon Station. It's then about 10 minutes to walk to the Studios. When you RSVP please click attend on the Event Page and I will be in touch via direct message. I will also be available on the Events Comments page on the day. .

George Bass Coastal Walk Hiking

**Whats App Group** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FdCuP5eS0i768Y8IMtxmHf](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FdCuP5eS0i768Y8IMtxmHf) **Check description or DM Nick in group chat to signup carpool or drive. Make sure you signup carpool or drive before you show up.** The George Bass Coastal Walk is a scenic cliff-top trail on Victoria's Bass Coast in Australia, tracing the historic 1797 voyage of explorer George Bass. Trail Overview & Stats * **Distance:** \~7 km one-way (14 km return), or about 9.6 to 15.4 miles total depending on exact turnaround points. * **Time:** 2 to 3 hours one-way, or 4 to 4.5 hours for the full out-and-back trek. * **Difficulty:** Moderate **What’s included** * Gas, Vehicle use, Driver effort. Split bill if any other expense is exist. **Liability** * The organizer and any/all assistant organizers and other attendees are in no way responsible and liable for your personal safety and health state, before, during, and at any time after this event. * You acknowledge you are solely responsible for your health, safety, and well-being before, during, and at any time after the event as stated previously. * All attendees shall forever hold harmless the organizers and other attendees and unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in this event.

History Walk: Shoot Out in Treasury Gardens. Sold Out

Maribyrnong River Social Walk

**WHEN** **Every Sunday** **MEET TIME: 8:45am** **START TIME: 9:00am** **MEET LOCATION: Boathouse Cafe, Moonee Ponds** **LOOK FOR: Social Walks Volunteers in high-vis vests** **DISTANCE: Approximately 6km** **DIFFICULTY: Easy** **ESTIMATED WALK TIME: Around 1.5 hours** **COST: Free** **ABOUT THIS WALK** **Come along for our free weekly Maribyrnong River Social Walk, a relaxed and scenic Sunday morning walk through one of Melbourne’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.** **We’ll meet next to the Boathouse Cafe at 8:45am and set off at 9:00am sharp for an easy-paced social walk along the Maribyrnong River and through the Afton Street Conservation Reserve.** **The walk follows peaceful riverside paths, open parkland and palm-lined sections, with plenty of fresh air and great conversation along the way. There’ll be natural opportunities to pause, take in the views, enjoy the calm atmosphere of the river and connect with others as we explore this much-loved Melbourne landmark.** **The total walk is approximately 6km and is expected to take around 1.5 hours, depending on the group pace and any short stops along the way.** **This is a social-paced walk, meaning we stick together, keep things relaxed and make space for conversation and connection throughout.** **After the walk, anyone who would like to can stay nearby for a coffee and chat.** **This walk goes ahead rain, hail or shine.** **WHAT TO EXPECT** **Expect an easy, friendly and social walk at a relaxed pace.** **The Maribyrnong River offers a beautiful mix of riverside paths, open green spaces, birdlife, city views and a calm Sunday morning atmosphere. It’s a great setting for anyone who wants to get outside, move their body and meet good people.** **This walk is not a race and there’s no fitness pressure. It’s about connection, movement and starting the day well.** **WHO CAN COME** **Everyone is welcome.** **Whether you come on your own, with a friend, or you’re brand new to Social Walks, we’d love to have you join us.** **This walk is suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, but please make sure the distance and pace are appropriate for your own health and ability.** **WHAT TO BRING** * **Water** * **Comfortable walking shoes** * **Weather-appropriate clothing** * **A hat and sunscreen if it’s sunny** * **A rain jacket if wet weather is forecast** **PUBLIC TRANSPORT** **Moonee Ponds Station is the closest train station.** **Please check your best route before travelling, as public transport times and connections can vary depending on where you’re coming from.** **PARKING** **Parking is available along The Boulevard, but spaces can be limited on Sunday mornings.** **Please allow extra time to find a park, especially on busy weekends or when other events are taking place in the area.** **IMPORTANT INFO** **By attending this event, you acknowledge that you are participating at your own risk.** **Please make sure this walk is suitable for your fitness and health level.** **Children are welcome if supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.** **Dogs are welcome if they are friendly, well behaved and kept under effective control in line with local laws and park rules. Dogs must be kept on lead in signed on-lead areas.** **ABOUT SOCIAL WALKS** **Social Walks is all about bringing people together through walking, hiking, adventure and community connection.** **Our walks are designed to be welcoming, friendly and social, giving people a simple way to get outside, move their bodies, meet others and feel more connected.**

Walk around Kings Domain & Brunch at Royal Botanic Gardens

Brites hosts a weekly in-person event at each city for its members to connect face-to-face and also to introduce prospective members to our organisation. For this meetup we will do the following: 1. Meet up at 11am at Fed Square 2. Walk around King's Domain 3. Sit at the cafe at Royal Botanic Gardens for about 30-min 4. Walk back along the river 5. Finish up at Fed Square at 1pm Brites is a safe and friendly community services organisation for the common good. That means we are all interested in being upstanding members of our local communities and doing good works. If you're ready to become a member get started with a 2-week trial to our Telegram group here [launchpass.com/brites/melbourne](https://launchpass.com/brites/melbourne).

Naarm Solarpunk Meetup + Merri-bek.Tech AGM

[Merri-bek Tech](https://www.merri-bek.tech/), a group in the inner northern suburbs of Naarm (Melbourne), invites everyone involved interested in tinkering with grass-roots technologies in support of a **Sustainable**, **Resilient** and **Just** future to join us for the **Naarm Solarpunk Meetup**. This month we have special guest speaker, **Anastasia Beasley**, with the presentation, 'Land shapes the internet'. ***Land shapes the internet*** Margo Ngawa Neale calls songlines "corridors of knowledge", and Internet infrastructure follows those same paths through Country to transport information through cable-sized corridors. The Internet is made of Country - even the fibre optic cables in the NBN are made of Queensland sand - but its protocols are very different to those that govern knowledge sharing in Indigenous systems. I am an ally with settler heritage, and I have no authority to speak about traditional knowledge, but I'd like to share some context about the Internet's history in so-called Australia and recommend some readings by Indigenous computer scientists. *Anastasia is a research fellow at auDA, the Australian not-for-profit organisation responsible for administering the .au domain.* After the presentation, at the end of the Meetup we will be running the Merri-bek.tech Annual General Meeting (AGM), presenting the annual report and nominating and confirming the committee members for the next year. This is a great opportunity to get further involved with the organisation; to become a member, or as a member to nominate as, or vote for committee members. If you do none of these things is a a good chance to see how a grass-roots organisation can be organised and run. **About the Naarm Solarpunk group** Some of us are technologists, and will be showing off software or hardware projects, and others are more interested in community organizing, responding to the climate crisis, or building local resilience. Whatever your area of interest, or your level of skill, you're absolutely welcome to dive in. At the meetups we'll have a show-and-tell time for any projects that you're working on, as well as occasional short presentations. The space will be hosted by volunteers, and we'll actively work towards inclusion through applying a [code of conduct](https://www.contributor-covenant.org/version/2/1/code_of_conduct/). Merri-bek Tech has some projects that you might be interested in updates from, including our attempt to build P2P mesh network based community hosting on Raspberry Pis, and our project to run a local fediverse social network. We aspire to keep this meetup **Solarpunk** as fuck. We support the hackers, tinkerers and makers and misfits. There are plenty of other spaces for big corporate green tech, so bring your hobby project, not your day job, unless that job is firmly rooted in the solidarity economy. We are not value neutral. We'll start with Merri-bek Tech's [values](https://www.merri-bek.tech/about/values/) and [principles](https://www.merri-bek.tech/about/principles/), and build from there together. In particular, in the context of ongoing genocide, we will ask you to leave if you're associated in any way with the weapons industry. This meetup will be hosted on the stolen, unceeded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. **Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.**

Bogong Plains Pack-Carry Hike