Community Gardens Melbourne

Community Camp (Yarra Valley VIC | 1.5 Hours from Melbourne CBD )

**Registration required at below link:** **Tickets: $50** https://events.humanitix.com/oot-and-aboot-community-camp-jul-2026-edition-or-yarra-valley-vic-or-1-5-hours-from-melbourne-cbd/tickets Oot & Aboot’s Community Camp is a relaxed, low-pressure overnight camping experience designed to bring LGBTQIA+ people and allies together in nature. This is our second event, and we’re intentionally keeping it simple. There’s no packed schedule or expectations — just space to slow down, connect, and enjoy the outdoors in good company. Across one night, you can look forward to: * A welcoming and inclusive camp environment * Lawn and board games * Casual group walks in nature * Swimming * Plenty of unstructured community time to talk, laugh, and connect * A simple self-serve breakfast on Sunday morning This is an **adults-only (18+)** event with a maximum of **16 participants**, creating an intimate and friendly atmosphere. No prior camping experience is required. The campsite is located in Yarra Valley, VIC, approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne CBD. For safety and privacy reasons, the exact location will be provided only to confirmed ticket holders and can be found on the ticket sent via email after payment. Please remember to check your junk or spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox. Know before you go: * Participants should bring their own camping gears (tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, pillow, etc.), warm clothes, food, and drinks (except breakfast). Please reach out if you don't have any or missing some of the camping gears, we may a solution for you * Alcohol may be consumed responsibly * As a new, volunteer-run charity, we’re not yet able to cater for specific dietary or allergy requirements — please bring food that meets your needs * Some uneven ground and bush walking may be involved * Dogs and other pets are not permitted due to our insurance Park Facilities (shared with other guests): * Powered and grassed/graveled sites * Camp Kitchen: Includes microwave, toaster, kettle, fridge and free barbeques * Water taps throughout the park * Toilets and showers * Campfire is allowed when conditions are suitable Oot & Aboot events are grounded in respect, inclusion, and care. We aim to create spaces where LGBTQIA+ people and allies feel safe, welcome, and supported. If you’re looking for a gentle way to reconnect with nature and community, we’d love to have you join us. ## Know before you go * Who is this event for? This event is for LGBTQIA+ adults and allies (18+). It’s designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and low-pressure. * Do I need camping experience? No. This is a relaxed community camp. If you can set up basic camping gear, you’ll be just fine. * What does my ticket include? Your ticket covers campsite fees, access to facilities, lawn and board games, casual group walks, and a simple shared breakfast on Sunday morning. * What food is provided? A simple self-serve breakfast (bread, spreads, fruit, tea & coffee) is included. Please bring your own food and drinks for all other meals. * Can you cater for dietary requirements or allergies? As a new, volunteer-run charity, we’re not yet able to cater for specific dietary or allergy requirements. Please bring food that meets your needs. * Can I bring alcohol? Yes — alcohol may be consumed responsibly in line with campsite rules and community expectations. * Are pets allowed? No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted at this event. * Will I get the exact location after booking? Yes. Exact campsite location will be shared with confirmed ticket holders for safety and privacy. * What should I bring? Bring your own camping gear, food and drinks, a camp chair, warm layers, and a torch or headlamp. More details will be shared via email closer to the event.

Community Conversations: Imagining Stronger Social Cohesion in Boroondara

Community Conversations: Imagining Stronger Social Cohesion in Boroondara During the July session of Community Conversations, we will partner with the 'Bahá'i Creating an Inclusive Narrative' project to contribute to its ongoing learning about advancing social cohesion in Australia. Since its inception in 2019, the project has brought together hundreds of people through roundtable discussions exploring the "bigger story" of Australian identity - one that embraces the diverse voices, cultures and historical experiences of all Australians. We warmly invite you to join our Community Conversations gathering on 17 July 2026 and participate in a Boroondara focused roundtable discussion that will help shape a shared vision for fostering greater social cohesion within our community. The consultation process will be guided by principles of reciprocity, respect and purposeful consultation. With the current challenges facing our community there has never been a more important time to contribute to this conversation. Insights and perspectives shared during the roundtable will help inform the second edition of the Creating an Inclusive Narrative publication, which will be shared with government and civil society organisations. For more information about the Bahá'i Creating an Inclusive Narrative project: **Creating an Inclusive Narrative Project** (https://collections.humanitix.com/creating-an-inclusive-narrative-project#CollectionAbout-title) Register now to reserve your place. Community Conversations is a monthly initiative of the Boroondara Bahá'í community that brings people together to explore contemporary challenges, strengthen understanding, and foster meaningful connection. This is a free event and all are invited to attend. Please RSVP to attend: http://bit.ly/4vcpuwh

Late lunch + Gratitude Walk

I've been wanting to combine two of my favourite things - good plant-based food and time outdoors with good humans - so here we go. We're starting with lunch at **Cockatoo Kitchen, 60 Bridge Road, Richmond** \- Asian / Thai\, 100% vegan \(bonus points if you've been craving a good curry\)\. Come hungry\, come as you are\. We've already got 8 people RSVPd, so we'll be grabbing takeaway and heading to nearby Yarra Park to eat together on the picnic tables / grass - perfect for a sunny day. Once we've met, greeted and eaten, we'll wander towards the Royal Botanic Gardens for a **gratitude walk** \- takes about 30 minutes to get there\, easy pace\, no fitness level required\. If you've never done one, here's the shape of it: * Leave the phone in your pocket (or on silent) - just for this bit * Notice 3 things you can see… 3 things you can hear… 2 things you can feel (the breeze, the sun on your skin)… 1 thing you can smell * Appreciate the small stuff - comfy shoes, a nice tree, someone's laugh * Silently reflect, or say your thanks out loud as you go - whatever feels natural Gratitude and stress genuinely can't hold the same space in your brain at once - so this is 30 minutes of your nervous system getting a proper break, dressed up as a nice walk. Feel free to bring a journal (optional) - once we're in the gardens, there'll be a chance to share gratitude for what you're calling in, as if it's already happened. Eg - if you're wanting new friends, you might share that you're grateful you've met some like-minded people who you now catch up with regularly… that you laugh a lot together… that it feels easy. Speak it like it's already yours. Once we reach the gardens, no pressure to stick around as a group - keep chatting with whoever you've clicked with, explore solo, or head off and get on with your Saturday. **Details** 📍 Cookatoo Kitchen, 60 Bridge Road, Richmond 🕜 Saturday 18th July, 1:30pm 🥗 100% vegan, Asian/Thai menu 🚶‍♀️ Gratitude walk to follow (\~30 min to the Botanic Gardens) Come as you are - conversation's an invitation here, never an obligation. Can't wait to see who shows up.

Tree Planting Day and Walk in Merri and Edgars Creek Parklands

Ripponlea market and gardens

Queer By Nature: Rest and Nest

**📌 Booking essential. This event runs on sliding-scale pricing via Humanitix, not Meetup RSVP.** Please book your spot here: **[https://events.humanitix.com/qbn-rest-and-nest](https://events.humanitix.com/qbn-rest-and-nest)** Winter invites us to slow down and this month, Queer By Nature is taking that invitation seriously. Rest & Nest is a 2-hour nature-based creative workshop for LGBTQIA+ folks, held at the beautiful Darebin Parklands in Alphington. **What to expect:** * A warm, unhurried welcome with some grounding behind why rest and slowing down actually matters - for our nervous systems, our creativity, and our sense of self. * A slow, guided outdoor walk to notice what winter is doing in the natural world. * Time to build your own nest using materials provided, followed by a gentle closing circle. * Optional parklands wander at the end of the session. **This workshop is for you if:** * You're craving permission to slow down * You've been running on empty and need a soft landing * You're curious about nature-based and arts-based wellbeing * You want queer community without having to perform or be "on" If you're feeling the pull to slow down this winter, we'd love to have you. Spaces are limited, so please secure your spot via Humanitix before the day: **[https://events.humanitix.com/qbn-rest-and-nest](https://events.humanitix.com/qbn-rest-and-nest)**

Ferndale Park Trail - Gardiners Creek SUNDAY WALK

**Ferndale Park Trail** This Sunday Walk we revisit the riverside trails around Gardiners Creek in Glen Iris. We'll meet at Ferndale Park reserve and walk along Gardiners Creek towards the Glen Iris wetlands and then return to our coffee spot for a catch-up and chat. **When**: Sunday, 12th July 2026 at 9:00 am **Start:** Meet at the carpark off **Glen Iris Road, at Ferndale Park** adjacent to the **Scout Hall** at 9.00 AM. If the carpark is full, park in Glen Iris Road. **Coffee:** On our return at the Pantry Cafe. **Summary:** This walk is very scenic along the riverside, on well-formed paved paths. The distance is approximately 5.0 Km. Actual walking time will be about 1.5 hours.

Expand Your Social Circle - Kudos 2 Friends Urban Coffee? Social? Walk? (CBD)

**\-\-\- Follow Us & Get Update On Instagram \-\-\-** [www.instagram.com/kudos2friends](http://www.instagram.com/kudos2friends) We will meet at the starting point, grab a coffee and have a sit down social coffee catchup. If weather permits, we will take a short stroll around the city with a take away coffee. Dress for comfort and outdoor walk. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the organiser to introduce you. You can take it slow and start from there. If you enjoy the conversation(s), you can hang out in the area over a bite/ drink after. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** If you change your plan or decide not to attend. Please update your RSVP, so others can attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos 2 Friends is a Melbourne based community created for individuals who are looking to expand their social circle and form long term friendship overtime. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, hiking, sporting, chilling, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **\-\-\- Heylo App \-\-\-** We use Heylo App for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please download the Heylo app from the App store and let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the Heylo Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

Wetlands Walk – Connection, Birdlife & Nature at Laverton Estuary

Join me for a relaxed, family friendly walk through the wetlands, estuary, and coastal landscapes of Melbourne’s west. Whether you come for the birdlife, fresh air, meaningful conversation, or simply to slow down and connect — you are warmly welcome. Starting at Apex Park in Altona, we’ll explore the Laverton Creek Spit Conservation Zone, salt marsh, and boardwalks, finishing at the Hundred Steps of Federation lookout with wide views toward the You Yangs. At the lookout, we’ll pause to rest, chat, and enjoy the views. Please bring drinks and snacks, as there are no places to purchase food along the way. **Agenda** * 2:00pm – Meet at Apex Park, Altona (map and photo of meeting spot below) * 2:10pm – Depart * 3:15pm – Hundred Steps lookout break * 5:00pm – Return to starting point The walk is approximately 8km and mostly flat, with the Hundred Steps lookout accessible via either stairs or hill. By PT: Bus 411 from Bay 6, Leeds Street/Paisley Street, Footscray stops across from Apex Park. Please RSVP by clicking “Attend,” and I’ll be in touch with any additional details. This is a rain-or-shine event — any weather updates will be posted in the Event Comments on the day.

Dinner at My Thai Kitchen, Clayton

This place has good reviews and I like Thai food :) Maybe I'll get a curry or a stir fry (I don't share dishes but others certainly can if they want to)

Scenic Walk - Inner Circle Rail Trail, Nth Carlton & Nth Fitzroy + Tasty Brunch

Pride Inside Book Club - July Meeting - Braiding Sweetgrass