Conservation Groups Melbourne

Maribyrnong River Walk: Birds, Wetlands & Coffee – Footscray to Edgewater

Join me for a relaxed nature walk along the Maribyrnong River Trail, exploring the section from the Footscray Community Arts Centre to Edgewater and Burndap Park. We’ll allow time to pause along the way and observe birdlife and enjoy the natural environment, and if you enjoy photography, you’re welcome to bring your camera or phone to capture the flora and fauna we encounter along the river trail. Our route takes us past the Heavenly Queen Taoist Temple, and through Newell's Paddock Wetlands Reserve and past Footscray Park. Newell’s Paddock is a conservation area that has been regenerated over the past 30 years from a polluted industrial site into thriving wetlands, where more than 80 bird species have now been recorded. We may also see the local swan family out exploring with their cygnets. [https://www.newellspaddock.org.au/2016/06/07/birds-of-newells-paddock/](https://www.newellspaddock.org.au/2016/06/07/birds-of-newells-paddock/) When we reach Edgewater Marina, we’ll stop to have something to eat or drink. There are two cafés and an Italian deli nearby. From here we will walk through Burndap Park, a revegetated space that provides an important habitat for waterbirds and other native wildlife. The Superb Fairy-wren, the endangered Growling Grass Frog and Spotted Marsh Frog have found a home here. For anyone interested in identifying birdlife and frogs there are many free apps, including [Frog Census ID](https://www.melbournewater.com.au/learn-about/making-difference/citizen-science-waterwatch/frog-census) app and [Merlin Bird ID](https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/). The Maribyrnong River Trail is flat and well maintained, and this walk is rated easy to moderate. Distance: approximately 7 km Walking time: around 1 hour 45 minutes, with breaks along the way. **Agenda** 2:00 pm – Meet at the Footscray Community Arts Centre (see event photos for a map and meeting point) 2:10 pm – Begin our walk 3:30 pm – Arrive at Edgewater Marina for a break 4:15 pm – Walk through Burndap park 5:15 pm – Arrive back at the Footscray Community Arts Centre **Getting There** If you’re coming by public transport, the Arts Centre is about a 7-minute walk from Footscray Station—head down Bunbury Street and turn left onto Moreland Street. For those driving, there is on-street metered parking as well as a car park at the Arts Centre. **RSVP & Event Notes** Please RSVP by clicking Attend on the event page, and I’ll be in touch with any additional details via direct message. This is a rain or shine event and I add any updates about weather conditions in the Event Comments on the day if needed. *Please note once we meet at 2:00 pm, I will be connecting with guests and unable to respond to direct messages. For anyone running late, I will post a location tracker in the Event Comments so you can find us along the trail.*

Engineering Machine Consciousness Monthly Meetup

The discussion topic for this meetup will be identity and whether or not history is a necessary condition for consciousness as Dretske proposed. James

Maribyrnong River Bank Clean Up

Join us for a relaxed morning of community connection, light activity, and caring for the Maribyrnong River. **What to Expect:** We will walk along the riverbank and surrounds collecting litter, enjoying fresh air, gentle exercise, and friendly conversation. After the clean-up, we will head to Myrtle Café together for a coffee and chat. This is an optional part of the event, and all are welcome to join. **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.

Olinda Reserve Loop (17km Grade M-H)

Riverside Bush Regeneration

Meeting up near the Liberty One building in Neilson Place, not far from the Heavenly Queen Temple, 20 Joseph Road, Footscray. We're completing the mulching outside the building, which is a great achievement. The final step in turning what was a dry patch of dirt into a green space. 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.

Authentic Romancing: An evening of connection for couples

This is a ticketed in-person **couples workshop** event designed to spark deeper conversations and genuine moments. Tickets can be purchased here: [Authentic Romancing | Couples Date Night | 11 Oct Chadstone](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/authentic-romancing-an-evening-of-connection-for-couples-tickets-1982631455053?aff=oddtdtcreator) 1 ticket = 1 couple (2 people) We will be playing a series of Authentic Relating games to cultivate play and meaningful connection in couple relationships. You don't need to have experienced Authentic Relating before to come along. It is very beginner friendly!

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) - Archibald Prize Exhibition - 7 going

Nature Walk and Bird Watching at Albert Park Lake with Coffee & Conversation

Join me for an easy going walk and bird watching together at Albert Park Lake, an extraordinary wetland habitat and one of Melbourne's favourite nature spots. Whether you are new in town or looking to connect with other nature lovers this walk is a great opportunity to chat with new and old friends as we explore by the water's edge. We can enjoy the stroll together and sharing our birdlife discoveries along the way. We'll have time for photographs and to take in the magnificent views of the city skyline at the southern end of the lake. We'll finish up at the Coots Picnic area to relax, socialise and enjoy something to eat and drink. **Agenda** I will meet you at **2pm** on the lakeside of the Light Rail Tram Stop No.129 Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. We'll set off at 2.10pm to walk clockwise around the lake. We'll stroll past the wharves and Gunn Island and pause at the southernmost point of the lake. Then we'll make our way back to the Coots Picnic area for a snack and drink together. You can pick up a coffee and a snack at the nearby Sir Albert Cafe or bring your own favourites. This is an easy walk on flat pathways and the distance will be about 5.5km all up. The walking time is around 1hr 45mins including stops along the way. **Location** Light Rail Tram Stop No.129 on the No.96 Light Rail Tram line (Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre Tram Stop) There is free street parking available on Canterbury Road which runs beside the tram/light rail line. 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.

Heide MoMA and Sculpture Gardens - SUNDAY WALK

**Heide Museum of Modern Art & Gardens** Our Sunday Walk this week takes us back to the beautiful Heide Sculpture Gardens and Park on the banks of the Yarra River. An integral part of Heide is its Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the grounds featuring outdoor sculptures. With a long history as an artist's retreat and landscape gardens, Heide is a special place for a Sunday Walk. **Start**: Meet at Heide main entrance, off Templestowe Road, Bulleen. We'll meet at the large sculpture display outside the Gallery Shop at the entrance to MoMA. (see main picture here). Note the slightly later Start Time: **9.15 AM** **Parking:** Turn off Templestowe Rd and head for the Lower Carpark (follow signs). If this carpark is full, drive past and follow the road to Banksia Park where there's plenty of extra space, then walk back to the Kitchen. **The Walk**: We'll walk the gardens and parkland of the adjacent Banksia Park before heading back to the Kitchen Cafe for brunch. It's a slightly shorter walk than our usual (about 4 Km) but includes some hilly sections. **Toilets**: Throughout the Park and at the Kitchen area. **Coffee**: At the Heide Kitchen Cafe, where we can also enjoy brunch if you wish.

Men's Naturist Day Walk on a private farm near Lancefield with optional BBQ

HIKE - Lysterfield Lake to Lysterfield Hill loop (14km- Moderate)

Join as **Jade** leads us on a wildlife filled journey through Australian bushland, rocky paths and plenty of good views across Melbourne and beyond. This is a 14km loop beginning and ending at the main Lysterfield Lake carpark. Expect dense bushland,rocky terrain, the soothing sounds of nature, eucalyptus and wildflowers. ## 🥾 Terrain & Difficulty \*\*\*Australian Walking Track Grade: \*\*3 \*\ *\*Difficulty: \*\*Moderate \*\*\ *Terrain: \*\*Some Steep Sections, Bushland, dirt tracks, and gravel ##\*\ *🎒 What to Bring\*\* \*💧 3L of water \*🥙 Snacks and Lunch \*🤠 Hat and sunscreen \*First aid kit (optional) \*Hiking poles (optional) \*Electrolytes (optional) ## 👕 What to Wear \*🥾 Hiking boots or sturdy runners *👕 Moisture‑wicking clothing and wet weather gear as you see fit. \*🤠 A hat ## 📍 Meeting Point Spotted Gum Carpark -Horswood Rd, Narre Warren North VIC 3804 **Trail Route:** https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/victoria/lysterfield-loop-to-lysterfield-hill?sh=e6ztqg&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality Toilets: Available at the start point. Water: Bring your own; **no drinking water available on route.** My **mobile number is 0466980126,should anyone need to contact me.** ## • 🌦 Weather & Safety We hike in all conditions — rain, shine, mist, or cold — as long as it remains safe to do so. If weather conditions become **unsafe** (strong winds, storms, extreme heat, or track closures), we may modify or postpone the walk. Any updates will be posted on the event page. ## ❤️ About Walking With Grace & Our Hiking Community Walking With Grace is a faith‑inspired, non‑profit community that welcomes people from all backgrounds and beliefs. Our hikes are community‑led, volunteer‑run, and focused on connection, kindness, and enjoying nature together. This event is part of **club.hiking.org.au**, a free online hiking community where you can: *Download GPX files \*Share your outdoor adventures *Connect with other hikers \*Discover new trails and inspiration Because **Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared.** ## ✨ RSVP Etiquette If your plans change, please update your RSVP so we can plan well and make space for others on the waitlist. ## 🌟 We Look Forward to Sharing This Adventure With You Every walk is a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the simple gift of being outdoors together. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another adventure, we’re grateful to have you with us. We look forward to sharing this experience with you — the conversations, the views, the quiet moments, and the joy of walking side by side. Because **Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared.** 🌟 **How Can You Help WWG?** If you have suggestions for walks you would like to do or can recommend please let us know. WWG is run by volunteers. Fees are incurred to run the group. If you would like to donate to help spread the cost, any contribution would be very gratefully received. **Bank Details: BSB 484799 ACC 481491970** **⚠️ Disclaimer** This is a social, community‑led outing rather than a guided or professionally supervised activity. By attending, you accept responsibility for your own safety and wellbeing. The route may include uneven ground, shallow water crossings, slippery surfaces, and natural hazards typical of bush environments. Please consider your fitness and comfort level, bring suitable gear, and look out for one another as we move through the terrain. If conditions change or anything feels unsafe, we’ll adjust the plan together as a group. Our volunteers carry first‑aid supplies, an emergency radio, and satellite navigation/communication devices. These are available to support the group, but they are not a substitute for personal preparedness. We also recommend having active ambulance cover whenever you take part in outdoor activities.

Monthly South Melbourne Beach Patrol beach clean-up

Join us for one hour of beach cleaning, socialising, and generally being a good person. It's a perfect time to head down to clean up the beaches that you love. Meeting Spot: Kerferd Rd Pier When: Every third Saturday, 9am - 10am Please arrive 850am for a 9am start! Bags provided. Please bring your own gloves if you like. Feel free to invite neighbours/family/friends/colleagues, etc to join in and lend a hand as we tidy up our beaches and bay!! 3205 Beach Patrol is a group that meets for One Hour each month to clear rubbish from South Melbourne Beach. Totally voluntary, totally optional, totally local. We meet every THIRD Saturday, same place, same time. Beach Patrol is a chain of volunteer community groups each defined by suburb, post code and t-shirt colour. Starting in 2009, by mid-2015 there were 18 groups running, covering over 50 km of beach across the top of Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay with approx. 1500 volunteers signed up to help keep our beaches clean.