Community Gardens Melbourne

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!

Community Conversations: Creating Prosperity for Posterity

What if prosperity was measured not only by what we gain, but by what we leave behind? We often think of prosperity as success, security or material wellbeing. But what gives life a deeper sense of fulfilment, and how might our understanding of prosperity change when we consider its impact beyond ourselves? Through stories and shared conversation, this evening will explore ideas such as contentment, sacrifice and legacy, inviting us to consider what it means to live well today while contributing meaningfully to those who come after us. Community Conversations provides an inclusive space where people from all backgrounds and beliefs are welcome. Each session includes a short presentation, followed by shared group consultation, where we can explore the theme together, along with time to connect, socialise, and enjoy light refreshments. This is a free event and all are invited to attend.

Halloween Themed Community Camp (Healesville VIC | 1.5 Hours from Melbourne CBD)

**Registration is required at below link:** **Tickets: $50** https://events.humanitix.com/oot-and-aboot-community-camp-oct-2026-edition-or-healesville-vic-or-1-5-hours-from-melbourne-cbd Oot & Aboot’s Community Camp is a relaxed, low-pressure overnight camping experience designed to bring LGBTQIA+ people and allies together in nature — this time with a Halloween twist!. This is our sixth camping 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 (maybe with a few pumpkins and cobwebs thrown in). Across one night, you can look forward to: * A self-paced 1.5 hour hike to Maroondah Reservoir Park (Saturday morning, optional) * A welcoming and inclusive camp environment, dressed up for the season * Lawn and board games * Swimming * Spooky storytelling around the campfire (bring a tale to share, or just come listen) * A Halloween-spirited campfire hangout — costumes and Halloween makeup welcome (but never required!) * Plenty of unstructured community time to talk, laugh, and connect * A simple self-serve breakfast on Sunday morning Feel free to bring a costume, some face paint or Halloween makeup, decorations for your site, or just your regular camping gear — however much (or little) Halloween spirit you're in the mood for is totally fine with us. This is an **adults-only (18+)** event with a maximum of **15 participants**, creating an intimate and friendly atmosphere. No prior camping experience is required. New: pre-event WhatsApp group For this event, we're trialling an opt-in WhatsApp group for confirmed ticket holders. It's a relaxed space to say hi, ask questions, or get to know a few faces before the day — especially handy if you're coming solo and want a bit of a heads-up on who else will be there. Joining is completely optional — your phone number may be visible to other members — and the group will be deleted 3 days after the event. The campsite is located in Healesville, 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 gear (tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, pillow, etc.), warm clothes, food, cooking stove, utensils and drinks (except breakfast). Please reach out if you don't have any or missing some of the camping gear, we may have a solution for you * If you'd like to get into the Halloween spirit, feel free to bring a costume and/or Halloween makeup — face paint and makeup remover are worth packing if you go this route * Alcohol may be consumed responsibly * As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we are not able to guarantee accommodation of specific dietary or allergy requirements. We encourage you to contact us in advance at [hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au](mailto:hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au) to discuss whether this event is right for you. Please ensure your own needs are met by bringing food that suits your requirements * Our events take place in outdoor environments across various locations in Victoria, which may involve uneven ground and bush walking. Some venues may not meet all accessibility needs. As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we are not able to guarantee accessibility assistance. We encourage you to contact us in advance at [hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au](mailto:hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au) to discuss whether a specific event is right for you. If you feel you may need support on the day, we encourage you to bring a carer or support person * Dogs and other pets are not permitted due to our insurance, though registered assistance animals are welcome Park Facilities (shared with other guests): * Powered and grassed/gravelled sites * Camp Kitchen: Includes microwave, toaster, kettle, fridge and free barbeques * Swimming pool * 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. * Is this event accessible for people with mobility needs? Our events take place in outdoor environments across various locations in Victoria, which may involve uneven ground and bush walking. Some venues may not meet all accessibility needs. As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we are not able to guarantee accessibility assistance. We encourage you to contact us in advance at [hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au](mailto:hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au) to discuss whether a specific event is right for you. If you feel you may need support on the day, we encourage you to bring a carer or support person. * Can you cater for dietary requirements or allergies? As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we are not able to guarantee accommodation of specific dietary or allergy requirements. We encourage you to contact us in advance at [hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au](mailto:hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au) to discuss whether this event is right for you. Please ensure your own needs are met by bringing food that suits your requirements." * Can I bring alcohol? Yes — alcohol may be consumed responsibly in line with campsite rules and community expectations. * Are pets allowed? Unfortunately we're unable to accommodate pets, though registered assistance animals are welcome. * 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, cooking stove, utensil, and drinks, a camp chair, warm layers, and a torch or headlamp. More details will be shared via email closer to the event. Please email or text us if you would like to borrow some camping gear. We might be able to arrange for you.

🌿 Sunday Social in the Gardens: Mingle & Make New Friends in Melbourne CBD

Looking to meet new people, expand your social circle and make some genuine friendships in Melbourne? Join us for a **relaxed Sunday afternoon at Flagstaff Gardens**, where we'll enjoy some fresh air, friendly conversations and the chance to connect with new people in a beautiful outdoor setting! 🌳☀️ Whether you're new to Melbourne, have lived here for years, or simply want to meet some new faces, this is a great opportunity to step outside your usual routine and make new connections. **No formal activities, no awkward networking and no pressure to be super outgoing.** Just a friendly group of people getting together to chat, mingle and hopefully make a few new friends along the way! **📅 Event Details** **Date:** Sunday, 25 October 2026 **Time:** 12:00pm–2:00pm **Location:** Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne CBD **Meeting Point:** The big tree near the stage in the centre of Flagstaff Gardens 🌳 **🌿 What to Expect** We'll gather in a nice grassy area of Flagstaff Gardens and spend the afternoon chatting, relaxing and getting to know each other. To make conversations easier and give everyone a chance to meet different people, we may split into smaller groups of around **6–8 people**. Feel free to move between groups, join different conversations and meet as many people as you like. There's no strict schedule or structured activities. The idea is to create a **welcoming, relaxed atmosphere where friendships can happen naturally.** **👋 Coming Alone or Feeling a Little Shy?** **You're definitely not alone!** Many people attending our events come by themselves, and some are joining a Meetup for the very first time. If you're introverted, a little shy or nervous about meeting new people, please don't let that stop you from coming! Feel free to come straight up and say hi to me (my name is Liem) when you arrive. I'll be happy to introduce you to a few people and help you get the conversation started. 😊 You don't need to be super outgoing or have perfect conversation skills. Just relax, be yourself and enjoy getting to know others. **🎒 What to Bring (Recommended but Optional)** * 🧺 A picnic blanket or something comfortable to sit on * ☕ Your favourite coffee, drink or some snacks * 💧 Water to stay hydrated * 🧢 Sunscreen or a hat if it's sunny **Nothing is compulsory!** Feel free to just show up as you are. There's no need to bring food or purchase anything to participate. Just a friendly attitude and an open mind are all we need! **📍 How to Find Us** We'll meet at **the big tree near the stage in the centre of Flagstaff Gardens**. The gardens are conveniently located in Melbourne CBD, just a short walk from Flagstaff Station. Please try to arrive a few minutes before **12:00pm** so you can find the group, introduce yourself and settle into a conversation. **☀️ Weather Updates** As this is an outdoor event, please check the Meetup event page on the day for any last-minute updates. If Melbourne's unpredictable weather doesn't cooperate, we may need to change the event details or reschedule. **💚 Everyone Is Welcome!** This event is hosted by **Melbourne Social & New Connections (20s–40s)**, a community for people looking to meet new friends, enjoy social activities and build meaningful connections around Melbourne. Whether you leave with one new friend or several, we hope you'll have an enjoyable afternoon and feel a little more connected to the Melbourne community. **Come on your own, leave knowing a few more friendly faces!** 🌿😊 Looking forward to meeting you all on Sunday!

Queer By Nature: Seeds of Hope

📌 **Booking essential. This event runs on sliding scale pricing via Humanitix, not Meetup RSVP. Please book your spot here:** [https://events.humanitix.com/qbn-seeds-of-hope Spring](https://events.humanitix.com/qbn-seeds-of-hope) Spring is pushing through, and this month Queer By Nature is getting its hands dirty! Seeds of Hope is a 3 hour nature-based creative workshop for LGBTQIA+ folks, held at the beautiful Darebin Parklands in Alphington. **What to expect** - A grounding meditation rooted in hope and possibility - A solo wander through the parklands noticing quiet, persistent growth - Hands-on seed bomb making - Potted indigenous plant to take home - A collective closing circle **This workshop is for you if:** - You want a tangible, playful way to practice hope - You're drawn to the outdoors, and getting your hands dirty - You want queer community without having to perform or be "on" - You're curious about nature-based and arts-based wellbeing **Cost:** $60 + Humanitix fee | $30 with code **QBN2026** at checkout. Spaces are limited, so please secure your spot via Humanitix before the day: [Queer By Nature: Seeds of Hope ](https://events.humanitix.com/qbn-seeds-of-hope)

🎉 Coffee Mingle in Fitzroy Gardens ☕️🧁🥤🏞️

**Want to meet new people in an inclusive and welcoming space?** 🤗 Let’s make the most of the sunnier days and gather for an afternoon coffee in **Fitzroy Gardens**. 🌸 We will gather just outside the **Kere Kere Green Cafe & Visitors Centre** in large grassy area (to the left of the building when you are facing the entrance). You can go inside the cafe any time before or during the event to purchase a coffee and/or some yummy snacks. Please feel free to bring a picnic blanket if you prefer to sit down, but I find that standing allows you a bit more freedom to move around and mingle. And mingle we shall! This is a great opportunity to socialise with other attendees who all there for the same reason as you: to have conversations and meet new people! If it's your first time and you're a bit shy, feel free to find me (Annette) and say hello and I will help you on your way. 🤗 If it happens to be a bit rainy or drizzly we can use the sheltered section in front of the cafe entrance. Please note that in the event of extreme weather (eg. lots of rain, strong winds) this event will be postponed, so please check for any updates (in the comments section of the event page) prior to the event. **Location & Directions:** We will be located in the grassy area left of the Kere Kere Green Cafe & Visitors Centre, under the large tree. If you haven't been to this event before, its best to use the map provided on this page (click on it to open in your apps) to find the location. Otherwise you can manually type 'KereKere Green' into your Google maps. The other landmark to look out for is 'Cook's Cottage' which you can see in the background of the photo I have uploaded. **Parking advice:** There is metered parking on the surrounding streets but hard to find a free spot on weekends. You can try your luck getting a 2hr free spot on the streets coming off Clarendon St. But, I would highly recommend catching a tram there rather than driving. See you all there! Check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/melbourne_mingle) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567494869532) 👀

Ripponlea market and gardens

Oktoberfest in the Gardens

Expand Your Social Circle - Kudos 2 Friends Around the Tan Stroll

**—— Details ——** We will meet at the starting point, take round trip around the Tan and a short stroll inside the botanical garden. BYO coffee/ water bottle. Dress for 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 conversations, take the initative to invite others to hang out 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 \-\-\-** Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to 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! **— Download “Heylo" App > Google Store & Apple App Store —** 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) **\-\-\- Instagram \-\-\-** Follow us on Instagram @kudos2friends **\-\-\- 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.

Coffee and chat at Fitzy gardens (kerekere cafe)

WEATHER DEPENDANT Just a random coffee meetup outside kerekere cafe in Fitzroy gardens. Come and grab a coffee and/or snack. due to the size of the group We usually meet OUTSIDE the cafe on the left under/near the big tree. Just a friendly way to meet others that might be by themselves or new to Melbourne. Just a very casual and laid back vibe. You may come and go as you please Please be respectful to each other and be careful about sharing personal information. This is NOT a dating meetup, just friends. Disclaimer: the organizers are not responsible for any loss of property or injury incurred at a meetup. We are volunteers who simply provide a platform to make friends. Please be responsible for your belongings and safety. Also these outdoor meetups are weather dependent too. We all know how unpredictable Melbourne can be if you feel shy or nervous , please message me beforehand hand or come and see me at the meetup and I will do my best to help you feel calm and introduce you to other's . unfortunately once the meetup had started I can't keep checking my phone . so please reach out beforehand Looking forward to meeting you and probably seeing some old faces too. I'll be bringing my toy poodle Zeke 🐕 see you there 🤗😎👍

St Kilda and Beach walk, chat and coffee

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.*