Frequently Asked Questions
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Several guided walking tours explore Melbourne's natural areas. The Fungus Amongst Us is a casual walking workshop through Darebin parklands led by Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher, a local ecologist specializing in fungi and mosses. Weekday Bird Walks are offered at Woodridge Linear Reserve and The Eyrie Reserve, led by Council's Biodiversity Officer, welcoming all experience levels from beginners to experienced birders. St Andrews Landcare offers a Bird and Orchid Walk focusing on native orchids and small birds. Smith's Gully Landcare runs a spotlight walk along Caledonia Heritage Trail.
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Yes, Cultural Walk with Uncle Bill offers guided tours led by Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson Jnr., who teaches about the significant history of the land and the connection between Country and Wurundjeri Culture. Participants are advised to bring walking shoes, water, sun protection, and to dress appropriately for the weather.
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Edendale offers multiple outdoor activities. Nillumbik Summer Sounds features live music and picnic twilight sessions on Friday evenings (February 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2025) from 5pm to 9pm at 30 Gastons Road, Eltham. Edendale Twilight Picnic Summer Series runs Friday evenings 4pm to 8pm starting January 19, featuring live music performances. Cafe Eden provides food and drink options, or visitors can bring their own picnics.
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Nillumbik Shire Council offers several specialist environmental walks. Woody Weed and Basic Wattle ID teaches identification of local woody weeds and native versus invasive wattles, with practical tips for managing plants on properties. Plant Me Instead focuses on identifying common environmental weeds and discovering native alternatives. Introduction to Nature Restoration in Nillumbik covers site assessment, restoration strategies, and monitoring. Fauna Monitoring Volunteer Training teaches remote camera setup, sound recorders, GPS technology, and animal identification in bushland reserves.
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Great Ocean Road Small Group Eco Tour includes visits to the Twelve Apostles, Kennett River for koalas in their natural habitat, and the Otway Ranges. Yarra Valley Public Wine Tour visits hand-picked wineries with wine tastings. Phillip Island Wildlife & Penguin Tour includes scenic cruises around the coastline and the Penguin Parade at dusk, departing at 11:00 AM and returning by 11:00 PM, with adult tickets at $265 AUD and child tickets at $195 AUD.
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Flavours of Melbourne Night Trail is a guided food tour running 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM on selected dates at $220 per person, exploring multicultural flavors through laneways and eateries. Melbourne Foodie Culture is a 4-hour walking tour starting at the Immigration Museum, including visits to 5 different food stops highlighting Melbourne's diverse culinary heritage. Both tours showcase the city's multicultural communities and local favorite foods.