NEW YEAR 2-Day trip: PAYNESVILLE & GIPPSLAND LAKES : Hike, Kayak, Dinner & more
Schedule
Tue, 30 Dec, 2025 at 08:30 pm to Thu, 01 Jan, 2026 at 09:00 am
UTC+11:00Location
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne | Melbourne, VI
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🌏 MELBOURNE → PAYNESVILLE → MITCHELL RIVER + GIPPSLAND LAKES🏞️ + NY DINNER📅 WED-THU 31 DEC - 1 JAN, 2-DAY TRIP ☀️
✨ Nature, Rivers, Lakes & Reflections ✨
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Step into the New Year with a rejuvenating escape into Gippsland’s wild heart. Here, ancient river gorges echo with birdsong, mossy rainforest paths lead to hidden waterfalls, sleepy koalas perch among eucalyptus branches as you breathe in the freshness of a new dawn and the Mitchell River carves graceful gorges.
Over two inspiring days, we’ll hike easy forest trails through lush gullies, rest beside cascading creeks, and share generous fruit platters and riverside picnics under the shade of towering trees. You’ll rise each morning to peaceful meditation by the water, then glide across calm lakes on a gentle kayaking adventure beneath open skies.
Keep an eye out for wild koalas along the Island Koala Trail, and soak up the serenity of the Gippsland Lakes — Australia’s largest inland water system. Each evening, we’ll come together for a cozy group dinner at a local favourite, raising a glass of sparkling wine under the stars.
After stories, laughter, and stargazing, you’ll rest in warm, comfortable shared accommodation — cradled by the sounds of nature and the calm of new intentions.
✨ Lakes to reflect, trails to ground, and gentle space to begin again.
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🎒 All-Inclusive for $319
✅ Round-trip transport in a comfortable Mercedes minivan 🚐
✅ Guided hikes + gear 🥾
✅ Kayaking on the Gippsland Lakes (gear included) 🛶
✅ Unlimited snacks, fruit, soft drinks, coffee & tea ☕
✅ 1-night Cosy shared accommodation 🏨
✅ Meditation & grounding sessions 🧘♀️
✅ Visit to hidden waterfalls, rainforest, and lookouts 🌄
✅ Ferry to Island & Koala Trail 🐨
✅ Fruit platter 🍉
✅ Sparkling NY wine 🌞
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🕒 2-Day Itinerary Highlights
### Day 1 — Mitchell River National Park
Theme: Letting go of the old year — grounding & renewal
🌅 06:30 — Meet at St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street, Melbourne
🥐 07:30 — Refreshment stop
☕ 09:30 — Welcome morning tea & snacks (included)
🥾 09:45 — Guided 10 km forest+mountain easy hike (190m elevation)
🍽️ 13:30 — Picnic & lunch (BYO) with tea & snacks (provided, ulimited)
Fruit Platter
🌄 15:00 — River Walking Trail (short section)
🧘♀️ 17:00 — Meditation by the River — guided “Listen to the Land”
🍝 18:00 — Group Dinner at local restaurant
🏨 19:00 — Hotel check-in & relaxation-shared accommodation
🥂 23:50 — Celebrate the last evening of 2025 with laughter & toasts.
✨ 00:15 — Sleep time
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Day 2 — Paynesville & Island: Koalas, Kayaks & New Beginnings
Theme: Starting the new year with flow & connection
🍳 08:00 — Hotel check-out & breakfast
🚐 09:30 — Depart for Paynesville
⛴️ 09:40 — Short Ferry Ride to Island (free for pedestrians)
🌊 Welcome to the Gippsland Lakes — Australia’s largest inland water system!
🐨 09:45 — Island Koala Trail — find koalas dozing in eucalyptus trees, parrots singing overhead.
🧘♀️ 11:00 — Mindful Break & Meditation under Paperbark Trees – “New Year, New Intention” reflection.
🍽️ 12:00 — Picnic & lunch (BYO) with tea & snacks (provided, ulimited)
🛶 12:30 — Kayaking on a beautiful lake (beginner friendly!)
🌅 15:30 — Scenic valley drive & views
☕ 17:30 — Stop for refreshments
🏙️ 19:00 — Return to Melbourne, filled with memories
📍 Drop-off: Hamer Hall, Melbourne
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💰 How to Book?
Secure your spot with a $319 transfer
Please note: An RSVP alone does not secure your spot — only atransfer confirms your place on the trip. Thanks for understanding!
🔹 PayID: 0414 661 458
🔹 Bank Transfer:
NAME: KARAPETIAN G
BSB: 013233
ACCOUNT: 226325836
Ref: NY
🌟 Limited spots available—RSVP now to avoid missing out! 🎒
Spots are only confirmed once payment is received !!!
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❗️Please Note:
Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.
In all other circumstances, payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿
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🎒 What to Bring?
✔️ Comfortable hiking shoes (or able to supply, let me know size)
✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket🧥
✔️ Long pants & long sleeves 🌿
✔️ Hat/beanie 🧢
✔️ Lunch for day 1+2
✔️ A positive mindset & big smile! 😊
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📢 Questions? Feel free to DM me anytime! 📩
✨ Let’s make this an adventure to remember
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🌟 Day Includes :
🥾 A 10 km guided forest hike (190 m elevation gain)
🍉 Snacks, coffee/tea, soft drinks
🌄 Visits to stunning lookouts
🌺 Group dinner
🚐 Scenic road trip through
✨ Meditation & grounding
🛶 Kayaking on a beautiful lake
🏨 1-night Cosy shared accommodation
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Visit our sources:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share
Instagram:
nogeography.hike.kayak
https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/
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Credited or refunded only if the event is canceled/moved. Non-refundable in any other cases
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***Two Days. Endless Views. Lasting Joy. ***
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LIABILITY WAIVER
The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms.
## COVID-19 Safety Measures
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event.
Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat.
If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!
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Where is it happening?
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne, AustraliaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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