Where to donate old bikes and parts

**Melbourne only

If you own a bike, you would have ultimately worn out a tyre, popped a tube, broken a part beyond repair or got a new bike and no longer need your old one. 

If you’re not sure what to do with them, there are some great initiatives out there that repurpose old bikes, parts and materials that would otherwise go to landfill.

Tyres and inner tubes

Recycle Bike Tyres

Recycle Bike Tyres partners with over 40 bike shops and councils across Melbourne. All tyres and tubes they receive are repurposed for:

  • tyre driven fuel

  • road construction

  • athletic and playground surfaces

  • tile adhesives

  • modular products such as park benches and safety rams.

Visit the Recycle Bike Tyres website to find out where you can donate old tyres and tubes. 

Working bikes and parts

Community Bike Hub

The Community Bike Hub repairs donated bikes and give them to people in need. 

You can drop by at any of their locations during business hours to donate any unwanted parts, accessories and bikes - both adults and kids. 

And if you’ve got some old tools you no longer need, you can also drop these off at any of their locations. They’ll be put to good use in their volunteering sessions.

Find your closest Community Bike Hub location on their website. 

Second Chance Cycles

Second Chance Cycles is a community workshop that recycles bikes and trains people to repair bikes. You can also volunteer with Second Chances Cycles on Thursday and Friday.

WeCycle

WeCycle provides low-cost bikes to marginalised people in the community from their volunteer program. You can donate bikes or your time to fix up old bikes.

But before you drop any bikes off at WeCycle, email them some photos of your bike. Some lower quality bikes have poor parts and frames which makes it hard to repurpose them.

Visit their website to find what bikes you can donate.

The smallest of things, like donating your time to fix up old bikes or old bikes or parts to be repurposed can all go towards driving a circular economy.

Explore Victoria on Ya Bike

Explore the scenic corners of our state with nothing more than pedal-power. From dramatic rail-trails overshadowed by towering mountain ash to adrenaline-pumping mountain bike tracks and meanders through culturally significant landscapes - no matter your riding style, you are spoilt for choice in Victoria. Read on for my top-5 cycling experiences in the state.

Budj Bim Trail

Weaving through the volcanic-plains of south-west Victoria, the Budj Bim Trail traces the UNESCO world heritage listed eel traps of the Dhuawurd Wurrung. Dating back 6000-years, they are the earliest examples of aquaculture in the world.

The trail extends beyond the borders of Budj Bim National Park and into Gunditjmara managed land. Contact the Winda-mara Aboriginal Corporation before embarking on the Budj Bim Trail.

Capital City Trail

The 30-odd kilometre trail skirts the trendy inner-Melbourne suburbs of Fitzroy and takes in all that makes Melbourne unique.

Stop off at Yarra Bend Park and admire the resident flying foxes hanging about, grab some grub at the Studley Park Boathouse or get your caffeine fix from the endless supply of quirky cafes. And don’t forget to take a break at one of the many scenic spots nestled along the trail.

Around the Bay in a Day

Although it’s a demanding event, who's to say you can’t ride around the bay any other day and at your own pace too. The 250-kilometre ride mirrors the bay - drifting towards the tip of the Mornington Peninsula before cutting across to Queenscliff and the rolling hills of the Bellarine Peninsula, back towards Melbourne.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with wineries and food producers tucked in the hinterland of the peninsula and seafood soiree awaits on the Bellarine half of the ride. And of course, mesmerising natural landscapes mirror the bay along the 250-km ride.

You Yangs Mountain Bike Trails

A mecca for adventure loves and experience seekers alike, the You Yangs has all the adrenaline-pumping trails you want and need.

Split into two sections, choose between the Kurrajong Plantation or Stockyards Area.

The trails of Kurrajong Plantation are perfect for first-time mountain bikers, but still tricky enough for experienced riders looking to improve their speed and skills. Weave through Sugar Gum plantation on narrow single tracks, over bone-shaking rock gardens, flowing earth berms and dirt jumps. 

Experienced mountain bikers, opt for the Stockayards area to test your skills and stamina. Ride flowing single trails through natural rock gardens and over sweet berms, fast downhill runs overlooked by dramatic granite crags, across challenging cross-country terrain and over death-defying jumps.   

 Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail

Hop off at Lilydale Train Station and wind your way through the stunning Yarra Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range.

The 40-kilometre trail follows the historic railway through lush fern gullies, rich farmland, past world-class wineries, quaint cafes and towering forests, all the way to Warburton.

So what are you waiting for? Dust off your two-wheeler or pick one up second hand and get out there yourself.

Waterfall Wanders in Lorne

An easy two-hour drive west of Melbourne you’ll discover Lorne wedged between the unforgiving swells of Bass Strait and the scenic slopes and valleys of Great Otway National Park.

A hive of activity in the warmer months, the Great Otway National Park which surrounds the quaint seaside town shines through winter and spring - when the falls and cascades are in full flow.

Discover 20-odd waterfalls tucked away within 20 minutes of town - some hidden down a short stretch of steps, while others demand a short hike through the cool temperate rainforest and fern-laden gullies of the Otway hinterland.

To get you started, her are my top 5 waterfall wanders:

Erskine Falls
Meander down a short stretch of steps to see Erskine Falls cascading 30 metres into the deep gully below. Alternatively, start at Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground and follow the creek to the falls.

Start: Erskine Falls Carpark or Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground
Grade: easy and moderate

Upper and Lower Kalimna Falls
Wind through a deep creek valley as you trace an old timber railway to the cascades of Lower Kalimna Falls. Push on a little further to discover Upper Kalimna Falls.

Start: Sheoak Picnic Ground
Grade: moderate

Henderson Falls
Climb through dense wet forest shadowed by towering eucalypt trees before ending your journey at the base of Henderson Falls, where crystal-clear water cascades over a moss-capped cliff face to a small pool below.

Start: Sheoak Picnic Ground
Grade: moderate

Sheoak Falls
Weaves through the coastal woodland at the mouth of the Sheoak River and up through wet rainforest to the hidden cascades of Sheoak Falls. Keep your eyes open for kangaroos, wallabies and colourful birds.

Start: Sheoak Picnic Ground
Grade: moderate

Cora Lynn Falls
Journey through dense wet forest, past tall eucalypts and shady tree ferns to see the falls cascade down a series of exposed shale ledges framed by lush ferns and mosses.

Start: Sheoak Picnic Ground
Grade: difficult

Victorian Shipwreck Stories

The Bermuda triangle hides more than 300 identified wrecks. It has become a virtual time capsule preserving historic wrecks in the Atlantic that are hundreds of years old. However, the Victorian coast harbours 776 known shipwrecks, although only around 240 of them have been discovered.

The Shipwreck Coast in particular is home to a dense population of wrecks. The best known of them all is the wreck of the Loch Ard and the story of survival surrounding it. The ship ran into a rocky reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island and only two people survived – an apprentice, Tom Pearce and a Eva Carmichael who lost all of her family in the tragedy. Dressed in her night gown, Eva was thrown into the water as the ship grounded. Unable to swim and totally exhausted, she was found drifting into Loch Ard Gorge on some wreckage by Pierce who had already been washed into it on an upturned life raft. Pierce swam out to her, brought her to the bay's beach and climbed the cliff to get help. 

Not all the shipwrecks off the Victorian coast lie at the bottom of the ocean, a handful can be admired while still keeping your feet dry.

In Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, the weathered hull of the Trinculo lays embedded in the sands of 90 Mile Beach. The vessel was struck by strong winds in 1879 off Wilsons Promontory and forced on to a sandbar.

Enjoy magnificent views of the coast as you follow the path to view the remains of the SS Saros in Croajingolong National Park. The ship ran ashore during heavy fog on its way to Sydney in 1937 and can be found Point Hicks Lightstation, where the walk begins, also tells the story of Victoria’s rich history.

Discover the anchors of the Marie Gabrielle and the Fiji at Wreck Beach in the Great Otway National Park, both haunting reminders of the treacherous nature of the sea. The Fiji was driven onto the rocks after the wind suddenly changed and Marie Gabrielle was swamped and smashed on the beach.

The HMVS Cerberus, a decommissioned Australian naval vessel lays sunken at Half Moon Bay - its conning tower poking out of the calm waters. On the other side of the bay, the HMAS Canberra has helped form Victoria's first artificial reef designed for the sole purpose of diving.

I hope this short spiel has inspire you to get out and explore our beautiful state and learn about Victoria’s spectacular shipwrecks.


The Wilderness Coast

The Wilderness Coast, or as its known in plain English, far-east Gippsland hides some of Victoria’s most alluring landscapes.

We set out over a self-made long weekend to unearth its wild ocean beaches, pristine hinterland and abundant wildlife. From Mallacoota Inlet, which is three times the size of Sydney Harbour to Genoa Falls and its lounge of sub-bathing water dragons and the secluded Genoa Peak where gargantuan granite boulders provide the perfect lookout over the Australian Alps.

Quaint camping spots at Thurra River, Wingan Inlet and Tamboon Inlet are the perfect spots to explore from. Or if you’re a non-camper, Mallacoota has plenty of accommodation options. And, if you want to immerse yourself in the history of the area, book a night or two at the Point Hicks Lightstation.

If you are driving from Melbourne, take a break at Buchan Caves and dip in the refreshing spring-fed swimming pool, explore the underground wonderland of limestone caves or stretch your legs on a walk and cross paths with cute kangaroos.

A roadtrip to the heart of Australia, Canberra

A long weekend always calls for an adventure. And, this time the heart of Australia was calling my name. You might raise a brow though. Canberra? The heart of Australia? But, yes! According to their number plates, our mighty capital is the heart of Australia.

We rose early with the birds and intended to stop off at one of Victoria's most beautiful National Parks, Mount Buffalo. The national park sits 3.5 hours’ drive from Melbourne, in the midst of Victoria's Alps. 

Mount Buffalo is as impressive up close as it is from afar. Its granite cliffs and rocky outcrops rising up from the Ovens Valley floor command attention. Explore pristine waterfalls, a heritage-listed chalet that echoes the Overlook Hotel from The Shining and stunning views from the highest point in the park, The Horn.

Our majestic capital, on the other hand, is more than a quaint, green city. Get cultured at the National Gallery of Australia. Treat your tastebuds at one or many of the city's quality restaurants, cafes and bistros. Follow it up with a drink at Australia’s best bar, Bar Rochford. And, before you leave, climb to the top of Mt Ainslie for an unforgettable sunset over Canberra.

In conclusion: we got home exhausted, but well and truly content!

North, south, east or west?

No matter what direction you decide to trek, you'll never run out of natural wonders to explore in Victoria's diverse ecosystems. Here are my top picks...

North - Murray Sunset National Park
It's not just the sunsets that glow pink here. A red algae present in the salt lakes changes colour from a glistening white to deep pink after rain. Abandoned carts and tools once used to harvest salt from the lakes litter the shorelines. 

Location: 5 1/2 hrs north of Melbourne

A little closer: Cactus Country is an example of a family's passion for the prickly succulents. Weave your way through eight gardens displaying cactus from different parts of the world.

South - Point Nepean National Park
Located at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula, the national park played an important role in shaping the early settlement, quarantine and defence of Victoria.

Follow the trail from Gunners Cottage and past The Rip to explore the tunnels, forts and gun emplacements which were in service until the end of WWII.

Location: 1 1/2 hrs south of Melbourne

The alternate route: Mussel in to Portarlington for fresh seafood before catching the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento. 

East - Croajingolong National Park
Discover unspoiled beaches, inlets, estuaries, forests, and not to mention the spectacular sand dunes that tower some 30 metres above Thurra River.

Location: 6 hrs east of Melbourne

If you have time: watch the water tumble over rocky cliff-faces and in to the valley below at Toorongo & Amphitheater Falls in West Gippsland. 

West - Cape Otway
From glow worms displays to historic lighthouses, koala-filled trees and sublime surf beaches, the greater area has something for every experience seeker. 

Location: 3 hrs west of Melbourne

A must: deviate off the main road and take yourself to Teddy's Lookout; offering panoramic views of the Great Ocean Road and St George Inlet below. 

Ad-vantage - Melbourne's skyline

We all search for that sweet sweet spot. That one location with uninterrupted views of Melbourne's ever-growing, but spectacular skyline. 

Here's a quick list to get you going:

Yarra River
Two wheels or two feet, it doesn't matter. Head south towards Birrarung Marr along the famous Capital City Trail and get ready to be blown away as you look back towards Melbourne city.

Ruckers Hill
See what's new and trending in the hip suburb of Northcote and don't forget to stop off at Ruckers Hill for a north-side take of why Melbourne is once again the world's most-liveable city.

Shrine of Remembrance
An iconic landmark honouring the men and women who have served our country in global conflict, The top balcony of the the Shrine has a little treat waiting for you. Yup! You guessed it, it's yet another stunning view of the city. 

Albert Park Lake
Walk the world famous Formula One Gran Prix track and as you reach the top of the lake, don't forget to look north.

The District - Docklands
Get in to some retail therapy before heading to the top of the shopping precincts car park for a grand view back on to Melbourne.

St Kilda Pier
Experience sweetness overload at St Kilda's famous cake shops, then walk it off as you make your way to to famous pier. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the adorable Fairy Penguins that call St Kilda Pier home.

Beyond Melbourne, the likes of Williamstown, SkyHigh at Mount Dandenong and Point Nepean have so much to offer too.

 

 

The Omega Project - RONE

I apologise in advance for once again spamming you with street art stories, but you don't want to miss this one - while it's still there... 

Street artist RONE is known for paying homage to Australian architecture through his art form - bringing buildings such as the Lyric Theatre in Collingwood back to life one last time before their final farewell (demolition).

In his most recent escapade, a classic mid-century Australian home in one of Melbourne's inner suburbs; Alphington has been converted in to a temporary gallery, the walls lined with his iconic large scale portraits. 

The makeshift and unusual art gallery is open from 22 - 30 July at 28 Parkview Road, Alphington. Get in fast, before it turns to rubble. 

Wall to Wall

Revivified with a gust of Art, Benalla has become the street art capital of regional Victoria. Once a year the best street artists as well as local influencers flock to Benalla and paint the town all shades of beautiful in the annual Wall to Wall street art festival. 

Download a map from their website to see it all and avoid a serious case of FOMO. For now though, here are a few snaps from my recent visit to get you inspired to make the trip out..