Here at Time Out Melbourne, our mission is to encourage people to get out and explore the wonderful city that we live in. But we also understand it can be pretty daunting to put yourself out there and try something different – especially if you don’t always have a support crew to join you on new adventures.
That’s where the First Timers Club comes in. Founded in 2016 by three Melbourne-based friends who just wanted to try new things and inject some spontaneity back into their lives, it has blossomed into a welcoming and inclusive social space, where people can make authentic, meaningful connections while having fun doing an activity that brings them joy.
Those activities have included everything from dragon boating and boot scootin’ classes to collaging workshops and heading to an AFLW game. And this year, in partnership with Visit Victoria, the First Timers Club has hosted two very special events that were curated specifically to explore different regional areas and showcase things happening outside of the city.
The first one was to Portarlington for the National Celtic Folk Festival (which included dancing, live music and sword fighting – yes, really), while the second was to Phillip Island for the Island Whale Festival (unfortunately no actual whales were spotted, but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm). Both events sold out within hours, with 85 per cent of people attending by themselves.
And now we can reveal that the third edition of the Visit Victoria and First Timers Club collab is taking place on Saturday, August 24, and will give attendees the opportunity to take a ride on a heritage train heading to Ballarat for the International Foto Biennale.
The Retro Rail Revival will begin at Southern Cross Station, where you’ll board a beautifully restored Spirited Rails Tour Train that boasts carriages dating back to 1906. On the almost four-hour journey (aka the perfect amount of time to get to know your new travel buddies) you’ll enjoy a two-course lunch in the historic dining car and drinks by Aunty Jacks and Eastern Peake. Upon arrival in Ballarat, it’s straight into an exclusive bespoke tour of the Biennale to see works by both local and international photographers. Wholesome, right?
“This is the perfect chance for young people to embrace a sense of nostalgia and enjoy meaningful moments,” said First Timers Club co-founder, Penny Jordan. “We’re thrilled to be working with Visit Victoria, and this journey will provide a little bit of magic along with a refreshing change of pace.”
Feeling inspired to attend? You’re probably not alone – new research conducted by Visit Victoria revealed 79 per cent of people would travel to a new destination for an event of interest. So, what are you waiting for? Bookings for the Retro Rail Revival just opened here. And trust us when we say it’s going to sell out very quickly.
If you're keen to find out more about the First Timers Club, head to the website.
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