Charles Darwin Reserve (WA) Guided Trip, Wed 2 September 2026
Description
Join us this September for a special guided visit to Charles Darwin Reserve on Badimia Country in the northern Wheatbelt of Western Australia.
Purchased in 2003 and named in honour of the great naturalist Charles Darwin, this remarkable reserve protects 68,000 hectares of recovering woodlands, shrublands and wildflower-strewn plains. It is positioned at the meeting point of the internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot of the Southwest Botanical Province and the arid Eremean region.
Meet Bush Heritage staff at the reserve homestead in the morning for a hot cuppa' and introductions. Then jump into our four-wheel-drive vehicles and head out to explore for the day. You'll be taken to two different sections of the reserve in the morning and afternoon, likely returning for lunch (byo) and bathrooms at the homestead in between. We'll visit significant sections of this landscape and take time to see them on foot, including magnificent Salmon Gum and York Gum woodlands, mallee communities, Callitris woodlands, craggy granite outcrops and expansive sandplain shrublands, that together create the mosaic of ecologies that give this property it's rich biodiversity.
Our field staff will share the story of how this former pastoral station has been transformed from an overgrazed sheep property into one of the Mid West’s most significant conservation reserves. Along the way, you’ll hear about Bush Heritage’s long-term work managing this property as well as how we string this reserve into our regional and national reserve networks.
Charles Darwin Reserve is home to more than 230 native animal species and over 680 recorded plant species, including an exceptional diversity of wattles, daisies and eucalypts. Amongst some of our most remarkable wildlife you may see the nationally vulnerable Malleefowl (or at least a nest mound), Australian Bustard, Regent Parrot, Major Mitchell’s (Pink) Cockatoo, Rainbow Bee-eater and perhaps even signs of elusive mammals such as the White-tailed Dunnart or Gilbert’s Dunnart.
This area is known for its magnificent wildflower displays, and while every season is different, we hope you are in for a floral treat.
The visit concludes at your vehicles by 3:00 pm for a timely departure. If you’re self‑sufficient and travelling with your own camping setup, you’re welcome to stay overnight on site (details below) and depart by 10:00 am the following morning.
If you'd like to learn more about the reserve, visit the Bush Heritage Charles Darwin Reserve page.
Date
Wednesday 2 September 2026
Time
10.00 am (for a 10.30 am start) to 3.30 pm
Location
Charles Darwin Reserve Homestead, Wanarra East Rd, Bunjil WA 6623. (Further instructions will be provided to participants prior to the trip)
Traditional home lands of the Badimia People
Transport
Participants need to arrange their own transport to and from the reserve. Two-wheel-drive (2WD) vehicles will be suitable for reaching the homestead
Fitness / Access
You will need to be in good health and have reasonable mobility for climbing in and out of vehicles and undertaking some short, gentle walks, usually off track.
Food and drink
You need to bring your own lunch, snacks and water for the day (we recommend 1.5 L minimum per person). A light morning tea, including hot drinks, will be provided on arrival at the homestead.
Facilities
Toilets are available at the meeting point at the beginning and end of the day. We will likely have use of them again around lunchtime. Otherwise, all other toilet breaks will need to be taken in nature.
Mobile phone reception is unreliable outside of townships, and different phone providers may have additional restrictions. There is no reception on the property.
Accommodation
We recommend staying somewhere locally for easy access to the reserve and to avoid travelling between dawn and dusk to avoid collisions with animals. This reserve is remote with large travelling distances between townships. The closest townships with basic pub-style accommodation are Perenjori (approx 45 min drive) or Wubin (approx 1 hr 10 min drive). You will find more options further afield.
Camping option
While this is a day trip, we welcome self-sufficient campers to stay at Charles Darwin on Wednesday night. There will be a designated unpowered camping area, near our workers' facilities, where you will have access to a toilet, shower and wood BBQ. You will need to be self-catered, but we hope to share your company under the stars as we unwind from the day. There will be an informal walk offered to those interested the next morning, with the aim of everyone departing the reserve by 10 am.
On booking, you will be asked to indicate if you would like to camp Wednesday night.
Pets
Please leave your pets at home.
Staying healthy
For the wellbeing of all participants we ask for your assistance by not attending if you are feeling unwell. Participants are welcome to wear a face mask if they choose.
Weather
Please check weather conditions before travelling and prepare accordingly. In the event of severe weather, this event may need to be postponed. We will attempt to contact you in advance if this situation arises.
What to bring
BYO picnic lunch, snacks and water for the day (at least 1L capacity per person)
Clothing suitable for being outdoors and walking through the bush, including sturdy footwear, long trousers and layers for warmer or colder conditions
Protective accessories such as sun hat, sunglasses, beanie, rain jacket
Sunscreen, insect repellant, and personal medications
Day pack for carrying your gear
Optional – walking poles, camera, binoculars, travel mug
Camping (Wednesday night)
Self-sufficient with all your own camping/caravaning equipment
Self-catering with all your own food, drinks and cooking equipment (BBQ available)
Please take all the rubbish out with you, as there is no council rubbish service.
Cost
Tickets for this trip are $50 per person (non-tax deductable). This fee is to help cover the additional costs of running this trip and prioritise donations for our conservation work. If you are wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to Bush Heritage please use this special donation link.
For all our dedicated donors and regular volunteers, we thank you for the amazing support you give us already.
Implied Film/Photo Consent
By attending this event you agree to being filmed or photographed, which may be used for marketing or promotional purposes. Bush Heritage reserves the right to use photographs and videos taken at this event without express permission. If you do not wish to have your image recorded, please make your wishes known to the photographer and event organisers.
Other reserve visits nearby
If you would like to maximise your time in the area, we will be running another Reserve visit on Saturday 29 August at Eurardy Reserve. Click here for information.
Other information
If you would like to maximise your time in the area, here are some external links for tourist information that may be helpful:
Bush Heritage acknowledges the Badimia Traditional Custodians, upon whose land this activity will take place. We recognise and respect the enduring relationships they have with their lands and waters, and we pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
