Join us this Spring for a guided walk through John Colahan (JC) Griffin Reserve. This property was gifted to Bush Heritage by the late John Colahan Griffin and is on the lands of Dja Dja Wurrung (Djaara) people in north central Victoria. Hosted by our expert field staff, this visit is a chance for nature lovers and photographers alike to explore and learn about one of the last remaining intact landscapes in the Kara Kara-Wedderburn region of north-central Victoria.

In the spring months, JC Griffin Reserve comes alive with colour and movement. It is home to several orchid species, including the threatened Stuart Mill spider-orchid, as well as old-growth woodlands and ancient, critically endangered Grey Grass trees that could be up to 800 years old. This woodland island in the midst of productive farmland, provides important nesting sites for many woodland birds and mammals.

Time: 10am to 3pm with formalities starting at 10.20am

Place: John Douglas Reserve, Victoria. 116km northwest of Ballarat (1.5-hour drive) or 222km northwest of Melbourne (3-hour drive). The nearest towns are St Arnaud 17km (20-min drive) and Dunolly 40km (40-min drive) and the small hamlet of Stuart Mill (meeting point) is 5 km (5-min drive).

Transport: Participants need to arrange their own transport to and from Stuart Mill (meeting point). 2WD vehicles are suitable. We will convoy closer to the reserve and park safely off the side of the road. From here we are on foot for the rest of the day, including approximately a 10 min walk to reach the reserve.

Food and drink: BYO picnic lunch, snacks and water for the day. Bush Heritage will provide morning tea and hot drinks on arrival.

Fitness: Participants need to have good mobility, fitness and health to consider joining this trip. You need to be able to walk approximately 5km on undulating, uneven and sometimes rocky terrain. The pace will be gentle to allow plenty of time for looking and conversation, but you will likely be on your feet a good portion of the day (or at times perched on the ground, a rock or log).

Facilities: Public toilets are available at Stuart Mill but there are no facilities on JC Griffin reserve, so any toilet breaks will need to be taken in nature.

COVID Safe: Bush Heritage will undertake the necessary requirements to be COVID safe. We ask for your assistance by not attending if you are feeling unwell or if you are COVID positive. Participants are welcome to wear face mask if they choose.

Pets: Please leave your pets at home.

Costs: There is no charge for this visit but donations towards the day will be greatly welcomed. A special link will be provided to participants.

Booking: Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Please register as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment. Detailed information will be provided to participants prior to the trip, including how to get there and what to bring.

Contact: For further questions, cancellations, or amendments to your booking, please contact Katrina Blake at visits@bushheritage.org.au or 0407 232 680.

Waitlist

If this event is fully booked and you wish to join the waitlist, please email visits@bushheritage.org.au and include the name and date of the trip, your name, mobile number and number of people in your group. You will be contacted if space becomes available.