Join Bush Heritage staff in northwest Victoria this Spring, for a guided wander through John Douglas reserve. This 185 ha property was purchased in 2022 and is on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung (Djaara) people. It protects important remnant Grassy and Heathy Woodlands, that are home to a rich community of plants and animals. With the warmer months upon us, we anticipate the bush coming alive; with plants flowering in abundance and lots of activity from birds, insects and other animals.

Our expert field staff will share their knowledge of this landscape and help reveal the delights of this property. The group will meet in the hamlet of Stuart Mill, where we’ll have morning tea and introductions before travelling in convoy, 12km to the reserve. Once on site, staff will provide an overview of the property, as we then set out on foot to explore in more detail. The landscape is relatively flat, but there are no formal walking tracks, so it will be uneven under foot. The pace will be gentle to allow plenty of time for looking, so don’t forget your camera and binoculars! We’ll aim to have you back to your cars by 3pm ready for departure.

Date: Friday 6 October 2023

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 12km (12-min drive).

Transport: Participants need to arrange their own transport to and from Stuart Mill (meeting point). From here you’ll travel in convoy, in your cars to John Douglas reserve. You can reach these locations by 2WD vehicle and parking space is available. Once on site, we will be exploring by foot.

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 terrain.  The pace will be gentle 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 John Douglas 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.