ECA Vic Camp at Brady Swamp

Name: ECA Vic Camp at Brady Swamp
Start: 2025-09-26T14:00:00+1000
End: 2025-09-28T14:00:00+1000
Location: Dunkeld, Vic 3379

Fri, 26 Sep, 2pm - Sun, 28 Sep, 2pm 2025 AEST

Dunkeld, Vic 3379

Ecological Consultants Association of Victoria

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Description

Immerse yourself in nature this September long weekend and join us for an enriching ecology camp beside Brady Swamp, Western Victoria. Set on a property directly abutting the majestic Grampians National Park, this camp offers a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the region’s freshwater wetlands and stunning woodlands. The property is an ideal setting to relax while enjoying breathtaking views on the Grampians.

The property is located next to Brady Swamp in western Victoria directly abutting the Grampians National Park. Brady Swamp and associated wetland are a biodiversity hotspot supporting a range of threatened species and communities. Brady Swamp was drained until restoration efforts from 2013 onwards began to restore the local hydrology more towards its original function. In early 2025, a large wildfire burnt through vast areas in The Grampians including right up to Brady Swamp where it stopped. Given the extensive fire through swampy woodlands of the lesser explored part of the Grampians, it would be interesting to see the post-burn recovery.

Why

Learn about freshwater wetlands, woodlands and the Brady Swamp restoration
Learn flora and fauna survey techniques and plant collection techniques
Explore the Southern Grampians and relax

Where

Dunkeld, western Victoria. 3 hours drive from Melbourne (approx.).

Who

Open to anyone interested in wetlands, woodlands, ecological restoration including but not limited to ecologists, environmental practitioners, naturalists and the like. Families and kids welcome. With plenty of opportunities to learn and space to explore, this camp is a great opportunity for seasoned and budding naturalists alike.

TICKETS

Non-members: $140
ECA Vic Members: $100 - please book through our membership portal (after logging in, click on Events – member price)
Students: $80
Family (Non-Members) - $200
Family (Members) - $170 - please book through our membership portal (after logging in, click on Events – member price)

Family tickets are suitable for 2 adults and their kids. Please note that the event is not pet friendly. Thank you for your understanding.

Not a member? We are offering a 20% discount on membership for this event! Email us on admin@ecavic.org.au to receive your discount code.

What to bring

Tent and other camping gear
Appropriate clothing such as enclosed shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, rain jacket and sun hat. PPE such as gaiters
Backpack, suncream, large water bottle
Head torch and warm clothes for night time
BYO meals for Friday dinner, all breakfast and lunches, or try the bakery, cafés and restaurants in Dunkeld

Schedule for the weekend (rough outline)

(a detailed schedule will be provided to registered participants)

Friday 26 September

Arrive from 2pm. Set up your tent and explore the property and surrounding area. Welcome, dinner (self catering) and spotlighting at night.

Saturday 27 September

Daytime: explore post-burn woodlands and participate in a bioblitz, walk and talk to see wetland restoration around Brady Swamp and Gooseneck Swamp, birdwatching. Night time: catered BBQ; spotlighting, frog survey or relax by fireplace.

Sunday 28 September

Learn flora and fauna survey techniques, plant collection techniques. Pack up and departure midday/early afternoon.

Camping and logistics

Camping will be by a beautiful country house overlooking The Grampians. There are plenty of flat or gently sloping areas to put tents in front of the house and out the back. There is also an undercover area which will be great for catering, hanging out if raining. There is also space down at the swamp or river where people can camp if they want.

Camping will be by a beautiful country house overlooking The Grampians. There is a four bedroom house with big kitchen with plates, pots pans, cutlery, oven, stove etc. There is one bathroom with a shower and two toilets. There is a fire pit and plenty of firewood –campchair recommended for fire!!

Water

There are two large water tanks for showers and dishwashing but not advised for drinking unless boiled. BYO drinking water.

Catering

BYO food and drinks/alcohol and portable cooler. Self-catering for all meals except Saturday night where there’ll be a BBQ.

There is a BBQ and kitchen that you are welcome to use to prepare your own meals if you want to use but however space will be limited so ideal to bring your own camp stove. The undercover area adjacent to the house can be used for self-catering if raining. If you would like to eat out or buy take-away meals, a 10-minute drive will get you to the Dunkeld’s bakery, cafés and restaurants. (there is a TV at the house if you’re desperate to watch the grand final!).