Join us this October for one of our guided day walks on John Douglas Reserve in the Dalyenong region of Victoria. Our expert field staff will lead us around the property to showcase this reserve, that features some of the last remaining intact landscapes in this region. 80% of this property is intact and was not cleared for agriculture. It provides an incredibly important mosaic of woodland communities, including the threatened Goldfields Creekline Grassy Woodland, and supports many nationally threatened woodland birds such as the Brown Treecreeper, Blue-winged Parrot and Hooded Robin.

Spring usually comes alive with plenty of wildflowers and animal sightings, so bring your binoculars and cameras and come prepared for a day in the bush. The pace will be gentle with plenty of time for looking and chatting. Click here for more information on John Douglas Reserve

Dates
Friday 3 October 2025 or
Saturday 4 October 2025
Please select your preferred date on registering.

Time
10.00 am (for a 10.30m start) to 3.00 pm

Location
John Douglas Reserve is in north-central Victoria, approximately 17km from St Arnaud (20min drive),40km from Dunolly (1hr drive), 116km northwest of Ballarat (1.5hr drive) and 222km northwest of Melbourne (3 hr drive). The meeting point at Stuart Mill is approximately 13km from the reserve.

Transport
Participants need to arrange their own transport to and from the Stuart Mill meeting point. 2WD vehicles are suitable. From the meeting point, we will drive in convoy to John Douglas Reserve. Cars will be parked for the day to the side of a quiet country road. From here we grab our daypacks and picnic lunches and set off on foot. We are unlikely to return to our cars until the end of the day at 3.00 pm.

Meeting Point
Stuart Mill Community Recreation Reserve 1131 Stuart Mill Low Rd, Stuart Mill
Google Maps pin - click here.
Please arrive by 10.00 am as we will depart for the reserve after introductions at morning tea. We can’t wait for late comers, so you may miss the trip if you arrive late.

Fitness/access
You need to have good mobility, fitness, and health to join this trip. You will likely be on your feet for most of the day, and cover approximately 5 km. Most of the walking will be off-track, on uneven and sometimes rocky ground. John Douglas is a gentle undulating landscape. At lunchtime you will need to make use of perching on the ground, a log, or rock.

Food and Drink
You need to bring your own picnic lunch, snacks and water for the day. We recommend at least 1.5 L water per person to stay well hydrated. A light morning tea including hot drinks from a thermos, will be provided on arrival at the meeting point.

Facilities
There are public toilets at Stuart Mill. No such facilities are available once we leave for the reserve. Any toilet breaks will need to be taken in nature. Mobile phone reception can be patchy.

What to bring

BYO picnic lunch, snacks and water for the day

Clothing suitable for being outdoors and walking through the bush, including sturdy footwear, long trousers or gaiters, 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

Accommodation
There are no overnight stays on the reserves. Participants will need to make their own accommodation arrangements, with many options available in the region.

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 or if you are COVID-positive. Participants are welcome to wear a face mask if they choose.

Weather
Please check weather conditions before travelling and dress accordingly. In the event of severe weather, these events may need to be postponed. We will attempt to contact you in advance if this situation arises.

Cost
There is no charge for these visits, but donations will be greatly welcomed to help offset trip costs and continue our conservation work. You can click here anytime to donate.

Bookings and cancellation
Bookings are required as places are limited. Please inform us if you wish to change or cancel your booking. Contact visits@bushheritage.org.au or call 03 8610 9100.

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:

St Arnaud – Visit Victoria tourism website and St Arnaud Raillery Hub – art exhibition space

Dunolly – Bendigo Region website

Avoca – Visit Pyrenees website

Northern Grampians Shire Council – sport and recreation page

Stawell – Visit Grampians website

Bush Heritage acknowledges the Djaara Traditional Custodians upon whose land this event 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.