Bush Heritage is delighted to offer an opportunity to experience the Kara Kara-Wedderburn region via guided walks on two reserves.

Both are on Dja Dja Wurrung (Djaara) Country in north-central Victoria, characterised by grassy and heathy woodlands that host rare orchids and endangered birdlife.

These walks will occur separately on two consecutive days, with our field staff taking you on an exploration of these special landscapes. Being close together, they share many similar plant and animal communities, but they also have many unique features. You are welcome to register for one or both walks; the pace will be gentle and there will be plenty of time for stopping and looking, so don't forget to bring your binoculars and camera!

These reserves are named after their previous owners, who were both great lovers of nature and keen to see them preserved.

John Colahan Griffin Nature Reserve

Also known as J.C. Griffin Reserve, this hilly property is dominated by old-growth box and iron-bark woodlands, which are indispensable habitat for hollow-dependent species. It is one of the few places in Victoria where Grey Grass Trees can still be found.

Click here for more information about this reserve.

John Douglas Block

This undulating patch of remnant Buloke woodland strategically connects important ecological communities in the Dalyenong area. Blue-winged Parrots, Hooded Robins, and many other vulnerable species have been observed on the 185 hectare property.

Click here for more information about this reserve.

Dates and time

Thursday 11 April 2024 – J.C. Griffin Reserve. 10.00 am to 3.00 pm
Friday 12 April 2024 – John Douglas Block. 10.00 am to 3.00 pm

You will be required at checkout to indicate whether you intend to visit one or both reserves.

Meeting Point

Stuart Mill Community Recreation Reserve
1131 Stuart Mill Low Rd, Stuart Mill
Google Maps pin here

NOTE: If you arrive late you may miss the convoy to the reserve of the day.
Further travel information will be provided closer to your visit.
__

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: on Thursday to J.C. Griffin Reserve (5 km), and Friday to John Douglas Block (13 km).

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.

Fitness / Access
You will need to have good mobility, fitness, and health to join this trip. You will likely be on your feet for most the day, and cover between 3 to 5 km. Most of the walking will be off track, with uneven and sometimes rocky ground. John Douglas is flatter, undulating country, where as J.C Griffin is a little hillier. At lunchtime you will need to make use of perching on the ground, a log, or rock.

Food and drink
Morning tea will be provided on arrival at the meeting point on both days, including hot drinks. Participants must bring all other provisions such as lunch, snacks and water for each day.

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.

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. The closest towns are St Arnaud, Dunolly and Avoca.

Pets
Please leave your pets at home.

Covid safety
Bush Heritage will continue to try to make events 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.

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

Bookings and enquiries
Please register your attendance via this website as soon as possible as places are limited. 

For enquiries contact: visits@bushheritage.org.au or call 03 8610 9124. Detailed information will be provided to participants prior to the event, including how to get there and what to bring. 