Nature Walk 2026 by Crooked River Estate
Description
Join us for a special guided walk through Crooked River Estate, home to Crooked River Winery—and a remnant patch of endangered Illawarra Lowland Subtropical Rainforest.
Joel Walsh, Sustainability and Operations Manager at Crooked River Estate, will lead the walk and explain the Estate’s sustainability and environmental work ranging from repurposing waste into environmental resources, conserving endangered local floral and fauna, and a developing plan for minimal intervention land management.
On this year’s Walk, Joel will be joined by Carl Glaister, of Carl’s Rainforest Experiences. Carl will guide you through the rainforest, sharing insights into the Estate’s remnant endangered Illawarra Lowland Subtropical Rainforest.
Details
Duration: 3 hours
Parking: free onsite with EV charging available
Gallery
Agenda
- 8:15 am - 8:30 am
Arrive and sign-in
Attendees to arrive and sign-in.
- 8:30 am - 8:40 am
Acknowledgement of Country and Nature Walk Briefing
- 8:40 am
Nature Walk starts
Nature Walk will start from the assembly point on the map.
- 8:45 am
Sites 1-6
The walk will stop at six (6) sites along its route. The group will stop at these sites where the site projects will be explained. We encourage conversation and discussion at each site and along the route. The walk is a great opportunity to discuss ideas, meet like-minded people and learn new ways to doing environmental work.
- 11:30 am
Nature Walk ends
Nature Walk will end at the assembly point on the map. Attendees will be provided the feedback questionnaire.
FAQs
- What are the conditions of attending the Nature Walk?
Please note:
The walk is across uneven terrain and follows wildlife tracks/paths. No man-made trails.
The terrain includes agriculturally used land, old pasture and rainforest understorey. These terrains are hilly, uneven in places, rocky and lose underfoot. A moderate level of fitness is required to complete this walk.
There are no refreshment stops along the walk. Please ensure you bring sufficient water and food to sustain you for 2.5-3 hours.
Please wear outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, a hat, and gaiters if you have them. Sunscreen and gloves are highly recommended.
A first aid kit will be carried throughout the walk.
No pets are allowed on the walk.
Minors will require an adult/guardian to attend with them.
- Feedback opportunities
A QR code-based questionnaire will be provided, after the Nature Walk, to allow attendees to provide feedback.
- Postponement and Cancellation
This event is weather-dependent. If severe weather conditions are forecast, at least one (1) day before the event, attendees will be notified of the event's postponement. Another date will be selected that attendees can use the same ticket to attend. If attendees cannot make the postponed event, a full refund will be provided.
The summation of ticket costs cover guide fees. The business will not profit from this event. Therefore, if tickets are not sold out, the organiser may cancel the event. This will be done with at least two (2) days notice. Tickets will be fully refunded to attendees.
- Services at Crooked River Estate.
Please visit the business' website for information regarding available services - https://crookedriverestate.com.au/
- Are there toilets during the Nature Walk?
No toilets are available once we leave the assembly area. Attendees will have the opportunity to use the toilets prior to leave for the Nature Walk.
- Rest and stops along the route.
The walk will stop at six (6) sites along its route. These stops will offer opportunity for attendees to site and rest.
Additionally, rest breaks can be taken when required.
- Wildlife along the walk.
It's possible that the group will encounter wildlife along the way. The property is a Land for Wildlife refuge and the rainforest a conservation area for the business. Please tread lightly and respect all living creatures. Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Feel free to bring binoculars and use wildlife apps including iNaturalist and eBird to recording sightings on the walk.
- Cost of the Nature Walk.
In previous years the walk has a free event. This year a small fee has been introduced to provide attendees the insight and knowledge of a local rainforest guide. It is hoped that attendees will be able to learn more about their home area and its uniqueness. Ticketing and GST are included in the cost business takes not margin from the event.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity



