We are excited to invite you to a special guided walk at our closest reserve to Melbourne: The Round House. This property was generously gifted to us by long-term supporter and volunteer, Annelie Holden and her late partner George Dalton.

The Round House is aptly named after the uniquely round-shaped house perched at the end of a ridge, giving way to spectacular views of the steep countryside. This property provides a much closer option for people to engage with us and learn about our work.

The guided walk will incorporate morning tea on arrival, before we head off to explore this hilly landscape. The house is still undergoing some renovation work, so access to the building may be limited. This visit is about exploring the property more extensively. We will take in the panoramic views as we walk along the cleared ridgeline, before dropping steeply down into the gully below, where the vegetation provides protection for many plants and animals. After winding our way along the gully floor, it’s a steep ascent back to the ridgeline and our starting point.

Around two-thirds of the reserve is classified as ‘Grassy Dry Forest’, which is a threatened ecological community that has been extensively cleared in the region.

Echidnas and wombats are a common sight, and many birds frequent the area such as Grey Shrike-Thrushes, White-throated Treecreepers and Striated Pardalotes.

Dates
This walk is being offered on two consecutive days, Friday 4 or Saturday 5 October 2024. Select your preferred day on registering. Bookings are required as places are limited.

Time
10.00 am to 3.00 pm

Location
The Round House is approximately 103 km north of Melbourne CBD (1.5 hrs drive), 17 km east of Broadford (25 min drive) and 11 km west of Strath Creek (20 min drive). Further instructions on reaching The Round House will be provided to participants prior to the trip.

Transport
Participants need to arrange their own transport to and from The Round House. 2WD vehicles are suitable.
Note: the final 5km of driving is along a country road that is unsealed, windy, narrow and steep in some places.  The road conditions can change over time and can become rough with potholes and runoff channels.  It is therefore not suitable for vehicles with very low clearance. All drivers need to take care when travelling along this road.

Fitness / Access
You will need to have very good mobility, fitness, and health to join this trip. You will likely be on your feet for most of the day, and cover between 3 to 5 km. Most of the walking will be off-track on uneven and sometimes rocky ground. The terrain is steep in sections, so the pace will be gentle, but you do need to be able to walk up and down hills. At lunchtime you will have to perch on the ground, a log, or rock.

Food and drink
You need to bring your own lunch, snacks and water for the day.

A light morning tea including hot drinks will be provided on arrival at the house.

Facilities
Toilet available near the house but once we are out walking any toilet breaks will need to be taken in nature. Mobile phone reception is excellent on elevated ground but patchy in the gullies.

Accommodation
This is a day trip only. If you wish to stay locally, the closest towns are Broadford and Flowerdale, and there are various accommodation options 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, this event may need to be postponed. We will attempt to contact you in advance if this situation arises.

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 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

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.

Implied Film/Photo Consent
Bush Heritage staff will likely take photographs during this event. Participation in the event is taken as implied consent for your image to be used in our publications including social media posts. If you do not want your image to be used, please let staff members know.

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:

Broadford - local points of interest including the local historical museum
Mt Piper Nature Conservation Reserve
Discover Mitchell Official Visitor Guide
Discover Strath Creek Visitor Guide

Bush Heritage acknowledges the Taungurung Traditional Custodians, upon whose land this activity 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.