Join us for this special guided walk at our closest reserve to Melbourne: The Round House.

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.

After morning tea on arrival at the house, we head off to explore this hilly landscape. Guided by our reserve staff, we will learn about the property and some of its unique features. Walking along a cleared ridgeline provides panoramic views before dropping steeply down into the sheltered gully below. 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.

Click here for more information on The Round House Reserve.

Please read this guide to prepare for your visit. For enquiries, please email visits@bushheritage.org.au

Dates
This walk is being offered on two consecutive days, Friday 17 or Saturday 18 October 2025. Please select your preferred day on registering.

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

Location
The Round House is approximately 103km north of Melbourne CBD (1.5hrs drive), 17km east of Broadford (25min drive) and 11km west of Strath Creek (20min drive).

Transport
Participants arrange their own transport to and from The Round House. Two-wheel-drive vehicles are suitable. Note, the final 5 km 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 and develop some potholes.  It is therefore not suitable for vehicles with very low clearance. All drivers need to take care when travelling along this road.

Parking
Parking is available on the approach to the house. Please park in front of the wooden barriers and ensure your handbrake is engaged.

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 steep hills. We will break for lunch in the bush, where you will need 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. Note; we strongly recommend you carry at least 1.5 L of water for the day to keep you hydrated.

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

Facilities
Toilet are available at the house at the beginning and end of the day, 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 poor in the gullies.

Accommodation
This is a day trip only. If you wish to stay locally there are various options in the region including Broadford, Flower Dale and Strath Creek.

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 trip 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 (1-2L)

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 and binoculars

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:

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 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.