Event description
Join us for an unforgettable day at Big Punchbowl Reserve!
Step into one of Tasmania’s most stunning wild places – a breathtaking wetland and coastal haven on the Freycinet Peninsula. Experience the magic of this landscape through guided walks, lively talks, and storytelling with the Tasmanian Land Conservancy team and special guests.
You’ll uncover the secrets of the reserve’s unique ecology, learn why its protection matters, and meet some of the remarkable species that call it home. Discover Big Punchbowl is your chance to explore, connect with nature and be inspired by the conservation work protecting this extraordinary place for the future. We invite you to experience the reserve through two of the following activities:
Fostering conservation walk: TLC's teams have a deep understanding of this place – you'll walk through some of key ecological communities with them as they share the importance and challenges of protecting them. Note: this is a longer walk (1.5 hours) at a steady pace and is suited to those who are reasonably fit and mobile.
Wetland birds walk: Dr Sally Bryant & Dr Glen Blain will take you on a walk to discover the birdlife of the reserve and broader Moulting Lagoon area. Don't forget your binoculars! This is a shorter walk but over uneven marshy terrain (up to 1.5hrs).
Forest therapy walk: Mindfully connect with the environment with Matt Lancaster from Nature Moves Me. This is a slower, shorter walk (1-1.5 hours) designed for full immersion of your senses in the bush. You will stop, sit or perch to best experience the environment as you go.
Ecology of Big Punchbowl walk: Dr Cath Dickson and her team will guide you through important vegetation of the reserve and our monitoring techniques. Learn how the team establishes vegetation monitoring and hear about the key species of the reserve and the importance of protecting the wider communities (up to 1.5 hours).
What to expect:
This is a full day out in the bush. Due to the remote location and parking availability group sizes are limited. Please choose one morning activity and one afternoon activity; it is not possible to only attend part of the event due to parking limitations.
Most sessions will run for up to two hours away from the hub and parking areas, so be prepared for walking and standing for this length of time. The walking pace is easy, but the longer walks are more challenging and may not be suitable for young children and those who are less mobile. If you have any questions, contact us on 03 6225 1399.
Your attendance includes a vegetarian sandwich lunch. Please let us know your dietary needs. We will have additional water for refills and fruit available. Please bring any other personal snacks you need.
Transport
Big Punchbowl Reserve is located on the Freycinet Peninsula, 2hrs 45min from Hobart and 2hrs 30min from Launceston. Please ensure you have enough time to reach the reserve, including any rest stops along the way. We advise you to arrive before 10am as the site is small and parking may take time.
We highly encourage carpooling with friends and family to minimise cars on the reserve.
What to bring:
Please bring a backpack with everything you would need for a day in the bush:
Plenty of water in a refillable drink bottle.
A hot drink in a thermos if you wish, and any personal snacks.
Sturdy, clean boots and walking poles if you require them. A boot wash is required on arrival and departure for biosecurity of the region.
Clothing for Tasmania's changing conditions; a rain jacket, warm layers, hat and sunscreen are recommended.
Optional; binoculars, field lens, notebook, sketchpad and camera.
Booking your tickets: Please choose ONE morning and ONE afternoon session per person. Upon checkout you will be asked to assign each ticket to an attendee. Please provide all details of your party, not just of the person booking the ticket, so we know who is attending which session to ensure your safety on the reserve.
Your ticket helps cover the costs of holding this event. We thank you for your support.
Closer to the date: We'll send you a detailed reminder email. We will also let you know if we need to cancel the event due to severe weather conditions.
Bringing a kid? Children under five are welcome to join free of charge. As catering is not provided for little ones, please pack a lunch for them. Please register their details at checkout for safety on the reserve. We encourage bigger kids to attend if sessions are of interest to them.
We acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
We often take photographs at events and we use these in TLC publications. If you do not want your photo taken, please let us know; otherwise, we will assume we may use photographs that include you.
Banner image: James Hattam at Big Punchbowl Reserve
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
