John Douglas, Sanstrom, and JC Griffin Guided Walk (Vic), Fri 4 or Sat 5 Sep 2026

Join us for a guided day walk through the stunning Dalyenong region of Victoria, exploring the connected landscapes of Bush Heritage’s John Douglas, Sanstrom and JC Griffin Reserves. Choose from two available dates and immerse yourself in some of the most significant ecologies of the Central Highlands.

We’ll meet at John Douglas Reserve for a cuppa before a short shuttle in Bush Heritage vehicles, to the start of our walk. From here, our expert field staff will lead a gentle, full‑day walk across all three properties, sharing with you what makes them special and how we are managing them, before finishing back at your vehicles.

Along the way you’ll experience rare and vulnerable habitats including a stand of ancient Grass Trees, Grassy Woodlands, Box–Ironbark Forest and Heathy Dry Forest. As the landscape shifts and changes, keep an eye out for threatened bird species such as the Brown Treecreeper, Hooded Robin, Diamond Firetail, and Yellow‑tufted Honeyeater.

Spring usually brings an explosion of wildflowers and wildlife, so bring your binoculars, camera and curiosity. The pace will be relaxed with plenty of time to explore, learn and chat.

If you want to read more about these reserves check out our web pages for John Douglas Reserve, Sanstrom Reserve and JC Griffin Reserve

Dates 
Friday 4 or Saturday 5 September 2026

(read and select the dates you wish to attend carefully at check out to avoid miss-booking, both days are identical itineraries so we suggest only attend one)

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

Location 
John Douglas, Sanstrom and JC Griffin Reserves are in north-central Victoria, approximately 17 km from St Arnaud (20 min drive), 40 km from Dunolly (1 hr drive), 116 km northwest of Ballarat (1.5 hr drive) and 222 km northwest of Melbourne (3 hr drive).

Transport 
Participants need to arrange their own transport to and from the meeting point. 2WD vehicles are suitable. From the meeting point, you will grab you daypacks and picnic lunches, do a quick shuttle in the mini-bus to the far side of the reserves, and set off on foot.

We are unlikely to return to our cars until the end of the day at 3.00 pm. 

Meeting Point 
John Douglas Reseve is in Dalyenong, Further directions will be provided closer to the event,

For travel planning you can use this google maps link to see directions to Dalyenong.

Fitness/access 
You need to have good mobility, fitness, and health to join this trip. You will likely be on your feet for most of the day, and cover approximately 5-6 km. Most of the walking will be off-track, on uneven and sometimes rocky ground. At lunchtime you will need to make use of perching on a log, or rock or on the ground.

Food and Drink 
You need to bring your own picnic lunch, snacks and water for the day. We recommend at least 1.5 L water per person to stay well hydrated. A light morning tea (including hot drinks from a thermos) will be provided on arrival at the meeting point.

Facilities 
There is a portable composting toilet at the start/finish point of the walk. Once we depart this area, any toilet breaks will need to be taken in nature.

Mobile phone reception can be patchy.  

What to bring 

• BYO picnic lunch, snacks and water for the day 

• Clothing suitable for being outdoors and walking through the bush, including sturdy enclosed footwear, long trousers or gaiters, 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 

Accommodation
This is a day trip only. If you wish to stay locally, the closest town with accommodation options is St. Arnaud. We recommend staying somewhere close overnight to break up your journey.   

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. 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, these events may need to be postponed. We will attempt to contact you in advance if this situation arises.  

Cost 
Tickets for this event are $30 a person for general admission, which is to offset our costs of running the trip and ensure donated funds are spent on conservation work.

If you wish to further contribute to our work you can click here anytime to donate. For all our dedicated donors and regular volunteers, we thank you for the amazing support you give us already. 

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: 

• St Arnaud – Visit Victoria tourism website and St Arnaud Raillery Hub – art exhibition space 

• Dunolly – Bendigo Region website 

• Avoca – Visit Pyrenees website 

• Northern Grampians Shire Council – sport and recreation page 

• Stawell – Visit Grampians website

Bush Heritage acknowledges the Djaara 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.