Bush Heritage is delighted to offer the opportunity to visit two of our conservation reserves in the Dalyenong region of Victoria. The John Douglas Block and John Colahan Griffin Nature Reserve are on Dja Dja Wurrung (Djaara) Country in north-central Victoria, where grassy and heathy woodlands host a range of rare orchids and endangered birdlife.

These walks will occur separately on two consecutive days, with our field staff taking you on an exploration of these special landscapes. Being close together, these locations share some ecological features but also have unique characteristics to be discovered. In the spring months, they come to life with an abundance of flowering plants and plenty of activity among birds, insects and other animals.

The pace will be gentle, with plenty of time for stopping and looking - so don't forget to bring your binoculars and camera!

These reserves are named after their previous owners, who were both great lovers of nature and keen to see them preserved. You are welcome to register for one or both days, simply indicate your preference at checkout.

John Douglas Block
Friday 20 September, 10.00 am - 3.00 pm

This undulating patch of remnant Buloke woodland strategically connects important ecological communities in the Dalyenong area. Blue-winged Parrots, Hooded Robins, and many other vulnerable species have been observed on the 185-hectare property.

Click here for more information about this reserve.

John Colahan Griffin Nature Reserve
Saturday 21 September, 10.00 am - 3.00 pm

Also known as J.C. Griffin Reserve, this hilly property is dominated by old-growth box and iron-bark woodlands, which are indispensable habitat for hollow-dependent species. It is one of the few places in Victoria where Grey Grass Trees can still be found.

Click here for more information about this reserve.

Meeting Point for BOTH DAYS
Stuart Mill Community Recreation Reserve
1131 Stuart Mill Low Rd, Stuart Mill
Google Maps pin here

NOTE: Please plan to arrive by 10am as following the briefing over morning tea, we will depart in convoy for the reserve of the day. Latecomers may miss the trip. Further travel information will be provided closer to your visit.

Transport
Participants need to arrange their own transport to and from the Stuart Mill meeting point. 2WD vehicles are suitable.

From the meeting point, we will drive in convoy: on Friday to John Douglas Block (13 km) and Saturday to J.C. Griffin Reserve (5 km).

Cars will be parked for the day to the side of a quiet country road. From here we grab our daypacks and picnic lunches and set off on foot. We are unlikely to return to our cars until the end of the day at 3.00 pm.

Fitness / Access
You will need to have good mobility, fitness, and health to join this trip. You will likely be on your feet for most the day, and cover between 3 to 5 km. Most of the walking will be off track, with uneven and sometimes rocky ground. John Douglas is flatter, undulating country, where as J.C Griffin is a little hillier. At lunchtime you will need to make use of perching on the ground, a log, or rock.

Food and drink
Participants need to bring provisions such as lunch, snacks and water for the day.

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

Facilities
There are public toilets at Stuart Mill. No such facilities are available once we leave for the reserve. Any toilet breaks will need to be taken in nature.

Mobile phone reception can be patchy.

Accommodation
There are no overnight stays on the reserves. Participants will need to make their own accommodation arrangements, with many options available in the region. The closest towns are St Arnaud, Dunolly and Avoca. See links below for more information about 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 face mask if they choose.

Weather
Always 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 participants 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 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

Costs
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.

Please register your attendance via this website as soon as possible as places are limited. 

For enquiries contact: visits@bushheritage.org.au or call 03 8610 9124. More information will be provided to participants prior to the event, including how to get there and what to bring. 

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 9124.

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