Join us for a guided walk through the Myles Dunphy Reserve, home to an endangered wetland community. The Reserve contains Riverflat Paperbark Swamp Forest, an Endangered Ecological Community that has faced significant pressures from invasive weeds—including Arundo, Alocasia brisbanensis and Ligustrum species. Much of the invasion has taken place since 2010, threatening the resilience and diversity within this important habitat which is a roosting site for the Vulnerable Grey-Headed Flying-fox.

Our 2 km walk will take us along tracks in and around the wetland, with stops to examine key sites. We’ll visit areas where weed control is being undertaken by the Riverkeeper Team, discuss the history of past restoration attempts, and reflect on the challenges of sustaining long-term management when work relies heavily on limited grant funding.

Restoration here is part of the Georges River Riparian Recovery Project funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with the support of Georges Riverkeeper and Georges River Council.

Guides for the walk bring decades of on-ground experience:

Geoff Francis – Bushcare volunteer at the Reserve
Heather Stolle – Former Contractor with the National Trust and Council Bushcare Officer
Felipe Moretto – Riverkeeper Project Officer

Through this event, we’ll explore not only the ecological importance of the wetland but also the broader issue of sustaining bush regeneration projects in challenging environments.

You can find out more about Myles Dunphy Reserve and its management here.

What to bring:

Please come prepared with the usual bushwalking essentials: a hat, suitable bushwalking clothes including enclosed shoes, insect repellent, and adequate drinking water for the day. Don’t forget to pack some morning tea to enjoy during the break.

Meeting point:

5 River Road South, Oatley

Public transport:

5 minute walk from Oatley train station, also accessible from the 955 bus route stopping at the corner of Mulga and River Road.

Parking:

Free limited parking available along River Road and Mulga Road. Allow extra time in case you need to park farther away from the meeting point.

Bathrooms:

Closest bathrooms at Oatley station.

AABR Host

Geoff Francis 0437 407 332