Restoring landscapes across the Mount Alexander Region

Nature Journaling Campout 23-25 May, Wedderburn

Posted on 12 May, 2025 by Bonnie Humphreys

Birdlife Castlemaine District would like to invite you to their annual Nature Journaling Campout.

Male Hooded Robin painted by Jane Rusden

Nature journaling is the practice of recording observations and experiences with nature through drawing, writing, or any combination of these methods. It’s a way to connect with the natural world, develop observation skills, and document the details of your surroundings in a creative and personal way. 

This year we are very lucky to be visiting an incredible private property, within 10 minutes of Wedderburn. Habitats include huge areas of Mallee, stands of Bull Mallee with enormous roots and massive areas of indigenous flora, rich from direct seeding, supporting vibrant bird communities. Birds seen over Easter include White-browed Babblers, Red-capped Robins, Grey Goshawk, Hooded Robin and Southern White-face.

Wedderburn property, photo by Jane Rusden

Cost: $15 CASH ONLY per person which goes towards the upkeep and rehabilitation of the property. It is a labour of love and a huge amount of work and expense, so you may choose to give more than $15. Sorry, no receipts.
To participate, email Jane Rusden.  Property details will only be sent to registered parties.

Nature Journaling Program:

Campers arrive from 3:00pm Friday 23 May. The gate will be locked prior to this, so there is no point coming earlier.

Saturday 24 May  9:00am – 4:00pm

Sunday 25 May 9:00am – 2:00pm

Accommodation: Book accommodation in Wedderburn or camp on the property. The campsite on the property has a large bush shelter, one pit toilet and Telstra phone reception.

It’s likely to be cold and may be wet, so rug up well and bring waterproofs. Bring your own camping gear, including:

  • Food, drinking water and cooking equipment.
  • Warm sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
  • Tent, caravan or camper trailer.
  • Chair and camp table
  • Warm clothing and waterproofs, warm socks and sturdy footwear, long trousers. Warm hat and sun hat.
  • Torch
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Art materials such as watercolours, coloured pencils and sketchbook

Wedderburn has a good cafe, a pub, IGA supermarket, service station, caravan park and hotel. It also has some very beautiful bird murals around town.

Please note: we have been told not to walk off track in the Mallee habitat by the landowner, because it is very easy to get lost as it all looks the same and there are no landmarks. However, there is plenty of beautiful bush and birds to see, and we can view the Mallee area from its edge. Malleefowl, Diamond Firetails and Hooded Robins have all been seen many times, outside the Mallee vegetation.

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