First notice SEANA Spring 2009 Camp

Campout at Dunkeld

Proudly hosted by the Hamilton Field Naturalists Club

Date: Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th October 2009

The Hamilton Field Naturalists Club invites you to join us at the Grampians Retreat and Field Studies Centre at the foot of Mount Abrupt near Dunkeld in south-west Victoria.

Excursions and presentations will feature the natural secrets of the southern Grampians/Gariwerd region and include visits to:

• exquisite wetlands among the red gum flats,
• diverse wildflower displays of the grassland plains,
• colourful heathy woodlands of the outwash slopes and
• geological formations of this magnificent district.

Venue: The Hamilton Field Naturalists Club is pleased to have secured the Grampians Retreat and Field Studies Centre for this event, adjacent to the Grampians/Gariwerd National Park and the Wannon River. The venue is located off the Grampians Tourist Road (C216) along Wrights Road, 5 km north of Dunkeld. It is situated among 31 ha of bushland and open river flats, enabling short walks in the early morning for the bird watcher.

Facilities: The main facilities comprise of a well-lit and heated kitchen, dining room, a large multi-purpose recreation room and ablution blocks.

Located adjacent to the main buildings are several cabin-type buildings providing bunk-style sleeping arrangements with rooms generally accommodating 7 patrons with most having a single bed. Sufficient single-sex dorms will be provided.

Un-powered camping sites are available about 200 m down hill from main buildings, amongst the river flats adjacent the Wannon River (restricted vehicle access with vehicles only being permitted to set up and pack up camp). Portaloos will be provided, however the main ablution block is located at the main building.

Unfortunately the retreat cannot accommodate caravans, however there is an un-powered area suitable for 3 to 4 small campervans and camp trailers close to main buildings. So those interested in these sites will have to be quick and book early (indicate your interest on registration form).

Accommodation: For attendees wishing to stay in bunk-style cabins the cost will be $75 per person for the weekend (Friday & Saturday night) and includes breakfasts, morning teas, lunches and afternoon teas. BYO sleeping bag/doona and bottom sheet. Pillows and pillow slip are provided. Extra blankets can be provided. If you require full linen the facility proprietors can supply for additional $11 on arrival (not included in fee).

For attendees wishing to camp, the cost will be $55 per person for the weekend (Friday & Saturday night) and includes breakfasts, morning teas, lunches and afternoon teas.

Registration: A standard registration fee of $100 per person for the weekend applies to all attendees. This fee covers camp administration, contribution to the South East Australian Naturalists’ Association Inc and all activities, including three course dinner on Friday and Saturday evening followed by after dinner speakers.

Preliminary Program:

Friday 2nd October: Registration from 4:30 pm at the Grampians Retreat and Field Studies Centre, get together and sign up for excursions, tea and coffee available all weekend.
Dinner at 6:00 pm followed by welcome and after dinner presentations from 7:30 pm.

Saturday 3rd October:
9:00 am meet at retreat for excursions catering for all interest and fitness levels visiting the beautiful surrounds of the Southern Grampians including wetlands, grasslands, woodlands and geological formations of the district. Possible SEANA meeting at the retreat around 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Dinner at 6:00 pm followed by after dinner speaker from 7:30 pm.

Sunday 4th October:
9:00 am meet at retreat for excursions, visiting wetlands, grasslands, woodlands and geological formations of the district.
Afternoon, break up and farewell.

We are looking forward seeing you in October 2009.

Booking form (pdf document)

Enquiries: Diane Luhrs, Phone (03) 55 723 874 / Reto Zollinger, Phone AH (03) 55 712 544

Hamilton Field Naturalists Club SEANA Camp
PO Box 591, Hamilton VIC, 3300;
E-mail: hamiltonfnc@live.com.au
South East Australian Naturalists Association Inc. No.: A0044963D