Terrick Terrick National Park Activities Weekend
Published on 19 September 2016
Come back to earth with a day or weekend visit to a little-known, but highly significant, nature reserve in northern Victoria.
That’s the invitation from organisers of the 11th annual activities weekend coming up at Terrick Terrick National Park, 4km north of Mitiamo and 60km from Bendigo.
The experience is part of the 2016 “Naturally Loddon” Spring Festival, comprising 10 family-friendly events spread across eight weeks.
This year’s program also includes the popular Kooyoora Wildflower Show, wetlands bus tour, a fishing competition, vintage fair, historic machinery rally, two local festivals and Boort’s annual metal sculpture competition.
Terrick Terrick National Park is a 5882ha reserve containing the largest remnant of endangered northern plains grasslands in Victoria.
It supports more than 200 species of native flora, including many rare and threatened species, and is home to over 100 species of birds, including the Plains-wanderer, grey-crowned babbler and bush stone-curlew.
It is also home to such native mammals and reptiles as the black wallaby, fat-tailed dunnart, striped legless lizard, hooded scaly foot and tree goanna.
Secretary of the Friends of Terrick Terrick National Park Keith Stockwell said this year’s event, planned for 30 September to 2 October, would start just after 2pm on the Friday with a short working bee and mini-bus tour.
“The first speaker that evening will be local grazier Andrew Bail, talking about how he manages his farm to benefit both his sheep and the Plains-wanderer,” Mr Stockwell said.
“Following that, I’ll provide a general run-down on the park.
“The Saturday starts with an early morning birding session, followed by either a working bee tackling the wheel cactus or mini-bus tour incorporating short nature walks.
“That afternoon, Parks Victoria will report on the health of the park, there’ll be another working bee and nature walk and a TV set will be operating for those who would like to watch the AFL Grand Final.
“Evening speakers will be Ken Hooper, a former dairy farmer who has created a wetland near Benjeroop for brolgas and various water birds, and local landowner and amateur pilot Jenny Emonson.
“Sunday opens with a sheep shearing demonstration before a mini-bus tour into the park accompanied by field naturalists.”
Free camping will be available at the Davies Homestead site on the Mitiamo-Kow Swamp Rd, Terrick Terrick.
“Unfortunately, the homestead was demolished about a month ago after white ant infestation, some storm damage and an issue with asbestos,” Mr Stockwell said.
“Day visitors are welcome, but those wishing to stay overnight will need to bring their own food and camping gear.
“We will provide afternoon tea on the Saturday, tea and coffee, portable toilets and tank water.”
For further enquiries, phone (03) 5480 9254 or visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au