On this outing we will visit Wandiyali, a privately-owned wildlife reserve between Jerrabomberra and Googong. Wandiyali includes a 600ha sanctuary protected by a predator-proof fence – see https://wandiyalirestorationtrust.org/ Wandiyali recently entered into a partnership with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy to reintroduce locally extinct species to the sanctuary: https://wandiyalirestorationtrust.org/news/about-our-partnership-with-awc-australian-wildlife-conservancy and
Wandiyali has a range of habitats including grassland, open woodland, gullies and wetlands so we should see a good range of birds. There are also lots of native mammals and reptiles. The sanctuary was recently in the news because it was visited by a koala.
We’ll be accompanied by Kaz and Sandy, the landholders, who’ll give an introduction to Wandiyali and show us the best spots for birds.
Wandiyali has a Landcare volunteer program (which I’m involved in), so if you are interested in helping to manage and protect this amazing oasis, this will be a great opportunity to talk to Kaz and Sandy about getting involved.
Please be prepared to walk off trails, so long pants and sensible shoes are a must as it will be snake season. Walking poles are optional. We’ll avoid the steepest sections but there will likely be some rolling country.
Please bring water and a snack for morning tea – we’ll likely be out for a few hours.
Please meet at 8:00am at the main gate marked on this Google maps pin:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aBtscEbQA8HhCrTz5
It’s also useful to read these old-fashioned directions:
– Head south on Old Cooma Road from the junction with Edwin Land Parkway.
– Continue along Old Cooma Road for 3.7km.
– Turn right into an unnamed road/driveway (note that Google maps may say you can’t turn right here but there is a turning lane and it is legal and safe to turn here). Note that there is no sign for Wandiyali on the corner.
– Continue along the driveway for around 1.2km to the main gate.
– After turning off Old Cooma Road, you will see the sanctuary fence start after a few hundred metres on the left.
– Ignore the houses and driveways on the right.
– You will pass the first gate in the sanctuary fence on the left – ignore this gate and keep driving along the driveway.
– You will reach the main gate where I will be waiting to assign parking and let you into the sanctuary.
– You shouldn’t get lost, but if you do, call me on 0418 264 868.
Numbers will be limited to 25 people, so first in best dressed. Register at pickelbarrel@gmail.com with your name, mobile number and the name and number of an emergency contact.