Program Itinerary

At 4.30pm we depart Melbourne city for the Grampians National Park. Renowned for rugged mountain ranges, rich cultural heritage and spectacular wildflower displays, Gariwerd (Grampians) is a unique place.  The Grampians National Park is home to a diverse range of plants, animals and cultural sites.  The 168,000 ha park is Victoria’s third largest.  There will be a quick meal stop along the way in Ballarat, or you can choose to bring your own meal for the trip.   On arrival at our Halls Gap accommodation enjoy a briefing about our next day’s activities wildlife trapping over a drink by the open fire.   Please note that transport for this program is in a sideway’s facing troop carrier as 4WD access to the wildlife trapping sites is required.

We start the day with an early self serve breakfast before our 7.30am departure to the wildlife trapping sites where we meet our ranger and researcher, Mike Stevens.  Feral fox penetration and the 2006 wildfires in the Grampians have contributed heavily to the decline in populations of small mammals. This research program aims to monitor the effectiveness of fox baiting efforts to protect endangered wildlife species and increase their rate of survival and recovery throughout the park. Before we roll up our sleeves and swing into action our host for the weekend Mike will explain the program, wildlife trapping protocols and the day’s activities. 

Wildlife monitoring involves walking through bush land along 200 meter long transect lines checking traps, recording data, processing captured mammals and reptiles then re-baiting and setting the traps. Handling of mammals and reptiles in the traps is done in accordance with ethics guidelines adopted by Parks Victoria. 

Morning tea and a picnic lunch are provided out in the field. After lunch wildlife monitoring activities are resumed in the park. Time permitting you may even get the chance to enjoy a short walk before returning to our accommodation for a well deserved rest and dinner.

Enjoy a rewarding final day in the National Park assisting our Park Ranger, Mike with wildlife trapping activities and data recording.  Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided in the field.  We depart the Grampians in the late afternoon for an expected arrival time back into Melbourne at 7.30pm. Please note that our arrival time back into Melbourne may vary depending on the time we finish wildlife trapping activities in the park.

Code: B - breakfast / L- lunch / D - dinner

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