Wilsons Promontory Hooded Plovers Naturewise Experience
Description
Situated at the southernmost point of the Australian mainland Wilsons Promontory National Park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Victoria, with sweeping beaches and coastlines, huge granite mountains and tranquil forests. The Park is also home to some of Victoria’s Hooded Plovers – a beautiful beach nesting bird listed as vulnerable in the state with only 550 left.
On this exclusive Naturewise trip you will be working alongside Parks Victoria Rangers and conservation experts on a critical Hooded Plover habitat restoration projects including hands-on removal of sea spurge, establishing photo monitoring points, and recording data on any Hooded Plover activity. You will also experience the best of the Prom and surrounding area, including the iconic Squeaky Beach, Mt Bishop, Mt Oberon, Cape Liptrap Lighthouse and Walkerville. This is a unique way to experience this iconic national park and our local wildlife.
Today the Hooded Plovers struggle to find a bit of undisturbed space on the beach to breed. Their numbers are declining because their nesting failure rate is 90-95% and too few young are added to the population to sustain it. Since 2006, BirdLife Australia has been working with volunteers, land managers and beach users to recover the Eastern Hooded Plovers. Activities including Hooded Plover habitat restoration removing sea spurge and marine debris form nesting Plover beaches. We will also be monitoring Hooded activity looking for any flocks of ‘hoodies’ and recording Hooded Plover activities and nesting sites.
DAY 1 We start our journey with a presentation by Birds Australia on the Hooded Plovers, before driving to the spectacular Wilsons Promontory National Park. Time to settle in at our Tidal River Lodge and free time to relax or explore the local surrounds. Dinner followed by an evening spotlighting walk. L D
DAY 2 Following an early breakfast, we travel to Darby Beach for the day’s conservation activities. We will be helping restore the Hooded Plover habitat and recording any activity. Afternoon activities will include marine debris monitoring at Cotters Beach, and a walk to the top of Mt Oberon. After a rewarding day in the field enjoy dinner and time to relax back at our accommodation. BLD
DAY 3 On our final morning in the National Park we visit Squeaky Beach where we continue our habitat restoration program. After lunch we say goodbye to this beautiful region and return to Melbourne, stopping over at the beautiful Cape Liptrap and Walkerville on the way. B L
Meal Code: B – breakfast L – lunch D – dinner
Useful Information
What to Bring: Standard comfortable outdoor and walking gear as detailed below.
Long sleeved shirt and trousers, casual and comfortable clothing, waterproof hiking boots or closed toe walking shoes, a comfortable pair of shoes to relax in after the outdoor activities, day pack, personal water bottle, warm clothing (beanie, gloves, thermals, fleece tops etc.), waterproof jacket and pants, personal toiletries, insect repellent, wide brimmed sun hat and broad spectrum sunscreen (factor 30+), sunglasses, any personal medication and any personal items you may require.
Activity Rating: Medium. Conservation activities involve walking on average up to 3 kilometers each day.
Group Size: Guaranteed Departures Maximum 8 people- departure is guaranteed, subject to 4 people travelling.
Minimum age for participation is 14 yrs of age. Participants under 16 are to be accompanied by an adult.
Lodge accommodation with shared bathroom facilities in the heart of Wilsons Promontory National Park with fully equipped kitchen, spacious central living area and shared bathrooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag and bath towel.
Contact
- Conservation Volunteers
- Phone: 1800 032 501
- Phone: 03 5330 2600
- Email: bookings@naturewise.com.au
- Website: http://www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/get-involved/holidays/wilsonspromhoodedplovers
- Cost: $499
- Booking required
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Wilsons Promontory National Park, VIC Wilsons Promontory National Park, Vic, Australia
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