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Echidna Ridge Bushland Experience

Bookings

Echidna Ridge Bushland Experience

Bookings

What We'll Do

After a brief introduction you'll be guided on a two and a half hour walk of 2 to 4 kms, depending on what we find and what you are interested in, and observe the landscape and native flora and fauna of the region.
Depending on the season, you will see many species of native orchid and fungi. More than 40 species of native birds have been seen on the property and you'll almost certainly see kangaroos in the wild. Hopefully we'll also observe an echidna or koala.
Quite likely to see feral plants and animals and learn of our efforts to eradicate them and the reasons why. Anyone after a more immersive experience ?? You can always help the cause by hand-pulling some broom, an unwanted invasive species !

Light refreshments will be provided at a picnic spot during the walk.

** this is not a zoo or enclosure, all animals are wild and free and as such, there can be no 100% guarantee that any animal will be seen.

Our Story

Firstly, we acknowledge that we are the latest in a succession of people who have bought and sold this land since around 1840, when the local Peramangk people were driven from the area by the early white settlers. They had lived here, and cared for the land for thousands of years before this destruction of their culture and homelands.

Angela and I purchased the property in 2012 and almost immediately began eradication of feral plants to help restore the native bushland.

In addition to the time, effort and money we've personally invested, we received great support from the Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association (GWLAP), in the form of advice and funding for weeding contractors, for which we are extremely grateful.

We are passionate about our patch of bush, the plant and animal communities within it, and keen to protect them into the future, as best we can.

In 2017 we applied for, and attained Heritage Protection and a Certificate of Recognition from the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation

"For contributions to biodiversity conservation in South Australia"

We consider ourselves really very lucky to have found this block in particular, as it adjoins several other heritage listed bush blocks owned by like minded people. (approx. 800 acres in total)

As members of the local Prospect Hill Bushland Group we and our neighbours participate in an ongoing "war on weeds" on all our properties with regular working bees.

Our group has also participated in snake awareness, weed control, fungi, native bird and native orchid workshops.

Angela and I have further attended echidna awareness, fauna rescue and first aid workshops.

Some current projects include : “Understanding and Protecting Western Pygmy-possums on Fleurieu Peninsula”. This involved 9 possum boxes being placed on our property to be monitored, with a view to establishing the presence and distribution of the Western Pygmy-possum.

Also a seed conservation program, where our group has had training in collecting and storing seed from the rarer or threatened species on our properties. Species such as : Blunt Greenhood Orchid, Pygmy Caladenia, Clover Glycine, River Mint, Giant Sun Orchid, Blue-spotted Sun Orchid and Wiry Spear-grass.

The intention is to distribute the seeds where appropriate, around our properties to increase the target plants range and to store seed in a seed bank for use after catastrophic events such as bushfire and drought.

I really enjoy sharing the experience of walking through this bushland, and witnessing the seasonal changes and wonders of nature up close and personal. I think you will too, and your walk fee will help us with our on-going work.

I'm a keen bushwalker and amateur photographer, and I spend countless hours, walking, photographing, and simply observing the wildlife to be found here.

Neale

Some Reviews

Amelia

May 2021

The bushwalk was wonderful. Neale is very knowledgeable and we loved learning about the conservation efforts on the land. We saw one koala lazing in a tree and plenty of gorgeous birds! Really enjoyed the walk and the view from the top of the ridge (with delicious cuppa in hand)

Hanyang

February 2021 Great walk and very nice environment. Knowledgeable and friendly guide, strongly recommend.

Nic

January 2021 Our family of four all loved this walk with Neale around Echidna Ridge. Such beautiful bush and Neale’s commentary as we walked around was fantastic. A great introduction for us to get to know and love the Adelaide hills flora and fauna. The echidna was a highlight. We’re looking forward to returning in spring to see the orchids!

Julian

December 2020 This is a great excursion and welcome detour from the (lovely) wineries of McLaren Vale. We are so pleased that we didn't just stick to the "usual" itinerary (although we loved that as well!). Neale is calmly-passionate and knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of his backyard, a massive backyard that showcases the spectacular variety of the Australian bush and all things that live or grow in it. Whether you're a "local" or an overseas tourist, you'll be well rewarded with your time spent with Neale. Tip: go early or go late as obviously that's when the wildlife is most active.

Anne

October 2020 This was a really lovely walk. I highly recommend going during spring because the blooming native Australian orchids were incredible, I've never seen anything like them and I'm from rural Australia. Neale was very informative about the flora and fauna and detailing the great work they've been doing to restore this 100 acre property to native bushland. There were beautiful ferns, a lovely dam, huge gumtrees and the occasional glimpse of lake Alexandrina. This was much better than just going for a walk in a parkland or wildlife park

. Magnus

September 2019 Great Sunday Escape! While on business in Adelaide, I decided to try to explore some of the local Flora and Fauna. Almost everything offered at “normal” guided tours was visiting zoo-like parks. I just want hike in nature “as-is”. Echidna Ridge offered just that along with many great photo opportunities. On my walk, I did not see an echidna but there were fresh “digs” everywhere. I did see numerous of Kangaroos and lots of birds. An added bonus was a numerous of flowering orchids that was in season. Neale was a great guide and I can truly recommend the experience for nature and photo interested people. I will definitely come back trying to find that echidna, maybe next time different flora will be in season.