POST-CONFERENCE EXCURSIONS
We have four post-conference excursions of varying length, heading off
to fascinating destinations and catering for both the botanically and
zoologically inclined. Bookings must be made on the Registration
Form.
Mountains to the Sea:
Ecological Gradients
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Join a small group on a 3-day (2-night) tour of World Heritage rainforests, eucalypt forests, woodlands and heathlands of northern NSW. On the first day we will travel from the dry gorges of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park through to New England National Park and onto Dorrigo where we will stay in shared cabin accommodation. From Dorrigo we will head for the subtropical climes of Arrawarra visiting rainforests, tall coastal forests and the spectacular headlands and rock platforms of Solitary Islands Marine National Park. The final day will be spent at Gibraltar Range National Park examining the effects of recent wildfires on heaths, forests and rainforests. Notes will be provided and plant identification books will be available for sale. |
Includes: all meals, accommodation and transport
Cost: $160 per person
Bring: field clothes, walking shoes, raincoat, towel and sleeping bag
Min no: 10 participants
Max no: 18 participants
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Mammals of the New
England Gorges Wednesday 10th December 2003, 1930-2230h
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The gorge country on the eastern scarp of the New England Tablelands still carries a near-complete mammal fauna, despite abutting fox- and rabbit-infested, tree-cleared grazing lands. Most importantly, the gorges near Armidale contain the best remaining populations of threatened brush-tailed rock-wallabies and spotted-tailed quoll. We are offering delegates an opportunity to take part in an after-dark spotlighting walk at a site where brush-tailed rock-wallabies are regularly seen, as well as a number of glider and possum species. Spotted-tailed quolls might also be seen, if we are lucky. If there are only small numbers of participants in this excursion, we could organise an on-site BBQ before the spotlighting begins. |
Cost: $20 per person to cover transport. (If a BBQ is organised, we will
discuss costs and tastes at the conference.)
Min no: 8 participants
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Grasslands and Grassy
Woodlands East and North of Armidale
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Come with us and visit some grasslands and grassy
woodlands including some near the spectacular gorge country to the
east of Armidale. We will visit several commercial properties where
the landholders have used innovative grazing management to balance
animal production while increasing biodiversity. The approach used
has been described as managing for increasing the biological capital
of the land while living off some of the interest. We will provide
an interesting and challenging day for those interested in grassland
management. Notes will be provided and plant identification books
will be available for sale. |
Cost: $ 40 per person
Includes: transport, full lunch and snacks for morning and afternoon
Bring: Field clothes, walking shoes and raincoat
Min no: 15 participants
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Great Escarpment Tour
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Visit the Great Escarpment on the eastern edge of
the New England Tablelands, rising to over 1300 m. We will see a
variety of plant communities including Button Sedge sedgeland, Allocasuarina
heath, eucalypt woodlands and open forests, and Nothofagus moorei
closed forest. We will see spectacular gorges and tall waterfalls,
sweeping views (on a clear day), probably a spotted quoll, many
bird species, and hear a rare burrowing frog calling. The plant
species are very diverse and include many narrow endemics, particularly
those associated with cliff lines. There will be an opportunity
to take several short, easy walks. Lunch will be at Point Lookout.
Participant will be provided with a brief guide. Plant identification
books will be available for sale. |
Cost: $40 per person
Includes: transport, full lunch and snacks for morning and afternoon
Min no: 15 participants