Field Trip: Yung Balug – Aboriginal Land Use Along the Loddon
The Forestry Australia VIC Branch warmly invites you to join our upcoming field trip to Boort “the Northern Oasis” of Victoria where we will explore Aboriginal land use and cultural heritage along the Loddon River.
Yung Balug is a cultural site and keeping place for Aboriginal artefacts, located on the shores of Big Lake Boort. Paul and Cathie Haw are the short-term custodians of the collection. Paul, a highly respected nurseryman, tree grower, and historian (author of Footprints across the Loddon Plains: A Shared History), will share his deep knowledge of the region’s ecological and cultural history.
The field trip will also include visits to the local dryland farm forestry species trials, and recent revegetation projects along the Loddon River.
An optional overnight stay in Castlemaine is available on Friday 25 July. Please indicate your interest when registering.
Please note: we will need a minimum number of people to run this trip so please register early.
Dates: Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 July 2025
Optional overnight stay in Castlemaine on Friday 25 July
Location: Boort, ‘the Northern Oasis’, Victoria.
Transport: Self drive, carpooling will be organised on the day
Equipment: Wear appropriate clothing including sturdy footwear, raincoat and cold weather clothes.
Meals:
Saturday:
LUNCH: BYO lunch/picnic or enjoy the bakeries of Castlemaine or Bridgewater.
DINNER: The Railway Hotel Boort, at your own expense
Sunday
BYO breakfast and lunch for Sunday.
Suggested Accommodation:
Boort Lakes Holiday Park
Cabins: sleep 3-4 |Cost: approx. $170 – $180 per cabin
PROGRAM
Friday 25 July
Optional overnight accommodation in Castlemaine is available—please indicate your preference when you register. You may also choose to book your own motel. For more information, contact us at events@forestry.org.au.
Saturday 26 July
Boort is around 3 hours from Melbourne and 1.5 hours from Castlemaine.
Option to enjoy the bakeries in Castlemaine/Bridgewater or bring a picnic lunch.
10:30 am – Depart Castlemaine Railway Station
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Yung Balug Museum visit
Speaker: Paul Haw
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Optional visit to Leaghur State Park to view Aboriginal scar trees
6:00 pm – Check-in at Boort Lakes Holiday Park
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Dinner at the Railway Hotel
Sunday 27 July
9:30 am – Visit revegetation sites along the Loddon River and an integrated, low-input farming system
11:30 am – Tree planting at Yarrawalla
Speaker: Dr Desmond Stackpole
12:30 pm – BYO lunch
1:00 pm – Depart Yarrawalla
2:30 pm – Arrive back in Castlemaine
Registration (Inc. GST):
Forestry Australia Member: $40 | Non-members: $50
This fee includes $20 donation/museum entry
Registrations close: Wednesday 23 July