A short 10 minute drive south of Kaniva brings you to Billyho Bush Walk, a favourite spot for locals with seating and campfire area and a meandering 2.6 km track. The bush walk takes between 40 minutes and up to 1 1/2 hrs, but it's easy to spend several hours in this tranquil spot. The looped track is rough in places and passes through stately yellow gums, twisted brown stringy barks, banksias and heaths. This walk also gives you a good indication of the Little Desert National Park for those who are on limited time or without a 4WD (pending track and weather conditions).
Wildlife:
The high pitched calls of Southern Scrub Robins can be heard from among the thick, leaf-littered bush along the edges of the track. Imitating their calls, particularly in spring, will often bring an ardent response as they try to track down the intruder sometimes coming within a few metres of the culprit. Various Honeyeaters and Parrots, as well as Pardalotes, Wrens, Thornbills and Whistlers make Billy Ho their home. Other sightings are always likely – Sittellas, Trillers, Cuckoos, Owlet Nightjars, Heath wrens, Yellow–tailed and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos or Raptors could surprise you.
While walking you may disturb a Kangaroo, Echidna or a Stumpy Tail Lizard. Tracks and marks in the sand provide clues as to previous wildlife activity.
Before you go:
The entrance is the first on your right. Check weather conditions for 2WD access - generally OK, but 4WD access recommended as track can be rough, boggy and / or sandy. Familiarise yourself with the google satellite map and stick to the bush track on your right at all times. September and October is the best time to visit to see the wildflowers. The orchids come out after rain and then need a few sunny days, but be quick. Wild flower photography is best in the morning before the mid-day sun. The track is overgrown in places, so keep young children in sight and ensure appropriate footwear. Dogs are allowed on leads and a waterbowl can be found near Boey's seat two thirds of the way around the track. Motorbikes and not allowed on the track.
The Billyho bush walk was set up by Don R. Williams and Arthur E Rowe, and was opened to the public in the 1960s. It's name is derived from Don who would often say "I'm heading out Billyho". It is still private property and the generosity of the owners warrants our respect in all possible ways. Please take all rubbish home with you. Please do not leave any temporary plant markers.
The book Birds and Plants of the Little Desert is an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to identify the species. It is available locally at the Purple Starfish.
Downloads:
From Billyho, Mooree Reserve is just a short drive away and well worth a visit if time permits.
Wildlife:
The high pitched calls of Southern Scrub Robins can be heard from among the thick, leaf-littered bush along the edges of the track. Imitating their calls, particularly in spring, will often bring an ardent response as they try to track down the intruder sometimes coming within a few metres of the culprit. Various Honeyeaters and Parrots, as well as Pardalotes, Wrens, Thornbills and Whistlers make Billy Ho their home. Other sightings are always likely – Sittellas, Trillers, Cuckoos, Owlet Nightjars, Heath wrens, Yellow–tailed and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos or Raptors could surprise you.
While walking you may disturb a Kangaroo, Echidna or a Stumpy Tail Lizard. Tracks and marks in the sand provide clues as to previous wildlife activity.
Before you go:
The entrance is the first on your right. Check weather conditions for 2WD access - generally OK, but 4WD access recommended as track can be rough, boggy and / or sandy. Familiarise yourself with the google satellite map and stick to the bush track on your right at all times. September and October is the best time to visit to see the wildflowers. The orchids come out after rain and then need a few sunny days, but be quick. Wild flower photography is best in the morning before the mid-day sun. The track is overgrown in places, so keep young children in sight and ensure appropriate footwear. Dogs are allowed on leads and a waterbowl can be found near Boey's seat two thirds of the way around the track. Motorbikes and not allowed on the track.
The Billyho bush walk was set up by Don R. Williams and Arthur E Rowe, and was opened to the public in the 1960s. It's name is derived from Don who would often say "I'm heading out Billyho". It is still private property and the generosity of the owners warrants our respect in all possible ways. Please take all rubbish home with you. Please do not leave any temporary plant markers.
The book Birds and Plants of the Little Desert is an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to identify the species. It is available locally at the Purple Starfish.
Downloads:
- Billyho booklet (includes mud maps)
- Kaniva bird sighting list
- Billyho by Val Mills
From Billyho, Mooree Reserve is just a short drive away and well worth a visit if time permits.
Kaniva, first and last highway town in Victoria.
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