Discover Billyho
Just a 10-minute drive south of Kaniva, Billyho Bush Walk is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike, particularly in spring and autumn. The walk features a seating and campfire area and a 2.6 km track that meanders through the bush. Depending on pace, the loop takes between 40 minutes and 1.5 hours, though many people spend longer soaking up the tranquillity.
The track is rough in places and passes through Yellow Gums, twisted Brown Stringybarks, Banksias and heathlands. For those short on time or without a 4WD, Billyho offers a taste of the Little Desert National Park (track and weather conditions permitting).
Wildlife
Listen for the high-pitched calls of Southern Scrub-robins in the thick, leaf-littered bush along the track. Imitating their calls, especially in spring, often brings them closer as they investigate the sound.
Billyho is home to a wide range of birdlife, including Honeyeaters, Parrots, Pardalotes, Wrens, Thornbills and Whistlers. You may also spot Sittellas, Trillers, Cuckoos, Owlet-nightjars, Heathwrens, Yellow-tailed and Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos, or even Raptors. Other wildlife often seen include Kangaroos, Echidnas and Stumpy-tail Lizards. Tracks in the sandy soil can reveal recent animal activity. Early morning is popular with local bird watchers.
Need to know
History
Billyho Bush Walk was established in the 1960s by Don R. Williams on the family farming property, which was named Billyho. The name came from Don’s father, Richard Miles Williams, who often said, “I’m heading out Billyho.” A memorial stone honours Don R. Williams and Arthur E. Rowe, who both loved the bush. The walk remains on private property, and visitors are asked to respect the owners’ generosity by taking all rubbish home.
Enjoy your visit to Billyho Bush Walk and take time to experience the beauty and serenity of this special place.
The book Birds and Plants of the Little Desert is an invaluable resource for identifying local 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.
Just a 10-minute drive south of Kaniva, Billyho Bush Walk is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike, particularly in spring and autumn. The walk features a seating and campfire area and a 2.6 km track that meanders through the bush. Depending on pace, the loop takes between 40 minutes and 1.5 hours, though many people spend longer soaking up the tranquillity.
The track is rough in places and passes through Yellow Gums, twisted Brown Stringybarks, Banksias and heathlands. For those short on time or without a 4WD, Billyho offers a taste of the Little Desert National Park (track and weather conditions permitting).
Wildlife
Listen for the high-pitched calls of Southern Scrub-robins in the thick, leaf-littered bush along the track. Imitating their calls, especially in spring, often brings them closer as they investigate the sound.
Billyho is home to a wide range of birdlife, including Honeyeaters, Parrots, Pardalotes, Wrens, Thornbills and Whistlers. You may also spot Sittellas, Trillers, Cuckoos, Owlet-nightjars, Heathwrens, Yellow-tailed and Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos, or even Raptors. Other wildlife often seen include Kangaroos, Echidnas and Stumpy-tail Lizards. Tracks in the sandy soil can reveal recent animal activity. Early morning is popular with local bird watchers.
Need to know
- The entrance is the first on your right.
- 2WD access is usually fine, but conditions vary — 4WD is recommended if the track is rough, boggy or sandy.
- Familiarise yourself with the Google satellite map and stick to the bush track on your right.
- Best time to visit is September–October for wildflowers. Orchids often appear after rain followed by sunny days. Morning light is best for wildflower photography.
- Early morning or late afternoon is best time to visit dues to sandy tracks as well as best time for birds and wildlife.
- The track can be overgrown in places — keep young children in sight and wear sturdy footwear.
- Dogs are welcome on leads. A water bowl is available near Boey’s Seat, about two-thirds along the track.
- Motorbikes are not permitted.
- Please do not leave temporary plant markers.
History
Billyho Bush Walk was established in the 1960s by Don R. Williams on the family farming property, which was named Billyho. The name came from Don’s father, Richard Miles Williams, who often said, “I’m heading out Billyho.” A memorial stone honours Don R. Williams and Arthur E. Rowe, who both loved the bush. The walk remains on private property, and visitors are asked to respect the owners’ generosity by taking all rubbish home.
Enjoy your visit to Billyho Bush Walk and take time to experience the beauty and serenity of this special place.
The book Birds and Plants of the Little Desert is an invaluable resource for identifying local 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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