Temperate Rainforest, Gembrook, Victoria

We are on the edge of Bunyip State Park in established temperate rainforest, with birdlife and wildlife aplenty. The site is quiet and fairly private, next to our house, but spaced well away from neighbours and noise, and suits a quiet, relaxed camping style. 

All campers must be fully self-contained with their own camp toilet, and take all waste with them. 

There are great wild life watching opportunities all year round, particularly the abundant bird life some of which is specific to the area. These include Rosella's, Black Cockatoo's, Kookaburra's, native Thrush's, various honey eaters, Wattle birds, Shrike's, King Parrots, and Tawny Frogmouth's. 

This is the home range of the Powerful Owl (Australia's largest owl species), which can be heard calling to each other some evenings, and is occasionally seen. There is also a pair of Wedge Tailed Eagles in the area, and every few years they have offspring , and can be seen flying together as a family, and calling to each other as they teach their young one to hunt. 

There are lots of walking opportunities close at hand, and biking, or 4 wheel driving in the state park. This is part of a historic area where there are still remnants of the early forestry and logging industry to be found. 

There are many endemic native species of animal and bird, although some, like the Spotted Quoll can be extremely shy. This is also an area noted in the past for it's sightings of rare species including Black Panthers. There are Echidna's, Wallabies, Wombats, and a local Goanna on the property. For this reason we cannot allow animals, especially dogs on the property, no matter how well behaved. 

 We have a strictly enforced policy of leaving the native animals alone, respecting their space, and not approaching them. 

In the summer months there are both Red Bellied Black snakes, and Tiger snakes on the property. Again, these animals must be left alone, they are protected native species, and it's illegal to injure or kill them. A little thought about camp placement, and being observant (and not quiet) while walking around will go a long way towards limiting interaction. By and large these snakes are shy and non aggressive if left alone, and will seek to get away from you if encountered. Of course common sense needs to be exercised, along with sensible footwear and clothing. 

There are also various ants on the property to be aware of, in this case, Bullants, Meat ants, Jumping Jacks, and the occasional Blue Bottle. Again please don't interfere with them, although Bull ants may need relocating. As far as I know there are no nests in the camp site, with the majority being at the southern sandier end of the property, however of course they move about. Yes there are the usual spiders, particularly Huntsman's, this is a bush property, you can expect various wildlife to be making their home in the vicinity, please co-exist as peacefully as possible.