The April BirdLife Castlemaine District Branch bird walk will be held on Saturday 4 th April 2026 at the Rise & Shine Nature Conservation Reserve, Sandon. The area is rich in natural and human history. Well over 100 bird species have been recorded in the area, which has three distinct plant communities. Following European settlement, gold was extracted in the 1850s and 60s. A water race was built during the 1930s depression and brought water from Daylesford to the Newstead reservoir until the 1980s. Gravel was quarried from parts of the reserve for road building until the 1980s. The loop track is about 3Km and is largely flat or relatively gentle rises and falls. Recent sightings include Scarlet and Red-capped Robin, Dusky Woodswallow, Peaceful Dove, Red-browed Finch, Musk and Little Lorikeet, Yellow-tufted, Yellow-faced, Fuscous, White-plumed, and Brown-headed Honeyeaters, Brown, Striated and Buff-rumped Thornbills.
Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, and we strongly recommend that you wear long trousers and sturdy closed-in shoes.
Our walk leaders are Gary and Judy Smith
More info: Jane Rusden 0448 900 896 or Bob Dawson 0417 621 691. Note: There are no toilets available at Rise and Shine.
Rise and Shine is located off the Daylesford-Newstead Road, near Strangways. From Castlemaine, take the Pyrenees Hwy (B180) to Newstead, continue through Newstead, crossing the Loddon River and then turn left onto the Hepburn-Newstead Road (C285). Travel approx. 3.5k then turn right onto the Daylesford-Newstead Road (C285). Travel approx. 3.1k then turn right onto Ramseys Lane, in 700 metres the unsealed road turns sharply left. You will see a picnic shelter on the right which is at the entrance to the reserve. Park anywhere off the road.
GPS: -37.15923, 144.07697.
