Farm & Trail - Happy Camper
Greenbushes Western Australia - Fri 29th October 2021

12.30 pm - Arrive in Greenbushes and meet with our AW Host/Guide outside the Discovery Centre (38 Blackwood Rd, Greenbushes) where she'll conduct introductions and talk about the format of the afternoon activity and remainder of the day.

1.00 to 3.00 pm - We've got a fabulous activity arranged for you during this time ... and it's a great way to get to know each other, as you discover the heritage of this area. The Heritage Amble Activity is sure to bring about lots of laughs and is a great way to start your country getaway.

3.00pm - You'll then drive in convoy to the Maranup Ford Caravan Park & Farm located 10 minutes away. On arrival here ... check-in, set up your tents and settle in. Once set up and if time to spare, you may wish to wander the grounds of the Homestead and enjoy the garden and views of the area.

5.30 to 6.30pm - Pre dinner drinks (BYO)

6.30 to 7.30pm - Dinner

7.30pm onwards - Campfire (if fire bans allow)

Meals: Dinner

7.00 to 8.00am - Breakfast will be served.

8.00am to 12.00pm Maranup Ford Farm Hike 7.5 km Grade - Easy with one moderate uphill section.

The Browne Family have farmed this valley for five generations, and as such are a fantastic representation of farming history in this area. You'll walk via the old homestead, learning plenty of historical information along the way including facts about the original school, the great flood of 1982, see the remains of the original cottage and learn about when the land was first opened up for farming. All of this with magnificent views along the way, make for a very pleasant walking experience.

A long, moderate trail takes you up to some cattle yards where there are magnificent views and this will be the spot for morning tea. There is an option for those who do not wish to do the uphill walk to hitch a ride to the refreshment spot and meet the rest of the group.

After morning tea, it's a downhill walk along the road to the river and back to the caravan park.

12.30 to 1.30pm - Lunch

1.30 to 3.00 pm - Relaxation/free time

3.00 to 5.00 pm - Bubbles and Brushes

This is an informal activity conducted by our AW Host whereby you get the opportunity to paint using acrylic paints on stretched canvas (materials supplied) copying the piece on display but modifying to your own personal style. There will be tea and coffee made available during the session and nibbles will be provided for you to enjoy with your bubbles or drink of choice. (A few bottles of bubbly to share among the group will be supplied, however if you prefer wine, beer or soft .. or extra bubbles, please BYO).

You may even wish to produce a mixed media piece by adding natural materials picked up during the mornings walk.

6.30 to 7.30pm - Dinner

7.30pm onward - Campfire (if fire bans allow)**

Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner

8.00 to 9.00 am - Breakfast will be served

9.00 to 10.00am - We take a convoy to Greenbushes Mine where we ascend to the lookout and learn about the past and future of mining operations

10.00 to 11.45am - Waterbird Walking Trail (4km Grade - Easy)

Our walk commences at picturesque Greenbushes Pool, a haven for wildlife where birds and marsupials are abundant, and the waterway is rich with fish, turtles and marron, and a variety of sedge grass.

After following the boardwalk around the pool, we follow the trail to Schwenkes Dam and walk through Jarrah and Marri forest. Much of the area was subject to mining and logging from the late 1800’s to mid 1980’s and has created some 24 water bodies in the surrounding areas, which are a focus of the Blackwood Basin Group. The aim is to rehabilitate the area by creating interconnected freshwater wetlands. It is also the habitat for three endangered species of Cockatoos so there’s every chance of spotting some!

11.45am to 12.00pm - Return to Maranup Ford Caravan Park.

12.00pm onwards - Pack up personal gear at your leisure and depart for Perth.

Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea