Friends of Warby Ovens National Park (FOWONP) invites members, friends and nature lovers to enjoy a guided walk and free barbecue dinner in the Killawarra section of the park, on Friday, 17 October from 5pm to 7.30pm.

The group will meander along the Springtime Wildflower Walk from the Killawarra Forest Camp.

There will activities for all ages including an orchid search and children’s treasure hunt, followed by a barbecue dinner (BYO camp chair, drinks and eating utensils).

FOWONP said it has been working in the forest since their official formation in 2022, removing weeds, fixing up the Springtime Wildflower Walk and providing a comprehensive pamphlet for it.

The group has also started to build a new picnic area at the old mill site at the southern end of the walk.

A spokesperson said research has been carried out as to why this area has (according to local ecologist and top photographer Chris Tzaros) been kept in such good condition, despite lengthy forestry activities from the 1930s to the 1970s, and its use as a major car rally facility.

Mr Tzaros wrote the text on the fauna of Box Ironbark forests, and the Killawarra is believed to be ecologically the best remaining piece of a once extensive forest on the planet.

The group encourages all those who are familiar with the history of the forest, which is home to many significant threatened bird species, to come along.

RSVP for catering purposes to Ian on 0427 686 357.