Restoration of Fleurieu Swamp Habitats

Explore the restoration of South Australia’s unique Fleurieu Swamp ecosystems on this full-day field trip through the Mount Compass and Yundi regions. Visit Anthony Abley's restoration sites at Stipituris Conservation Park and Hesperilla Conservation Park, where hydrological interventions, wet heath reconstruction, threatened flora recovery, and habitat restoration for the endangered Southern Emu-wren are delivering tangible ecological outcomes.

At Yundi Swamp Nature Conservancy, delegates will see how restoring hydrology, managing invasive species, using fire as a restoration tool, and supporting native regeneration have transformed swamp condition and biodiversity. Learn how monitoring technologies such as remote sensing are being used to measure success, and hear practical lessons on planning, goal setting, and engaging private landholders in landscape-scale restoration.

The day concludes with insights from local First Nations man Mark Koolmantri and local landholders on the cultural values of these landscapes and the role of collaboration between First Nations people, ecologists, and landholders in achieving lasting restoration outcomes.

Date: Sunday 18 October

Departure Time from Amora Hotel: 8:00am

Return Time to Amora Hotel: 5:30pm

What’s Provided? Bus transport, lunch, afternoon tea, water.

Participants should wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, and closed shoes, and bring sun protection and a water bottle and keep cup / mug. Binoculars are also recommended for bird spotting throughout the day.

Coastal Wetlands in Transition

Discover the opportunities and challenges of restoring South Australia’s coastal ecosystems on this full-day field trip through the northern Adelaide coastline and Gulf St Vincent. Guided by restoration practitioners and local experts, participants will explore internationally significant shorebird habitats, saltmarsh and mangrove ecosystems, and learn how historic salt production has altered natural tidal processes and ecological connectivity. A Welcome to Country and landscape perspective from Jeffrey Newchurch will set the scene for understanding the cultural and environmental significance of these coastal environments.

Visits to Port Gawler River and St Kilda will showcase current and proposed tidal restoration projects, including efforts to reconnect habitats, improve conditions for migratory shorebirds, and restore ecological function in coastal wetlands. Delegates will hear firsthand about the successes and challenges of projects such as the Webb Beach tidal restoration and discuss the importance of active management, habitat diversity, and community engagement in achieving restoration outcomes.

The afternoon concludes at Breakout Creek, where participants will explore urban waterway restoration and its role in reconnecting people and nature. Throughout the day, speakers will highlight the ecological, cultural, and social dimensions of coastal restoration, demonstrating how successful projects balance environmental outcomes with community needs and aspirations.

Date: Sunday 18 October

Departure Time from Amora Hotel: 8:00am

Return Time to Amora Hotel: 4:00pm

What’s Provided? Bus transport, lunch, snacks, water.

Participants should wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, and closed shoes, and bring sun protection and a water bottle.

Restoring Grassy Landscapes: From Culture to Conservation

Explore the restoration of South Australia's grasslands and grassy woodlands on this full-day field trip spanning cultural, urban and landscape-scale restoration projects. Beginning at Tuthangga, delegates will learn about cultural burning and community stewardship initiatives before visiting the renowned Victoria Park Grassland, where practitioners will showcase grassland reconstruction, management techniques, and integration with the Pakapakanthi constructed wetland.

The tour continues to Kingfisher Reserve, where participants will see urban grassland reconstruction, native wildflower direct seeding, and learn how restoration projects are managed within highly visible community settings. The final stop at Millbrook Reservoir Reserve will explore large-scale grassy woodland restoration, including native vegetation offsets, restoration planning, monitoring, and approaches for rebuilding ecosystem function across complex landscapes.

This field trip is proudly supported by SAWater.

Date: Sunday 18 October

Departure Time from Amora Hotel: 8:00am

Return Time to Amora Hotel: 4:30pm

What’s Provided? Bus transport, lunch, snacks, water.

Participants should wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, and closed shoes, and bring sun protection and a water bottle.