Wanderslore Sanctuary Open Day 2023

Do you wonder what the Upper Yarra region would have looked like before it was developed for farming and housing?

Then come and visit Wanderslore Sanctuary, a Trust for Nature reserve for the preservation of indigenous flora and fauna, on the Friends’ Annual Open Day, 22nd October 2023 from 10am to 3:00pm.

Wanderslore was gifted to the Trust in 1987 by Ms Constance Coleman (Connie), former local artist, conservationist and Senior Mistress at Lilydale High School.

The Sanctuary was heritage-listed by the Yarra Ranges Council in 2004. Connie's art studio, a pre-fabrication Victorian Railways Fettlers hut from the 1800's, was originally the office of the Launching Place Railway Station. After the line closed in 1965 it was purchased by Connie and relocated as her art studio. It is now the Friends' meeting and tea room.

There will be guided and self-guided tours of the Sanctuary, displays of photographs of Wanderslore and of Connie's paintings, history information, a nature table, sausage sizzle, tea and coffee and a raffle. Additionally, the Trust for Nature, who manage the separate cottage precinct, will be in attendance for a chat, with their own displays at the Cottage.

Entry to Wanderslore, located at 2180 Warburton Highway Launching Place, is from the Warburton/Lilydale Rail Trail. Turn off the Warburton Highway beside the former Launching Place General Store next to the Home Hotel. Limited parking is available behind the General Store. Follow the signs to enter the Sanctuary.

For further info email: Steve Fernee steve.fernee@gmail.com or just join us on 22nd October, it will be worth it!