A private tour of Melbourne's hidden gem

On Saturday 6 September, La Trobe Guild members and generous donors gathered at the Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary to celebrate Biodiversity Month with an exclusive twilight tour. The evening was a chance to say thank you to those who help protect and preserve this unique ecosystem, and to share a glimpse into the future that their support is making possible.

As well as functioning as La Trobe's outdoor laboratory, the Sancturary is a dedicated community space where anyone can come to be involved in tours, education, or citizen science. Thanks to ongoing donor support, the Sanctuary also protects and restore critical habitats, ensuring future generations can experience the magic of Australian wildlife right here at La Trobe.

Guests were welcomed with refreshments and conversation before Olivia, Sanctuary Engagement Coordinator, spoke about the role the Sanctuary plays in protecting biodiversity. She highlighted their work in habitat restoration and shared the Sanctuary’s ambitions for the future – including its next major project: returning the endangered Growling Grass Frog to Nangak Tamboree.

From there, Sanctuary staff led guests in small groups through the bushland. Each group carried a soft red spotlight, allowing them to experience the sights and sounds of the bush without torches – which can alarm the native animals. It was a magical experience, with the paths lit by moonlight and the rustle of nocturnal animals all around.

At the Sanctuary pond, guides explained the plans for the Growling Grass Frog reintroduction project, sparking questions about frog populations, disease, and conservation efforts. Later, as the groups moved quietly through the bush, sugar gliders darted among the trees and microbats flitted overhead. For many, the highlight was simply being immersed in the bush at night – a relaxed but deeply engaging experience that reflected donors’ own love of nature and wildlife.

The evening left a lasting impression, with guests speaking warmly about their experience. Kate Crock praised her guide as “knowledgeable and personable as well as passionate about her role at the Sanctuary.” She added that she and her partner Pete “thoroughly enjoyed the tour” and were already planning a return visit during the day for birdwatching.

The Sanctuary can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their age, said Katy Watters. “I loved seeing a sugar glider gliding and hearing the audible gasps from all in our group,” she said. She also praised the species reintroduction efforts, saying she “loved being surrounded by joyous frog noise and finally spotting that elusive microbat.” Katy added, “I was so impressed by the incredible dedication and hard work of the staff… places like this give me hope for the future.”

For Jonathan and Laureen Boucher, the twilight tour was “a fantastic, memorable occasion.” They enjoyed the relaxed pace of the walk and were delighted to see a sugar glider in the bush before finishing the evening with “a lovely BBQ, complete with marshmallows to roast over the fire.”

The evening concluded back at the hut with dinner and conversation around the fire. Guests shared stories of wildlife in their own backyards and left with a yam daisy seedling – a symbolic gift to mark their role in helping biodiversity thrive.