March 7th, 2025Passions and possibilities for the Wombat: exhibition to open in Daylesford

An audio-visual exhibition exploring passions and possibilities for the Wombat Forest begins at Daylesford Museum this Saturday.

Framings of Wombat Forest is an audio-visual exhibition that also explores visions and tensions associated with the local and much-loved tract of forest.

From skink ecologists to bike riders, activists to cultural fire practitioners, the exhibition presents 11 photographic and audio “portraits”, each offering a unique frame through which to consider the Wombat. 

Creators of this exhibition say they are “seeking to present different perspectives in proximity without attempting to draw conclusions as to the right way forward”.

“Rather, we invite you to spend time with the intimacy of each person’s framing of the forest, honouring the diversity of community and leaning into the exquisite messiness of what it means to feel connection to place in a changing world.”

Those planning to check it our are advised to bring along a device and headphones to make the most of the exhibition which is being supported by the Hepburn Shire Council.

On 24 June 2021, the Victorian state government, following an extensive review and recommendation process, declerated that the Wombat State Forest would be added to the National Park register, providing it with additional protections.

Located between Woodend and Daylesford and covering approximately 70,000 hectares, the Wombat State Forest extends along both sides of the Dividing Range. 

The Forest contains a diverse range of native plants and animals, including a number that are listed as rare or threatened, such as the Powerful Owl and the Wombat Bush Pea.

As well as these natural values, the Forest is a significant water catchment area, and contains the headwaters of the Lerderderg, Moorabool, Coliban, Campaspe and Loddon rivers.

A notable feature of Wombat State Forest is the extent of mineral springs which account for over 80% of Australia’s mineral springs. The mineral waters are rich in calcium, silica, magnesium, iron and sulphur. 

• Exhibition: March 8-21 daily 10 am – 2 pm
• Opening event: Saturday March 15, 11 am
• Daylesford Museum, 100 Vincent Street, Daylesford.