Every year the Friends of Freycinet head to Schouten Island to weed gorse and of course to enjoy the beauty of the island. Most of the gorse plants are juvenile but there is some work on mature plants. Participants do need to supply all their own camping equipment and food.

This year the working bee will be held between 30 November and 15 December, 2026 and there are 3 options available for selection.

Option 1 is arriving at Freycinet on Monday 30 November for a brief in the afternoon, camp at Richardsons Beach that evening, and transfer to the island on Tuesday 1 December, returning from Schouten Island on Tuesday 8 December;

Option 2 is arriving at Freycinet on Monday 7 December for a brief in the afternoon, camp at Richardsons Beach that evening, and transfer to the island on Tuesday 8 December, returning from Schouten Island on Tuesday 15 December;

Option 3 is to stay on Schouten Island for the two weeks, arriving at Freycinet on Monday 30 November for a brief in the afternoon, camp at Richardsons Beach that night, and transfer to the island on Tuesday 1 December, returning from Schouten Island on Tuesday 15 December.

Note dates of travel to the island are subject to weather.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is to be submitted by Sunday 27 September. Participants, if successful, will be notified by email before 11 October.

Being submitting an Expression of Interest please read the Schouten Island information booklet. You will find the booklet on the Friends of Freycinet group page under "Files for Members".

If the EOI link doesn’t work, paste https://forms.gle/X5mxcEoaHuzU1XvJA into your browser. You do not need a Google account.

For any enquiries, or if you have any problems accessing the booklet or form, contact friendsoffreycinet@gmail.com

Mini tour of Deny King Heritage Museum at Melaleuca