Illawarra Birders Upcoming Activities

Always send a text to the leader if you will be attending a Birding outing

Everyone is welcome to attend these events, including visiting Birders and those new to birding. Please contact the Leader if you are going to attend, in case of late cancellation for weather.

If you have a large group please email Illawarra Birders at illawarrabirdersinc@gmail.com as we offer separate walks for groups.

Members: have an activity you would like to propose? Check out the Guidelines.

Also read our Birding Code of Ethics.

Meeting, Tuesday 3rd September 2024, 7:30PM, Coniston Community Centre

Belinda Baccarini and Sarah Renwick
Red Goshawk or Bust
Illawarra Birders Belinda and Sarah will show images from their recent trip from Cairns to the Iron Range with Bellbird Tours.

Thursday 5th September 12.30pm
Wollongong Botanic Garden ‐ Lunchtime Walk

Walk Leader: Martin Potter ‐ 0437 683 677 ‐ please text if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: A gentle stroll through the Garden, via the Duck Pond, rainforest and other habitats.
Parking/Meeting Place: Meet at the Discovery Centre. Parking is available in the nearby car park on Madoline Street. However this can fill up quickly at lunchtime; if this car park is full then there may be more parking in the Murphys Street car park or the surrounding streets.
Toilets/Water: Yes
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: An easy 1.7 km walk on paved or mulched paths. A circuit is walked lasting 1-1.5 hours. Some seats.
Bring: Carry ‐ water, hat & sunscreen. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: This is an especially good walk for new and inexperienced birders, and also for photographers.

Friday 6th September 10-2pm/Sunday 7th September
Nature Shake Event
Wollongong Botanic Gardens

Illawarra Birders will be hosting a stall promoting birdlife in the Garden and promoting our monthly walks.
If you would like to help please contact Martin Potter on pottxyz@gmail.com or 0437 683 677.

Sunday 8th September
Illawarra Biodiversity Festival
Port Kembla Servo

Illawarra Birders will be hosting a stall promoting birdlife around Lake Illawarra.
If you would like to help please contact Suze Giuffre on suzegiuffre@gmail.com or 0414 860 740.

Wednesday 11th September 8.30am
Croome Rd Sporting Complex ‐ Albion Park Rail

Walk Leader: Martin Cocker ‐ 0418 429 132 ‐ please text if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: A short stroll through woodland and parkland.
Parking: Park at John O’Dwyer Oval off Croome Road.
Toilets/Water: yes, at Oval
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Easy walking along designated bush tracks. 2-3kms. Approx 3 hours.
Bring: Water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, morning tea (carry).
Notes: A good walk for beginners and for photography.

Sunday 15th September 8:30am
Tallawarra Wetlands: Yallah

Walk Leader: Martin Potter ‐ 0437 683 677. Please text if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: Walking around the Tallawarra Ponds - looking for shorebirds and waterbirds, some woodland birds.
Parking: Drive into Yallah Bay Rd which leads to the Energy Australia Tallawarra Power Station. Yallah Bay Rd is only accessible from the Princes Highway southbound from Dapto. Meet at the carpark opposite the security gates just before the bridge.
Toilets/Water: No (toilet is available at the Security check in)
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: 4kms round trip, easy walk on wide trails. Minimum shade.
Bring: Water, hat, sturdy shoes, morning tea (carry)
Notes: Path may be muddy after rain. Bring a scope if you have one.

Wednesday 18th September 8:30am
Lady Carrington Drive and Wattamolla, Royal National Park
[There is a fee for each car entering Royal National Park]

Walk Leader: Richard Smart ‐ 0414 972 236 ‐ please text if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: A walk along Lady Carrington Drive, returning to Audley for morning tea. Then drive to Wattamolla to explore the cliff top and coastal heath.
Parking/Meeting Place: Meet at the main car park at the RNP Visitors Centre, Audley.
Toilets/Water: At Audley Visitor Centre and at Wattamolla.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Lady Carrington Drive. Flat surface 4 km return. Approximately 2 hours, plenty of shade. Seats for morning tea at Audley. Rocky surface at Wattamolla, approximately 2 km, 1 hour return.
Bring: Carry water, hat, sun screen, morning tea (or buy at the Audley cafe). Wear sturdy shoes.

Saturday 28th September ‐ 8.30am
Integral Energy Park, Kembla Grange

Walk Leader: Sharon Redman ‐ 0413 492 646. Please text Sharon if you plan to attend for any late changes.
Walk Description: A loop walk around the Park. Mixed habitat with some open areas, creek lines, lantana thickets and wooded areas. Often produces a list of 30-40 species. Good spot for photography.
Parking/Meeting Place: At the picnic area past the Motorlife Museum on Darkes Road Kembla Grange.
Toilets/Water: Beside the car park.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Easy level of walking about 2km and 2 hours. Large undercover picnic area.
Bring: Carry water, hat. Wear sturdy shoes. Morning tea back at car park.
Notes: Can be extended with a walk around nearby William Beach Reserve afterwards.

Meeting, Tuesday 1st October 2024, 7:30PM, Coniston Community Centre

Holly Parsons
Gaga about Gang-gangs ‐ Birdlife Australia's recent education and conservation work.

Thursday 3rd October 12.30pm
Wollongong Botanic Garden ‐ Lunchtime Walk

Walk Leader: Ralph Stadus ‐ 0412 244 121 ‐ please text if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: A gentle stroll through the Garden, via the Duck Pond, rainforest and other habitats.
Parking/Meeting Place: Meet at the Discovery Centre. Parking is available in the nearby car park on Madoline Street. However this can fill up quickly at lunchtime; if this car park is full then there may be more parking in the Murphys Street car park or the surrounding streets.
Toilets/Water: Yes
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: An easy 1.7 km walk on paved or mulched paths. A circuit is walked lasting 1-1.5 hours. Some seats.
Bring: Carry ‐ water, hat & sunscreen. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: This is an especially good walk for new and inexperienced birders, and also for photographers.

Wednesday 9th October 8am
Korrongulla Wetlands ‐ Primbee

Walk Leader: Martin Cocker ‐ 0418 429 132 ‐ please text if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: A return walk along the shore of the Wetland. Wetland and woodland birds.
Parking/Meeting Place: Park on cnr of Nicolle Rd and Government Rd Primbee at gated entrance to wetlands.
Toilets/Water: no Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Sandy track may be boggy. 2 km return. Approx 3 hours and some shade.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: An especially good event for new and inexperienced birders.

Friday 11th October 8:00am
Tallawarra Wetlands: Yallah

Walk Leader: Belinda Baccarini ‐ belindabaccarini@gmail.com ‐ please email if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: Walking around the Tallawarra Ponds - looking for shorebirds and waterbirds, some woodland birds.
Parking: Drive into Yallah Bay Rd which leads to the Energy Australia Tallawarra Power Station. Yallah Bay Rd is only accessible from the Princes Highway southbound from Dapto. Meet at the carpark opposite the security gates just before the bridge.
Toilets/Water: No (toilet is available at the Security check in)
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: 4kms round trip, easy walk on wide trails. Minimum shade.
Bring: Water, hat, sturdy shoes, morning tea (carry)
Notes: Path may be muddy after rain. Bring a scope if you have one.

Wednesday 16th October 8.00am.
Dharawal National Park ‐ 10 Trail Walk

Leader: Belinda Baccarini ‐please email ‐ illawarrabirdersinc@gmail.com ‐if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: A stroll along a fire trail in the heathland and low woodland at Madden’s Plains. An especially good event for new and inexperienced birders.
Parking/Meeting Place: Park opposite Glenberrie Darkes Cider Orchard ‐ 259 Darkes Forest Rd, Darkes Forest. There are parking bays also at the Dharawal National Park information board.
Toilets/Water: No water, bush toilet.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Easy flat walking, crossing a creek that may be full, bring a pole for the crossing. Approximately 4km return. About 3-4hours. Little shade, no seats.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: Possible byo lunch or buy lunch at Darkes Cider Orchard if open.

Saturday 26th October 8am
Appin Woodlands

Walk Leader: Andrew Wood ‐ 0401 907 025 ‐ please text if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: Wide fire-trails through forest. Rock-hopping across river at one point. If this is not possible there are alternative routes.
Parking/Meeting Place: Meet at the open area at the end of Burke St, Appin.
Toilets/Water: No
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: There are several slightly undulating trails to follow. 3-4km to midday as an estimate. Partly shaded, no seats.
Bring: Carry water, hat, sunscreen, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: Trails may be muddy after rain. We may encounter trail-bike riders. Appin township is close for lunch after the walk if required.

Friday 1st November 8.00am and Saturday 2nd November 8.00am
2 Day ‐ Lake Illawarra Circuit ‐ shorebirds, wetlands and woodland birds

Walk Leader: Belinda Baccarini ‐ belindabaccarini@gmail.com ‐ please email if you plan to attend.
Walk Description:
Friday ‐ Windang Island, Korrongulla Wetland, Purry Burry Point, Hooka Point.
Saturday ‐ Mullet Creek, breakfast at Passionate Palate Cafe, Macquarie Rivulet, Koona Bay, Whyjuck Bay.
Parking/Meeting Place: a detailed Itinerary will be sent closer to the date,
Toilets/Water: Yes, around the lake
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Driving. In and out of car all day. Short flat walks.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea and afternoon tea. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: A detailed itinerary will be sent closer to the date.

Meeting, Tuesday 5th November 2024, 7:30PM, Coniston Community Centre

Simon Rees
Wildlife of the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica
Club member Simon Rees has been interested in birds and wildlife from a young age. He has a strong interest in conservation and wildlife and will be giving a presentation on his recent trip to Antarctica.

Thursday 7th November 12.30pm
Wollongong Botanic Garden ‐ Lunchtime Walk

Saturday 16th November 8:00am
Tallawarra Wetlands ‐ Yallah

Walk Leaders: Michelle and Dave Rower ‐ 0421 335 037 ‐ please text if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: Walking around the Tallawarra Ponds - looking for shorebirds and waterbirds, some woodland birds.
Parking: Drive into Yallah Bay Rd which leads to the Energy Australia Tallawarra Power Station. Yallah Bay Rd is only accessible from the Princes Highway southbound from Dapto. Meet at the carpark opposite the security gates just before the bridge.
Toilets/Water: No (toilet is available at the Security check in)
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: 4kms round trip, easy walk on wide trails. Minimum shade.
Bring: Water, hat, sturdy shoes, morning tea (carry)
Notes: Path may be muddy after rain. Bring a scope if you have one.

Wednesday 20th November 8am
Bott’s Reserve & Bellambi Lagoon ‐ Bellambi

Walk Leader: Martin Cocker ‐ 0418 429 132 ‐ please text if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: A short stroll along a beach track amongst the Casuarinas then along the bike path to Bellambi Lagoon. An especially good event for new and inexperienced birders.
Parking/Meeting Place: Armour St Bellambi ‐ park at Oval.
Toilets/Water: 100m away at Bellambi Rock Pool Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Sandy beach track then bike path. 4 km return. Approx 3 hours, some shade, some benches at Bellambi Lagoon.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: Some of the walk is on the bike path so beware of bikes.

Christmas Party/Meeting, Tuesday 3rd December 2024, 5-8PM, Corrimal Community Centre

Please note change to usual venue.

Wednesday 11th December 8am
Mangerton Park ‐ Mangerton

Walk Leader: Marie Mitchell-Stanley ‐ 0400 451 382 ‐ please text if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: Strolling through the rainforest and sitting and letting the birds come to you.
Parking/Meeting Place:/Parking : park near 75 Heaslip St Mangerton
Toilets/Water: no
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Dirt track. 1 km return. Approx 3 hours in the rainforest.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes. Bring stool.
Notes: Bush birds. Bring stool as we will be sitting quietly in the bush and letting the birds come to us.

Wednesday 18th December 8.00am
Mt Kembla Ring Track ‐ Mt Kembla

Walk Leader: Martin Cocker ‐ 0418 429 132 ‐ please text if you plan to attend.
Walk Description: A short stroll through woodland and rainforest.
Parking: Cordeaux Road turn left immediately before junction with Harry Graham Drive parking on right hand side opposite start of track and cottage on the right.
Toilets/Water: no Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Easy walking along vehicular bush tracks. 2-3kms. Approx 3 hours.
Bring: Water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, morning tea (carry).
Notes: A good walk for beginners and for photography.

Illawarra Birders Upcoming Activities

Always send a text to the leader if you will be attending a Birding outing

If you have a large group please email Illawarra Birders at illawarrabirdersinc@gmail.com as we offer separate walks for groups.

Other Activities

Public Service