Puckeys Estate Nature Reserve ‐ Fairy Meadow

Sunday 21st September 8:30am

Walk leader: Catherine Kirby ‐ 0405 214 480 - please text if you plan to attend.
Walk description: Coastal habitat including rainforest, dunes and marshland. A loop walk from the carpark through the Estate to the ponds at Stuart Park Wollongong then back along the track or beach.
Parking/Meeting Place: Park at carpark at end of Elliotts Rd at the Fairy Meadow Surf Club – Thomas Dalton Park.
Toilets/Water: Yes at carpark.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Boardwalks, Sandy path and pavement. 3km return. Approx 3 hours.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: Sandy path.

Stafford's Farm Track- Mt Kembla

Wednesday 24th September 8:30am

Walk leader: Suze Giuffre 0414 860 740 - please text if you plan to attend.
Walk description: A wide dirt track through beautiful eucalypt forest and rainforest sections with small running streams. Fabulous views of Mt Kemble and Lake Illawarra. A chance to see some of the rarer birds like Logrunners, Noisy Pitta and Crested Shrike-Tit.
Parking/Meeting Place: Start of the walk is off Harry Graham Drive between O'Briens Management Trail and Wollongong MotorCycle Club. Parking is a bit restricted. 4-5 spots opposite the start of the walk. Otherwise park along Harry Graham Drive.
Toilets/Water: Bush toilet. Carry water.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: A 3km mainly shaded return trip. Slight incline on the way up. High point has a grassy area with trees. Approximately 3 hours.
Bring: Carry - water, hat, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: Suggest leech protection if wet. Occasional mountain bikes use this path.

Bellawongarah (Berry Mountain) Private Property (Carla and Ian's)

Tuesday 30th September 8:30am

Walk leader: Carla Jackett - 0429 123 623 -please text if you plan to attend for address details and directions.
Walk description: We will do a brief dip into the wetter rainforest and walk through wet sclerophyll forest returning to the house yard for morning tea about 11am where we can observe garden birds.
Parking/Meeting Place: Address will be given at time of booking.
Toilets/Water: Both at house, none on the walk.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats:About 3-3.5km of easy-moderate walking on paved and bush tracks in the shade. Some gradual hills on bush tracks and one small steeper hill on pavement. Ground uneven on parts of track with leaf mulch etc.
Bring: Carry water, hat, Wear sturdy shoes. Morning tea in the garden.
Notes: Earthy drab clothes best with long sleeves and long pants recommended. Insect repellent might come in handy. In summer we have a variety of bush birds, fruit doves/pigeons, Gang-gang Cockatoos & other parrots. With luck we may see Bassian Thrush, Red-browed Treecreeper, Crested Shriketit, Logrunner, Large-billed/Yellow-throated Scrubwren, Satin Bowerbird, Superb Lyrebird and Green Catbird
NB: bring lunch for possibe birding around Berry afterwards.

Wollongong Botanic Garden ‐ Lunchtime Walk

Thursday 2nd October 12.30pm

Walk leader: Andrew Wood - 0401 907 025 - please text if you plan to attend.
Walk description: A gentle stroll through the Garden, via the Duck Pond, rainforest and other habitats.
Parking: 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.

Ben’s Walk, Nowra and Bomaderry Creek Walk, Bomaderry.

Wednesday 8th October 8am

Walk leader: Bob Ashford - 0404 863 187 - please text if you plan to attend.
Walk descriptions: Both reasonably easy walks.
Ben's Walk: A pleasant round trip walk through a mix of rainforest and wet Eucalypt woodland. A short downhill to a flat walking trail and return a short climb back to the start. A creek crossing (not difficult) over ‘prepared’ rocks.
Bomaderry Creek: Another pleasant walk. Drier sandstone escarpment habitat. Open woodland. We’ll focus on the upper part of the walk. Parking/Meeting Place: Scenic Drive, near Hanging Rock Lookout at the Nowra Showground. Park near the Bens Walk sign (about 20 mt left of Hanging Rock as you look out over the river). Bomaderry Creek entry point (in case!!) is on Narang Road about 70M beyond Aldi.
Toilets/Water: 30M from parking at both locations.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Bens Walk about 2km, no seats. Bomaderry Creek about 1km, some seats..
Bring: Water, hat, sturdy shoes, morning tea (carry).
Notes: Paths may be muddy after rain.

Tallawarra Wetlands - Yallah

Friday 10th October 8am

Walk leader: 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: 4km 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.

Werri Beach & Lagoon – Werri Beach

Wednesday 15th October 8am

Walk leader: Simon Rees - 0408 230 165 - please text if you plan to attend.
Walk description: A short walk out onto the sand flats, along a well defined woodland/sandy path and then along the Lagoon.
Parking/Meeting Place: at the carpark corner Werri St & Pacific Ave Werri Beach.
Toilets/Water: At the car park.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Sandy beach track. 2 km return. Approx. 2 hours, no shade, the sand flats can be damp to sit on.
Bring: A scope if you have one. Carry water, sun protection, hat, and a snack. Morning tea back at cars.
Notes: Woodland and Seabirds.

Mt Keira Ring Track ‐ 2 hectare – 20min bird survey

Tuesday 21th October 8am

Walk leader: Terrill Nordstrom ‐ 0420 848 713 - please text if you plan to attend.
Walk description: This will be a two hectare – 20-minute bird survey stopping at 8 check points.
Parking/Meeting Place: Meet at car park located on Mt Keira Rd trackhead off Ken Ausburn Walking Track. 950 m from Byarong Park, past the Girl Guide Camp until you reach a sweeping left hand corner, park in carpark at the start of the trackhead.
Toilets/Water: At Byarong Park.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: At start of walk there are 84 uphill steps, after that an easy walk. About 3hr. Some shade. No seats.
Bring: Water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, morning tea (carry).
Notes: A walking pole might be useful for the steps.

Cawleys Road Trail, Helensburgh

Sunday 26th October 8am

Walk leader: Richard Smart - 0414 972 236 - please text if you plan to attend.
Walk description: a walk along a fire trail through the Garawarra State Conservation Area.
Parking/Meeting Place: Park at the end of Wilsons Creek Road, Helensburgh. From the Old Princes Highway follow Parkes Street through the centre of Helensburgh and past the Metropolitan coal mine. At the end of Parkes Street turn right over the railway bridge onto Wilsons Creek Road (do NOT turn left towards Helensburgh Railway Station).
Toilets/Water: In Charles Harper Park, Helensburgh and at Helensburgh train station.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Approximately 4km. Hilly. No seats.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea, and possibly a seat. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: This is a morning only walk. Club members may wish to have lunch in Helensburgh and then possibly visit Darkes Forest or Maddens Plain.

Canberra Camp

Thursday 30th October - Sunday 2nd November

Contact: Penny Potter - penpott@yahoo.com - for more details.

Wollongong Botanic Garden ‐ Lunchtime Walk

Thursday 6th November 12.30pm

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: 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.

Croome Rd Sporting Complex ‐ Albion Park Rail

Sunday 9th November 8am

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. 2-3km. Approx 3 hours.
Bring: Water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, morning tea (carry).
Notes: A good walk for beginners and for photography.

Maddens Plains

Friday 14th November 8am

Walk leader: Belinda Baccarini - please email illawarrabirdersinc@gmail.com - if you plan to attend.
Walk description: Looking for heathland birds, first around the ‘pylon track’ and then moving on to the Maddens Falls track on Darkes Forest Road.
Parking/Meeting Place: Park on the roadside at the pylon track which is located on the Old Princes Highway 4.6km north of the Sublime Point turn-off, and 1km south of the entrance to the Boomerang Golf Course.
Toilets/Water: No water, bush toilet.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: 2-3km easy walking on wide trails. Minimum shade.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: Possible morning tea at Glenbernie Darkes Cider Orchard if open. Path may be muddy after rain.

Tallawarra Wetlands - Yallah

Saturday 15th November 8am

Walk leader: 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: 4km 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.

Shoalhaven Heads Inlet ‐ Shoalhaven Heads

Saturday 22nd November 8am

Walk leader: Simon Rees - 0408 230 165 - please text if you plan to attend.
Walk description: A short walk out onto the sand flats, and then an hour or two mostly standing or sitting looking at waders. High tide is 10.00, so waders will be starting to move with the rising tide.
Parking/Meeting Place: Eastern end of River Road at Shoalhaven Heads
Toilets/Water: At the car park. Also a shower and space to change if you get wet.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Sandy beach track. 2 km return. Approx. 2 hours, no shade, the sand flats can be damp to sit on.
Bring: A scope if you have one. Carry water, sun protection, hat, and a snack. Morning tea back at cars. Wear beach shoes/sandals. If you like lying flat to take photos bring gear to lie on.
Notes:Shorebirds can be tricky to identify, so a little study of what is being seen at Shoalhaven Heads Inlet on eBird before you come can be useful.

Koona Bay ‐ Albion Park Rail

Wednesday 26th November 8am

Walk leader: Martin Cocker ‐ 0418 429 132 - please text if you plan to attend.
Walk description: Looking for shorebirds along the southern side of Lake Illawarra.
Parking: Park at Wilson Memorial Park – 50 Koona St Albion Park.
Toilets/Water: No water. Toilets at park (byo toilet paper).
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Walking along shore of Lake Illawarra, grassy and sandy path. Also boardwalk. Approx 3-4 hours and some shade. Also along boardwalk.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes. Scope if you have one.
Notes: Possible return walk 3.5km to Koona Bay Reserve or drive there (park outside 10 Horsley Rd and walk down grass path).

Wollongong Botanic Garden ‐ Lunchtime Walk

Thursday 4th December 12.30pm

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: 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.

Tallawarra Wetlands - Yallah

Saturday 6th December 8am

Walk leader: 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: 4km 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.

Killalea River walk ‐ Killalea Regional Park, Shell Cove

Wednesday 10th December 8:00am

Walk leader: Ralph Stadus - 0412 244 121 - please text if you plan to attend.
Walk description: A slow ramble down to the Minnamurra River and return. Mixture of bush birds and estuary birds. Quiet area of the park makes for some interesting birds.
Parking: Drive to Killalea Regional Park and continue through park to the end of the road at Mystics Beach car park.
Toilets/Water: Both near cafe, none on the walk.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Some steeper sections, grass and gravel wide paths. 2 km return. Approx 2 hours.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes. Something to sit on if it is damp.
Notes: One of the few patches of Littoral Rainforest left in the Illawarra. We will aim for 35+ species. Afterwards you could explore more of Killalea or Bass Point or see what is on the James Road pond.

2 Day - Lake Illawarra Circuit - shorebirds, wetlands and woodland birds

Friday 12th December 8.00am and Saturday 13th December 8.00am

Walk leader: Belinda Baccarini - please text or email illawarrabirdersinc@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Walk description: Friday - Windang Island, Korrongulla Wetland, Purry Burry Point, Hooka Point, dinner at the Illawarra Yacht Club.
Saturday - Mullet Creek, breakfast at Passionate Palate Cafe, Macquarie Rivulet, Koona Bay, Whyjuck Bay.
Parking: a detailed Itinerary will be sent to those who book in.
Toilets/Water: Yes, around the Lake.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Driving – all day. 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.

Killalea Lagoon walk ‐ Killalea Regional Park, Shell Cove

Wednesday 17th December 8:00am

Walk leader: Ralph Stadus - 0412 244 121 - please text if you plan to attend.
Walk description: A solid walk down to the lagoon along the beach and return around the lagoon and wooded areas. Mixture of habitats makes for an interesting walk.
Parking: Near cafe inside the park. Killalea Drive Shell Cove.
Toilets/Water: Both at the parking area near cafe, none on the walk.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Some steep sections, sandy beach, grass and gravel wide paths. 4-5 km return. Approx 3 hours, little shade.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes. Something to sit on if it is damp.
Notes: A wide variety of reasonably common birds, lists of 60 species not unusual.