Mt Annan Botanic Garden all day Adventure ‐ Mt Annan

Wednesday 14th May 8:30am

Walk leader: Belinda Baccarini - illawarrabirdersinc@gmail.com please email if you plan to attend.
Walk description: All day birding, lunch at the café and more birding.
Parking: Park on Cunningham Dr at Lake Nadungamba (first pond in Garden).
Toilets/Water: Yes throughout the Garden.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Driving – all day. In and out of car all day.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea and afternoon tea. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: Some of the winter birds may be arriving.

Tallawarra Wetlands - Yallah

Saturday 17th May 8:30am

Walk leader: Belinda Baccarini - Please email illawarrabirdersinc@gmail.com 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.

Wattle Forest and Wattamolla, Royal National Park

Thursday 22nd May 8:30am

Walk leader: Richard Smart ‐ 0414 972 236 please text if you plan to attend.
Walk descriptions
Wattle Forest: walk along a short track along the riverside, hoping to see Superb Lyrebird, Green Catbird, Bassian Thrush and Azure Kingfishers – followed by morning tea.

Wattamolla: exploring the cliff top and coastal heath along the RNP coast track, looking for sea and heath birds.

Parking/Meeting place: Meet at 8:30 am at the Wattle Forest picnic area.
Directions: Coming from the south - turn right off the Princes Highway at Farnell Avenue and proceed down to Audley. Drive across Audley Weir and take a right turn after the Visitor Centre and Café. Turn right and drive over Varneys bridge and follow the road veering to the left. It follows the Hacking River for about 750 metres to Wattle Forest Picnic Area. Park at the end of the car park where the picnic shed and toilets are.
Mid-morning we will drive to Wattamolla.
NB: Parking fees to enter the Royal National Park are $12 per day unless you have an annual pass.
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/picnic-areas/wattle-forest-picnic-area
Toilets/Water: At Audley Visitor Centre and at Wattamolla.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Easy level walking about 3kms. Approx 3 hours, plenty of shade. Seats for morning tea at Audley. Rocky surface at Wattamolla, approx. 2 km, 1 hour return.
Bring: Carry water, hat, sun screen, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes. A good walk for beginners and photographers.

Wollongong Botanic Garden ‐ Lunchtime Walk

Thursday 5th June 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.

Appin Woodlands

Wednesday 11th June 8.30am

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: 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.
Bring: Carry water, hat, sunscreen, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: Trails may be muddy after rain. Appin township is close for lunch after the walk if required.

Tallawarra Wetlands - Yallah

Friday 13th June 8:30am

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.

Bott’s Reserve & Bellambi Lagoon ‐ Bellambi

Sunday 22nd June 8:30am

Walk leader: Ralph Stadus ‐ 0412 244 121 - 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 and photographers.
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.

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

Wednesday 25th June 8:30am

Walk leader: Bob Ashford – 0404 863 187 -please text if you plan to attend.
Walk descriptions
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. Both reasonably easy walks.

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: Nowra - 30m from parking. Bomaderry – 30m from parking.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Bens Walk -about 2 kms. No seats. Bomaderry Creek - about 1km. Some seats.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea and lunch. Wear sturdy shoes. Insect repellent and walking poles might be useful.

Wollongong Botanic Garden ‐ Lunchtime Walk

Thursday 3rd July 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.

Korrongulla Wetlands ‐ Primbee + Purry Burry Point – Lake Illawarra

Wednesday 9th July 8.30am

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. Then onto Purry Burry Point to see shore and waterbirds.
Parking/Meeting Place: Park on cnr of Nicolle Rd and Government Rd Primbee at gated entrance to wetlands. Then onto Purry Burry Point Lake Illawarr.
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. Wear sturdy shoes. Bring morning tea for Purry Burry Point.
Notes: An especially good event for new and inexperienced birders. Good spots for photographers.

Tallawarra Wetlands - Yallah

Saturday 12th July 8:30am

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.

Stafford's Farm Track- Mt Kembla

Friday 18th July 8:30am

Walk leader: Fiona Leo- 0431 823 21 - 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: No. Bush toilet.
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: Water, hat, sturdy shoes, morning tea (carry).
Notes: Suggest leech protection if wet.Occasional mountain bikes use this path.

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

Sunday 20th July 8:30am

Walk leader: Carla Jacket - 0429 1213 623 -please text if you plan to attend.
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: Carpooling recommended. Google maps - Come to 288A Irvines Rd, Bellawongarah off Kangaroo Valley Rd. GPS location is wrong so follow the BOOBOOK signs at the end of Irvines Rd. Straight past the many signs/through the brown fence with 288A on it. We are the next driveway on left. Watch out for all the potholes on Irvines road! Take 2nd Berry exit from Wollongong. Please allow 15-20 mins from Berry exit ramp and follow Kangaroo Valley Road from 2nd roundabout.
Toilets/Water: Both at house, none on the walk.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats:About 3-3.5kms 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 winter we have a variety of bush birds, fruit doves/pigeons & 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.

Dharawal National Park – 10 Trail

Sunday 27th July 8:30am

Walk leader: Belinda Baccarini - please email – illawarrabirdersinc@gmail.com - if you plan to attend.
Walk descriptionsA stroll along a firetrail in the heathland and low woodland at Madden’s Plains. An especially good event for new and inexperienced birders and photographers.
Parking/Meeting place: Park opposite Glenberrie Darkes Cider Orchard – 259 Darkes Forest Rd, Darkes Forest. There are parking bays alsp 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. Approx 4kms 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.

Wollongong Botanic Garden ‐ Lunchtime Walk

Thursday 7th August 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.

Phillip St Firetrail – Gibson Track – Thirroul Illawarra Escarpment

Tuesday 12th August 8:30am

Walk leader: Belinda Baccarini ‐ please email illawarrabirdersinc@gmail.com- if you plan to attend.
Walk description: In the rainforest on a very muddy (after rain) track with lots of small rocks/gravel. Can be slippery (after rain). Ascent on powerline track 100m - steep - a pole would be useful.
Parking/Meeting Place: 9 Sylvan Way Thirroul - Limited parking on Sylvan Way - suggest to car pool or meet other Birders at cnr Philip St/Seaview Terrace Thirroul and car pool from there - please organise this yourselves as I will be at Sylvan Way earlier.
Toilets/Water: No water, bush toilet.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Walk on bush tracks in the rainforest and on firetrail. Approx 3kms return. About 3-4hours. Some shade, no seats.
Bring: Carry water, hat, morning tea. Wear sturdy shoes.
Notes: A pole would be useful for the steep slope. Possible leeches/ticks.
NB: May change walk to Maddens Plains or Dharawal National Park if lots of rain.

Tallawarra Wetlands - Yallah

Friday 15th August 8:30am

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.

Jerrara Dam & Spring Creek - near Kiama

Sunday 31th August 8:30am

Walk leader: Ralph Stadus ‐ 0412 244 12 - please text if you plan to attend.
Walk description: A slow walk to the dam at Jerrara – carry morning tea. Followed by a short drive and then level easy walk at Spring Creek to visit bird hide and regenerated bush.
Parking/Meeting Place:Mount Brandon Rd Jerrara. Then near 20 Glenbrook Drive Kiama.
Toilets/Water: drop toilet at Jerrara but nothing at Spring Creek. NO water at either.
Terrain/Distance/Time/Shade/Seats: Good wide path, some short steep gravel and then grass on slope at Jerrara, 2.3km and 90 min return. Spring Creek is level with walking tracks, 1km and 60mins return. Plenty of shade, limited seating at both.
Bring: Water, hat, carry morning tea.
Notes: Both are good spots for photography. May be muddy.

Wollongong Botanic Garden ‐ Lunchtime Walk

Thursday 4th September 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 13th September 8:30am

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.

Wollongong Botanic Garden ‐ Lunchtime Walk

Thursday 2nd October 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

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.

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.

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.

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

Friday 12th 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.