iMag Regions

 

Accommodation_Guide_2011

     
 
 
Highlands & Illawarra: Home | Our Towns | Nature | Attractions | Accommodation

Southern Highlands & Illawarra ... download this month's edition dreamstime_11348196

 

natural-attractions-icon-webNatural attractions in the Southern Highlands & Illawarra region of NSW

Macarthur & Wollondilly regions of NSW

Visit the following information centres for more info.

Camden
Camden Visitors Information Centre.Narellan Rd Camden
Ph: 02 4658 1370
http://www.camden.nsw.gov.au

Campbelltown

Campbelltown Visitor Information Centre.(Quondong)
15 Old Menangle Rd.Campbelltown NSW. 2560.
(Adjacent to Campbelltown Catholic Club)
Ph 46454921
http://www.visitmacarthur.com.au

Picton
Wollondilly Visitor Information Centre
The Old Post office,
Cnr Argyle & Menangle Sts.
PO Box. 31 Picton NSW 2571
Ph: 02 4677 3962.
http://www.stonequarry.com.au



CENTENARY LOOKOUT
Will give you a bird’s eye of the city towards scenic hills Georges River Nature Reserve,a koala habitat and endangered woodland

JAPANESE GARDENS
And teahouse adjoining the bicentennial art gallery

KOSHIGAYA PARK
For picnics on manicured lawns where the cherry blossom blooms in spring

QUEEN ST MALL
Steeped in historical buildings - including arts and crafts society cottage

MT ANNAN BOTANIC GARDENS
Guided theme walks, school holiday programs. Take Narellan road turn-off from f5 freeway.
Ph 02 4848 2477.

MAWSON PARK
The oldest public park on Queen St is a small quiet retreat

BURRAGORANG LOOKOUT
Where the Wollondilly River becomes Sydney’s water supply dammed by the Warragamba Dam. Some say it’s the most beautiful view in the world. Picnic tables, barbecues with wood supplied, toilets, water, parking. Follow the road from the oaks out to Nattai.

WIRRIMBIRRA SANCTUARY
77 Ha of bushland, nature trails and native plant nursery. Open 7 days. Old Hume Highway, between Tahmoor and Bargo. Ph 02 4684 1112

AVON & NEPEAN DAMS
Exit from bargo off the old hume highway. Picnic and bbq facilities (electric and wood). Free hot water, playgrounds, toilets, viewing areas.

THIRLMERE LAKES NATIONAL PARKS
Slades road, Thirlmere. Open 7 days. The five reed fringed lakes are among the last undisturbed lake system near Sydney. Picnic tables, bbq, toilets, bushwalking, swimming, canoeing. Phone NPWS 02 9542 0666

THILMERE RAILWAY MUSEUM
31 Barbour Road, Thirlemere. Australia’s largest Railway Museum. Open 7 days. Steam train rides every Sun. Ph 02 4681 8001 (w/e) or Ph 02 9744 9999 (w/d)

HILL TOP RAILWAY CUTTING
Wilson Drive, Hill Top. Deepest railway cutting in NSW and monument to the spirit of human endeavour



What to see in the Southern Highlands

Visit the following information centres for more info.


MITTAGONG.
Tourism Southern Highlands
62-70 Main St. Mittagong.2575
Ph:1300 657 559 Fax:02 4871 3515
http://www.southern-highlands.com.au

BERRIMA.
Courthouse Museum Tourist Information Centre
Cnr Argyle & William Sts. Berrima 2577
Ph: 02 4877 1505 Fax:02 4877 1184
http://www.berrimacourthouse.org.au

FITZROY FALLS.
National Park & Wildlife Centre.
Morton National park. Nowra Rd.
Fitzroy Falls NSW. 2577.
Ph: 02 4887 7270 Fax: 02 4887 7203
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au



ILLAWARRA FLY
Set atop the escarpment of Knights Hill, this 500 metre elevated walkway has 2 cane levered arms, taking visitors to the edge of the escarpment, offering awe inspiring views over the valley to the ocean.
With a visitor centre, complete with café, retail and regional information.
The FLY is a fantastic destination that will inspire young and old.
Ph;1300 362 881 www.illawarrafly.com


MT GIBRALTAR LOOKOUTS
Overlooks Mittagong and Bowral. Drive or walk the rim road to enjoy the several views

GIBBERGUNYA RESERVE
Many bush walks in this area between Bowral and Mittagong. Dedicated to the original inhabitants. Park cars in Boronia St, Bowral. Maps at the visitor centre. Ph 02 4871 2888

CORBETT GARDENS
Cnr Merrigang and Wingecarribee Sts, a lovely retreat in central Bowral. Headquarters of the famous tulip festival held in the last week of September and the first week of October.


CECIL HOPKINS NATURE RESERVE
Turn at sign about 2 km along the Moss Vale to Bowral Road. Water fowl and platypus may be observed.

LAKE ALEXANDRA
A lovely gentle walk around what was once the water reserve for the 19th c ironworks. Victoria St, Mittagong
Mount Alexander
Walks start corner of Victoria and Leopold Sts Mittagong


What to see in the Illawarra region
Visit the Wollongong Visitors Centre for more info.


Wollongong Visitors Centre.
93 Crown St Wollongong NSW 2500
Ph: 1800 240 737 Fax: 02 4228 0344
http://www.tourismwollongong.com



BALD HILL
Take a trip to Bald Hill at Stanwell Tops to watch the hang-gliding and para-gliding. Have a go.

BASS POINT RESERVE
Littoral rainforest with Aboriginal middens of national significance. Picnic facilities.

BLACKBUTT FOREST RESERVE
Unique because of its location in an urban area. Last remaining viable remnant of coastal plain forest in the Illawarra region.

BULLI SCENIC RESERVE
Several lookouts and bushwalking tracks from easy to difficult. Incredible views Killalea
South of Shellharbour. Picnics, top surfing beach, scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing.

MACQUARIE PASS NATIONAL PARK
10Km west of Albion Park. Waterfalls, picnic areas. Camping only permitted at the picnic area at Macquarie Rivulet

MT KEIRA LOOKOUT
Take the Mt Keira Rd. Breathtaking scenery
Royal National Park
Visitors Centre and Wildlife Shop. Exhibition of photos and lots of friendly advice. Open 9- 4 daily. Closed 1-2pm w/ends. Ph 02 9542 0648

WALKING & CYCLING
Over 150 km of walking tracks. Track info available at visitor’s centre. Ph 02 9542 0648. Lady Carrington Drive is relatively flat and wide and closed to motor vehicles making it ideal for cycling.

THE GRAND PACIFIC DRIVE
North of Wollongong suburbs



Lookouts, dams & picnic areas

All are open 7 days between 10am and around 4pm. No entrance fee.


avon-damAVON DAM
Bargo.(closed till further notice).A majestic example of engineering and a landscape you will long remember. Completed in 1927, the Avon is the third and largest of the four upper Nepean Dams.


BURRUGARANG LOOKOUT
The most exquisite outlook. Picnic facilities. Road to Nattai via The Oaks.


cataract-dam-topCATARACT DAM
Baden Powell Drive, Appin Spectacular views. Completed in 1907, the oldest Dam in Sydney’s water
supply system.

 

cordeaux-damCORDEAUX DAM
Picton Road, Wilton. Completed In 1926, the second of the upper Nepean Dams. Walking trail through the bushland, spectacular views over the lake. Walk across the Dam walls and see the fine art deco buildings on top.




nepean-damNEPEAN DAM
Avon Dam Road, Bargo. (No Dam access due to upgrades). Last of the great Dams on the upper Nepean (completed 1935) this is just a kilometer off the freeway heading south. The construction and landscaping here represents a later and perhaps more modern view of our relationship to the environment.




WARRAGAMBA DAM
Farnsworth Dam Ave. Warragamba was completed in 1960, the Dam holds 4 times more water than Sydney Harbour. Picnic area’s and the
Visitor Centre are open.

 

   
What's On

diary-web'What's On' in the Southern Highlands & Illawarra region
 
 

 January, February, March 2012 


Take the Wet Weather Challenge @ the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk. Tourist Drive 9 between Robertson & Kiama. If you wish to visit 'The Fly' during the coming months and it happens to be raining, then take advantage of the offer to receive 50% off the admission during inclement weather. Otherwise receive 10% off admission by presenting the advertisement on page 27.
Ph: 1300 362 881


Berry Picking and more
21 January Meet at the Exeter General Store for coffee. Come with FoodPath hosts Jill and Nick to visit a range of farms in the picturesque Southern Highlands and meet the producers who grow our food. Enjoy a long table lunch in a beautiful setting. We serve as your hosts for the day. Come and learn, taste and enjoy a unique food experience! Itineraries vary according to the season and availability of the farmers. January tour will include berry picking!  
www.foodpath.com.au Ph: 0419 617 021


Australia Day Celebrations in Berrima
26 January Berrima Village
Celebrate Australia Day in historic Berrima.
With over 60-market stalls, entertainment for all the family, grand parades, vintage cars, fire engine displays and face painting there is something for every one. The atmosphere is one of a real Aussie family day out with a bit of patriotism and pride in our country thrown in for good measure.
Ph: 4877 1505


Australia Day Celebrations - Goulburn
26 January A great Family fun day with a festival atmosphere!  Victoria Park - 10am to 3pm Live entertainment throughout the day!  
Ph: (02) 4823 4462


Marulan Australia Day Celebrations
26 January Tony Onions Park, George Street, Marulan 9.30am Procession. Starting at the railway bridge, George Street & ending at Tony Onions Park. Prizes for best entries in procession. Running races, egg & spoon races, wheelbarrow races, three legged races, sack races & watermelon eating contest. Hills Hoisting, thong throwing, tyre changing, water race, coo-ee & watermelon eating contest. All day entertainment Ph: (02) 4841 1505


A ustralia Day Celebrations
26 January 8.00am to 12:00 noon
www.australiaday.com.au Wollondilly Shire Council does Australia Day with flare !
Opening with a bacon & egg breccy while you watch the guys from Sydney Skydivers drop in with a giant Aussie flag in tow. Australia Day awards, musical performances and BBQ lunch are only a few of the features throughout the day. Botancial Gardens and free to enter.
Ph: 4677 1179.


Taralga Rodeo
29 January The small, historical village of Taralga pulls out all stops to entertain the whole family at their thrilling 46th annual rodeo.  Come along on Saturday the 28th to see the yard dog trails at 8.30am, the gymkhana at 2pm and a top class live country music show that night. Bring your rug or chair and enjoy the view from the shady hill and don’t forget your camera to capture a winning snap for the photo contest.  There will be  hot food and cold drinks available all weekend. Ph: 4840 2074  www.argylecounty.com.au/taralgarodeo2012


Day on the Dovecote Lawn
29 January 12noon til 6pm Belgenny Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Ave, Camden
www.belgennyfarm.com.au A great day planned with bands from different genres. Let us entertain you from 12noon til 6pm. Plenty of food stalls available for you to sit and relax on the Dovecote lawn. Live bands on stage all afternoon. Price to be advised. All details will soon be published on our website. Strictly no food or alcohol to be brought into the venue.


Berrima Rally
11 & 12 February Locations around the Southern Highlands. Berrima District Historic Vehicle Club invites you to enter the 37th Annual Berrima Rally.Historic & Classic Vehicle Owners & Enthusiasts are welcome to register for a full program of events on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Ph: 0412 819 848

Swapmeet & Family Market Day
Sunday 26th February - 8.30am -2pm
SwapMeet - Motor Car Parts
? Pancakes & Preserves
? Sausages
? Steak sandwiches
? Books
? Hand made jewellery
? Antiques & Old Wares
? Rustic Furniture
? Alpaca Goods
? Clothing
Oakdale Workers’ Club,
1605 Burragorang Rd, Oakdale
Contact number: 4680 8358
e: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Summerside Festival in Canberra
1 - 29 Februar
y Celebrating everything good about summer in the Canberra region. Local and seasonal produce, region’s wines, innovative and exciting performances, events and exhibitions highlighting local talent.  Throughout Canberra.
 


Heritage Train Rides at Trainworks Thirlmere
Trainworks, 5 February 10 Barbour Rd, Thirlmere. Throughout Day www.trainworks.com.au
Ride a 1920's Rail Motor every Sunday throughout February from Thirlmere Railway Station. The Rail Motor departs Thirlmere Station at 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm Ph: (02) 4681 8001


Opera at Trattoria La Vigna
5 February from 5pm 3 Argyle Street, Camden
Be enticed by a special night of opera and fine Italian food. Dine on a four course meal while enjoying the operatic voices of Tania Ferris, Michelle Buscemi, Dario Tondelli, Mattia Campetti and Gaetano Bonfante. Ph: 4655 8000, bookings essential.


Berrima Rally
11 - 12 February Locations around the Southern Highlands. Berrima District Historic Vehicle Club invites you to enter the 37th Annual Berrima Rally. Historic & Classic Vehicle Owners & Enthusiasts are welcome to register for a full program of events on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Ph: 0412 819 848


Valentine's Dinner at Belgenny Farm
14 February Elizabeth Macarthur Avenue, Camden. Wine and dine your partner with a delicious three course meal at the beautiful Belgenny Farm, providing rustic charm in a rural setting. Complimentary champagne or beer will be provided on arrival. From 5.30pm, dinner served at 6.30pm Ph: 4654 6800, bookings essential.


Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society (Adfas) Bowral. Behind The Scenes at the Antiques Roadshow with Hilary Kay. February 23 at 10.00am This fascinating talk covers life on the Roadshow Circuit. The Ballroom, Annesley. Westwood Drive, Bowral  Ph: 4877 1822


Swapmeet & Family Market Day
26 February A fun day out with stalls and dusplays. Opens 6am – 2pm  The Oakdale Worker’s Club 1605 Burragorang Rd. Oakdale.


The Australian Highlands Food and Wine Festival
3 & 4 March Bong Bong Racecourse, Kangaloon Road, Bowral. Come and enjoy the two day festival of award winning food and wine. Listen to live music whilst savouring local food and sampling great wines by the glass. Be inspired by cooking demonstrations and take home the regions best fresh produce. Enjoy the family fair and market stalls, it’s sure to be a fun day out for everyone! Ph: 0408 211 267


The Thirlmere Festival of Steam
4 March Trainworks, 10 Barbour Rd, Thirlmere www.heritageexpress.com.au Take a steam train day trip from Sydney Central and suburbs to the Thirlmere Festival of Steam. An exciting and feature-packed annual event. Steam out of the city to Thirlmere village. At Thirlmere, the village comes alive with street parades, steam machinery and historic vehicles, food, music, entertainment, amusement rides and displays.  Frequent shuttle journeys depart Thirlmere Station throughout the day. www.thirlmerefestivalofsteam.com.au Ph: 4681 8001


54th Annual Tarago Show
4 March Tarago & District Show Society Inc present. Showcasing Tarago: Celebrating Diversity  9am to 5pm Tarago Showground & Recreation Area, Braidwood Road. Tarago. Ph: (02) 4844 5518


Robertson Agricultural Show
9 & 10 March Robertson Showground, Caalong St, Robertson The Robertson Agricultural and Horticultural Show will be held at the Robertson Showground and will be celebrating 81 years of the Illawarra Cattle Society. Ring events and pavilion exhibits are always popular at the show.
Ph: 4885 1968 or 0409 244 574


Goulburn City of Roses - 19th Annual Rose Show 10 - 11 March Featuring hundreds of named roses on display including the City of Goulburn Rose. Saturday: 11am to 5pm Sunday: 10am to 4pm  Goulburn Soldiers Club, 15 Market Street Goulburn  Display & sale of roses by local nurseries, Craft Stalls. Ph: (02) 4821 1159


Vintage Fair at Riversdale
11 March Come and celebrate a unique day at Riversdale and take part in the Vintage Fair which will include heaps of fun activites and displays. Riversdale Twynam Drive, Goulburn
Ph: (02) 4821 4741 www.nationaltrust.com.au


Moss Vale Agricultural Show
16 - 18 March Moss Vale Showground, Illawarra Highway Moss Vale Ph: 02 4868 1869  
www.mossvaleshow.com.au
The Highland Theatre Group presents “The Music Man”at Clubbe Hall, Frensham, Range Road, Mittagong. March 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31. Booking at: www.htg.org.au Ph:1300 657 559.

htg-logo00011

 

 

 

Visit the Highlands Theatre Group website for details about coming shows:

www.htg.org.au