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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
 


JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2010

 Christmas in Winter
1 June - 31 August
Throughout the Southern Highlands
Ph: 1300 657 559
Christmas in Winter celebrations including lunches, dinners and accommodation packages.

Walking on Sunrise – and don’t it feel good!
2nd Saturday every month.  6-9am
There’s a new reason to visit the popular Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk with the introduction of spectacular new Sunrise Walks.
Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk - www.illawarrafly.com
Ph: 1300 362 881

Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine
17 - 18 July
Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, Barbour Road, Thirlmere
Meet the full-sized Thomas the Tank Engine as he greets friends over two feature packed days. Take a steam train ride with Henry, the Green Engine, as well as face painting, mini train rides, jumping castle and more.  Ph: 4681 8001
www.nswrtm.com.au

Winterfest 10 - Ice Skating Fun For Everyone!  
28 Jun - 18 July
418-420 Bong Bong Street, Bowral
Ph: 0423-684-132 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.winterfest10.com.au

The Cockatoo Run – Illawarra Fly
On some Sundays and on an occasional Thursday the “COCKATOO RUN” brings tourists to the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk  in a tourist package which includes transport from the railway station to the “FLY” and return for details go to www.3801limited.com.au   

Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine
17 - 18 July Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, Barbour Road, Thirlmere. Meet the full-sized Thomas the Tank Engine as he greets friends over two feature packed days. Take a steam train ride with Henry, the Green Engine, as well as face painting, mini train rides, jumping castle and more.  Ph: 4681 8001 www.nswrtm.com.au

Mount Annan Duathlon Series
24 July Mount Annan Botanic Garden
Mount Annan Drive, Mount Annan. Compete in a 4.2km run, and a 18km ride followed by a 2.8km run. Many prizes to be won. $40 for members of Triathlon Australia, $52.50 for non members.
Ph: 9570 5556

ADFAS Camden - Special Interest Day
What You Need To Know about China – And A Few Things You Don’t.
LARS THARP MA (Cantab) HonDArt FRSA
Saturday 17th July 2010 12.30 to 3.30 Members $35 : Visitors $ 40 (lunch & afternoon tea included)
&
ADFAS Camden - Lecture
Lost & Found - A Non-Pom’s Career On The BBC’s Antiques Road Show.
LARS THARP MA (Cantab) HonDArt FRSA
Saturday 17th July 2010 at 4.30pm $20 at the door Light Supper included. (Booking appreciated for catering purposes)
The Gallery, Camden Civic Centre
Oxley Street, Camden
For more information ph 4655 9724 or
4655 9781 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Wirrimbirra Birds'n Bugs Day
Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Remembrance Drv, Bargo
1st August www.wirrimbirra.com.au/index.htm

Camden Antique Fair
7 - 8 August Camden Civic Centre
Approximately thirty well-known dealers representing most types of antiques, furniture, jewellery, linen, porcelain and collectable items.
Ph: 4655 8681

Camden Country Quilters Annual Quilt Exhibition 7 - 8  August
A.H&I Hall, Argyle Street, Camden. Many quilts on display, as well as handmade gifts and stalls selling fabrics, patterns, kits and sewing equipment. Ph: 0411 202 006

Carrington Fair
14 August 10am - 3pm
A day of fun & entertainment for all!
Werombi Road, Camden Ph: 4659 0305

Basic Alpaca Handling And Husbandry   
1 August Birrong Suri Alpacas, Canyonleigh
A practical, on-farm study day where the potential or new alpaca owner will learn all the basics of alpaca management.
Ph: 02 4878 9310 or E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.birrongsurialpacas.com.au

Camden Antique Fair
7 - 8 August Camden Civic Centre
Approximately thirty well-known dealers representing most types of antiques, furniture, jewellery, linen, porcelain and collectable items.
Ph: 4655 8681

Camden Country Quilters Annual Quilt Exhibition 7 - 8  August
A.H&I Hall, Argyle Street, Camden. Many quilts on display, as well as handmade gifts and stalls selling fabrics, patterns, kits and sewing equipment. Ph: 0411 202 006

Mt Kembla Mining Heritage Festival   
7 -8 August Cordeaux Road, Mt Kembla Village
Mt Kembla Mining Heritage Inc Ph: 02 4271 3737

Carrington Fair
14 August 10am - 3pm
A day of fun & entertainment for all!
Werombi Road, Camden Ph: 4659 0305

ADFAS Camden – Lecture
ARCHITECTURAL Trompe-l’oeil : Italian decorative painting and its influence on European Interior design
STEPHEN TAYLOR (NADFAS-UK)
Sat 14th August, 2010 at 4.00 for 4.30pm
An exploration of painted illusionistic architecture and its use in the enrichment
and enlargement of domestic & public
places.
Visitors $20. Light Supper included.
(Booking appreciated for catering purposes)
The Undercroft, Camden Civic Centre
Oxley Street, Camden
For more information and bookings
Ph: 4655 9724 or 4655 9781
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Bowral's Folk Club   
19 August Fentons Cocktail Bar, Upstairs at the Grand Bar Bowral
Ph: 4861 6076
Traditional Music from around the world. 8.00pm - 10.30pm

Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living Workshop - Cheese Making
21 August, 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Mount Annan Drive, Mount Annan
Learn how to make yoghurt, quark and gourmet fetta. $100 pp Ph: 4647 9828, bookings essential

Goulburn's Got Talent
28 August - 7pm. Goulburn's Got Talent is an extravaganza of singing, dancing, musicianship and demonstrations of other unique talents (eg. whip cracking and clowning) providing a family-friendly evening of entertainment. Goulburn High School Hall Deccan Street, Goulburn Ph: 0438 218 735

Camden Festival
5 - 19 September. Events include Cinema Under the Stars; Food, Wine and Music Festival; Kids Fun Day; SK8OPIA; Lions Fair and more. Ph: 4645 5029

The Charles Ledger Alpaca Show
12 September
Moss Vale Showground
Contact through www.schalpa.com.au

Riverfest
12 September Koshigaya Park, Campbelltown
Celebrate our environment and cultural diversity with entertainment, workshops and the Dry Riverbed Boat Race. Ph: 4645 4921

Camden Park House Open Weekend
18 - 19 September. Sat12noon - 4pm, Sun 10am - 4pm Elizabeth Macarthur Avenue, Camden
Tour the historic mansion built in 1934 for John and Elizabeth Macarthur. Ph: 4655 8466

Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine
18 - 19 September. Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, Barbour Road, Thirlmere. Meet the full-sized Thomas the Tank Engine as he greets friends over two feature packed days. Take a steam train ride with Henry, the Green Engine, as well as face painting, mini train rides, jumping castle and more. Ph: 4681 8001  
www.nswrtm.com.au

Tulip Time Festival
21 September - 4 October. Corbett Gardens, Bowral Ph: 1300 657 559 Featuring a massed display of over 100,000 tulips and 25,000 annuals in Corbett Gardens, Bowral, and private gardens open for inspection. Admission to Corbett Gardens apply - Adults $8, concession $5, groups over 20 persons $4-50.