Here is a summary of responses received to my request for Southern
Highlands sites. Many places were recommended by more than one person.
Fitzroy Falls near Moss Vale is worth a look, and is well signposted. There
are several walks along the top of the cliffs on either side of the falls,
and bird life is typical of the area (though
There is a small rainforest reserve in Robertson that is worth a look.
If you are heading towards the coast along the Illawarra Highway, you turn
right after driving through most of the town. From memory, it isn't the
main turnoff, but the one after. At any rate, you cross the railway line,
and reach a T intersection. You turn left, and should see the entrance
to the park almost immediately on the right with some room for parking.
While small, there is a good selection of rainforest birds in there at times,
and it doesn't take long to have a look around.
Minnamurra Rainforest is on the road you head down from Barren Grounds towards
Kiama - it's reasonably well signposted and an entrance fee applies. :(
Still, it's a very nice spot to visit, but can be crowded on weekends.
Kiama is worth a look; check for Eastern Reef Egrets along the coast (haven't
seen one yet, but a friend has), Figbirds in the main street, and seabirds
from the lighthouse.
The Boxvale Track just near Mittagong is great. If you are heading north
towards Sydney on the Hume, take the Mittagong turnoff. Mittagong should be
to the right over the overpass, but you want to turn left, then right at the
bottom of the overpass (small sign.) Follow this for a short way, and the
Track entrance is on the left. Alternatively, if you are heading from Goulburn
you can take the Berrima turnoff and follow the road through the town to
Mittagong, which meets up at the overpass. It takes only a little longer,
but is more scenic; look for Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos and King Parrots
in Berrima. The track leads from the carpark along an old mining tramway to
the Nattai River including a tunnel through a sandstone cliff (watch your step
as the ground is uneven and poorly lit). If you have the time, the full walk
to the river lookouts and back is worth the effort. Look for Azure Kingfishers
around the creeks, as well as Lyrebirds, Rock Warblers etc. along the way.
The track is a little muddy in places if it has been raining, so dress
appropriately. At this time of year, there should be a good selection of
wildflowers, too.
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Try Wingecaribee dam wall lookout just off the Mossvale Bowral road,
Robertson Brush, 200 m behind Robertson pub, the various falls around
like Fitzroy Falls, Box Vale track off the old highway, along the road
to the caves, especially Goodmans Ford, the State Forests where there
are tracks in, the walk to Geringong Falls off the Buderoo Fire trail
which is a few K towards Robertson from Barren Grounds for starters.
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Other people referred to the Bungonia Forest and the Belanglo Forest.
Susan Knowles
Deputy Law Librarian Ph: (02) 9385 3789
University of NSW Fax: (612) 9385 1236
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