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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


FEBRUARY

Goulburn Tafe Photographic Students   
17 - 23 February
B & D Art Gallery, 1 Short St, Bowral
www.illawarra.tafensw.edu.au
Students from the photographic course will enthusiastically display their images and talk to you about the process involved.

The Horseman from Snowy River
An Australian Outback Extravaganza
19 - 28th  February
Moss Vale Showgrounds
Ph: 1300 365 700
www.thehorsemanfromsnowyriver.com.au

Berrima Village Carpathon
19 - 21 February
Wingecarribee River, Berrima
Registration: 02 4877 2771
Enquiries: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Participants must register prior to fishing. Registration includes Temporary fishing licence, Insurance cover.
Camping Available - Fri &  Sat night

Southern Highlands Quilters Guild Quilt And Craft Exhibition   
20 - 21 February
Mittagong RSL Club, Bessemer St,
Ph: 0404 490 224

Highland Theatre Group presents
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying by Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows
Performances will be staged at Clubbe Hall, Frensham School, Range Rd, Mittagong.  
Evening Shows: February 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 2010 at 8pm
Matinees:  February 7 & 14, 2010 at 2pm
Cost: $24 adults, $22 concession
Bookings open January 18th and can be made by contacting Southern Highlands Tourism, on 1300 657 559.www.htg.org.au

Highlands Heritage Fair  
21 February 9-5pm
Throsby Park, Moss Vale
Rod Farrow, 02 4869 4912, 0419 279 919
An exciting day for families with a Pipe Band competition all day and tours of historic Throsby Park plus the following attractions: farmyard nursery, jumping castle, olden days games, free workshop in circus skills.

Fettlers Heritage Art Prize   
24 February - 11 April
Fettlers Shed Experience - Yarranga St Robertson
Ph: 0408 610 714
Calling for entries for 2010 Fettlers Heritage Art Prize Subject: Landscape or Streetscape, present or past, of Robertson or surrounding villages. Closing date for entries: Wed 24 Feb 2010 1-4pm

MARCH

Robertson Agricultural Show  
5 & 6 March
Robertson Showground, Robertson
Ph: 4885 1968
The 130th Robertson Agricultural and Horticultural Show will be held at the Robertson Showground and will be celebrating 80 years of the Illawarra Cattle Society. There are ring events and pavilion exhibits.

Jazz in the Gardens at Riversdale Homestead
5th March 6.30 - 8.30pm
Champagne on arrival
Food & refreshments available. $30pp
1 Maude St, Goulburn
Ph: 4821 4741 or 0402 129 682

Goulburn's 17th Annual Rose Show
6 - 7 March 11-5pm & 10-4pm
Goulburn Soldiers Club
Art Exhibition, Tours of public gardens, sales, displays, card making, jewellery,
lavender, Handmade Bags & more.
Ph: 48211159

Thirlmere Festival of Steam
7th March 9.30am to 4.30pm
Gala Street Parade, Steam Train Rides, Market Stalls, Entertainment, Music in the Park. Come along and join in the festivities of our 21st anniversary. Four steam trains operate throughout the day. Rail Heritage Centre open - visit the new Roundhouse
Barbour Rd, Thirlmere
Ph: 4681 8001
www.thirlmerefestivalofsteam.com.au

Goulburn’s Celebration of Heritage & Roses Festival
6-14 March 2010
Events to be held daily in and around Goulburn, Australia’s first inland city.
www.igoulburn.com

Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre
6 - 14 March 10am – 4pm
Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre is an operating locomotive roundhouse showing steam facilities & deisel
maintenance with heritage rolling stock.
This event is offered as part of Goulburn's annualCelebration of Heritage & Roses Festival

52nd Annual Tarago Show
7 March 9am to 5pm
Free Entertainment
Tarago Showground & Recreation Area, Braidwood Road. Tarago
Ph: 48445518


Quilt Show at the Cathedral
St Saviour’s  Cathedral
13 - 14 March  10am-4pm  
Enjoy  the spectacular display of quilts
including prize winners and genuine Amis work.

Moss Vale Show    
12, 13 & 14 March
Moss Vale Showgroun Arena,Moss Vale
Ph: 4868 1869
Moss Vale Show Bull Ride is back at this
years show! 6pm Start.
Rides include $1500 open bull ride, $500
novice bull ride, $100 14 - U18 Juvenile Steer Ride, $100 8-U14 Junior Steer Ride.

Country Music Night
Wirrimbirra Sanctuary,
Remembrance Drv, Bargo
13th March 7pm
www.wirrimbirra.com.au/index.htm

Campbelltown City Challenge Walk
14 March 8am
Mount Annan Botanic Garden, Mount Annan Drive, Mount Annan
The Challenge Walk offers a 6km fun walk or a serious 12km contest.
Ph: 4645 4921

Big Band Festival   
20 - 21 March
Corbett Gardens, Bowral
Ph: 02 4862 2222
This is the first festival of this type in Australia!

Ingleburn Festival
20 March 10am
Oxford Street, Ingleburn
Ingleburn's big day out with all day entertainment, rides, stalls, live music and fireworks.
Ph: 4645 4921

Opera in the Garden
20 March 6pm - 8pm
Mount Annan Botanic Garden, Mount Annan Drive, Mount Annan
Be entertained by Italian Tenor Dario Sebastiani.
Ph: 4634 7935

Macarthurs Annual Doll, Bear and Creative Fair
28 March 9.30- 4pm
Campbelltown  RSL Club, Carberry Lane, Campbelltown
Everything for the doll, bear, scrapbooking and needlecraft enthusiast. Also includes valuations, repairs, raffles, lucky door prizes and entertainment. Ph: 4681 0847

Bowral Autumn Music Festival   
26 - 28 March
Mittagong Playhouse & St Judes Church Bowral
"From Russia With Love": The fourth annual Bowral Autumn Music Festival features Chamber Music from Borodin, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and more with some of Australia's finest musicians.
Ph: 48615111 or 0409 128 124


AnnanRoma Food & Wine Fair at Mt Annan Botanic Gardens.
28th March
Food, wine and music from the Macarthur and Wollondilly regions.
Ph: (02) 4634 7903

APRIL

Brigadoon  in Bundanoon
17 April
Bundanoon Park, Erith St, Bundanoon    
ph: 02 4883 7471 or Stalls 02 8250 6455
www.highlandsnsw.com.au/brigadoon
Starting at 9.30 is with a street parade. Opening ceremony at Oval at with massed bands at 10.15am.
A day for anyone who is Scottish, with massed pipe bands, Scottish games, Highland Dancing, Highland Cavaliers, Southern Highlands Kennel & Obedience Club, The Tartan Warriors - lifting the Bundanoon Stones of Manhood. The will be over 150 speciality, crafts, souvenir and food stalls as well as Clan information tents.

Charity Fundraising Event@ Southern Highland Wines
Canapés, award winning wine, silent auctions, lucky door prizes & live entertainment
Saturday 3rd April from 7 pm
Proceeds will be used to purchase new equipment for the Children’s Ward at Bowral Hospita
Ph: 4868 2300 $75 per person

Live Classical Music @ Joadja Winery
4th April
An afternoon of Live Classical Music
Cnr Greenhills & Joadja Rds BERRIMA
Ph: 02 4878 5236


Southern Highlands Classic Jazz and Ragtime Festival   
17 & Sun 18 April
Clubbe Hall Frensham School, Mittagong
Ph: 0438 654 267