Twenty keen OFF members headed off to Barren Grounds Nature Reserve in the Illawarra, situated on the sandstone plateau west of Jamberoo. The 110 km, 1.5 hour drive south of Oatley to the Nature Reserve is picturesque, through the heathlands and forests of the Illawarra and the majestic tall wet eucalypt forests and rainforests of the Jamberoo Pass Road, leading up the escarpment to the Nature Reserve.
The Barren Grounds Nature Reserve is one of the earliest reserves to be dedicated in NSW as the Barren Grounds Flora and Fauna Reserve in 1956, pre-dating the formation of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and now covers 2, 024 hectares. Together with the more recently gazetted Budderoo National Park to the north (1986, 5,746 hectares), these reserves protect the low moorlands, heathlands and upland swamps that are the habitat of the endangered Ground Parrot, Eastern Bristlebird, Long-nosed Potoroo, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Spotted-tailed Quoll as well as the rare Dusky Antechinus.
Assembling at the Barren Grounds NR picnic area the walkers headed off on the 8 km Griffiths Loop Track across the plateau. We enjoyed the array of wildflowers, different to those of the Sydney heathlands, due the cooler wetter climate resulting from the 600 metre elevation, and the strong scents of the brilliant pink flowering Boronia thujona and Stinkwood, Zieria arborescens. An Echidna was found busily excavating for ants and termites and many small conical diggings were observed suggesting that bandicoots and perhaps potoroos had been foraging for insects and fungi. The loud strong calls of the Eastern Spinebill and Golden Whistler caught our attention but none of the rarer bird species were seen or heard.
The rain held off and we enjoyed our picnic lunch on the pristine Lamonds Creek at the Stone Bridge
(natural rock crossing) before returning to the picnic area. All enjoyed a great day out in nature and
Promo
Join us to immerse yourself in the unique and fragile landscape of Barren Grounds Nature Reserve. Almost completely encircled in rocky cliffs at the top of Jamberoo Pass, it has a wealth of birdlife and unique plant species. The heathland wildflowers burst with colour during spring, and there are spectacular views, amazing birdwatching and walking opportunities.
This walk, will be along the Griffith Trail, an 8km loop, across to the dramatic cliffs lining Kangaroo Valley, with views of the coastline beyond. After a climb up to Saddleback Trig, it’s time to take a break, enjoy the surrounding views and a snack. From there, the track continues to one of the highlights of this walk, a lovely naturally formed stone bridge across Lamonds Creek. After crossing the bridge, we continue along the trail back to Barren Grounds picnic area.
The walk is mainly level, with variety of surfaces including rock, grass, sand and mud (if wet weather). Meet at 10 am in the picnic area 1km from entrance off Jamberoo Mountain Road. Bring lunch, water, wet weather gear and sunscreen. Wear sturdy shoes and a hat and possibly walking poles. Check with leader Deb Andrew on 0409 172 501 or email her at deba55@tpg.com.au the day before if inclement weather. Allow approximatley 11/2 hours to drive from Oatley. More info here.