Kids bush walking in the Kiama Region, Photography by Peter Izzard

National Parks

Let nature take over

There is no shortage of parkland in the area, but our National Parks step it up a notch. In the south, Seven Mile Beach National Park offers the best of both worlds with beach and bush blending seamlessly. Uninterrupted views makes it an ideal picnic spot after a walk or swim. Winding westward, Budderoo National Park is nearly 60 square kilometres of ancient rainforest, sandstone plateaus and steep cliffs leading up to the Southern Highlands. Whether you are searching for tranquil roadside viewpoints or a walking track a little more adventurous, it’s not something to miss.

Budderoo National Park

MINNAMURRA RAINFOREST A rare remnant of subtropical and warm temperate rainforest. See Lyrebirds, Whipbirds, Yellow Robins, Water Dragons and ancient figs. Loop Walk (1.6km elevated walkway, wheelchair accessible for the first 500m). Falls Walk (2.6kms) to lead you along the canyon cliff edge to the breathtaking upper Minnamurra Falls.

NELLIES GLEN Relax with a picnic and the sights and sounds of nearby waterfalls. An idyllic swimming hole, great place for bird watching and exploring brightly coloured fungi and orchids when in season. CARRINGTON FALLS This spectacular plunge waterfall drops 50 metres down across the Kangaroo River and has three lookouts with great views.

Seven Mile Beach, Photography by Ian Hollis

Seven Mile Beach National Park

Time: 30mins Dist: 1.5km return Grade: Easy
Located approximately 15 minutes south of Kiama (turn off the Princes Highway to Gerringong), between the coastal villages of Gerroa and Shoalhaven Heads. The long sweep of Seven Mile Beach is backed by sand dunes and forest. From the end of Beach Road there is an easily accessible walkway (wheelchair friendly) to a viewing platform and the beach.
Nearby is a large grassy picnic area with gas barbecues in the pleasant Bangalay Forest setting. From the picnic area there are marked walking tracks through the forest. Camping is not permitted in the park, however there are a good range of options in both Gerroa and Gerringong.

Barren Grounds Nature Reserve

Barren Grounds offers many walks taking in views of the coastline and surrounding countryside.

HERBARIUM LOOP WALK Time: 1hr Dist.: 2.6km Grade: Medium ILLAWARRA LOOKOUT WALK Time: 1hr Dist.: 2.6km Grade: Medium FLYING FOX PASS WALK Time: 1hr Dist.: 2.6km Grade: Medium.

GRIFFITHS TRAIL & NATURAL STONE BRIDGE Time: 3hrs Dist: 8km Grade: Medium KANGAROO RIDGE WALK Time: 7-8hrs Dist.: 19km return Grade: Medium COOK NOSE WALKING TRACK Time: 2.5hrs Distance: 6km return Grade: Medium

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