Wollongong residents are being encouraged to get out and explore the area's beautiful coastline over the summer months by coming along to a series of free guided walks on the Illawarra’s coast.
The next walk is Saturday, 12 February, 8am- 10am, at Greenhouse Park, Coniston. It will showcase the amazing transformation of the Old Builders Tip, from a dirty dump to a wildlife haven. It will also be an opportunity to see one of the Illawarra’s rare saltmarsh communities.
Wollongong Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Jedda Lemmon said that the walks are a great way to spend time outdoors with family and friends and provide the ideal opportunity to take in some unique scenery and learn more about the local area.
Some of the highlights of the walks so far have been spotting Green and Golden Bell Frogs, a pair of Sea Eagles, and a nesting pair of Nankeen Kestrels.
Wollongong Council along with Shellharbour and Kiama Council, Conservation Volunteers Australia, and the NSW Environment Trust will host guided walks until the end of February allowing local residents to increase their knowledge of local flora and fauna, and the restoration work that is being done to enhance our natural areas, in a fun and relaxed environment.
While the next guided walk will take place at Greenhouse Park, the final guided tour will take place at Bulli Beach on Thursday, 17 February 6-8pm. Come along to enjoy this beautiful stretch of coastline as the sunsets.
"Wollongong’s coastline is home to a range of diverse plants and animals and these guided tours will allow residents the opportunity to further explore the amazing areas in which they reside," said Jedda Lemmon.
"I would encourage all local residents who enjoy walking and being outdoors or have an interest in the environment, to take part in this series of guided walks to broaden their knowledge of the area's coastline, its inhabitants, whilst keeping fit."
The entire program will see 21 free guided walks being delivered across the Illawarra through a Wollongong City, Shellharbour City and Kiama Municipal Council partnership.
To find out further details and bookings for the walks, contact Conservation Volunteers Australia on 4228 9246, or visit www.wollongong.nsw.gov.a