Coledale - Environment

Coledale is a unique area, located on a very narrow strip of land between the steep Illawarra Escarpment (which rises to 1200 metres above the sea level) and the waters of the Tasman Sea. The escarpment foothills, between the Illawarra railway and the escarpment face, are steep and generally forested and form the low level backdrop to the plains and coastline. Throughout the foothills is a series of plateaus or benches upon which existing residential development and vehicular access corridors are located.

Typical rainforest tree species found in the area are Cabbage Palm (Livistonia australis), Red Ceder (Toona Australia) and Lillypilly (Acmena smithii). Understorey vegetation species include Rough Tree Fern and other species which require sheltered locations.

Many birds are attracted to the forests for food, in the form of insects and nectar from the flowering eucalypts. Predatory birds, such as falcons, hawks and eagles require quite large habitats and have adapted their flight styles to the rising air currants provided by the escarpment. Around seventeen species of mammals have been recorded on the wildlife corridor linking the Royal National Park to the escarpment. (Local Environmental Study Coledale, 1985)