Mount Kembla - Environment

'Mount Kembla is isolated and confined by steep topography, and consequently a unique character and identity has developed.' (Register of the National Estate Database. 1998)

The western aspect of Mount Kembla is almost completely bounded by the Illawarra Escarpment State Recreation Area while Charcoal Creek forms on the eastern face of Mount Kembla. Mullet Creek lies to the south and Goondarrin Creek in the north. American, Myrtle, Brandy and Waters Creeks all flow through this beautiful area. The recreation area and abundant bushland, along with only one major road bisecting the township, ensures the villages' isolation and creates a unique timeless feel.

Warm temperate and sub-tropical rainforest once grew along the banks of American Creek. The rainforest merged into tall eucalypt open forest along the ridges. Today there are few remnants left of this belt which housed a variety of game life. However, over 120 endemic species still survive in the valley.

The southern sheltered slopes of Mount Kembla are covered with extensive palm forests and rich rainforest. The eastern and northern slopes are more exposed and obtain more sunlight.

Native animals in the area include the swamp wallaby, wombats and possums, the giant burrowing frog, red crowned toadlet and the broadheaded snake.

In 1804 the Logrunner bird was collected at Mount Kembla. This was the first of that specimen to be scientifically described. Other native birds include the spotted turtle dove; kookaburra, bower bird, superb blue wren, Australian magpie, pied currawong, Australian raven, common munah, honeyeater, welcome swallow

Native trees include the Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon); Native Peach (Trema aspera); Bastard Rosewood (Synoum glandulosum); Native cucumber (Sicyos australis)l Hibiscus (Hibiscus heteroplyllus). (Environment Illawarra: Initiatives. 1995; Stone, 1984 & 2002; Fairley, 1999; Dendrobium Project, 2001; Farmborough Heights to Mount Kembla Strategic Planning Study, 1996)