Barren Grounds Nature Reserve
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Barren Grounds Nature Reserve.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Moss Vale:
- Take Illawarra Highway east towards Robertson
- Just after Robertson, turn right onto Jamberoo Mountain Road.
- Continue until you reach the signposted entrance on your right
From Kiama:
- Take Jamberoo Road heading west to Jamberoo
- Turn left onto Jamberoo Mountain Road and follow it to the top of the escarpment
- The reserve entrance is signposted on your left
Park entry points
- Barren Grounds access See on map
Parking
- Barren Grounds picnic area See on map
By bike
Bicycles are not permitted on management or walking trails in this reserve.
By public transport
Barren Grounds Nature Reserve is not accessible by public transport.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Barren Grounds Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Enjoy spectacular views on a clear autumn day of the coastline and surrounds from Illawarra lookout.
Spring
Enjoy the colourful wildflower display in the reserve's upland heaths.
Summer
Escape the crowds on the coast for a peaceful picnic among nature.
Winter
Warm up with a brisk walk in the misty highlands and admire the flowering banksias.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
16°C and 5°C
Highest recorded
42.4°C
Winter temperature
Average
8°C and 18°C
Lowest recorded
2.3°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
728.4mm
Facilities
Toilets
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Wood fires, campfires and heat bead cookers are prohibited in this reserve.
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Contact
- in the South Coast region
Barren Grounds Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
02 4887 8270
Contact hours: 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - 1301 Nowra Road, Fitzroy Falls NSW 2577
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Email: FitzroyFalls.VisitorCentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
Visitor centre
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Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
1301 Nowra Road, Fitzroy Falls NSW 2577 - 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 4887 8270
Nearby towns
Jamberoo (11 km)
If the kids are on board, take them to Jamberoo Action Park, where Billabong Beach, Rapid River and Outback Bay will keep them entertained for a whole day. Minnamurra Rainforest is also close by, with easy walks through the rainforest for the whole family to enjoy.
Robertson (17 km)
Robertson is known as the 'green heart of the Highlands' for a good reason - it's always green. Rich, fertile soil and abundant rural farmland make up Robertson's scenic landscape. It serves as a gateway to some of the State's best waterfalls.
Kiama (22 km)
A picturesque beachside town on the NSW South Coast, Kiama boasts several local and nearby attractions including the famous Kiama Blowhole, Jamberoo Action Park and Illawarra Fly. Enjoy whale watching during migration season while walking along Kiama Coast Walk, and visit the nearby Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park.