CURRENT ACTIVITIES
Visitors to our region are welcome to join us at our meetings and walks

ANNUAL PROGRAM - 2025
Download an overview of our program of meetings, walks and camps for 2025

JUNE 2025

CLUB MEETING
Monday, 9th June 2025, commencing 7.30pm
"Cockatoos and Parrots" - Peter Fackender
After travelling throughout Australia over the past decade or so, club member Peter Fackender has recorded bird images and sound records of many of the 41 species of Cockatoo and Parrot species found throughout this continent.
Peter will share with us the sights and sounds from this "Land of Parrots" and also discuss some of the complexities for survival facing some of our species.
Please bring a plate of goodies and a mug for supper after the meeting.

MIDWEEK WALK
Wednesday 11th June 2025, starts at 9.00am
Wattamolla
Leaders Bill & Joan Zealey
The June monthly outing will be to the Royal National Park Wattamolla, where we will walk a part of the Coastal Walking Track south towards Garie Beach and return. This is a walk involving some rough, rocky stretches along the tops of the cliffs. Whales can often be seen as we pass by and hopefully Tawny-crowned Honeyeaters may be around.
Meet in the Wattamolla Car Park at 9.00am in the parking area furthest up the hill from the kiosk where the track starts. Access can be made from either Waterfall or Audley via the Princes Hwy to Sir Bertram Stevens Drive leading to the Wattamolla turn off. Bring and carry morning tea.
Please remember that there is a fee of $11 to enter the park unless you have a pass. The pay station may not be open when we arrive but the Rangers check the cars during the day and issue notices to pay where required. Payment can be made at the Audley Kiosk/Office on the way home or you can pay later using the internet or phone.
In the event of inclement weather phone Bill on 0414 747 644.

MONTHLY OUTING
Saturday 14th June 2025, starts at 9.30am 
Booderee Botanic Gardens - Booderee National Park.
Leaders Ken & Sue Brown
Meet at the Park Visitor Centre car park at 9am.
Admission to the Gardens is included in the park use fee for Booderee National Park. Fee is $20 per car, or $10 for concession (does not include Seniors Card). You will need to pay the fee online from your phone, using a QR code displayed in the car park, or you can pay before you leave home using the website: https://booderee.gov.au/plan/park-passes-permits/
Coming from the north, follow the Princes Highway to the left-hand lane and turn to Jervis Bay and Huskisson. Follow Jervis Bay Road which becomes Naval College Road after you pass the Huskisson turnoff. After you pass the Vincentia shopping centre, keep straight ahead through the Wool Road roundabout, still on Naval College Road. The Visitor Centre is 5.6km from the roundabout. If coming from the south you can take the Wool Road from the Highway.
Bring morning tea and lunch and we will decide on carrying details when we arrive.
For further information, or in case of inclement weather please contact Ken on 0438 298 057.

NEXT CAMP 2025

 Spring Camp – Howlong, 25 October – 1 November 2025
Our next camp will be in Howlong (near Albury) in October this year. The club visited Howlong in October 2013 and saw 159 species in a variety of habitats on both sides of the border.
The details are:
Dates: Check-in Saturday 25 October 2025, check out Saturday 1 November 2025.
But you can stay longer or shorter if you wish.
Park: Howlong Caravan Park
Address: 55 Hume St, Howlong NSW 2643
Phone: 0427 317 222 (Marie Robinson)
Web site: http://www.howlongcaravanpark.com.au
The park has a variety of cabin types and for the vans there are powered and unpowered sites. No ensuite sites unfortunately. The park has reserved a total of 10 cabins and 3 powered sites for us and will hold them until the first week of June. Our camp finishes on the weekend before the Melbourne Cup which will be a long weekend for many Victorians, so the park expects to be taking bookings from other people starting at the June long weekend.
When you book, tell them you are from the Illawarra Bird Observers Club. After you book, please send us an email at [email protected] and tell us what dates and accommodation you have booked.
The options are:
Spa Villa (1 bedroom, Queen bed) $150 per night
Double Villa (2 bedrooms, 1xQueen + 1xDouble) $180 per night
Family Villa (2 bedrooms, 1xQueen + 2xBunks) $180 per night
Park Units (Studio room with 1xQueen + 1xBunk) $120 per night
Standard Unit (Studio room with 1xQueen) $120 per night
Powered site $45 per night
Payment will not be needed until about August.