To read the magazine layout, click here or find the text version of July's cover story by Illawarra Ramblers president John Groom below
The Illawarra Ramblers was founded under the auspices of the WEA in 1991. Bushwalking was a course subject at the college. Over the years, cycling and paddling were added to regular activities.
Since becoming a separate entity in 2015, the Illawarra Ramblers has grown and often offers activities on all seven days of the week.
There are a variety of walks each week. On most Wednesdays a walk of around 10 kilometres, be it a beach walk, suburban walk taking in the view line, a National Park foray along the escarpment or in the Royal National Park, or a train trip to Sydney or the Shoalhaven – there is always an adventure awaiting.
Often on either a Saturday, or Sunday or both, opportunities to get further into the bush abound. These are usually more energetic walks for fitter, experienced venturers.
On some Fridays we do ‘5k and Koffee’ walks for time-poor or less-energetic walkers. These may be bush, beach, street or parklands walks and are very popular with Illawarra newcomers who want an introduction to their new life.
Solid friendships grow from shared healthy adventures and bush experiences which are led by leaders who really know their way around, like Sam Garrett-Jones.
“I moved from Canberra in 1994 and, of course, instantly loved the beaches – all my kids were Thirroul Nippers,” Sam said. “But it didn’t take long to discover the spectacular local walking in the Royal National Park, Heathcote NP and up and along the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.
“After becoming ‘geographically challenged’ – i.e. lost – a few times, I joined the Ramblers. The leaders had invaluable local knowledge that you didn’t find in books.
“Learning from them I went on to lead walks for the Ramblers and the National Parks Association.
“I’m always on the lookout for new walking adventures and am excited about the development of the Great Southern Walk from Kamay Botany Bay NP to the Illawarra Escarpment.
“At the moment the GSW ends at Bulli Tops, but walkers would love to see it connect through to Mt Keira and beyond.”
Another hobby horse of Sam’s is the stalled shared pathway around Lake Illawarra.
“Honestly, like the Illawarra Escarpment, Lake Illawarra is a natural gem on our doorstep. Sitting in a kayak on the lake (with the Ramblers) you can really appreciate the beauty of both; they have huge potential for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors.
“But we do desperately need more direct and safer walking and cycling tracks between Berkeley and Kanahooka, and between Tallawarra and Albion Park Rail. This would complete a truly ‘round the lake’ path and would be a tourism drawcard.”
With winter here, warm the body up, see some new sights, make new friends or just enjoy the bush. Walking, cycling or kayaking with a club is safer and just more fun!
See our program online at www.illawarraramblers.com.au
Further reading
There are many published walking guides covering the Illawarra. For the latest information on local walks why not try the free brochures from the National Parks Association.
Local walking tracks have been affected by the unusually wet weather and required maintenance. Always check park and track closures before walking at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list
For more information about the Great Southern Walk – a 67km walk from Kamay Botany Bay National Park, through Royal National Park and into the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, set to be completed in 2025, follow this link.
About the writer
John Groom is president of the Illawarra Ramblers. He has lived for two years in Thirroul and previously 19 years in Stanwell Park. From 38 years book-selling, John retired to the Illawarra, is now on Thirroul Beach most days and walking or riding in the district a few days a week.
