Mainly covered in rainforest vegetation with creeks, glades and open paddocks, Ben Ricketts is home to echidnas, wombats, swamp wallabies, greater gliders and a great variety of birds. Listen to the lyrebirds, bowerbirds, catbirds, whipbirds and sugar gliders. Read more

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre lies within Budderoo National Park and is 15 km west of Kiama on Tourist Drive 9. It has a network of boardwalks and paved tracks, which can take you through the rainforest to Minnamurra Falls. The visitor centre provides information about the area and surrounding national parks, and also has a shop. The Lyrebird Cafe offers light meals and refreshments, and there are picnic and barbecue facilities available. Read more

The heathland plateau of Barren Grounds is loved by both walkers and birdwatchers - particularly in spring, when it is a mass of wildflowers. A range of walks offer magnificent views of the Illawarra coastline and surrounding countryside. The reserve is between Robertson and Kiama, on the Jamberoo Pass Road. It's 16km south-east of Robertson and 8km east of the Carrington Falls turn-off. Read more

Bomaderry Creek Regional Park is a rich oasis of quiet bushland on the edge of the town of Bomaderry. A small sandstone gorge is the main natural feature of the park. It has overhangs and sheer rock faces and cradles a creek that meanders along a stony bed. Patches of remnant rainforest, hanging swamps and dry woodland enlivened by bright flowers in spring make for a delightfully varied little park. Read more

Vantage points along the Illawarra Escarpment at Bulli, Mt Keira and Mt Kembla offer magnificent coastal views a short drive from Wollongong. Read more