Barren Grounds Nature Reserve is located on one of the most southerly plateaus of the Sydney Basin and has been a protected area for over 40 years. Surrounding the reserve is an escarpment of sandstone approximately 230-250 million years old which forms the bedrock. The reserve contains a wide variety of habitats including heath, woodland and tall forest. Excellent bushwalking gives walkers fantastic views of the Illawarra coastline and surrounding countryside. Picnic facilities are located here. Barren Grounds is home to a diverse array of wildlife including the threatened Ground Parrot, Eastern Bristlebird, the Long-nosed Potoroo and more than 500 species of plants. Located at the top of Jamberoo pass this 1750 hectare nature reserve is an established bird watcher's mecca. Walks include Griffiths Track, an eight kilometre walk through woodlands and heath. Cooks Nose Lookout is a six kilometre return walk. Trail brochure available at the Kiama Visitor's Centre.
