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PICTON BOTANICAL GARDENS
Acres of walking trails, over 5 kms of bike trails, lawns, picnic and barbecue areas, native bushland just a few minutes from the centre of Picton.
The ideal place to rest, picnic, or let the kids run loose. BBQ and clean toilet (disabled access) facilities.
Open 7 days.
Regreme Road, Picton (turn left on to Regreme Road 500 metres north of the main intersection in Picton). |
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LOOKOUTS AND PICNIC AREAS |
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AVON DAM.
Completed in 1927 as part of Sydney's water supply system, the Avon is the third and largest of the four Upper Nepean Dams.
Spectacular and scenic countryside; beautifully kept picnic and barbecue facilities, space for the kids to play.
A majestic example of engineering and a landscape you will remember long after you have left.
NOTE: Avon Dam will be FULLY CLOSED until further notice due to maintenance work.
Avon Dam Road, Bargo. |
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Bents Basin.
In natural bushland on the banks of the Nepean River. Swimming, picnicking, camping and opportunities for nature study.
Open 7 days.
Wolstenholme Avenue (off Greendale Road) Wallacia.
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BURRAGORANG LOOKOUT.
Now a State Recreation Area with lookouts, picnic areas, BBQs and bush trails this scenic spot looks over the famous Burragorang Valley - once a rich farming and mining area, haunt of bushrangers and now home to a spectacular lake.
Burragorang Valley was a favoured scenic spot for over a century, and the beauty and tranquility of its surroundings makes it still well worth a visit today.
Open seven days - 10.00am to 5.00pm. PUF applies.
Burragorang Road, Nattai. |
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CATARACT DAM.
Completed in 1907, the oldest dam in Sydney's water supply system.
Close to Sydney, Cataract has a picnic area catering for hundreds of people.
There are picnic and playing areas, lookouts, and the spectacular view of the great dam itself set in beautiful and rugged countryside. The perfect day for a family outing.
Open 7 days, 10.00am to 5.00pm. (Closes 7.00pm weekends and Public Holidays during Daylight Saving Time.) Entrance is free.
Baden Powell Drive, Appin. |
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CORDEAUX DAM.
The second of the Upper Nepean dams, completed in 1926 as part of Sydney's water supply - less than an hour from most of Sydney.
A vast picnic and barbecue area catering for hundreds, yet with enough space to allow for intimate family gatherings.
Spectacular views over the lake. Walk across the dam wall and see the buildings on top - fine examples of art deco design.
Open 7 days, 10.00am to 5.30pm. (Closes 7.00pm weekends and Public Holidays during Daylight Saving Time.) Entrance is free.
Picton Road, Wilton. |
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NEPEAN DAM.
Last of the great dams of the Upper Nepean (completed 1935), and just a kilometre or so off the freeway heading south.
The construction and landscaping of the Nepean represent a later and perhaps more modern view of our relationship with the environment.
Excellent picnic facilities for families - even coach loads, and peace and tranquility close to nature.
Open 7 days - 10.00am to 5.00pm. (Closes 7.00pm weekends and Public Holidays during Daylight Saving Time.) Entrance is free.
Avon Dam Road, Bargo. |
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RAZORBACK LOOKOUT.
This lookout is on top of the Razorback Range, whose winding road follows the old track over the mountains inland, just off the old highway and one of the highest points in the Wollondilly.
A parking area and picnic shelters for up to 20 here.
Once it offered panoramic views of the district and all the way to Sydney. You are supposed to be able to see the tall buildings of Sydney from here, but if you look at the picture at top left you can only see the smog which starts over the next hill. The other picture is looking inland - see the clean air?
Stop, look, then turn away. Remember Lot's wife. Head inland to the pure air of the Wollondilly.
Remembrance Driveway, top of Razorback. |
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THIRLMERE LAKES.
Famous as a destination for tourists and railway daytrippers at the turn of 19th century, Thirlmere Lakes National Park is a heritage natural wetlands area.
Beautiful natural bushland and five reed fringed lakes with beaches, and among the last undisturbed lake systems near Sydney.
Picnic areas, canoeing, bushwalking. Also a major bushwalking trail into Nattai Wilderness.
Open 7 days, PUF applies.
Entrance off West Parade, Couridjah. |
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WARRAGAMBA DAM
Completed in 1960, Warragamba Dam is Sydney's major water supply. Holds 4 times more water than Sydney Harbour.
Warragamba Dam recreation area is one of Sydney's favourite picnic spots.
Although the outer picnic area is open, there is currently no public access to the dam. For further information see the Sydney Catchment Authority website - www.sca.nsw.gov.au.
Picnic area and Eighteenth Street viewing platform - open 7 days, 10.00 to 5.00pm (7.00pm weekends and Public Holidays During Daylight Saving Time). Entrance is free.
The Visitor Information Centre is open 10.00am to 4.00pm daily except Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Farnsworth Avenue, Warragamba. |
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WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES |
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THE DINGO SANCTUARY.
Reserve displaying dingoes - Australia's native dog. Natural bushland, picnic areas, and a chance to meet the dingo.
Open Thursdays to Mondays 10.00am to 3.30pm. For more information phone (02) 4684 1156.
590 Arina Road, Bargo. |
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WIRRIMBIRRA SANCTUARY
Wirrimbirra Sanctuary is a National Trust property of over 100 acres of bushland, nature trails, native plant nursery, and native animal enclosure managed by the David. G. Stead Memorial Wildlife Research Foundation, heirs to its bequest.
Located between Bargo and Tahmoor it comprises a native plant nursery (plants for sale), numerous bushwalks where you can appreciate the native flora, a native fauna protection area (birdlife and native animals), cafe open 7 days and budget cabin accommodation for families and groups.
Wirrimbirra Sanctuary is the ideal place to see our natural bush heritage, including one of the last remaining stands of the historic Bargo Brush.
The Field Studies Centre provides educational experiences for students and other groups. Open Tuesday to Sunday and most Public Holidays, 8.30am to 5.00pm.
3105 Remembrance Driveway, Bargo.
Phone: (02) 4684 1112 - Fax: (02) 4684 3120 |
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