dlowan, Thanks for sharing info on Adelaide. Now that we know the cost of homes/apartments/duplex in your city, what is the average cost of utilities and food for a couple? How much is a cost of a dinner out with wine? And any other information you care to share. Thx, c.i.
Littlek
Phew!!!! You scared me for a minute there!
and cane toads, don't forget to see the cane toads!
pueo, Doesn't Guam have Guam goats or something?
c.i.
Illawarra and South Coast Towns
Thirroul
Location
Thirroul, known as Robbinsville until 1895, is situated on the Illawarra South Coast between Austinmer and Bulli approximately 13 kilometres north of Wollongong. To the east is the Pacific Ocean and to the west, the Illawarra escarpment. It is a popular suburb being so close to beaches and only a one hour & twenty minute trip to Sydney by electric train, and even less by road.
In 1923, D H Lawrence who lived in Thirroul for six months while writing his book "Kangaroo", gives this description: "
The town trailed down from the foot of the mountain towards the railway, a huddle of grey and red painted iron roofs. Then over the rail line towards the sea, it began again in a spasmodic fashion
.There were wide unmade roads running straight as to go nowhere, with little bungalow homes
..Then quite near the inland, rose a great black wall of mountain or cliff
.." [Gray, Lenore History of Thirroul. 1994]
While the landscape itself has not changed, the "little huddle of grey and red painted roofs" and the "wide unmade roads" certainly have. However, it still retains a pleasant "village" atmosphere.
Local attractions
Beach - patrolled in summer
Olympic pool - pump-in salt water
Cycleway to Wollongong & further south to Shellharbour
Camping ground - Bulli Beach
Walking Tracks - Illawarra Escarpment
Hang Gliding at Stanwell Tops
Annual Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival
Environment
Thirroul lies between the Pacific Ocean and a section of the Illawarra escarpment known as Lady Fuller Park. It is adjacent to Bulli Pass Scenic Reserve. Cabbage Tree palms were once plentiful in the area. These trees were highly prized by both aboriginal and white settlers. They have diminished with development although some still grow along the escarpment and the sides of Bulli Pass.
Early settlement began on the hilly area of the village as the lower beachside area was swampy and susceptible to flooding when high tides combined with a period of heavy rain. [Gray, Lenore. History of Thirroul. 1994]
The flora in the area belongs to the subtropical/warm temperate rainforest group, termed Mixed Notophyll Vine - Fern Forest, and occurs on the level sections of the escarpment where the soils have developed an accumulation of moisture and nutrients. On the upper slopes of the escarpment, Coachwood Rainforest is found.
The underlying geology is generally the Illawarra Coal Measures or sometimes the Narrabeen Group.
Types of trees include, Red Cedar, Moreton Bay Fig, Brown Beech, Cabbage Palm. Shrubs are Brittlewood, Orange Thorn, Native Olive and Hairy Pittosporum. Groundcovers of Giant Maidenhair and Climbing Fishbone Fern grow beneath vines such as Anchor, Giant Pepper, Common Milk and the Monkey-rope.
The escarpment area is rich in its variety of birdlife. Regularly recorded birds in the northern suburbs of Wollongong in summer include the Australian King Parrot, Crimson Rosella, and the Brown Gerygone, perhaps the most common small brown bird in the Illawarra rainforest. The Channel-billed Cuckoo and Pied Currawong are most often found in or near fig trees which provide their favourite food. Honeyeaters and Satin Bowerbirds commonly visit gardens adjacent to the escarpment. The Green Catbird is not as common but still well distributed throughout the district.
[Mills, Kevin & Jakeman, Jacqueline. Rainforests of the Illawarra district.]
More information
Wollongong City Library
Local Studies Section
Burelli Street
WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
Telephone (02) 4227 7418
Illawarra Images - historical photographs
http://libntserver.uow.edu.au/illaweb/scripts/default.asp?Lib=/Illalms
goats are usually raised for food. the filipinos seem to have a taste for them. smoked goat jerky, btw ain't bad.
Goats for food. Sounds familiar for some reason. ;( c.i.
Unanderra
Location
Unanderra is a suburb approximately 7 kilometres south of central Wollongong.
It is bounded on the north by the Cobbler's Hill cutting; on the south by the intersection of the Illawarra railway line and the Princes Highway; on the west by the foothills of Mount Kembla; and on the east from Allan's Creek along Five Islands Road toward Lake Illawarra
Major suburbs surrounding Unanderra are Figtree to the north, Dapto to the south, and Port Kembla to the east.
Unanderra is in the Parish of Wollongong, County of Camden
Environment
Early records show that Unanderra was noted for its many cabbage tree palms. Vegetation in the area was originally cleared for rural land use in mid nineteenth century and by mid twentieth century virtually all of cabbage tree palms had been eliminated. Unanderra has 3 creeks that constitute the Allans Creek Catchment, receiving inflow from Charcoal Creek and Jenkins Creek.
Charcoal creek forms on the eastern face of Mount Kembla and flows into Allans creek. Warm temperate and sub-tropical rainforest once grew along the banks of the creek. All that is left today are a few remnants of this former splendour with weeds such as Cape Ivy, Moth Vine, and Crofton weed growing in abundance. Regeneration projects have resulted in the replanting of species such as Blackwood, Native Peach and Bastard Rosewood after the careful elimination of the weeds.
Todd Park is a large public reserve situated between Cummins Street and Staff Road. An unnamed watercourse runs through the reserve dividing it into north and south sections. The recent revegetation of Todd Park Reserve has restored the park into a lush rainforest. Over 10,000 native plants including Lomandra, Bleeding Heart, Black and Green Wattle, Red Ash and Callistemon were planted. This resulted in the return of birdlife to the reserve. Kookaburras, Fairy Wrens, Honeyeaters, Cockatoos, Magpies and Rosellas are now common visitors.
Jamberoo
A quiet and attractive village in the Jamberoo Valley. It is surrounded by nature reserves and National Parks which are ideal for bushwalking and birdwatching.
Jamberoo is a small and charming village 113 km south of Sydney via the Princes Highway and 7 km west of Kiama. It is situated in lush, green dairy pastures surrounded by towering escarpments, and hills that would today be described as rolling, though only because they have been denuded of their original dense subtropical forest. For the most part all that remains are some exotic cabbage-tree palms which appear strangely out of place.
A vivid impression of the original landscape has been left by a local mill manager's daughter who married T.H. Huxley, one of the most and influential scientists of the 19th century. Huxley reputedly visited Jamberoo in the 1840s:
'From Wollongong to Jamberoo, the road was a mere day track through a forest of tropical foliage; gum trees 200 [feet] or more in height, gigantic india-rubber trees with broad shining green leaves, lofty cabbage palms, and many other kinds of tree towered above us, so that their tops made a twilight canopy, unpenetrable to the sunlight, save for an infrequent clearing in the forest made by the settler's axe. Huge lianas, some as thick as a man's arm, hung down snakelike from the trees.'
The first inroads were made by cedar-getters who took the wood to Kiama for shipment to Sydney. The clearing of the land enabled the establishment of grazing runs and the area was settled in the 1820s. The township, which developed on the private land of the Hyam Estate, was described as a 'thriving hustling village' in 1836. The first denominational school was established at the Roman Catholic Church in 1839.
Although there has been considerable development on the outskirts of the town, time seems to have stood still in Jamberoo. This historic and rather English feel is accentuated by the dry stone walls which separate some of the farms in the area. These stone fences were erected from the 1850s by one man, Thomas Newing of Kent, who brought the craft with him from England and took it with him when he died in 1927.
As transportation to Sydney improved, dairying became central to the life in Jamberoo and the prosperity it brought is apparent in the substantial buildings that were erected.
To the East of Jamberoo
Australia's First Co-operative Butter Factory
A monument marking the site of Australia's first butter co-operative factory (1884) is situated about 2 km from the Princes Highway along the Kiama-Jamberoo Road. It is a small white obelisk surrounded by four posts on the eastern side of Spring Creek. This road to Jamberoo essentially follows the same route as that laid down by the local roads committee in 1841.
Terragong
Further west, about 4 km east of Jamberoo, on the left-hand side of the road, is 'Terragong' (c.1858), a charming house in the Georgian tradition that is still owned by the descendants of John Marks, one-time mayor of Kiama. The original kitchen and back section were burned down but rebuilt c.1890. If you are approaching from Kiama watch for Swamp Road which branches off to your right, continue down the hill and the house is situated on the corner, opposite the power station, with a large verandah and enormous fig tree out the front. It is currently a cream-coloured building. This is not open to the public.
Saddleback Mountain Lookout
About 2 km east of Jamberoo, Fountaindale Road branches off to the south. Saddleback Mountain Lookout lies along this route. The turnoff is signposted. Eventually you will reach a T-intersection. A road to Kiama leads to the left and the lookout reserve is to the right. It is open from 8-4 daily. There is one lonely table for picnickers and a concrete slab noting distances and directions to other locales. The reserve itself is modest but the mountain, which is the point where the escarpment turns into a series of foothills which run down to the sea, offers one of the most dramatic and interesting views on the whole of the south coast. From Saddleback you can see north to the steelworks of Wollongong, south to Jervis Bay and inland to the edges of Jamberoo and the Kangaroo Valley.
Hoddles Track
At the western end of the Saddleback carpark is a green sign stating 'Hoddles Track'. In 1830 Robert Hoddle was assigned the task of cutting a route from the agricultural hinterland through to the coast so that produce could be shipped quickly and cheaply to Sydney. This remnant of that trail from Bong Bong to Kiama boat harbour leads westwards to Barren Grounds Nature Reserve. The track is marked with green posts to indicate the route. It is rough, very steep at times, and takes about four hours return. When you reach the second marker you can go left or right, the left being a steeper descent. Stone fencing can be seen here and an old trail branches off to the left, leading to Foxground Road, which, in turn, leads south to the Princes Highway. Climb over the stile to enter Barren Grounds. The ascent up Noorinan Mountain is steep but you are surrounded by remarkable and cool rainforest and the breath-taking views from the summit make the effort worthwhile. Looking out to the coast, Seven Mile Beach and, beyond that, Jervis Bay lie to the south. To the north are Kiama and Wollongong. A shorter, if more strenuous route to the top, is by a rope which dangles down just before the track turns to the left as it begins its ascent to the lookout.
Minnamurra House
As you enter Jamberoo from the east along the main street (Allowrie St) you will come to a crossroad with Minnamurra Lane. Turn right and follow it for two kilometres across the Minnamurra River. The road turns to the right. Along here, on the right-hand side is Minnamurra House, built around 1840 and reputedly the oldest building in the Illawarra. It was erected for Dr Menzies and his wife Margaret who left Scotland in August 1838. They took up two 300-acre blocks in Jamberoo. The stone for the two-feet thick walls was quarried locally. The shingles for the roof have now been replaced by iron sheets. It is a private dwelling and not open to the public.
To the West of Jamberoo
Minnamurra Rainforest
Head north out of Jamberoo and turn west onto the Jamberoo Mountain Road. Follow it for a short distance and you will see a sign on your right directing you to a surviving remnant of subtropical rainforest (400 hectares) at Minnamurra Falls Reserve, declared in 1903.
The first trails were established during the depression by people on relief. Located in Budderoo National Park it is open 9-5 daily (except Christmas day). On the right at the entrance is Kelly's Cottage (1853). There is a rainforest education centre, with a display of rare rainforest plants and information about the site. There are 90 different species of ferns (two-thirds of the fern types in NSW) and 80 species of native trees in the reserve.
The walking track, in its entirety, is 4.2 km and takes about two hours. There are two parts to this walk: the Rainforest Loop Walk (1.6 km) and the Falls Walk (an additional 2.6 km). The latter can only be reached via the former and so, in order to see the falls, the entire 4.2 km walk must be undertaken. There are information posts along the way.
Minnamurra Reserve has two falls, one a 50-metre and one a 25-metre-drop into a narrow rainforest gorge where ferns and vines grow in profusion under the dense canopy.There is a raised wooden pathway along the route, which protects the environment and makes it wheelchair accessible. The gradient is suitable for children and the elderly and there is interpretive signposting along the way.
Trees include the sandpaper fig, used by Aborigines to sand their wooden tools, the Illawarra fig tree, a giant stinging tree, its leaves covered in fine hairs that are saturated with concentrated acids for self-protection, red cedar, cabbage tree palms, bush cherry and staghorns.
Platypus and lyrebirds live in the reserve and, occasionally, an eastern water dragon can be seen basking on the rocks. No camping is allowed but there are picnic facilities and the kiosk is open daily. The charge for private vehicles is $9.90 per car. Other rates apply for large-scale educational visits. All monies are reinvested in the site.
Barren Grounds Bird Observatory and Nature Reserve
Further along Jamberoo Mountain Road, past the Minamurra Falls turnoff, is Barren Grounds Bird Observatory and Nature Reserve, situated on a sandstone plateau 610 metres above sea level, on top Jamberoo Mountain. The name reflects its unsuitability for agriculture. With about 120 species, this 1962-hectare reserve is a birdwatcher's paradise. The rare ground parrot and eastern bristle bird are located in the park. In fact their presence was the reason the reserve was declared in 1956. There are also grey currawong, crimson rosellas, emu wrens, gang-gang cockatoos, honeyeaters and the occasional lyrebird. The mammals are generally nocturnal although swamp wallabies and echidnae are sometimes spotted. The ecosystem consists essentially of heathland, which becomes carpeted by wildflowers in spring, and dry sclerophyll woodland (black ash and red bloodwood). Ferns cover the ground in places and there are orchids on the rock ledges which grow atop other plants. There is a field study centre (02 4236 0195) and picnic facilities are provided.
The eastern edge of the reserve overlooks Saddleback Mountain. There are several walking tracks which depart from the visitor's centre. Griffiths Trail is a circular nine-kilometre track which meanders through a range of vegetation communities, taking in the Cedar and Illawarra lookouts, which furnish impressive views of the coast. The Cook's Nose Track (3.2 km) leads to a clifftop lookout over Kangaroo Valley. The walk to Drawing Room Rocks is along flat ground and offers magnificent southerly views but it is an all-day undertaking.
Gerringong Falls
If you continue along the Jamberoo Mountain Road, towards Robertson, you will pass Jamberoo Lookout to your right and, just beyond it, the Budderoo Fire Trail which commences to your left, 4 km from the top of the Jamberoo Pass. Although there is no signposting this track will take you to Gerringong Falls. After 2.1 km a metal boom gate signifies the start of another trail to the right. The spectacular views and virgin wilderness of Gerringong Falls lie another 3.2 km along this road. Be warned however, the pristine state of the terrain comes at a price for the bushwalker. The track is not marked and is rough-going, particularly after heavy rain. Be sure to obtain a copy of C.M.A. Map 9038-4-S Kangaroo Valley Topographic Map.
Carrington Falls
If you continue along the Jamberoo Mountain Road there is a turnoff to the left which takes you to Nellies Glen Picnic Area and Carrington Falls. After 2 km this branch road forks. The road on the right leads to Nellies Glen and that on the left to Thomas' Place Picnic Area. A track (2 km return with disabled access) departs the latter and leads to three lookouts over the beautiful falls which tumble 50 metres over the Kangaroo Valley escarpment.
To the North of Jamberoo
Jamberoo Recreation Park
Jamberoo Recreation Park is a Gold Coast-style fun park. There is a scenic chairlift which takes you 130 metres up and 600 metres along to the mountain-top where you can ride a bobsled down the hillside on two stainless-steel tracks (fast and slow). There are excellent water slides, mini speedboats and racing cars, numerous pools of various sizes and depths, one with a 4.5-metre rock jump into a 7-metre pool, as well as grass skiing plus picnic and barbeque facilities. Visitors buy day tickets which provide as many rides as you want so it is only sensible to plan on a day-long stay.
Tongarra Bicentennial Museum
Continue north along the road, which becomes Terry St, and you will see a set of lights ahead at the intersection with Tongarra Rd, where the sign invites you to take a right turn to Albion Park Rail. Instead turn left into the side street just before the lights. This short road bends to the right. On your left, just around that corner is Tongarra Bicentennial Museum which has, on display, Aboriginal artefacts, colonial farming implements and household items and an 1882 time capsule buried by the Sons and Daughters of the Temperance Society. It is open Sundays (1-4) and Wednesdays (10-4).
The Illawarra Railway Museum
Follow this street (Russell St) to its terminus in Tongarra Road and turn right. Keep your eyes to the left and you will see an old black steam train. This is where The Illawarra Railway Museum is located. It has several nineteenth-century steam engines and trams in its collection. Essentially an open workshed and a track it is best visited on the second Sunday of each month (11-5 in summer and 11-4.30 in winter) when the trains and an old miner's tram carry visitors around the 1-km bushland track. Children can toot the whistle, watch the innards of a steam engine in operation in a separate display or play on the merry-go-round and chair-o-plane. Steam-train fanatics not in town on the right Sunday can go along for a look at the engines on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, though, being strictly run on a voluntary basis it may be advisable to ring first (02 4256 4627). There are picnic and barbecue facilities.
Wilso
Thanks for this - I was down at Kiama on the weekend, and look at all the things I missed!
Thanks Wilso
You're the best :-D
Looks like the French are doing a stink job in the land of Oz.
Special Report
The Big Pong Down Under
(ADELAIDE, Australia, Feb. 14, 2003) -- Fifteen months after Adelaide signed a contract turning over its waterworks to a private consortium controlled by Thames Water and Vivendi, the city was engulfed in a powerful sewage smell, which became known as "the big pong." Read more in the final installment of ICIJ's 10-part series into global water privatization, "The Water Barons.">>
Here's a little slide show comprising of readers' photographic contributions to a
MY MELBOURNE feature in a local newspaper. These are the things that locals & others liked about Melbourne:
http://www.theage.com.au/photogallery/2003/04/02/1048962792999.html
Melbournians tend to be very ATTACHED & fond to their city & I'm no different!
Ah, the "Queen city of the South", or "Marvellous Melbourne", as we call it!
I can think of lots of places, people & things I'd like to contribute here .. cafes, markets, old sections of town, the zoo, art galleries,etc, etc ... It's a great place to live!
)