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Barren Grounds Nature Reserve
Attraction
Park alerts
Barren Grounds Nature Reserve
1 current alert · Checked 13 Oct 2026, 8:05 am
- Other planned eventsUntil 13 Jan 2027
1080 fox ground baiting program
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is conducting a continual and ongoing 1080 ground baiting program for the control of foxes from Monday 13 July 2026 to Wednesday 13 January 2027.
The program targets target foxes in the Carrington Falls, Budderoo Plateau, Knights Hill and Barren Grounds areas. Bait stations are located on NPWS estate and Crown road reserves with permissions. Both buried baits and Canid Pest Ejectors are used in this program.
The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, particularly the threatened species within these areas.
1080 baiting signs are at all entries to the baiting location. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices.
Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Fitzroy Falls office on 02 4887 8244 or send an email.
About
The park at a glance
Boasting spectacular views, amazing birdwatching and walking opportunities for all ages, Barren Grounds is perfect for a school excursion or family day out.
Escape from the city for the day and immerse yourself in the unique and fragile landscape of Barren Grounds Nature Reserve. Almost completely encircled in rocky cliffs at the top of Jamberoo Pass, it has a wealth of birdlife and unique plant species. The heathland wildflowers burst with colour during spring.
With walks ranging from an easy 2km to a more challenging 20km, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Head to Illawarra lookout or Cooks Nose for magnificent views of the Illawarra coastline and surrounding countryside. Or head off on Griffiths walking track and spend the day in the bush.
Barren Grounds is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with around 180 different species of birds. Keep your binoculars and cameras handy to catch a photo of honeyeaters, southern emu wrens, crimson rosellas, cockatoos and grey currawongs. You might even spot a threatened ground parrot or eastern bristlebird.
- Walks
- 3
- Drives
- 1
- Picnic areas
- 1
Plan your visit
Access, facilities and practical details.
Best times to visit
Spring
Enjoy the colourful wildflower display in the reserve's upland heaths.
Summer
Escape the crowds on the coast for a peaceful picnic among nature.
Autumn
Enjoy spectacular views on a clear autumn day of the coastline and surrounds from Illawarra lookout.
Winter
Warm up with a brisk walk in the misty highlands and admire the flowering banksias.
Places to discover
Stay, explore and relax across the park.
Drives (1)
- Illawarra tourism route
Walks in this park
- Illawarra lookout walking track
Grade 3 · Moderate · 2km return · 30min - 1hr
Plants and animals
Animals
- Eastern bristlebird (Dasyornis brachypterus)
- Eastern ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus wallicus)
- Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)
Protected species listed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Frequently asked questions
7 questionsNearby places
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Before you go
Opening
Always open
Nearby towns
Jamberoo (11 km) · Robertson (17 km) · Kiama (22 km)
Get in touch
Phone
1300 072 757Website
Visit websiteFitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
02 4887 8270FitzroyFalls.VisitorCentre@environment.nsw.gov.au1301 Nowra Road, Fitzroy Falls NSW 2577
9am to 4pm daily; Closed Christmas Day
Where you'll be
Barren Grounds NSW 2577