Saturday 14th March

1:30pm for 2pm start

Thursday 9th April 

9:30am

Barden Ridge Walk 

Photo credit: Annie Ha Le

When: 09/04/26

Meet: 9:30am at Barden Ridge changing rooms near Playing Field 2 (see map)

Bring: water, sun protection, snacks, good shoes

Length: 1.5 km each way

Please RSVP if you intend to come so that we have an idea of numbers and can cancel in the event of bad weather.

Barden Ridge is in the Sutherland Shire, 29 km south of Sydney CBD. Originally part of Lucas Heights, it became a separate suburb in 1992. The playing fields complex was built on the old Lucas Heights Tip but the walks are into “undisturbed” bush.

There are several walks from the playing fields, the exact route may vary depending on the weather and participants interest (if everyone is keen we could walk down into the valley where koalas have been seen). At the moment however, we plan to repeat the walk we did for last year’s (?) APS Quarterly hosted by MWG. That walk is on a bush track but over fairly level ground, through heath and forest on a ridge between creeks. The track is churned up in places by bikes so if there has been rain, we have to negotiate around puddles. Note we are unlikely to see bikes on a weekday. There are already some lovely grevillea and banksias flowering, and we will probably see various wattles, pea flowers, hibbertias and scaevola …

Meet at the Barden Ridge changing rooms near Playing Field 2 at 9.30 (see map). From there we will walk across Playing Field 1 heading north. Wear sensible shoes and bring sun protection, water and a snack. The walk is on some uneven surfaces and has a few ups and downs but no large climbs unless we all decide to venture down into the valley.

The total distance is 1.5km each way and takes around 50 minutes each way.

Saturday 14th March

1:30pm for 2pm start

Friday 6th February

9am 

NPA/Menai Wildflower Group Excursion:

To The Pass of Sabugal on the Woronora River

Photo credit: https://allrite.blog/2021/08/29/the-pass-of-sabugal/

When: 6/2/2026

Meet: 9:00 at Thomas Mitchell Drive Bardon Ridge (see map below)

Bring: water, sun protection, snacks, good shoes

Length: about 2.5km

This excursion, led by Greg Jackson and Pam Forbes, is through good bushland down a fire trail to the Woronora River at the Pass of Sabugal. Koalas have been seen in this area. This fire trail is the remains of the Old Illawarra Road, surveyed by Sir Thomas Mitchell in 1843 and cleared by the last convict road gang in NSW which crossed the Woronora River over a causeway. Although the road has been upgraded several times and the causeway is now concrete it is largely faithful to the original line of road. This area was also the location of depression era housing in the 1930’s and the scant remains of around twelve houses can still be identified. Also visited, on this excursion will be the remains of John Lucas’ watermill built in 1825 about 100 metres downstream from the causeway. The area above the mill is today known as ‘Lucas Heights’. Bushfires and floods have removed all traces of the timber mill building, but beam slots excavated in the rock and the remains of the mill dam give us a good idea of the mills size and what it would have looked like. Although this walk is short and mostly on a good track it is a stiff climb back up the hill. The fire trail is steep with a loose surface.

For further information contact: Greg Jackson 0450615104

greg.jackson100@gmail.com

Saturday 13th December 

5pm 

Saturday 29th November 

9am - 12pm 

Fire Station Working Bee & Propagation Experience

We warmly invite you to join us for our scheduled working bee.

This is a wonderful opportunity to come together, tend to our shared space, and help ensure our garden remains vibrant and healthy.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply keen to lend a hand, your enthusiasm and support will make all the difference. Bring your gloves, favourite tools, and plenty of good cheer. Together, we’ll tackle tasks big and small and enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing our native plants.

You will have fun pulling weeds and planting various potted plants throughout the mounds, we will explain how to propagate from cuttings and go through the processes required to promote success with the new growth.

Time: 9 am to 12 noon

Location: Fire Station Garden

Light refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there.

let’s make this a day to remember!

Saturday 11th October 

12:30pm 

Saturday 13th September 

1:30pm 

Coastal Walk at Kamay-Kurnell National Park

Photo credit: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/kurnell-area

After all this rain it will be nice to get out and stretch our legs. Subject to a fine day, we will be walking the coastal track at Kamay - Kurnell National Park.

This is a fairly flat walk and is mainly on boardwalks so shouldn't be too boggy under foot.  We plan to get to Cape Bailey lighthouse (~6km return) but the walk allows for participants to turn around when they have had enough. If you do head home early, let the leader know please!!

There are plenty of flowers out in the sand dunes - banksias to boronia, and we get nice views, but probably the whales are up in Queensland.

Meeting time and location: 9:30 am at the whale watching area (at the very end of the entrance road to the park) - note park fees do apply. 

Usual equipment: good shoes, sun protection, morning tea and lunch, water. 

Hope to see you there!

Saturday 12th July 

1:30pm 

Thursday 10th July 

9:30am at Loftus Oval

Photo credit: Sydney Uncovered 

Curra Moors to Wattamolla Walk (about 6km) 

We will walk down the Curra Moors Track to Eagle Rock then continue north on the coast track to Wattamolla.

Meet at Loftus Oval at 9.30 where we will arrange car pooling - we will leave car/s at Wattamolla and Curra Moors.

Rough track in parts so wear strong, comfie shoes. Please bring morning tea and lunch, sun protection and it's windy on the coast so warm clothes. 

We saw lots of birds and whales on our last walk (plus plants and spectacular coastal views!) so binoculars and camera if you are so inclined.

Saturday 17th May 

10am 

NSW AGM and Quarterly Gathering 17 May 

Join APS NSW for our Quarterly gathering hosted by the Menai Wildflower Group at The Illawong Fire Station 999 Old Illawarra Road Illawong 2234 

Program

10:00 am – 12:00 noon: Choice of Activities

1. Visit to the Menai Wildflower Garden (MWG)
Located at the fire station, this magnificent garden is a tribute to the wonderful efforts of the Menai Group members over 20 years.

2. Guided Bushwalk – Recreational Drive Barden Ridge Playing Fields

Join members of the MWG for a guided local walk, starting at the end of Recreational Drive, Barden Ridge playing fields. The walk follows relatively flat fire trails and is about 2.5 km return, with some uneven surfaces. Along the way, we will discuss the local flora and share insights into the area's European history.

12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch

The MWG garden will be set up with chairs and tables for those wishing to enjoy lunch at the fire station, where the meeting will be held.

Lunch can be purchased from Illawong shops on Fowler Rd, only a five-minute drive from both the walk destination and the MWG garden. It is optional to bring your own lunch.

Plants will also be available for sale at the MWG nursery at the fire station.

1:00 – 3:00 pm: AGM and Talk – Illawong Fire Station

1:00 – 1:30 pm: APS NSW AGM

1:30 – 3:00 pm: Talk by Professor Mark Ooi and an associate, followed by afternoon tea

An outline of Mark’s talk is to be confirmed.

About the Speaker:
Mark Ooi is a Senior Research Fellow based at the Centre for Ecosystem Science, part of the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences at UNSW. His research interests include fire and plant (particularly seed) ecology. Much of his work focuses on understanding the mechanistic responses of plant populations to fire regimes, threatened species conservation, and the effects of climate change.
Courtesy: UNSW Staff Profile – Mark Ooi

$5 entry by card only (no cash accepted).

Annual General Meeting - Agenda

Our 2024 Annual Report & finanical statements can be found in the *For Members section of the website.  

To send your apologies, please email: office@austplants.com.au

Please email any financial questions by Friday 2 May 2025 and we will provide responses at the AGM. 

Nominations for board positions

We welcome new board members, and non-board members, to assist with running the Society. If you'd like to join the board or wish to nominate someone, please contact President John Desmond to discuss what's involved. The Nomination Form needs to be completed and returned by Friday May 2 2025

Proxy voting

If you cannot attend the AGM, and would like to nominate a proxy for your vote, please complete the Proxy form and return by Friday 2 May to office@austplants.com.au

Saturday 14th April 

1:30pm 

Saturday 8th March 

1:30pm 

Saturday 8th February

1:30pm  

Saturday 14th December 

6-9pm 

MWG end of year celebration barbecue

The committee would like to invite you to our end of year gathering.

Photo: Annie Ha Le

Location: Illawong Rural Fire Station

What to bring: your own plates, cups and cutlery, drink and anything you would like to barbeque. Something to share would also be appreciated.

Our native garden will be open

Friends and family are welcome!

Saturday 9th November 

1:30pm 

Sunday 15th September  

10am to 2pm

Bushcare Fair

Location:

Parc Menai, opposite Menai shopping centre 

MWG is participating in the Bushcare Fair run by the Sutherland Shire Council Bushcare Unit. MWG will be having a marquee with plants for sale. We look forward to seeing you there.

Saturday 14th September  

10am-3pm

APS NSW Gathering

Location:

Oatley Uniting Church, Corner of Letitia St &, Frederick St, Oatley 

We will be joining APS NSW for their Quarterly Gathering hosted by Harbour Georges River Group. The Gathering will involve:

- Guided walks at Sylvan Grove Native Garden at Picnic Point and Oatley Park 

- BYO lunch at Oatley Uniting Church Hall

- A presentation on the Wonderful World of Wattles by Rhonda Daniels.

- Plant sales 

More details at: 

APS NSW Quarterly Gathering

7th & 8th

September 

14th & 15th September  

10am-4pm

Plant sales at the Grevillea Park Open days 

Location:

Illawara Grevillea Park, Princes Hwy, Bulli NSW 2516

More details at: Illawara Grevillea Park

BUSHWALK: Loop track around Saltpan Creek

This is a 5 km low grade walk as there is little in the way of hills. It is largely on flat ground or boardwalks around and through the mangroves. There is often some interesting birds to be seen. Much of it is undercover but there is a stretch on a treeless dirt road. Bring morning tea, water, hat and walking shoes.

Meeting at the end of Stuart St Padstow at 9am

Please contact Lloyd 0400 431 216 if you wish to join the walk.

Credit: https://haveyoursay.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/salt-pan-creek-corridor