Jerrara Wetlands and Rainforest is one of the Illawarra’s hidden gems — a peaceful 54-hectare reserve where birds, animals and people all find sanctuary. Once the site of Jerrara Dam, decommissioned in the 1950s, the area has been slowly transformed over the decades into a thriving mosaic of freshwater wetlands and pockets of subtropical rainforest.

Thanks to the planting of an arboretum, decades of regeneration along the creeks, and ongoing care by Council and volunteers, Jerrara is now home to more than 179 species of birds and provides one of the few freshwater wetland habitats on the coast.

This year, Jerrara Wetlands and Rainforest is the Illawarra site for the Nature Conservation Council’s Picnic for Nature — a state-wide celebration of our connection with the natural world.

Bring your family, friends, and a picnic, and spend some time surrounded by nature. We’ll provide a few treats, and we’re keeping it as plastic-free as possible. Drop in at any time over the morning, bring your own picnic rug or folding chairs and settle under the shade of the magnificent trees.

What’s On

🕗 8.00am – Bird ID Walk with Illawarra Birders' Ralph Stadus
Start the day with a guided bird identification walk through one of the South Coast’s most species-rich sites.

🌿 10.00am – Plant ID Walk with Carl Glaister
Join local plant expert Carl Glaister for a guided walk exploring the rainforest species and arboretum plantings that make Jerrara so unique.

🌿 11.00pm – Plant ID Walk with Kevin Mills
We've added a new walk with local botanist and ecologist Kevin Mills, exploring the site.

🪴 12.00pm – New Landcare group info session
We’ll visit the site identified for a new Jerrara Wetlands and Rainforest Landcare group near the dam viewing platform. Find out how you can get involved in caring for this special place.

🔬 Citizen Science Station (All day)
Drop by to learn about Citizen Science projects that can be used to monitor and protect the site’s rich biodiversity. We’ll have experts dropping in throughout the day, like Alison Mellor from Invertebrates Australia sharing information about Bug Hunt and Bugs in My Backyard.

Join us!

Free and open to all members of the community.

Registration is essential for a place on the guided walks.

If you are just coming for the picnic, please register for a picnic ticket. That will help us with planning and communication ahead of the day.

Contact the host of Jerrara Wetlands and Rainforest Picnic for Nature 2025