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Surf Beach, Narooma has two sites of geological significance and beauty at either end of the sandy beach, which is approximately 1km in length and looks out to Montague Island. At the southern end lie the imposing Glasshouse Rocks – which are possibly the most photographed rocks along the Eurobodalla coastline and have been recognised (as what?) by the geological sites and monuments subcommittee of the Geological Society of Australia. The Glasshouse Rocks are Narooma Chert, which is a mix of sedimentary chert and shale, and are part of the Cambrian/Ordovician Wagonga Group, dating between 510-440 million years old.

From Sydney:
86kms · 78 mins by car · 99 mins by train
Quick Stats:
4,445 population · 367m elevation

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There is so much to explore within the bush lands of Hazelbrook. Enter the bush land from Hazelbrook’s Oaklands or Winbourne Roads to discover glorious waterfalls including Burgess, Lena, Lyre Bird and Horseshoe Falls. Further into the Reserve you can discover a natural amphitheatre.

On the opposite side of the railway line enter via Terrace Falls Road where you can walk to Victor Falls, Terrace Falls and Bedford Pool.

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The stereotypic image of ferns growing in moist shady woodland nooks is far from being a complete picture of the habitats where ferns can be found growing. Fern species live in a wide variety of habitats, from remote mountain elevations, to dry desert rock faces, to bodies of water or in open fields.

Ferns in general may be thought of as largely being specialists in marginal habitats, often succeeding in places where various environmental factors limit the success of flowering plants. Some ferns are among the world's most serious weed species, including the bracken fern growing in the Scottish highlands, or the mosquito fern (Azolla) growing in tropical lakes, both species forming large aggressively spreading colonies.

There are four particular types of habitats that ferns are found in: moist, shady forests; crevices in rock faces, especially when sheltered from the full sun; acid wetlands including bogs and swamps; and tropical trees, where many species are epiphytes (something like a quarter to a third of all fern species).

Port Kembla is a suburb of Wollongong 8 km south of the CBD and part of the Illawarra region of New South Wales. The suburb comprises a seaport, industrial complex (one of the largest in Australia), a small harbour foreshore nature reserve, and a small commercial sector. It is situated on the tip of Red Point, first sighted by Captain James Cook (Lieutenant at the time) in 1770. The name "Kembla" is Aboriginal word meaning "plenty wildfowl".

Port Kembla Harbour is a major export location for coal mined in the southern and western regions of New South Wales. As part of the state governments plan to divert ships containing auto mobiles, the port has received significant upgrades and infrastructure including a new Maritime Office and many jobs have been created as the need for port logistics grows. Patrick Corporation holds a contract for integrated port services in the harbour and transports goods by road or rail through its parent company Pacific National.

Colin Bates notified me of how good the water was flowing here earlier in the day... Here is his shot from this location...
www.flickr.com/photos/c_bates/6770051797/

From Sydney:
88kms · 82 mins by car · 102 mins by train
Quick Stats:
2,419 population · 732m elevation

Named Lawson in 1879, the town was originally called ‘Blue Mountain’ after the old ‘Blue Mountains Inn’ of the 1840’s. Prior to this time the town was known as ‘The Swamp’, while the area from Lawson through to Woodford was known as ‘24 Mile Hollow’. The town was renamed after Lieutenant William Lawson, one of the famous three explorers who first crossed the Blue Mountains.

Back in town, follow Honour Avenue and you will discover further walking tracks leading to Adeline Falls, Junction Falls, Cataract Falls, Federal Falls and Leslie Falls as part of South Lawson Park.