Nine walkers journeyed to Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, about 20 km west of Kiama, and just off the Jamberoo Mountain Road. The Reserve is renowned for bird-watching and there is an accommodation block there for groups wishing to visit.

In overcast conditions, our leader Geoff took us on a loop walk, the Griffiths Trail.

A short leg off the trail took us to Illawarra Lookout. Directly below were the cabins of the Ben Ricketts Environmental Preserve and in the distance, it was just possible to make out the coastline.

Not wanting to tempt the weather gods unduly, we completed the 8 km walk before having lunch back at the picnic shelter. This proved to be a wise move, as it began to rain heavily soon after.

Despite the cool, overcast conditions, and the constant threat of rain, this was a most enjoyable outing, and we thank Geoff for leading our expedition.