A rich sense of history creates a sense of wonder for the Shoalhaven mayor when she visits a nautral gem near Burrill Lake.
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While it was hard for mayor Amanda Findley to choose just one local wonder for the Seven Wonders of Shoalhaven competition, Cr Findley decided a historical Aboriginal shelter and walking track south of Ulladulla was her favourite wonder in the region.
“For me, I would have to say one of my favourite places is the indigenous cave walk at Burrill Lake, known as the Giriwa Bagan walking trail,” Cr Findley said.
“There is fantastic interpretive signing and you can go there any day of the year, without having to compete with millions of people, and have a wonderful experience.”
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The three-kilometre one-way walking track explores the natural beauty of Burrill Lake from the Meroo National Park.
The track is part of the longer Giriwa Bagan ‘goanna country’ walking trail, which includes Gari walking track and the Burrill Lake rock shelter.
Cr Findley said that when she visits the rock shelter she “gets a real sense of local history”.
“You get a sense of wonder because you look up at the blackening of the roof [of the cave],” she said.
“I feel a sense of wonder and a sense of awe of the history of Aboriginal people in this area when I’m here. It’s a good place for people to feel grounded and connected to nature.”
Cr Findley said she was also grateful for how personal the Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council and National Parks and Wildlife Service had made the walk with signage that connected the area to local families.
Known as a day-walk or as an alternative track to launch a kayak from, Cr Findley said she had spotted an echidna previously and there was “always something special for a birdwatcher” to see.
Entries to the Seven Wonders of Shoalhaven competition are open until September 7. There are seven categories (adventure, business, experience, food and drink, nature, place and person) strictly for Shoalhaven locals only. Entries can be uploaded via the website, in hard copy in entry boxes located across the region and tagged on social media.
Think photos, story, videos, or any medium that best demonstrates your local passion.
Entries will be accepted via the campaign website, by posting to Facebook and Instagram with the key criteria and hashtags; and by grabbing an entry form and filling it out at the following locations: The Shoalhaven Visitor and Entertainment Centre, Shoalhaven City Council building, Fairfax Office in Nowra, Bay and Basin Aquatic Centre, Vincentia, Ulladulla Civic Centre.
For more information and to start nominating your local wonder to visit the website: shoalhavenwonders.com.au or contact 02 4421 0778.
EDIT: A previous version said entries were open until September 13. Correction made to September 7.