The Illawarra Ramblers Club has grown and developed in both size and range of activities since its inception in 1991 as a small WEA walking group. In 2015 it became an incorporated association dedicated to the enjoyment of the Australian bush and the great outdoors, which currently comprises around 250 members.

The club’s activities include walking (including bush, coast, mountain and town/city), cycling and kayaking - both locally in the Illawarra and much further afield, and other social events such as group lunches.

Activities are on offer most days and range from gentle rambles or bike rides along coastal paths and cycleways and paddles on Lake Illawarra - to more challenging adventures throughout NSW and other states and territories.

There is a range of trips away including international treks andactivities. Upcoming trips away include Kayaking and Camping On Cockatoo Island and walking in the Western Snowy Mountains. 2024 trips away include a seven-night trip - bushwalking, cycling, kayaking, swimming, snorkelling on Lord Howe Island and four-week trip hiking Everest Base camp.

Each activity is listed in date order and clearly states the activity type (ie. Walk, Paddle, Cycle, Training, Trip away etc), level of difficulty (from 1-Leisurely to 5-Energetic), location, duration, activity leader, required and recommended equipment and any other important information to help interested participants decide if the activity is right for them.

The website includes a comprehensive activity grading explanation and guidelines, equipment and clothing recommendations and important safety and other useful information. It also provides a wealth of visual inspiration via a large gallery of picturesque photos of past activities, as well as enticing descriptions of upcoming activities and trips.

Publicity Officer Julie McDonald said the club caters for all interests in the great outdoors. ‘Our members value the positive social connections as much as the physical activity, many having been with the club for years. Another benefit is the amazing range of knowledge, skills and expertise individual members are happy to share with the group, on subjects such as local flora, fauna, birdwatching and the natural environment’.

Membership is open to anyone over 18. The club caters both for those who are working full time (with weekend activities) and those with more flexible schedules (weekday activities).

Anyone interested in becoming a member can attend two free trial activities with full insurance cover, prior to joining. If you’d like to take part in a trial activity, please contact Anne on 0490 963 180 for further information. There is also a contact form on the website. For more information, inspiration and to view the extensive upcoming program, visit www.illawarraramblers.com.au