Vine Forest Walk

Check the calendar before you plan this one. Vine Forest Walk sits inside Illawarra Grevillea Park in Bulli, a volunteer-run botanic garden that opens to the public on the first two weekends of May, July and September.

Lead rules

Dogs are welcome on open days, but they must stay on a leash at all times and be well behaved. The garden is in the Wollongong City Council area.

The walk

The track is a natural dirt and mulch path through a remnant of subtropical rainforest at the foot of the Illawarra Escarpment. It follows Slacky Creek under cabbage tree palms and ferns, past a blackbutt tree around 150 years old.

Allow 30 to 40 minutes return. The canopy keeps the whole track cool and shady.

On the day

Free parking is on site, and bins are near the picnic and entry grounds. Refreshments are sometimes on offer near the entry pavilion, but bring water and a bowl for your dog.

Make a day of it

Head down to the coast afterwards for coffee at 34 South Bulli, or on to Bark at the Beach in Thirroul.

With deep shade and a short distance, it suits most dogs on a warm open day, including older ones.