The 949-hectare (2,350-acre) reserve abuts the Royal National Park and is situated 40 kilometres (25 mi) south of the Sydney central business district, near Helensburgh.

[2] Garawarra features heathland, eucalyptus forest, rainforest and wildflowers in late winter and early spring.

Dry heathland on the ridges is dominated by typical Sydney sandstone plants, such as Banksia, Boronia, Leptospermum, Epacris, Acacia, Flannel Flowers, Christmas Bells, and many plants in the pea family.

Significant species include Blackbutt, Sydney Blue Gum, Turpentine and Grey Ironbark.

Such as Small-leaved Fig, Bollygum, White Hazelwood, Brush Bloodwood, Citronella, Native Tamarind and Myrtle Ebony.