THE monument to aviation pioneer Lawrence Hargrave has been found dumped at Otford after going missing on Friday.
Vandals ripped the large bronze plaque from its cement base at Bald Hill, Stanwell Tops sometime between Thursday evening and Friday morning.
A crowbar was found near the monument on Friday morning, while a large chain was also found in the nearby car park.
On Monday afternoon, the 1940s monument was discovered in bushland off Lady Wakehurst Drive.
Despite a few scratches, the plaque was otherwise undamaged.
Wollongong Police acting inspector Rob Vergano said police were waiting for Wollongong City Council employees to move the monument.