List of Bushwalks in Wollongong City Council

Environment

Sublime Point Walking Track

Sublime Point Walking Track

2.3 km return

1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

2.3 km

Return

Starting from Sublime Point this return walk takes you along a challenging walk descending toward Austinmer. If the ascend back is too much, you can make it a one-way track and catch a ride from Austinmer back to start or return via the same way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

Environment

This short one-way trail is shared with mountain bikers and horse riders. Stop and check the views from the lookouts along the way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Cawleys Road Trail

2.3 km oneway

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Environment

Garie Beach to North Era Beach

Garie Beach to North Era Beach

3.5 km return

1 h 30 min to 2 h

This walk is the shortest walk to North Era Beach and starts from the Garie car park. Both beaches are popular surfing beaches, and have either camping or basic hostel accommodation. This makes the walk between the beaches an excellent way to transport boards and supplies for your surf retreat, weekend getaway or just a nice stroll during the day. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Garawarra Farm to Garie Beach

Garawarra Farm to Garie Beach

4.1 km oneway

1 h 30 min, 2 h 15 min to 2 days

4.1 km

Oneway

1 h 30 min, 2 h 15 min to 2 days

This walk starts at the large Garawarra Farm car park taking the ridge straight down to the coast. Look for the change in vegetation as you descend along the spur to the Coastal Track, before beach hopping your way to Garie Beach. The track is a great way to see some of Sydney's best coast, with plenty of opportunities to cool down, and maybe do a spot of fishing along the way. About half the track is through open grass land, giving panoramic ocean views, with opportunities to wander among some buildings from the depression era. This walk is usually done as a day walk, but if you want to make it an overnight walk you can book and camp at North Era. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the end of Foothills Road, Austinmer, this walk leads to the Sublime Point Lookout via the Gibson and Sublime Point tracks. Sublime Point Track is one of the iconic treks of the Illawarra escarpment and a challenging walk through the lush coastal rainforest to the plateau above with incredible scenic views. The walk starts along Gibson Track and then ascends sharply to the Sublime Point Lookout, through dense forests dotted with tree ferns and palms. The summit features a café, a lookout, picnic area and toilets, and is a popular spot for family picnics and birdwatching. This is a very steep and fairly narrow track, with a series of steel ladders to assist walkers up the jagged cliff lines near the top of the climb. The track is well maintained and clearly signposted. The steep climb is ideal for experienced bushwalkers, and the numerous stairs and ladders will undoubtedly give your legs a good workout. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Sublime Point Track

4.4 km return

1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

Cafe

Environment

Starting from the car park opposite the truck stop on Mount Ousley Road, Mount Keira, this walk takes you to the Brokers Nose Lookout and back via the Brokers Nose Walk. This moderately easy walk meanders along the top of the Illawarra Escarpment to the Brokers Nose Lookout, located within the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, which offers incredible views of Wollongong's pristine coastline from an elevation of approximately 440m above sea level. The walk initially follows the escarpment cliff line through dense bushland, then emerges into a clearing with excellent views over Balgownie. From there, the walk continues through the rainforest, passing a television transmission tower before reaching the cliff edge lookout, which offers panoramic views over the greater Wollongong area below and the ocean beyond. In late winter and spring, colourful displays of wildflowers can be seen along the trail, which attract a variety of birdlife. The trail is quite straightforward yet has no signage, only a closed gate at the start, and can get very muddy and slippery after rainfall. This walk consists of wide and narrow, gently undulating walking trails, with compacted natural surfaces, uneven natural surfaces and rocky sections, suitable for average fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Brokers Nose Walk

4.6 km return

1 h to 1 h 30 min

Birdwatching

Environment

Loop around Mount Kembla in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, enjoying the dense forest and views over the ocean. There is an Aboriginal site of the Wodi Wodi people and even potential whale spotting as you walk through the lush rainforest. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Mount Kembla Circuit

5.2 km circuit

2 h to 3 h 30 min

Environment

Garawarra Farm carpark to Figure Eight Pools

Garawarra Farm carpark to Figure Eight Pools

6.1 km return

2 h 15 min to 3 h 15 min

6.1 km

Return

This return walk starts from the old Garawarra Farm car park and heads down the ridge through the Royal National Park, to the coast. The walk then follows the coast, through Burning Palms beach, and around the base of the headland to the famous Figure Eight Pools. This walk explores 4 distinct environments and gives a great cross section of what the park has to offer. The Figure Eight pools are on an ocean rock platform. Rock platforms can be very dangerous places, especially at high tide and during high seas. Only plan to visit the rock platform at low tide and low seas (see BOM website for forecast). Please also wear appropriate footwear for the walk and rock platforms. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 15 min to 3 h 15 min

Swim

Environment

Lake Toolooma Circuit

6.4 km circuit

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Lake Toolooma Circuit

6.4 km

Circuit

This circuit around Lake Toolooma makes a lovely walk through Heathcote National Park. This walk mainly follows management trails and provides a few views of the lake. Although most of the walk is not in view of the lake, there are great views from the top of the western ridge. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Environment

Burning Palms Loop from Garawarra

Burning Palms Loop from Garawarra

8.3 km circuit

3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

8.3 km

Circuit

This walk explores a variety of environments through the Royal National Park. From the old Garawarra farm, the walk heads along the Squeeze Way then down a ridge to Burning Palms. There is an optional side trip out to Figure Eight pools. Burning Palms offers a nice beach and a great place to rest. From the beach the walk heads back up to Garawarra via an open grassy ridge, then through a nice shady forest track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

Environment

Garie Beach to Helensburgh (The Burgh Track)

Garie Beach to Helensburgh (The Burgh Track)

10.7 km oneway

4 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min

10.7 km

Oneway

This walk has a great mixture of ocean cliffs, with fantastic views, and beautiful forest. The walk follows the well maintained Burgh Track, passing great views of the ocean and the cliffs, before turning inland and exploring some eucalypt forest on the way to Helensburgh. The environment and views near Lady Wakehurst Dr are incredibly special as the track winds its way through a shrouded eucalypt forest. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

4 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min

Environment

Otford to Helensburgh

12.4 km oneway

4 h 45 min to 5 h 15 min

Otford to Helensburgh

12.4 km

Oneway

Largely along service trails and well managed bush tracks, this walk goes from train station to train station through parts of southern Royal National Park. The bush track between Garrawarra and the Hacking River is incredibly beautiful as it winds its way down the hill through shrouded eucalypt forest and low lying scrub. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

4 h 45 min to 5 h 15 min

Environment

Forest Walk to Sublime Point Track

Forest Walk to Sublime Point Track

13.6 km oneway

5 h to 6 h

This one way walk in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area has great views and several picnic spots along the way. The steep start is worth the effort. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Urban

Otford to Figure Eight Pools via Burning Palms

Otford to Figure Eight Pools via Burning Palms

13.7 km return

5 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

13.7 km

Return

From Otford Train Station, this walk enters the Royal National Park at the coast. There are great views of Wollongong down the coast. The walk also passes through the magnificent Palm Jungle and Burning Palms beach. This is a great spot to go, wet the toes, and enjoy the environment. The walk then continues to Figure Eight Pools. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

5 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Environment

Train

Otford to Figure Eight Pools Circuit

Otford to Figure Eight Pools Circuit

13.7 km circuit

5 h 15 min to 6 h

Exploring the southern coast of Royal National Park, this walk experiences different trails and environments, with dense forest at Palm Forest to the open grasslands along the Coastline. With a short side trip out to the Figure Eight Pools, this walk becomes a great day in the bush. The views from the Burgh Ridge are something special, with views far into the distance along the coast. (Check the tide and wave heights, to avoid disappointment at the rock platform for Figure Eight Pools.) Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Train

Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit

Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit

13.9 km circuit

5 h 30 min to 7 h

Using a variety of tracks, this walk follows the coast as well as going inland to Garrawarra Farm. With great coastal views and a magnificent palm jungle, this walk demonstrates perfectly, the diversity of the Royal National Park. Of historical significance are the houses scattered along the coast that were built during the depression. Take some time along the way to have a cool down at one of the many fantastic beaches. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from Bundeena Wharf, Bundeena, this walk takes you on a coastal trip as you skirt the eastern borders of Royal National Park, visiting multiple beaches, waterfalls and viewpoints along the way. Embark on a refreshing journey alongside the Pacific and make your way through various terrains and exceptional landmarks. From historical middens to hidden waterfalls, this track lets you get a taste of the coastal wonders of Australia. In fact, it features one of the three waterfalls in the country that directly plunges into the ocean - The Curracurrong Falls. There are heaps of beaches throughout the journey, so you don’t need to worry about where to cool off. Listen to the birdsong and the sound of waves as you hike through the bushland. Take your shoes off and let your feet rest in the warm sand, then have a scenic picnic if you’d like to do so. You can make this a multi-day journey by staying at the North Era Beach Campground. Take plenty of water and cover yourself well from the sun to have a better experience. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Coast Track

27.7 km oneway

12 h to 2 days

Environment