Best nature trips trails in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, Australia

The Dharawal and Tharawal peoples are the traditional owners of the Illawarra region, with the Sublime Point lookout providing an opportunity to reflect on the landscape from such an expansive vantage point. This is an extremely steep and fairly narrow track that offers great views of the Illawarra. The track can be busy at times and you may have to step off the track at times to let others past. The track is mostly shaded and getting to the start of the track is easy. This hike is well worth it due to the stunning views it greats you with at the top and at certain points on the way up! Show more

The Illawarra Escarpment Walk (Wodi Wodi Track, Forest Walk, & Sublime Point) between Stanwell Park and Austinmer follows the top of the escarpment, with multiple lookouts providing spectacular views up and down the coast. There's even a cafe at Sublime Point, just before the steep descent at the end of the walk, where you can enjoy a coffee or a cold drink!Show more

This track will bring you through cool sub-tropical bush with plenty of picnicking spots. Completing this track as a loop or as a way to access Mount Keira's summit is not possible due to area closures.Show more

This amazing track weaves through dense forest in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. Along the way walkers will come across creeks, unique flora, and striking views of Stanwell Park Beach. Note that this route can be started from either end. The route on this page has walkers going out-and-back. You may choose to leave a car or get a ride from the other end. Some hikers choose to walk back on Lawrence Hargrave Drive instead of the trail. There is a separated sidewalk along the road. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed. Please note that some sections of this trail get very steep and narrow. This trek will be difficult for some hikers. Particularly be careful after rains because the trail can get very muddy. This track is accessible by public transportation from Sydney. The trailhead on this page is directly next to the Coalcliff stop. The other trailhead is near the Stanwell Park stop. Walkers may choose to utilize the train for a point-to-point hike.Show more

Note: As of August 11, 2020, users have reported that the last section of the trail (the downhill) is currently CLOSED. Please consult the park's website before visiting. The Dharawal and Tharawal peoples are the traditional owners of the Illawarra region, with the Sublime Point lookout providing an opportunity to reflect on the landscape from such an expansive vantage point. This well-used track is moderately difficult due to the steep and quite direct ascent of the escarpment to the cliff line. It includes some slippery, partly eroded steeply inclined sections, stepped sections under the upper cliffs (hundreds of steps) and several steel ladder sections toward the top of the cliff. The rewards are great with many coastal views glimpsed through the forest along the way and panoramic views from up top, there are even cafes up the top too but can get quite busy. There is an extra 5km to walk along the escarpment edge, past Panorama House to Cliffhanger Cafe for a coffee before returning back to Sublime Point and making your descent.Show more

A hidden bush walk through dense rainforest with challenging escarpment sections that was used by Indigenous Australians as a pass long before the Illawarrians journeyed through the area with horses. It is common to spot wallabies and lyrebirds along this trail before reaching rewarding views of the surrounding area at the lookout point.Show more

The Mt Keira Ring Track (listed as Medium level of difficulty in 'Illawarra's Bushland') circles the base of steep escarpment underneath the summit of Mt Keira at Wollongong. Commence at Byarong Park in the upper foothills in a cold, howling wind yet many parts of the track were quite protected by the canopy. The climb is broken up by some descent sections however several ascent sections are quite steep, including both stone/rocky steps and track incline. The track is mostly well defined but eroded in parts and it was easy to lose it just after Geordies Flat where a steep climb up a scree/watercourse looks like it could be the way to go. A good workout though if you are looking for it! The track at this point actually descends to the right. Leave the ring track under half way around, to take the steep climb up to the summit where you can investigate the option of descending via Dave Walsh Track back to Byarong Park. If you follow this track, however, you will instead return to pick up the ring track off Elizabeth Drive. The trip reveals several rainforest patches alternating with a variety of tall eucalyptus forests and fantastic views of the coastline and suburbs far below. Keep your eye out for a few beautiful old White Cedars amidst dead lantana.Show more