Forest Walk to Sublime Point Track

a great and very challenging walk when done in its entirety. plenty of places to filter water if you want in the first half. loads and loads of leeches. lucky we had lots of aeroguard on and tucked out pants into our socks. walking poles may have been useful for the wodi wodi section but we opted to not use them today. hiking boots were essential the trail is a stream of water for 30% of it(it rained yesterday) its pretty exposed for most of the time so don't forget your hat!

Great walk with beautiful views of the South Coast. The initial hike up was quite steep and with lots of stairs, but it's not an overly long walk, so absolutely do-able. Just make sure you stop for breaks along the way. Once up on the Enscapment, the walk is pretty flat and with plenty of shades which makes it a great walk for summer. There are quite a lot of overgrown plants on the track - as one of my hiking buddies described it, it was like going in a 'car wash'. This didn't bother me at all. Absolutely recommend it!

This was a truly fantastic hike. No for the feint-hearted or the unfit. Make sure if you start at Stanwell Park that you warm the limbs up first because that opening gradient does not fuck about. However, once you’re walking along the ridge, prepare your soul for the most epic view you’re likely to see in Australia. Be careful on some of the spots as there’s an opportunity for gravity to show you what it’s made of. The remainder of the walk is also fantastic (albeit a little easier on the legs) and your surroundings will change as quickly as your need to find a new adjective to describe what you come into contact with. You might be lucky enough to spot some black cockatoos or even a snake. Far from over, tale a moment to fill up water canteens and eat some billtong at Sublime Point and then enjoy the rapid decent down as you navigate the metal and wooden staircases (where were these at the start of the walk?). Would highly recommend.ea

Loved this track. It was challenging as it was quite long and does get exhausting in a few uphill sections. Started the track at Stanwell park station, the entrance to Wodi Wodi is right on the station platform, this starting section of the walk is the least marked and can be hard to navigate in a few spots. I got lost a couple of times but found the main trail again easily. Once you reach the Y where the Forest walk starts it gets much easier. The track is very clear and there are markings throughout the way. Most of the stretch from here is flat. You will get excellent views of the coast in some spots as you walk along the edge of the escarpment. Some of these lookouts are hidden so you have to deviate a little. Most of the walk is within the forest, occasionally you will get a clearing for power lines where the directions are not clear you will have to look around to catch the track again. The walk eventually takes you to Sublime point lookout (415m ASL) and from there it goes straight down (ladders) to Austinmer. I did it on a weekday in Summer - wasn't busy at all, just came across 1 person in the whole 19km. It was dry, no Leaches but lots of Cicadas in the trees, the sound can be bothering and almost too loud at some spots - headphones recommended.

A tough track. We added the Wodi Wodi track to the beginning of this hike - and started at Stanwell Train Station. Finished it at Austimer down the Sublime Stairs. That added to the difficulty. It was a hot day - and further than what we thought. BUT up there with one of my most enjoyable hikes.

Really enjoyed this walk. The first 3km were very challenging. Very easy to slip so use caution. This trail offers everything - rainforest, little creeks and waterholes, amazing lookouts to the coastline below. Track is hard to follow in some parts. Keep a lookout for the ribbons on the trees and have the map downloaded.

Drove down from Sydney and parked at Austinmer Beach, took the train from Austinmer Station to Stanwell Park Station. The first section of the hike is quite steep and narrow so make sure to watch your footing and wear a good pair of hiking boots as it can get very muddy. Keep an eye out for arrows and red ribbons on trees when there are no signs. The track eventually flattens out and becomes relatively easy so I would suggest just pushing through the hard part at the start because you can rest at the lookouts along the way and when the path flattens out. It’s a challenging but rewarding hike. It took me 4hrs & 15 mins to complete 19km. Grab a feed at Shells Diner & take a recovery dip at Austinmer Beach. Don’t attempt this hike unless you are at least semi fit otherwise you’re gonna regret it.

Started my hike at Stanwell Park and finished off with the Sublime Lookout trail. The first three to four kilometres were challenging because I’m not an avid hiker. Nonetheless, after those first few kilometres the terrain became much more flat and easier. There were also some great lookouts, a couple of little water streams and some beautiful native flowers! Personally, overall it was challenging but making it to the end was worth it. Distance was 19km which took me 5hrs 15mins.

Nice hike, pretty overgrown. I would avoid it after rain.

Goegueus views amd wildflowers!

We did this hike yesterday from Stanwell Park to Thirroul via Stanwell Tops lookout. Agree with others that signage can be vague / absent / misleading so definitely use this App for directions. First few kms were damp and windy before being greeted with amazing viewpoints from up the top. I thought that the constant drone of vehicles on the freeway on approach to Sublime Point spoilt a bit of the ambience however. The stairs and ladders down from Sublime Point were fun and not as challenging or hard on the knees as I expected. We were reliant on public transport from Sydney so finished the walk at Thirroul rather than Austinmer because there are better train services and a pub in which to wait! Would definitely recommend this terminus, just shy of 20km all up.

Beautiful walk, saw my first in the flesh waratah exciting Love whale back rock.

Fairly picturesque but narrow and rocky - lots of ups & down but some great views on the way.

Challenging hike, I would recommend starting at Stanwell Park & heading towards Sublime Point. The incline is easier on your knees. The Sublime track could be done separately.

Did entire hike and went from Austinmer to Stanwell Park direction, took roughly 6 hours. Great views of the coast from the look outs and trail was in good condition. A few areas required careful attention to makeshift signage. Climbing the first section was a good fitness check and as well as the last component through Wodi Wodi track. Overall, was a great hike and was glad to have done it in dry conditions with no leeches or mud about.

Great views along the path, the ladders at Sublime Point are fun.

Loved it. Beautiful scenery

Great walk with great views - the Wodi Wodi track is rough and can get a bit muddy. You can avoid this section by starting the walk at Coalcliff railway station. https://hikingtheworld.blog/2019/04/07/illawarra-escarpment-track/

The trail turned out to be much longer than expected. Some wonderful lookouts on the way. Get atleast 3 litres of water and some quick snacks to munch on.