Cyclists of NSW, we’ve got good news. Today, the first lucky bike riders will take to the trail on the Illawarra’s newest purpose-built mountain bike path – a scenic trail stretching for almost 20 kilometres through the Illawarra Escarpment. The incredible new trail is stage one of the $13.4 million Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network, which is due to comprise 70 kilometres of trail once it’s complete.
The new Kembla Mountain Bike Trails, open today (Friday, September 5), cater to riders of all abilities, with family-friendly stretches as well as challenging black runs for the adrenaline-fuelled cycling fans among us.
Brought to life by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in partnership with Wollongong City Council, the trails have been designed through close collaboration with the local community – to offer exciting, challenging rides that showcase and protect the Escarpment’s natural beauty and cultural significance. Starting at various points in the Illawarra Escarpment (around an hour and a half south of Sydney), the routes vary in length and difficulty, with four green runs, 13 blue runs and 8 black runs. The trails are free to access, so all you need to do is pack your bike and your helmet (and some snacks and water to keep you fuelled).
Approval on stage two of the Kembla Mountain Bike Trails and the Balgownie Trails is due over the next few months, with construction expected to start in early 2026. Once the trails are complete, they’ll add an expected 50 kilometres to the newly opened 20-kilometre trail, cementing the Illawarra region as a must-visit destination for bike riders.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, explained that the new trails will “expand riding activities for locals and encourage visitors from all over the country to experience what our region has to offer.”
And though bike-loving humans are the biggest beneficiaries of the new trails, they’ve been designed to be sensitive to the local environment and ecosystem, with Julie Peterson, Director (South Coast) for NSW Parks and Wildlife Service, explaining: “Sustainability is at the heart of every decision made for the network, and we’ve worked alongside many stakeholders to ensure the trails cater for all riders, while protecting the park’s natural and cultural values.”
Keen? You can learn more about the expanding Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network over here.
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