Project update

September 2023

Progress update: Kamay Botany Bay National Park

  • Work upgrading the Cape Baily walking track was completed in late August, including the installation of 520 m of new boardwalk and 18 additional directional signs.
  • This newly upgraded section of track will provide a spectacular start to the Great Southern Walk with panoramic views along the sandstone cliff that are the hallmark of this section of the walk.

Footbridge section of Cape Baily Walking Track leading over rockpools beside the sea

Footbridge section of Cape Baily Walking Track, leading over rockpools by the sea

Progress update: Royal National Park

  • The Wattamolla Beach Track is one of the key links within the network of tracks that make up the Great Southern Walk. We have stabilised the rock overhang and will complete the replacement of the old steel boardwalk with a stone pathway by December 2023. The track will take walkers past Wattamolla Lagoon and beach, two of the most popular destinations in the Royal National Park.

Path on side of hill being repaired; stone and foliage; Wattamolla Beach Track

Steps cut into stone with small ferns and other foliage beside the path; works underway, Wattamolla Beach Track

  • We are preparing designs for the proposed new campgrounds at Garie and Wattamolla. We anticipate having these designs completed by the end of the year.
  • Upgrades to the Wattamolla pump shed, including a new water pump and waterline, are almost finished to ensure adequate water supply for the existing amenities and the new campground at Wattamolla.
  • We are working closely with NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), geotechnical engineers and structural engineers to finalise the route of the new track from Otford to Bald Hill and expect the design to be completed by the end of October.
  • We are investigating the route for a new track over the southern headland at Garie Beach. The new track will provide an improved route for walkers following the permanent closure of the existing track between Garie Beach and Little Garie Beach below the cliffline due to unstable cliff and rockfall hazards.
  • The Royal Coast Track which forms part of the Great Southern Walk has several closures in place due to damage and erosion, as well as upgrade works. These areas will reopen as repairs and works are completed. Please check the current alerts before visiting as walkers will not be able to complete the entire track.

Progress update: Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

  • Work on the new Bald Hill to Stanwell Park walking track is complete and is open to the public.
  • Work has commenced on the Wodi Wodi and Forest Walk tracks and is scheduled for completion in early 2024. Please check the current alerts before visiting, as access to these tracks will be limited.
  • Planning and design of the proposed new campgrounds at Maddens Plains has commenced.
  • Some sections of track will cross areas outside of the conservation area. National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is negotiating with adjoining landowners to determine the safest route. Further information will be provided as these details are confirmed over the coming months.

Ocean glimpsed through trees, from high up on the steps of the Bald Hill Track

Glimpse of horizon where ocean meets sky, through trees high up on the Bald Hill Track; part of the Great Southern Walk through the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area