Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project

• 2018: A concept plan and draft strategy are developed for sustainable mountain biking on the Illawarra Escarpment and at Balgownie.
• 2020: A revised network is proposed following public feedback on the importance of protecting values and advocating for removal of unsanctioned trails at Mount Keira and elsewhere in the park.
• June 2021: The NSW Government funds strategy finalisation and planning works.
• August 2023: NPWS engages Synergy Trails for Stage 1 construction near Harry Graham Drive.
• September 2025: Stage 1 of Kembla mountain bike trails is officially opened by Minister Ryan Park.

Following extensive stakeholder consultation, the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy was finalised in 2022, providing a framework for a sustainable mountain bike network in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.

Community input helped shape the strategy

The draft strategy was exhibited from 30 October to 21 December 2018, receiving 956 submissions from government, organisations and individuals. Feedback led to stronger cultural heritage protections and a commitment to close and rehabilitate unsanctioned trails at Mount Keira.

An alternative network between Mount Keira and Mount Kembla was identified to provide a sustainable option for riders. In December 2022, NPWS and Wollongong City Council endorsed the final strategy, which permits the designated mountain bike network and outlines approvals, legislation, track closures, accessibility, signage and the operational framework for managing mountain biking on the escarpment.

Stage 1 of the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network was opened by Minister Ryan Park on 15 September 2025.

The Kembla mountain bike trails offer nearly 20 km of sustainable trails for all ages and skill levels, with supporting infrastructure such as car parks provided by Wollongong City Council. For visitor information, go to the NPWS Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network webpage.

Planning and approvals for Stage 2 are currently being finalised. For more information, see:

• Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project – Network 1, Mount Kembla: Review of environmental factors
• Submissions report: Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project – Network 1, Mount Kembla draft review of environmental factors.

Following the exhibition of the draft Review of Environmental Factors in late 2023 and further stakeholder consultation, we are refining the network alignment to facilitate more suitable access. We appreciate all feedback and expect the final Review of Environmental Factors and network alignment to be published on the project webpage in the coming months.

See the Balgownie Mountain Bike Track Network draft review of environmental factors.

The Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, including Mount Keira, is a special place of Aboriginal cultural significance and natural heritage values. The safety and environmental and cultural impacts of unsanctioned mountain bike trails at Mount Keira and elsewhere in the park affect these values.

The new network will provide a sustainable and authorised mountain biking alternative on the Illawarra Escarpment, in line with rigorous environmental and cultural heritage assessment and planning approvals.

Following the opening of the Kembla mountain bike trails, unsanctioned trails at Mount Keira and elsewhere in the park will be progressively closed and rehabilitated, to protect the environment and cultural heritage values, and visitor safety. 

This will be completed in a staged approach and will include the removal of structures, erosion management, revegetation, signage, education, compliance and a monitoring program.

We recognise that community input adds value to our work and work closely with stakeholders to ensure community aspirations for the project are considered.

NPWS and Wollongong City Council have hosted meetings and workshops, including consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders to protect cultural heritage and guide sustainable delivery of the network.

The Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Advisory Group supports ongoing collaboration and communication between NPWS, Wollongong City Council, stakeholder organisations and the community. Members include representatives from Aboriginal organisations, community groups, tourism bodies, government departments, conservation groups and mountain biking organisations.

We will continue to engage with the community in a meaningful way as the project continues.

Does the mountain bike network include trails at Mount Keira?

Mountain biking on Mount Keira is not appropriate, given its cultural significance, geological instability and high natural conservation values. Unsanctioned trails are often poorly constructed and can have a significant impact on natural and cultural values and visitor safety.

Stage 1 Kembla mountain bike trails provide a legal and sustainable alternative. Additional trails will be delivered in this area of the park, as part of Stage 2 of the project.

Who will manage the trails?

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be responsible for ongoing management of the mountain bike track network, with Wollongong City Council responsible for managing supporting infrastructure, car parking and traffic management.

A volunteer trail maintenance program has also been established to provide an opportunity for the community to ‘give back’ to the trails and help keep them in good shape. 

How will the network be sustainable?

The network is designed for rider experience and visitor safety while protecting natural and cultural values. Trails incorporate features like bridges, raised platforms, and rock armouring where needed, to protect the trails and the park – similar to safe walking track construction.

A well-built network reduces long-term maintenance costs and resource demands. Trail use will be managed under the Environmental and Operations Plan, with closures during wet or windy conditions or for maintenance to protect park values and safety – consistent with best practice.

Our approach is guided by the Cycling policy, Cycling strategy and NSW cycling strategy: guidelines for implementation.

Promoting safe and responsible riding 

The focus of visitor communications for the network is the promotion of safe and responsible riding. 'Ride lightly' messaging will be promoted through webpages, signage, education and marketing campaigns. We are also partnering with the Wollongong Mountain Bike Club to build stewardship and a positive culture for the network.

What will happen to the unsanctioned trails not included in the mountain bike strategy?

Following the opening of Stage 1 of Kembla mountain bike trails, the NPWS will commence the progressive closure and rehabilitation of unauthorised trails not included in the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy. This will be carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is collecting your personal information.

Why are we collecting your information?

We are collecting your information so we can provide you with updates about this project.

How will we share your information?

We will not share your information with anyone else unless you give your consent, or the law requires or allows us to do so.

Are you required by law to give us your information?

You are not required by law to give us your information but, if you choose not to, we cannot send you updates about this project.

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To access or correct your information, please contact:

Information Access and Privacy Unit
Locked Bag 5022, Parramatta NSW 2124
Phone: 02 8275 1095
Email: [email protected]

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