Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project: update May 2025

Kembla Mountain Bike Trails, Stage 1

Stage 1 will provide over 18 kilometres of green, blue and black graded mountain bike trails, catering for all ages and abilities of riders.

Recent work includes:

• installation of 5 large mountain bike bridges, integral structures to connect the trails
• completion of additional smaller bridges to improve access and protect low lying areas and smaller watercourses
• completion of flyover platforms to enable riders to cross over other trails
• finishing trails to a quality standard including compaction and erosion control, to improve trail sustainability and rider experience
• installation of wayfinding signs and emergency markers
• ongoing revegetation and rehabilitation work including weed control to improve conservation outcomes
• planning and installation of supporting facilities including amenities, rest areas and visitor information.

The next steps for Stage 1 include completing the construction of the trails and supporting infrastructure such as handrails for bridges, further installation of wayfinding and directional signs, and delivery of supporting amenities and landscaping.

All work is being carried out in accordance with rigorous environmental and cultural heritage planning approvals, the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy and the Cycling Strategy.

Preparing to welcome riders

We are completing a range of initiatives to prepare for riders on the trails including:

• developing an operating framework to ensure the safe and sustainable use of the trails
• emergency planning in collaboration with local emergency services
• organising volunteer trail maintenance days
• creating a range of informational tools for riders such as new webpages, videos, trail maps, wayfinding and directional signs.

Additionally, we will be installing bike cleaning stations at the trail entrances to encourage riders to clean their bikes and footwear before entering the trails, helping to prevent the spread of weeds and microscopic plant diseases.

Please stay off the trails until they open

We appreciate your cooperation in staying off the trails until they are opened to riders in mid-2025. Our team is working hard to complete the trails, but please remember that the area is a closed construction site. This is crucial for both safety and the long-term sustainability of the trails.

Thank you for your patience.

Delivering the next stages of the network

The project team is also focused on the delivery of the Balgownie Mountain Bike Trails and Stage 2 of the Kembla Mountain Bike Trails.

The team is working with Wollongong City Council and other land owners to finalise planning and approvals for these trails.

Supporting facilities by Wollongong City Council

Wollongong City Council is progressing work on off park facilities to support the network, minimise impacts on residents and create safe and accessible mountain bike riding experiences.

At the council's meeting on Monday 5 May, works to build an informal gravel car park on Harry Graham Drive near the bowling club to support access to the new trails was approved. These works are part of the council's ongoing collaborative works with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service on the mountain bike trail network.

Next steps

• Complete and open Kembla Mountain Bike Trails, Stage 1
• Planning and approvals for Kembla Trails Stage 2 and Balgownie Trails.
• Commence rehabilitation of unauthorised mountain bike trails on Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.

More information

For more information or to register your interest to receive updates visit the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project webpage.