Bushwalking & Trails

Wollongong is perfectly positioned between the escarpment and the sea, making it home to endless bush walking trails that are perfect for beginners all the way through to avid hikers.

Royal National Park

Sydney’s heritage-listed Royal National Park established in 1879, it’s the world’s second-oldest national park. It features unique heritage attractions, along with fascinating plants, birds and animals. Perfect for bushwalking, cycling, surfing, picnicking or whale watching, this diverse park offers everything from beaches to rainforest.

Located just south of Sydney the Royal offers spectacular scenery from sub-tropical rainforests and sandstone heathlands, to dramatic coastal cliffs and unspoilt beaches.

Visit the Royal National Park Visitor Centre for more information.

Illawarra Escarpment & surrounds

The Illawarra Escarpment is a dramatic 30 million-years-old formation, offering scenic lookouts, hiking, walking, birding, and picnic spots. It’s home to dramatic sandstone cliffs and a medley of different forest types from sub-tropical rainforests to olive-green eucalypts and towering cedars.

With two accessible mountains, a vast array of beautiful birdlife and strong Aboriginal heritage, this is a must-explore on any Wollongong visit.

For interactive maps and more information visit the NSW National Parks & Wildlife website or National Parks Association of NSW website.

Wollongong’s Blue Mile

Wollongong’s Blue Mile stretches from Stuart Park in North Wollongong to Wollongong Golf Club in the south, offering the best vantage points to take in the beauty of the South Pacific Ocean to the east and the magnificent Illawarra Escarpment in the west.

This section of coastline is much-loved, consisting of shared pathways and parks and a bunch of places to stop in for a coffee or a delicious meal – or both!

Heading to a NSW national park? Be prepared with the NSW National Parks app.

* Check NSW National Parks and Wildlife website for up-to-date warnings prior to travel. Please note: All National Parks will be closed to the public during total fire bans – check the NSW Rural Fire Service website for more information.