The Illawarra Escarpment offers a full range of exciting walks. This extended hike combines several of the best, threading through magnificent cliff-top rainforest and dry eucalypts.
Start the walk at either Coalcliff (Wodi Wodi track) or Austinmer (Sublime Point track). Both trackheads are a short stroll from the train station. Your path then ascends sharply before snaking a leisurely 11km along Forest walk. Views are superb across the panoramic coast below, as you wander through upland swamps and tall blackbutt-apple shale forest. You're bound to capture some inspiring photos here.
You can cap it all off with a post-trek barbecue: at Sublime Point lookout, the track takes a steep turn down to Austinmer via a narrow cliff ledge and several ladders. The nearby Lady Fuller park, featuring picnic tables and toilets, offers a fitting end to your challenging, but rewarding hike. Take a virtual tour of Forest walk to Sublime Point track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
The southern end of Forest walk joins the Woodward track, which adjoins Sublime Point. Sublime track runs between Sublime Point and Austinmer.
The weather in this area can be unpredictable, so please make sure you're well-prepared for your visit.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
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To Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coalcliff. Forest walk to Sublime Point track is in the Stanwell Park-Austinmer precinct of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. To get there:By car:From Stanwell Park, follow Lawrence Hargrave Drive for approximately 1.3kmThe walk begins at the Wodi Wodi trackhead, on the right.Alternatively, if starting from Austinmer:From Lawrence Hargrave Drive, turn into Moore StreetCrossover the railway bridge and continue straight along Balfour RoadTurn left into Hill Street and take the next left into Foothills RoadThe walk begins at the Sublime Point trackhead, on the right.By train:Take the South Coast line to Coalcliff stationWalk north approximately 600m along Lawrence Hargrave Drive, to the Wodi Wodi trackhead. The walk finishes in Austinmer.Access to the Sublime Point trackhead is via Hill Street then Foothills Road Park entry points Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coalcliff See on map Princes Highway, Bulli Tops See on map Parking Parking is available on Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coalcliff and Foothills Road, Austinmer. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area in the South Coast region
Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. However, it is recommended that bushwalking only be undertaken during daylight hours because of the presence of cliff edges and other hazards.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
