The Illawarra Bicycle Users Group’s Guide to cycling in the Illawarra

Compiled by Werner Steyer

First edition September 2006

Revision 2 August 2008

This cycling ride guide and associated maps have been produced by the Illawarra Bicycle

Users Group (iBug) to promote cycling in the Illawarra.

The ride guides and associated maps are intended to assist cyclists in planning selfguided

outings in the Illawarra area. All persons using this guide accept sole

responsibility for any losses or injuries uncured as a result of misinterpretations or errors

within this guide

Cyclist and users of this Guide are responsible for their own actions and no warranty or

liability is implied.

Should you require any further information, require an updated copy of the guide, find

any errors or have suggestions for additional rides please contact us at

Updated ride information is also available form the iBug website at

As the conditions may change due the road and cycleway alteration by Councils and the

RTA and weather conditions cyclists must be prepared to change their plans and riding

style to suit the conditions encountered.

As the Illawarra is a narrow coastal strip, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the

Illawarra Escarpment, many of the rides are described as one way rides and riders need to

retrace the route for the return journey. Alternately people can utilize trains to reach the

start of rides or for the return trip, please remember to check that trains are running, as

buses used during periods of track work don’t have provision for bicycles.

Many of the rides described can be linked to make longer rides to match your riding

needs.

Visitors to the area, with limited time, may wish to enjoy the best of the Illawarra’s

cycling facilities and scenery by catching a train to either Kiama or Thirroul and riding

the coastal route in one direction. Riders should consult the weather forecast and plan to

use the wind to their advantage.

The maps associated with the various rides are intended to depict the rides and location

on shared path and cycling lanes. In addition to the iBug maps riders should carry an area

map, such as the UBD Wollongong Map, to aid in navigation and find streets not shown

on the iBug maps

of the ride.

The start and finish of rides is depicted by a blue dot with the ride number. The start and

finish of rides are generally located in parks, where there is space to park cars. Many of

the rides also start and finish near railway stations to give cyclist the option of using

trains to join the rides.

All riders must have an understanding of the road rules pertaining to cyclist; see

information.

Cyclists must wear an approved helmet while riding including riding on shared

paths and cycleways.

Wear bright coloured clothing so others can see you

Keep to the left when on Shared Path unless overtaking

Use your bell to warn other path users

Give way to pedestrians

While there are a number of cycle stores in the district they are not all open on weekends

and cyclist should carry spare tubes, puncher repair kits and tools on all rides.

In addition to the cycling speciality store some of the department stores and sports stores

also carry a limited supply of cycle parts such as tyres, tubes and basic parts and as they

have longer trading hours they may help in an emergency when the cycle stores are

closed.

CMW Cycle Specialists Albion Park Rail 4256 6872

Elite Bicycle Supplies Kiama 0408 464 525

Illawarra Cycles & Sports Corrimal 42843434

Kiama Cycles & Sports Kiama 4232 3005

Paynes Auto Parts Unanderra 4271 2010

Spearman Cycles West Wollongong 4229 2317

Sportspower Corrimal Wollongong 4284 4040

Steel City Cycle Works Thirroul 42671747

Wilsons Bikes Albion Park Rail 4256 1948

Wilsons Bikes Dapto 4261 5444

Wilsons Bikes Warrawong 4274 4534

Wollongong Bikes Wollongong 4228 7366

streets and have few long steep hills unless stated in the ride descriptions. The rides are

suitable for people of average fitness and limited cycling experience. Be prepared to walk

on steep hills.

more suited to riders with experience at riding on roads as they have a grater interaction

with general road users

traffic and with long steep hills to negotiate.

traffic and the rides are suitable only to people used to riding under those conditions

iBug is the Illawarra Bicycle User Group. We are local people who enjoy cycling.

Members vary in cycling skills, age, fitness level, motivation for cycling and style of

bike. We ride for a variety of reasons - fun, exercise, sport, leisure, commuting and

touring.

iBug is also involved in cycle advocacy: lobbying for improvements to cycling facilities,

the environment and safety. We liaise with Wollongong and Shellharbour Councils, write

submissions and are happy to work with others in the local area on cycling issues.

By formally joining iBug you help build a strong voice for cycling in the Illawarra. The

bigger our membership list the greater our voice on behalf of cycling. Membership also

means you will be kept informed of any developments in cycling at the local, state,

national and international levels.

Membership is free and it ensures you have a voice.

PO Box 741 Wollongong 2500

Distance: 23 Km Grade: Easy

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 28 Km Grade: Moderate

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 13 Km Grade: Easy

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 20 Km Grade: Moderate

iBUG

Ride

Reserve

Distance: 15 Km Grade: Moderate

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 56 Km Grade: Extreme

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 24 Km Grade: Hard/Extreme

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 20 Km Grade: Moderate

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 40 Km Grade: Moderate

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 33 Km Grade: Moderate

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 17Km Grade: Easy

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 40 to 60 Km Grade: Hard-Extreme

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 16 Km Grade: Moderate

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 45 Km Grade: Hard

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 35 Km Grade: Hard

iBUG

Ride

Distance: 17 Km Grade: Hard

iBUG

Ride

Stanwell Park or Bald Hill to Bundeena and Cronulla

Distance: 32 Km Grade: Hard

iBUG

Ride

Commuting around the University of Wollongong

Distance: Various Grade: Moderate

iBUG

Ride

iBUG

Ride

019

Map Reference: iBug Map 001

Start: Belmore Basin (Wollongong Harbour)

Finish: Windang Bridge

Grade: Easy

Distance: 23 Kilometres

Ride summary: This is a scenic ride suitable to most riders as it is predominately shared path with a small section of back streets. The

ride involves some hills around Port Kembla Swimming Pool

The ride starts at the Kiosk at Belmore Basin (also known as Wollongong Harbour) and follows the shared path south across Marine Drive, through

the park, and alongside Wollongong Beach and past WIN Stadium.

Follow the shared path past the Stadium and sports field and around to the right along Banks Street towards Corrimal Street. At the junction of Banks

and Corrimal Street, you turn left towards Pt Kembla passing the golf club.

Continue south along Springhill Road and veering towards the left at Five Islands Road. There is a lot of traffic along Springhill Road and Five

Islands Road; however you are on the shared path.

Stay on the shared path and veer around to the left past North Port Kembla Station. You have now left Five Islands Road and are alongside Flinders

Street, which becomes Old Port Road after you go past the steelworks.

At Christy Drive, you can take a detour and go out to the southern inner harbour vantage point, Portside Park and the Gabriella Memorial to those

who lost their lives in a ship capsize in the harbour. Returning along Christy Drive turn left into Old Port Road and rejoin the shared path.

Follow the shared path along Old Port Road until you get to a roundabout at Foreshore Drive. Cross the rail line and ride alongside Foreshore Drive

in the marked cycleway. You regain the shared path on the right after approximately one kilometre passing the Old Breakwater Construction Crane

on the way to the Military Reserve and Pilot Station on the headland overlooking the Eastern Breakwater.

The shared path now turns south and joins Gloucester Boulevard until it ends at Military Road, from the end of Gloucester Boulevard dogleg across

Military Road to join Cowper Street. .

Follow Coper Street past the swimming pool and then up the long hill. There is a separate shared path along this stretch of road. Stay on the path and

enjoy the ride down the hill and turn left into Parkes St and ride along past Coomaditchy Lagoon.

At the end of Parkes Street there is a short section of on road cycle lane along Shellharbour Road until the shared path is regained along Shellharbour

Road. This section of the shared path requires extra caution because large vehicles are often entering and leaving the industrial sites.

You rejoin the main road just after Harvey Norman and follow the main Shellharbour Road south past Primbee and an area of tree covered sand hills,

and Port Kembla Golf Course. This section of shared path ends at Boundary Road just past the Golf Driving Range. Turn left into Boundary Road

and ride on-road through the housing area. Follow Boundary Road around to the right and then turn left into Ocean Street and cycle up to the end of

the ride on the edge of Lake Illawarra near Windang Bridge.

Map Reference: iBug Map 002

Start and finish: Oak Flats Railway Station

Grade: Medium

Distance: 28 Kilometres

Illawarra Bicycale

Users Group

Ride summary: This ride is suitable to most riders, it is a mixture of shared cycle ways and back streets with

two small sections on unpaved grass tracks. The ride involves some hills and has some excellent views of the

surrounding landscape.

This ride starts at the Oak Flats Station Car Park. From the car park cross Pioneer Drive into Central Avenue and turn left

into Industrial Road take the first turn right into Moore Street.

From the end of Moore Street, near the Oak Flats Sailing Club, follow The Boulevard to its intersection with Central Avenue

and turn into Central Park, to join the Lakeside Shared path skirting the edge of the lake.

Follow the shared past the Shellharbour Water Ski Club and boat ramp, Boonerah Park and the Police Citizen’s Youth Club

to Windang Bridge. Follow the shared path under Windang Bridge, past the kiosk to the coast and along Warilla Beach, enjoying

views of Windang Island, the Entrance to Lake Illawarra and the Tasman Sea beating onto Warilla Beach.

When you reach the end of the paved shared path, at Bucknell Street, continue on along the gravel path for an additional 250

metres to its end at the entrance to Little Lake. Little Lake can be forded at low tide on calm days, avoiding the ride through the back

streets of Warilla and along Shellharbour Road.

If its too deep or you don’t want to get you feet wet retrace your steps back to the end of the shared path and follow Bucknell

Street, turning right into Osborne Parade, left into George Street, left into Terry Street, left onto the shared path along Shellharbour

Road, left into Jason Avenue, left into Barrack Avenue and left into Headlands Parade which will bring you to the other side of the

Little Lake Entrance.

Follow Headlands Parade around Barrack Point, if you’re lucky you may even see whales from this vantage point, and into

Shell Cove Avenue, left into Junction Road to join the share path along Shellharbour beach, and on to Shellharbour Surf Life Saving

Club. At the roundabout swing onto Wollongong Street and your first hill. At top of the hill turn left into Towns Street and down to

the Shellharbour boat harbour. When you reach the causeway there is a shared path on the right skirting the edge of the harbour to the

park at the bottom of Addison Street, Shellharbour Village’s main street and an opportunity for a bite to eat and a wander through the

Village.

Follow the road through Shellharbour Park past the swimming Pool and into Darley Street, left into Sophia Street. At the end

of Sophia Street you will find a gravel path leading to Sloop Avenue in Shell Cove. Follow Sloop Avenue into Condor Drive, across

the bridge and onto the shared path through the park and right into Cove Boulevard.

Cross Shellharbour Road and wind your way down Lakewood Boulevard and turn right into Munmoran Crescent and

Willinga Road then turn left at the roundabout to join Brunderee Road for the steady up hill ride to Pioneer Drive turning left into it.

Follow Pioneer Drive to the roundabout and turning left into Dunsters Lane, just before Dunsters Lane crosses the railway

turn right onto the grassed verge between the railway fence and adjoining properties.

Follow the grassed verge until it joins the cycle way, which leads under New Lake Entrance Road and back to Oak Flats

Railway Car Park.

Map Reference: iBug Map 003

Start: Oak Flats Station

Finish: Dunmore Station

Grade: Moderate

Distance: 13 Kilometres

Ride summary: This ride is predominantly on back roads and shared path and avoids the busier main roads,

unfortunately the short section along Shellharbour road between the Killalea turnoff and Dunmore is very busy

and can not be avoided.

Road to Cove Boulevard is unsuitable for road bikes after wet weather.

Road Conditions: Mixture of on road and cycleway

From the southern end of the Oak Flats Station Car Park

follow the shared path along the railway and under New

Lake Entrance Road to join the shared path along New

Lake Entrance Road.

After passing Shellharbour Square Shopping Centre turn

right to join the cycleway to Blackbutt Reserve, cycle

through Blackbutt Reserve and cross Shellharbour Road to

join the shared path south to Shellharbour Beach and Surf

Club

At the Surf Club you leave the cycleway and turn right into

Wollongong Street, follow this to the top and turn left into

Towns Street around to Shellharbour Boat Harbour, the

swimming pool and left into John Street passing the

Caravan Park.

At the end of John Street join a shared path for 300m to

Bass Point Tourist Road, follow this until you reach

Shallows Reserve sign (800m). Turn right at the sign, onto

a well worn cross country track. Follow this track for 850m

and turn right onto a less defined track leading to a small

wooden bridge, cross the bridge and join Cove Boulevard

Follow Cove Boulevard and then turn left into Southern

Cross Boulevard through Shell Cove to the roundabout

joining Shellharbour Road. Turn left into Shellharbour

Road for the down hill ride to Dunmore.

From Dunmore you can join iBug Ride 005 to Kiama or

return to Oak Flats by train to avoid retracing your steps

It is well worth taking a side trip to Killalea Reserve by

following the signs from the Shellharbour Road

roundabout.

As this ride passes through a subdivision still under

construction the route and road conditions may change

from the description above

Lake Entrance Road Underpass near Oak Flats

Station looking west

Map Reference: iBug Map 004

Start and finish: Blackbutt Reserve car park, off Shellharbour Road

Distance: 20 Kilometres

Ride summary: This ride is suitable to most riders, it is a predominately shared cycleway with a small section of

back streets The ride involves some hills in the first two kilometres

Start at the northern boundary of Blackbutt Reserve car park, which you enter via Erwin Zatscher Drive.

From the car park go through the small vehicle gate heading north across the grass and join the shared path,

after about 200m turn left on to the path. The path is very steep at this point and people should consider walking

if they are finding it difficult. At 0.7 km you will reach the top entrance road to Blackbutt Reserve, follow this

for a few metres until the Shared path is found on the right continue up hill for another 0.8 km to reach the top

of the hill at Wattle Street, where the path swings right and down hill at last.

At 2.8 km you pass under Wattle Street and shortly afterwards under Lake Entrance Roadd and past

Shellharbour Hospital. Continue down hill until you reach Reddall Parade and the Shellharbour Water Ski Club

at 4.5 km, watch for cars when crossing Reddall Parade.

Turn right into the Lake Side Shared path and follow it passing Boonerah Point Scout Hall and the

Police Citizen’s Youth Club to Windang Bridge. Follows the Shared path,under Windang Bridge and South

along Warilla Beach, enjoying views of Windang Island, the Entrance to Lake Illawarra and the Tasman Sea

beating onto Warilla Beach.

When you reach the end of the formed Shared path, at a small car park and toilet block, turn into

Bucknell Street, turning right into Osborne Parade, left into George Street, left into Terry Street, left onto the

shared pedestrian Shared Path along Shellharbour until you reach Erwin Zatscher Drive and the end of the ride.

Map Reference: iBug Map 005

Start: Dunmore Station

Finish: Kaima

Grade: Moderate/Easy

Distance: 15 Kilometres

Ride summary: This is one of the easier rides, while it has some short steep hills it is well worth taking your

time to enjoy this ride along some of the best coastal riding in the Illawarra.

less traffic since the North Kiama By-pass has opened.

The start of the cycleway is located at the intersection of Shellharbour Road and the Princes Highway at Dunmore between the

Highway and the railway.

Follow the cycleway through the Swamp Oak forest between the railway and the old Highway, the wooden bridges over the creeks

can be slippery after rain.

On exiting the forest you need to join the Princess Highway to cross the Minnamurra River, the bridge is narrow and caution needs to

path.

Follow the path to Rangoon Road ant the marked cycle lanes along back roads leading to the shared path around Minnamurra Point

from the end of Carson Place. This section provides some excellent coast views with regular whale sightings during the migration

From the end of the shared path follow the marked route through Kiama Downs, along Boyd’s Beach and Cathedral Rocks on to the

shared path around Bombo Headland, the site of some of the earlier Blue Metal Quarrying from the late 1800’s and now the site of the

Bombo Sewage Works.

Turn left and down the hill to Bombo Beach, there are toilets at the beach, under the railway, under the North Kiama Bypass, turn

right and over the railway lines, under the Bypass again and up the hill and turn right to join the shared path along the Bypass

Follow the shared path past Bombo Station and over Spring Creak, turning sharply left and steeply down the embankment to join

Hothersal Street and on to the Shared path beside Gipps Street over the hill to Kiama.

Map Reference: iBug Map 006

Start: Albion Park

Finish: Albion Park

Distance: Albion Park to Pie Shop 20 Km, Pie Shop to Jamberoo 26 Km, Jamberoo

to Albion Park 10 Km.

Ride summary: This is a ride for the fit and energetic riders as it involves riding up Macquarie Pass

and carefully at all times. Extreme caution needs to be exercised when riding down the steep hills and narrow

roads associated with this ride.

From Albion Park ride west along the Illawarra Highway through undulating hills until you reach the bottom of

Macquarie Pass. You now begin the steep climb up the winding narrow road to the top. to climb the 600metre climb to

the top. After riding up hill for 6 kilometres and gaining 600metre in altitude you finally reach the top and some easier

riding to the Pie Shop

After a well earned rest and refreshments at

the Pie Shop, return to Albion Park by retracing

your route or back via Jamberoo.

If returning back down Macquarie Pass watch

for slow moving cars at sharp corners and cars

on the wrong side of the road.

To return via Jamberoo turn into Jamberoo

Mountain Road opposite the Pie Shop and

follow it down the escarpment to Jamberoo

road. On reaching the end of Jamberoo

Mountain Road turn left onto Jamberoo Road

and follows it back to Albion Park or turn right

and return to Kiama via Jamberoo township.

The foot of Macquarie Pass and an indication of what’s ahead

Map Reference: iBug Map 007

Start: Figtree Park next to Westfield

Finish: Figtree Park next to Westfield

Distance: 24 Kilometres

Ride summary: This is a ride for the fit and energetic riders as it involves riding up Mount Kembla

From Figtree Park cross the Princess Highway

and head north turning left into London Drive, to

getaway form the traffic on the Highway. Turn

left into Yellagong Street and start climbing.

Turn left onto Mount Keira Road, watching for

traffic and cars coming out of driveways. The

next two kilometres is the steepest section of the

climb up Mount Kiera.

Once you have left the built-up area the road is

less steep but winding, near the top you can turn

right into Queen Elizabeth Drive and the short

steep climb to the Mount Keira Lookout to enjoy

the views and a coffee. About a kilometre past

the Elizabeth Drive turnoff turn left into Clive

Bissell Road and left into Harry Graham Drive.

Follow Harry Graham Drive up nad down several

steep hills, turn left into Cordeaux Road, and

down hill through Historic Mt Kembla Village.

Turn left into Gibson Road and follow it ack the

Princes Highway and follow the Highway back to

Figtree.

Mt Keira

MT Kembla

Map Reference: iBug Map 008

Start: Kiama township

Finish: Oak Flats Station

Grade: Moderate

Distance: 20 Kilometres

Ride summary: This ride is a mixture of shared path, cycle lanes and on road cycling

North Kiama Bypass on Tabbita Road

From Kiama Township follow Terralong Street

west under the Kiama By-pass turning right into

Spring Creek Drive to join the shared path along

the Princes Highway (Kiama By-pass) and the

cycling lane along the new North Kiama By-pass

until you reach the Tabbita Road intersection, turn

left off the Highway and cross level crossing to

join Shellharbour Road by turning under the

Highway.

Follow Shellharbour Rd to the first roundabout at

the top of the hill, just past the Golf Course. Turn

right and follow Shell Cove back streets to rejoin

Shellharbour Road at the second roundabout, to

avoid the traffic on Shellharbour Road or

continue along Shellharbour road to the second

roundabout.

At the second roundabout, turn West into

Lakewood Boulevard, right into Munmorah

Circuit, Willinga Road and left into Brunderee

Road. At the second roundabout on Brunderee

Road turn left into Pioneer Road, over the hill and

through the roundabout on New Lake Entrance

Road and on to Oak Flats Station

To avoid the steep section of Pioneer Road with

its poor edges and fast moving traffic and the

roundabout at New Lake Entrance Road turn right

into College Avenue left into Cygnet Avenue and

the shared path through the park to join the shared

path along New Lake Entrance Road and on to

Oak Flats Station, using the underpass alongside

the railway.

Map Reference: iBug Map 009

Start: Windang

Finish: Windang

Grade: Moderate

Distance: 40 Kilometres

Ride summary: This ride has been arranged to utilise back Streets and shared path to avoid the busier main

roads where possible, the ride can be varied to suit the ability and preferences of riders. The ride includes 250m

of unpaved grass at Hooka Creek.

riders need to ride defensively and carefully in these areas

From the Windang Foreshore Park, at the north east side of Windang Bridge, ride east along Fern Street, then north along

Ocean Street and Boundary Road to join the shared path north along Windang Road towards Warrawong. At the

intersection of Shellharbour Road and King Street, just after passing the Port Kembla Golf Course, cross King Sreet at

the traffic lights to join the shared path on the lake side of the road.

The Shared path now follows the northern shore of Lake Illawarra around Kully Bay, and past the Illawarra Rowing Club,

the Illawarra Yacht Club and Dix’s Wharf before reaching the Berkeley Boat Harbour and Fish Co op. making an ideal

place to take a break and enjoy some of the local seafood.

The shared path continues along the Lake’s foreshore through

the Budjong Creek Wetlands and Hooka Point, crossing Hooka

Creek, you will need to walk your bike through the barrier on

the west side of the bridge to access Fred Finch Park. Follow

Hooka Creek Road out of Fred Finch Park and left on to the

shared path along Northcliffe drive.

Turn left on to the shared path and left onto the Southern

Freeway, leave the Freeway at the Kanahooka Road over pass.

Turn right into Kanahooka Road and left into Yalunga Street

crossing the Princes Highway at the roundabout and then left

into Osborne Street, which becomes Marshall Street then turn

left into Cleveland Road at the stop sign and the right onto the

Princes Highway. You can turn up any of the side streets along

Osborne Street to get to the business district in Dapto’s main

street for a quick cup of coffee or a leisurely lunch.

Follow the Princes Highway, mostly on road cycling lanes to

Haywards Bay and the end of the cycling lane at Macquarie

Rivulet. There is a break in the Armco safety fence just before

the bridge which provides access to the path on the eastern side

of the bridge and the shared path south of the bridge.

The shared path from the southern end of the Macquarie Rivulet Bridge follows Macquarie Rivulet east, under

the railway and exits onto Shearwater Boulevard, which in turn becomes Koona Street. Follow Koona Street to

its end to gain access to Slaters Pedestrian Bridge. After pushing your bike over the bridge turn left into Bridge

Avenue, Left at the third street ( Deaken Street) and left into The Boulevarde which is followed until you reach

Central Park.

Alternately you can turn right from Koona Street into Wooroo Street, left into Industrial and left into Moore

Street and rejoin the loop along The Boulevarde.

Turn into the park to access the beginning of the Lakeside shared path which follows southern side of the lake

back to Windang Bridge and the end of the ride.

Map Reference: iBug Map 010

Start: Oak Flats Station

Finish: Oak Flats Station

Distance: 33 Kilometres

Illawarra Bicycle

Users Group

Ride summary: This is an on road ride and involves sections on busy roads. The ride starts and finishes at Oak

Flats Station, the ride overlaps other loops in places and you could arrange sections of different rides to make a

loop to suit your preferences or shorten the loop if the weather changes and you need a quick retreat

ride and riders need to ride defensively and carefully at all times

From the southern end of Oak Flats Station car park follow the shared path under New Lake Entrance Road to

join New Lake Entrance Road at its intersection with Pioneer Road, turn left onto New Lake Entrance Road and

follow the signs to Albion Park and the East West Link Road. A section of the East West Link has cycling lanes

along it.

After a few kilometres the East West Link Road turns left onto Croom Road and then right into Ashburton

Daintree Drive, left into Hillside and left into Church Street. Church Street will bring you to The Illawarra

Turn into North Macquarie Road, there is a causeway soon after turning onto North Macquarie Road and care

must be exercised as the causeway fluffs during wet weather

route.

Highway which is followed to the traffic lights at Albion Park Rail. Turn left into Creamery Road, over the

railway lines and right into Burroo Street. Burroo Street turns into Wooroo Street. From Wooroo Street turn

right into Industrial Road and follow it back to Oak Flats Station

Map Reference: iBug Map 011

Start: Belmore Basin (Wollongong Harbour)

Finish: Thirroul Beach Reserve

Grade: Easy

Distance: 17 Kilometres

For more Illawarra Cycling information visit the Illawarra Bicycle Users Group at

http://au.groups.yahoo.com/groups/illawarrabug/

Ride summary: This ride is predominantly on shared path with some short sections on back

streets.

The ride starts at Belmore Basin, also known as Wollongong Harbour, and follows the cycleway north to its end

at Thirroul. This route is possibly the most used, and the most scenic, section of the shared path in the

Illawarra.

Follow the shared path north along the disused 1800’s rail

cutting, past North Wollongong Surf Club, keeping to the left

side of the path and watching for pedestrians crossing the

path. After passing North Wollongong Surf Club the path

turns left and crosses Cliff Road into Stuart Park. The path

exits Stuart Park, crosses Para Creek and follows Squires

Way until it intersects with Elliotts Road.

Turn right at Elliotts Road, follow it to Fairy Meadow Beach

and turn left onto the shared path to Towradgi. Watch for

other cyclists and pedestrians at the narrow section on the

path at the under path.

From Towradgi, the shared path follows the coastline passing

by Corrimal, Bellambi and Woonona Beaches. Just past

Woonona Surf Club the path crosses Kurraba Road and

continues north to Bulli Beach, Sandon Point Beach, Sandon

Point and finishes at Hamilton Road Thirroul. You can

extend this ride further by riding up the hill on Hamilton

Road, turning right into Tasman Parade, left into Craig Street,

right into Cliff Parade and on to Thirroul Beach Reserve.

Toilets can be found at Towradgi Point, Bulli Beach Reserve and at Thirroul Beach Reserve.

Reserve East Corrimal Caravan Park and at Thirroul Beach Reserve.

Map Reference: iBug Map 012

Start: Palican Park off Reddall Parade Mt Warrigal

Finish: Palican Park off Reddall Parade Mt Warrigal

Grade: Hard to Extreme

Distance: 40 to 60 Kilometres

Ride summary: This ride is an on road ride and involves sections on multi-lane roads. The distance and

difficulty is dependant on the route selected as there are many opportunities to increase the level of difficulty

and is suited to fit road wise riders.

this ride and riders need to ride defensively and carefully at all times

Assemble in Pelican View Reserve off Reddall Parade Lake Illawarra, just south west of Windang Bridge, and use the

shared path to access Shellharbour Road and over Windang Bridge. Follow Windang Road, and King Street to

Warrawong.

Turn left into Northcliffe Drive and follow Northcliffe Drive to Berkeley, turn right into George Street opposite Berkeley

boat Harbour. George Street becomes Berkeley Road after the first roundabout.

At the second roundabout at the intersection with Semaphore Road you can continue along Berkeley road over the hill

and past the Nan Tien Temple. Berkeley Road turns left just past the Temple entrance and crosses over the F6 Southern

Freeway, turn left into Investigator Drive and Right into Nolan Street, or for a real workout for the legs, take the steeper

option of turning left into Semaphore Road and up over the hill past the water tank and turn right into Nolan Street to

rejoin the ride.

After crossing the Railway lines turn left onto the Princes Highway, continue along the highway turning right into West

Dapto road opposite Kembla Grange Racecourse. Turn left into Shone Avenue after a few kilometres and the left again

into Bong Bong Road to Dapto.

Cross the Railway lines and turn right into Marshall Street and follow until you reach Avondale Road where you can

either turn left if the legs are feeling tiered and take the short option back to the start or if the legs are willing take the

longer hilly ride.

The Short Way Home.

Turn left into Avondale Road then right onto the Princess Highway which is followed to the traffic lights at the

intersection with Creamery Road Albion Park Rail. Turn left into Creamery Road, over the railway lines and right into

Burroo Street. Burroo Street turns into Wooroo Street. From Wooroo Street turn right into Industrial Road and left into

Moore Street and through the roundabout into The Boulevard.

The Boulevard soon becomes The Esplanade and then Reddall Parade which is followed back to Pelican Park and the end

of the ride.

The Long Way Home.

Turn right into Avondale Road, left into Huntley Road, right into Huntly Road, right into Marshall Mount Road and left

into Calderwood Road. On reaching Albion Park turn left into Taylor Road, right onto the Illawarra Highway and straight

through the traffic lights to join Terry Street.

From Terry Street turn left into Ashburton Drive and onto The East West Link, at the roundabout, over the Princess

Highway, follow the Warilla signs. On reaching the next roundabout turn right into Pioneer Drive and up the hill. Turn

left into Brunderee Road and right into Wattle Road.

Turn left from Wattle Road onto Shellharbour Road and follow it back to Pelican Park and the end of the ride.

Map Reference: iBug Map 013

Start: Albion Park Station

Finish: Albion Park Station

Distance: 16 Kilometres

Ride summary: This ride is an on road ride through the west of Albion Park hills.

ride and riders need to ride defensively and carefully at all times

From the Albion Park Station car park cross the Princes Highway into Station Street, turn right into Tongarra

town.

Using the Haywards Bay Overpass to access the south bound cycling lane on the Princess Highway, There is a

brake in the Armco railing just before the bridge over Macquarie Rivulet with a path utilizing the eastern

footpath to access the shared path, and this avoids the fast traffic on the narrow bridge. Turn left onto the shared

path and follow it to its end.

From the end of the shared path follow Shearwater Boulevard, Windang Street and Burroo Street to the

pedestrian access at the southern end of Albion Park Station. Cross the rail tracks and your back at the Station

car park.

Map Reference: iBug Map 014

Start: Shellharbour Boat Harbour

Finish: Shellharbour Boat Harbour

Distance: 45 Kilometres

Ride summary: This ride is an on road ride Passing through Kiama, Jamberoo and Oak Flats, the ride involve

sections on multi-lane roads, fast traffic and numerous hills.

ride and riders need to ride defensively and carefully at all times

From the Park on the shore of Shellharbour Boat Harbour follow Addison Street through Shellharbour Village

and turn left onto Shellharbour Road.

At Dunmore cross the railway and turn left onto the Princess Highway. Stay on the Princess Highway past

Kiama Downs until you reach the shared path near Bombo Station, this is a pleasant ride now the North Kiama

By-pass is in use and the number of cars has been reduced. Alternately you can use the cycle lane on the North

Kiama By-pass to reach Bombo station

Follow the shared path until its end and rejoin the Highway turning left into Gipps Street and immediately right

into Brown Street and the steep climb to Terralong Street. Turn right into Terralong Street and follow it under

the Princess Highway to join Jamberoo Road, which is followed to Jamberoo.

From Jamberoo continue along Jamberoo Road through more hilly terrain towards Albion Park. The road

changes name to Terry Street before reaching Albion Park.

On reaching Terry Street’s intersection with Ashburton Drive you can turn left and follow the North Macquarie

ride to extend the ride (see iBug Ride010), or turn right into Ashburton Drive and follow it and The East West

Link road back to Oak Flats. If you have taken the long option continue past Oak Flats station to rejoin the ride

at the New Lake Entrance Road roundabout.

On reaching the roundabout over the Princess Highway join New Lake Entrance Road turning right into

Pioneer Drive, at the next roundabout, and the next hill. Turn left into Bruderee Road and right onto Wattle

Road to join Addison Street back to Shellharbour Boat Harbour

Map Reference: iBug Map 015

Start: Albion Park

Finish: Albiom Park

Distance: 35 Kilometres

Ride summary: This ride is an on road ride and involves sections on multi-lane roads, fast traffic and numerous

hills and while described as loop it is mostly used as an extension to other rides such as the Around the Lake on

the Road (see iBug ride 012)

ride and riders need to ride defensively and carefully at all times

From the Albion Park follow Terry Street and

Jamberoo Road south to Jamberoo Village,

passing through principally farming country

on narrow winding hilly roads.

From Jamberoo continue following Jamberoo

Road turning left into Swamp Road until you

reach the North Kiama By-pass. Turn left

onto the cycling lane on the North Kiama Bypass

and exit it at the Tabbita Road exit to

join Shellharbour road at Dunmore.

Follow Shellharbour Road to its intersection

with Wattle Street, turn left into Wattle Street

and follow it up the hill turning left into

Brunderee Road. From Brunderee Road turn

right into Pioneer Road and follow it to the

roundabout on New Lake Entrance road.

Turn left into New Lake Entrance Road and

follow it over the Princess Highway and onto

The East West Link Road. Follow the Link

Road left at the roundabout at the intersection

of Croome Road. The Link Road becomes

Ashburton Drive and at the intersection of

Terry Street turn right to return to the start at

Albion Park.

Map Reference: iBug Map 016

Start: Thirroul

Finish: Stanwell Park

Distance: 17 Kilometres

Ride summary: The ride follows the coast north from Thirroul along Lawrence Hargrave Drive. The is a road

ride and involves sections on multi-lane roads, fast traffic and numerous hills. Unless you continuing on north

you will need to retrace the ride home or catch the train, remembering to check that the trains are running as

busses used to replace trains during trackwork don’t accept bicycles.

and carefully at all times

From the end of the shared path at Thirroul follow Hamilton Road, turning right into Tasman Crescent, left into

Craig Street, right into Surfers Parade, left into Cliff Parade and onto The Esplanade to get to Lawrence

Hargrave Drive. Alternately you can start from Thirroul Station if you intend to return by train.

From here the ride is simply a matter of following Lawrence Hargrave Drive north through Austinmer,

Coledale, Wombarra, Clifton, then over the Sea Cliff Bridge to Coalcliff and Stanwell Park.

On reaching Stanwell Park you can relax over a Coffee or take the steep ride up Bald Hill to admire the views

over the coast.

To give the legs some additional work you can detour up Asquith Street Austinmer and follow Buttenshaw

Drive and Morrison Avenue to rejoin Lawrence Hargrave Drive at Wombarra. The descent down Morrison

Avenue is extremely steep and care should be taken at this point.

Cyclist enjoining the views from Bald Hill on the MS Sydney to Gong Ride, before heading back to

Southerland as the Seacliff Bridge was still under construction.

Map Reference: iBug Map 017

Start: Stanwell Park

Finish: Bundeena and Cronulla

Distance: 32 Kilometres

Ride summary: The ride follows the coast north from Stanwell Park to Bundeena and the ferry to Cronulla.

riders only. This ride is also a favourite ride for motorcyclists and people need to remain on the correct side of the road

and watch for motorcyclists on Lady Wakehurst Drive. Take plenty of food and water as there are no services on this ride

From Stanwell Park follow Laurance Hargrave Drive north turning right into Lady Wakehurst Drive and the steep climb

up to Bald Hill, the road climbs some 110 meters in less then one and a half kilometres.

After a well earned rest at the Laurance Hargrave memorial, at the top of Balled Hill to take in the spectacular coastal

views in both directions, continue up more easily to the top of Otford Lookout. From Otford Lookout the road is downhill

into the Royal National Park. After passing the Park entrance and following the Hacking River down stream for some

kilometres, at approximately 14 kilometres, where McKell Avenue crosses the river on the left for the long uphill ride to

Waterfall, Lady Wakehurst Drive changes its name to Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. Continue straight ahead into Sir

Bertram Stevens Drive and follow it through undulating country to the Garie Beach turnoff.

Continue along Sir Bertram Stevens Drive for a further 5.5 kilometres, pasing the Wattamolla turnoff, and turn right into

Bundeena Drive, this section is predominately down hill loosing 150 meters over the final 9 Kilometres to Bundeena.

From Bundeena its best to catch the ferry to Cronulla and the train home alternately you could retrace you steps back to

the beginning. For information on the Bundeena to Cronulla ferry contact Cronulla and National Park Ferry Cruises on

Side trips:

Map Reference: iBug Map 018

Start: Various

Finish: University of Wollongong

Distance: ## Kilometres

Ride summary: The University commuting guide can also be used by cyclists accessing the Botanic Gardens,

Glennifer Brae and Beaton Park.

headroom in the Smith Street Railway Underpass.

Leave the Northern Distributor cycling lane at the off

ramp leading to the cycleway along University

Avenue and follow the signs erected by council to the

Southern Freeway Overpass. For the return journey it

is more pleasant and safer to head north along the path

between the Southern Freeway and Wollongong

TAFE, from the overpass, exiting onto Lysaght Street.

Follow Lysaght Street to its intersection with the

Princess Highway, cross the Highway and join the

cycling lane heading north on the Northern Distributor

Southern Freeway Overpass

The Shared path around Wollongong TAFE from Mount Ousley Road and Helen Gaynor

Avenue or Lysaght Street and use the Southern Freeway Overpass to access Wollongong

University

Pickup the shared path at the intersection of Squires Way and Elliotts Road and follow it through

the University of Wollongong Innovation Campus (Campus East) and turn left onto the cycling

lane along Montague Street and cross the Princess Highway (Flinders Street) at the traffic lights

use the footpath to gain access to Station Street. Follow Station Street to North Wollongong

Station and use the lifts to cross the railway lines. Follow the cycling lane along Porter Street and

University Avenue, carefully cross at the roundabout to join the shared path to the Southern

Freeway Overpass to access Wollongong University. The section from the station to the

Overpass has been signposted by Wollongong council

Cycle Underpass at the west end of Smith Street

From the top end of Crown Street near Wollongong Station use

Railway Parade and Belmore Street to get the western end of

Smith Street and the Railway Underpass.

From the eastern side of the city and the Entertainment Centre

use back streets to get onto Smith Street and head west to the

Railway Underpass.

Underpass follow the shared path under Throsby Drive and

along the railway to Beaton Park, watch for cyclist joining the

path from Throsby Drive on your right. Follow the sign posted

route past the end of Gipp Street, Crawford Avenue and left

onto the cycling lane along Porter Street. Follow the cycling

lane along Porter Street and University Avenue, carefully cross

at the roundabout to join the shared path to the Southern

Freeway Overpass to access Wollongong University.

Using Denison Street to join the shared path west of the Smith

Street Underpass may be the easiest way for people commuting

form the around the Hospital, West Wollongong, Coniston and

Gladstone Avenue

LOW CLEARANCE

CYCLISTS DISMOUNT