Mount Kembla is Wollongong’s New Mountain Bike Playground
Wollongong is putting Mount Kembla on the map!
Stage one of the long-awaited Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network is officially open, with almost 20 kilometres of brand-new trails winding through the bush at Mount Kembla, less than 10km from Wollongong’s CBD.
This first stage of the $13.4 million project offers something for everyone – with smooth and family-friendly green runs, flowing blue trails for the weekend warriors, and black-rated descents.
Ryan Park, Minister for the Illawarra acknowledges that establishing the trail network has been a protracted process, “Our community has been advocating for this Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network for a long time, I’m absolutely thrilled to see stage one now open to the public.”
Indeed, local riders and community groups have championed the idea of a dedicated network for years, and now, thanks to collaboration between NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Wollongong City Council, and the state government, the first stage of the Illawarra Escarpment trail network is completed.
This trail opening is just the beginning, the full network is set to expand to around 70km by the time it’s complete – a scale that will put Wollongong firmly on the map as a must-ride destination.
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Each has been built with care – not only to deliver fun and challenge, but also to respect and protect the Escarpment’s cultural and environmental significance, as Julie Peterson, Director of NSW Parks and Wildlife South Coast states, “Sustainability is at the heart of every decision made for the network and we’ve worked alongside many stakeholders to ensure the trails cater for all riders, while protecting the park’s natural and cultural values.”
As Julie Peterson points out, these trails are “an invitation to connect with nature” – but also a reminder to tread (and ride) lightly, ensuring the Illawarra Escarpment remains as spectacular for future generations as it is today.
