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    Best Bike Rides & Cycle Routes / Wollongong & Illawarra

    Get on your bike and discover our best bike rides, cycle paths and mountain bike trails around the Illawarra. At What’s On in Wollongong, we know cyclists are spoilt for choice locally. From flat coastal tracks to challenging mountain terrain, Wollongong truly offers something for everyone – from learner riders, to lycra clad pro’s and MTB thrill seekers.

    Here at What’s on in Wollongong, we know the best things to do Illawarra wide, including the best cycling routes around Wollongong & the Illawarra.

    With more than 42km of shared cycle pathways stretching between Sandon Point and Lake Illawarra, Wollongong has earned its place as one of Australia’s most cycle-friendly destinations. Whether you’re planning a relaxed family ride to a new beach or gearing up for a full day in the saddle, our team has pulled together the best local routes to help you make the most of cycling in Wollongong. So when it comes to discovering where to ride, trust What’s On in Wollongong to guide your next two-wheeled adventure!

    Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track

    The Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track is a scenic 15km coastal path stretching from Belmore Basin (near Levendi Café) all the way to Thirroul. Hugging the coastline, it’s one of the best spots in Wollongong for cycling, running or a relaxed walk with ocean views the whole way. The track is clearly marked, with dedicated lanes near North Beach and distance markers every 500 metres, making it easy to plan your ride or run. In the warmer months, stop for ocean pool swims along the way, read our best Wollongong & Illawarra Ocean Pools guide.

    Blue Mile

    Photo c/o Destination Wollongong

    Stretching from North Beach to Wollongong Harbour, the Blue Mile is one of the region’s most loved coastal walks – perfect for walking, cycling, swimming, jogging or stopping for a bite to eat. This scenic stretch showcases spectacular ocean views, connected pathways and parks, plus plenty of cafés and dining spots along the way. Stop for a refreshing beer, cocktail and delicious snack with ocean views at Steamers Bar & Grill, or The Boathouse, North Wollongong – both highly recommended as pit stops!

    Keep an eye out for the public art installations and history signage, which share fascinating stories about Wollongong’s coastal past.

    Grand Pacific Walk / Wollongong Coastal Cycleway

    Following the route of the Grand Pacific Drive, the proposed share path will link existing sections of coastal trails into one 60km stretch allowing walkers and cyclists to roam the coast from Royal National Park to Lake Illawarra. The work will span many years and tackles some complex terrain but when it is finished it will surely become one of the best things to do in Wollongong and an asset for residents of the area. The Coalcliff to Stanwell Park section is already finished and open for use, watch this space for news of the next completed sections of the route. Need a pit stop for lunch, try The Imperial at Clifton, it’s got lush ocean views!

    The Sea Cliff Bridge

    The Sea Cliff Bridge cycle route is one of the most scenic rides on the NSW coast, offering breathtaking ocean views and the chance to experience the bridge’s incredible engineering up close. Cyclists can follow the well-marked coastal path that hugs the cliffs and winds through nearby seaside towns, creating a smooth and memorable ride. The bridge also forms part of a longer coastal cycling route connecting areas such as the Royal National Park and Dharawal Country, making it a rewarding adventure for riders wanting to explore more of the region

    North Lake Illawarra & surrounds

    For the best family friendly cycling on the shores of Lake Illawarra, the north of the lake is best. Setting off from the Illawarra Sports stadium you can ride through beautiful scenery in Hooka Point Park and onwards through Holborn Park right on the lakeshore. There are refreshment stops along the way, and if a swim in the lake doesn’t appeal, carry on into Port Kembla where the beach stretches miles to the south with loads of space for everyone. There is also a pool at the northern end of the beach and lots of lunch places in the town itself.

    Wollongong to Jamberoo

    Ready for a ride that’s as challenging as it is spectacular? This 105km cycling route heads south from Wollongong, passing the iconic steelworks and following the coastline through Port Kembla, over Windang Bridge and along the eastern edge of Lake Illawarra, with a handy stop at Reddall Reserve. Continue through Barrack Point, Shellharbour and Shell Cove Marina, before riding on to Minnamurra, Kiama Downs & Kiama.

    The return journey heads inland through the rolling farmland of Jamberoo and Albion Park, before looping back via the quieter roads of Dapto and Avondale along the base of the escarpment — a ride that truly showcases the best of the Illawarra.

    Best Bike Rides for Kids & Family

    MTB Trails

    If you are a fan of rugged biking with plenty of undulations and thrills, the Illawarra has a great selection of trails to offer. Entry level MTB-ers will love the Lady Carrington Drive trail which is located inside the Royal National Park and runs 12km one way alongside the Hacking River. A few lumps and bumps mark this scenic route out as unsuitable for road bikes, but the going is simple until the last steep section. Helensburgh MTB Park is another great destination (see more below!) and offers trails suitable for all the family with different challenges, from jumps and bridges to boardwalks and woodland. There are also plenty of informal mountain bike routes on the escarpment – use at your own risk!

    Mount Kembla Mountain Bike Trails now open!

    Photo c/o NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

    The brand-new Kembla Mountain Bike Trails are officially open and ready for the community to hit! Spanning nearly 20 km of fresh trails, these runs are set to put our region on the map for mountain biking enthusiasts from near and far. With a mix of green, blue, and black trails, there’s something for riders of all skill levels — whether you’re just starting out or looking for a challenge. Get ready to explore, ride, and enjoy the great outdoors like never before! For more information about these new bike trails and access, click here.

    Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park

    Photo c/o Destination Wollongong

    Entry is off Lackawanna Street, Cringila. It has an exciting mix of almost 12 kilometres of trails for riders from beginners to advanced, giving you more ways to enjoy our Bike City. The tracks have a mix of gradients, surfaces and obstacles to make your ride fun or challenge your skills. For beginners and intermediate riders, it has a jumps park too. It also has an asphalt pump track and bike skills playground.

    Greenvalleys Mountain Bike Trails

    Australia’s Boutique Mountain Bike Park located in the foothills of the Macquarie Pass National Park, Tongarra, NSW. Greenvalleys Mountain Bike Park is a must go destination for mountain bikers offering: Progressive Trail Structure, Clinics and Coaching, Competitive Race Days, Airbag, Skills Park, Private Hire and Downhill / Freeride / Slopestyle / All-Mountain Trails. They also run (for more advanced-riders only) Skills Clinics and Development Days as well as Gravity Days (open days for the public/non members to check out their trails and bike paths). This park is typically for more confident and adventurous riders – under 16s are welcome but best you give the park a call first as they can give you some tips how to best navigate the park for your younger rider.

    Minnamurra Bike Skills Track

    Photo c/o The Illawara Mercury

    To finish our Kid-friendly cycling trails in Illawarra, is The Minnamurra Bike Skills Track, located at the old Sanctuary Place Quarry. This cool new track includes two downhill tracks, two pump tracks and a junior/toddler track. There are also picnic shelters, park benches, amenities and a carpark.

    10B Bike Trail – Dharawal National Park

    10B Bike Trail in Dharawal National Park offers excellent easy cycling for enthusiastic bike riders, with a picturesque picnic spot along the way. At 15km long, it starts near the Appin Road entrance of Dharawal National Park and follows an unsealed road through open forest and woodlands along a sandstone ridge. This is a great bike ride for small groups and families with older children.

    The last three kilometres present more of a challenge, when the trail descends into Stokes Creek Gorge, leading to a good slog back up to the park’s northern entrance at Wedderburn.

    Pack a picnic and your binoculars because at the creek crossing, there’s a broad rock platform where you can stop for a break. Birds, including the raucous yellow-tailed black cockatoo, inhabit the area.

    Helensburgh Mountain Bike Park

    Photo c/o The Illawarra Flame

    Helensburgh Mountain Bike Park is back open and ready for action! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, you’ll find trails to challenge and inspire. With rugged terrain, scenic bushland, and adrenaline-fuelled tracks, it’s the perfect spot for a day of adventure in nature.

    Mount Keira Loop Cycle Track

    Photo c/o The Illawarra Mercury

    The Mount Keira Loop Cycle Track is a scenic and more challenging ride that showcases the natural beauty of the Illawarra Escarpment. This 5.5km loop starting at Byarong Park winds through lush bushland and rocky outcrops, with rewarding panoramic views over Wollongong and the coastline. Graded Level 4 (hard), the track includes steeper climbs and rougher terrain, making it best suited to experienced riders. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for a solid uphill effort — the views at the top make it well worth it.

    Illawarra Criterium Track and Velodrome

    Entry is off Factory Road, Unanderra. This is a closed-loop track, and great for all ability riders. Non-motorised wheels are all welcome including rollerblades or skates, scooters, and bikes. Safe, enclosed riding for less experienced riders too.

    UCI Road World Champs Highlights

    Ready to ride like a champion? This epic route retraces highlights of the 2022 UCI Road World Championships, starting in Helensburgh before heading to the famous Bald Hill lookout and across the breathtaking Sea Cliff Bridge. From there, the ride winds through Wollongong’s northern suburbs before tackling a challenging climb up the escarpment ridge.

    After a fast descent down Mt Kembla toward Nan Tien Temple, the course continues through the Wollongong Botanic Garden and University of Wollongong, before the ultimate test — the leg-burning climb up Ramah Avenue. The ride finishes at Wollongong Harbour on Marine Drive, making it a challenging journey through some of the region’s most iconic cycling terrain.

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    These lands, waters and skies are a true paradise, and a gift to experience. We offer deep respect and gratitude to the traditional custodians, the Dharawal nation, whose sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respect to elders past and present.