Brokers Nose: Family Friendly Bush Walk in Wollongong

Finding a bush walk that is suitable for everyone to enjoy can be tough but that’s why we love Brokers Nose in Wollongong.

Suitable for children, beginners and those with low fitness, the terrain is easy going and you are rewarded with the most amazingly beautiful views views!

There is plenty of adventure too with manageable but completely awesome fun rock hopping along the way. Big and little kids will love it.

Located within the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, the wonderful thing about this trail is that you can look one way and see the glorious green of the Escarpment and on the other, the epic blue of the ocean.

(Please note – always check first with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before planning your visit in case of works, closures or maintenance being carried out at any of the locations below).

Where Is it

Brokers Nose is located approx. 3 km west of Corrimal and about 5 km south-west of Bulli. The summit sits approximately 440m above sea level.
If you look back towards the Escarpment from around Corrimal, you should be able to see a BIG television transmission tower sitting on top of the cliff face. That’s where you’re headed! It’s totally worth it.

Where to Start

The entrance to the track is located on the side of Mt Ousley Road.  If you’re heading north from Wollongong, take the Picton Road exit and turn immediately right, taking the exit back onto Mt Ousley Road (you would now be heading South back towards Wollongong).
Stay in the left hand lane and pull off at the first Truck Stop. Please be aware there is limited parking here.

Note: If you are at the Truck Stop with the toilets you are on the wrong side of Mt Ousley and need to follow the above instructions (we know this from experience!).

You will see a green gate and that is the entrance to the trail where you will begin your walk.

It does feel a bit wrong standing on the side of such a busy road however you will soon enter one of nature’s beautiful playgrounds and the sound of passing trucks will soon be forgotten.

Where to Next

Follow the main trail and before long you will come to an amazing sweeping view over Balgownie and beyond.

Take your time, breath in the fresh air and immerse yourself in the view. This also happens to be a great spot for the kids to have a snack, do a few cartwheels and shake their silly out.

As you move off you will notice different trails branching off here, there and everywhere. We have been told by those ‘in the know’ that there are several shortcuts up to Brokers Nose but we decided to stick with the main track.

Apparently as long as you follow the cliff line (heading North) you’ll be fine but pick your adventure wisely!

From here we continued to follow the track until the path was wide enough for cars (i.e. service road). Look up to your right and you will see the television transmission tower. You need to head directly for the tower (do not turn around, do not pass ‘go’, just head for the tower!).

As you approach the tower you’ll probably be thinking “Is this it?” but boy oh boy are you in for a treat once you get past the tower. Absolutely stunning sweeping views over Wollongong and beyond.

Brokers Nose Summit

Once you pass the tower this will be your reward!
Take lots of photos and move around the cliff to get all sorts of views and angles but keep in mind that the area is not fenced and it’s a darn good drop if you did fall.

Keep your eye on little ones! If it’s windy stay well away from the edge.
Try your luck at spotting some key locations around Wollongong such as the lighthouse and Stuart Park….you might even find your house.
Watch out for a passing train too, they look like they are in a model train set.

Highlight for the adults: Gorgeous ‘forget your worries‘ views.
Highlight for the kids: Spotting the roof of Bunnings at Bellambi (I’m not kidding!).

Inscribed Rocks

Don’t forget to look under your feet when you get there. You’ll find inscriptions on the rocks dating back as far as 100 years ago.

Time Taken

This is a tricky one to answer. We were given an estimate of 1.5 hours round trip. It is approximately 3.5km return.

We were travelling with a very experienced (well for his age!) almost 3 year old bushwalker and a couple of 6 and 8 year olds. There was plenty of stopping, skipping, dancing and just general chit chat along the way.

We took our time and enjoyed a few snack breaks along the way. It took us 3 hours return. So really it depends who you have with you and what there walking pace/physical fitness is like.

When to Go

This walk was taken during the July school holidays and it was a perfect clear day. You could see the fauna was starting to flower and although there was a puddle here and there, it was pretty easy strolling.

This would definitely be an all-year-round amazing walk. Spring would be fantastic! We would recommend avoiding windy days or after heavy rainfall (slippery rocks and BIG puddles).

What to Take

• Water, snacks
• Sunscreen, hat
• Insect repellent
• Leech repellent (we didn’t see any but you can’t be too prepared)
• A jacket, especially in cool or windy weather
• Comfortable walking shoes/runners
• Long pants
• Mobile phone for pictures and those unexpected situations
• Binoculars for the great views and birdwatching
• Friends and/or family (always travel with at least 3 people)
• Tell someone where you are going and the approximate time you expect to return.

Recommendations

If your after something that takes less time and would be suitable for toddlers or you want something a bit more challenging and suitable to those with a bit more experience, check out our blog on The Cascades Walk and Jump Rock at Macquarie Pass National Park.