Mountain Bike Trail Supporting Infrastructure in Kembla Heights

Image: Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown, The Hon. Ryan Park MP, Wollongong Mountain Bike Club Vice President Craig Morris and National Parks and Wildlife Service Director South Coast Julie Peterson at the Kembla Mountain Bike Trails.

Pump up those tyres – the first stage of the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network is now open.

At around 20 kilometres long, the purpose-built trails cater for riders of all ages and abilities and provide riders the chance to cycle through the escarpment while also protecting its natural and cultural values.

All up 25 new trails have been unveiled including:

• 4 beginner trails (green)
• 13 intermediate trails (blue)
• 1 intermediate/hard trail (blue/black)
• 7 difficult trails (black)

Features along the trails include bridges, jumps, flyovers, berms and downhill runs.

“I know there are a lot of very passionate mountain bike riders in Wollongong who have been longing for the day they could legally ride through the escarpment on trails that respect the area’s natural beauty and cultural importance while also providing an exhilarating rider challenge,’’ Cr Brown said.

“This is the reality now, and Wollongong City Council is proud to have partnered with the NSW National Parks to deliver this important project.’’

As part of the broader project, Council has provided carparking in Kembla Village to minimise the impact on residents and to support safe and accessible mountain bike riding experiences.

Minister for the Illawarra Ryan Park said he had long advocated for legal trails in the escarpment that balanced the community’s desire to ride through this landscape with its broader significance.

“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,’’ he said.

“These beautiful and thrilling bike trails will expand riding activities for locals and encourage visitors from all over the country to experience what our region has to offer.

“Thank you to Wollongong Council, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the many community members and groups who have worked with us tirelessly in shaping this project.”

Wollongong City Council’s General Manager Greg Doyle said Council had invested significantly in a wide range of cycling infrastructure in recent years, and this long-term project was key to supporting a diversity of riding opportunities.

“We’re proudly a UCI Bike City and part of the commitment we’ve made to our community is that we will look to facilitate and support different ways for people to get on their bikes,’’ he said.

“While we know our range of on-road bike paths and upgrades to shared pathways along the foreshore areas are welcomed by residents, and our criterium track at Unanderra is well-used, we also know there’s a passionate band of mountain bike riders who hit the trails at our award-winning Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park regularly. This will give them a new challenge to explore.’’

Following the opening of the new trails, the Lord Mayor encouraged riders to be mindful of others when out and about.

“Looking at this weekend’s weather forecast, I’m sure there are people making plans to come and give the trails a go – and that’s great,’’ she said.

“We just ask people to their research before they ride – have a look on Trailforks app and make sure they’re open and to pick the trail that aligns with their skills and ability. Be mindful there will be others using the trails and be sure to wear safety equipment.

“This is just the first stage of these trails, and we look forward to continuing the development of these trails with NSW National Parks over the coming months.’’

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Synergy Trails are making progress on the mountain bike track network construction at Mount Kembla. Since August 2023 there has been 2km of track under construction, with detailed survey complete for 12km of track in preparation for work commencement, which is continuing over the summer holiday period.

It remains important that people stay off the tracks while they are under construction.

While the mostly mild weather experienced recently has helped construction, compaction of the track surface is ongoing to ensure it can sustain the predicted number of riders and reduces future management and maintenance of the track.

NPWS have included a couple of images to give you a sense of the work going on.

NPWS are seeking the support of cyclists to be actively involved in the ongoing management and maintenance of the new networks at Mount Kembla and Balgownie and the rehabilitation works at Mount Keira.

If you’d like to participate in future events please register by sending an email to: npws.illwarrahighlands@environment.nsw.gov.au

Thanks to all who took the time to share their thoughts on the draft concept plan. Here’s the Engagement Summary which provides a snapshot of what we heard and how it was considered. Full details of the engagement are available to read in the Engagement Report.