Wollongong City Council has a program of nine coastal bush walks exploring the magnificent Wollongong coastline this summer.
There are bush walks available in most coastal villages from south of Windang to Stanwell Park.
“The coastal walks will be taken at a leisurely stroll so that people can enjoy the coastline, meet members of the local bush care groups and enjoy the wonderful weather we are having in the city,” Manager Environmental Strategy and Planning Renee Campbell said.
“The walks are between two and five kilometres and allow the walkers to become acquainted with the native plants, birds, and other points of interest along the way. I encourage all people interested in the natural environment along our coastline to take part in the free walks.”
There will also be bush care volunteers who can provide information on the coastal fringe and point out some of the native flora and fauna along the way.
Council recommends that all walkers wear enclosed shoes, long pants and long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and bring water to drink.
The coastal walks include:
Windang – Wednesday 11 January
Meet at eastern end of Boronia Ave, Windang. This walk will include dune vegetation including littoral rainforest; bush care restoration, beach walking looking at shells and sea birds – particularly the protection of the endangered Little Tern’s nesting sites. Distance 3.5 km, flat.
Port Kembla – Wednesday 18 January
Meet at the white building on the top of Hill 60. The walk will head south to Coomaditchie; walk around the fresh-water lagoon where the cormorants roost and head north east across King Georges Oval; to northern side of Hill 60 and back through the bush to the top. Distance 4.5 km, some hills.
Puckeys Estate, Fairy Meadow – Wednesday 25 January
Meet at Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Club at the end of Elliotts Rd, Fairy Meadow. Round trip through Puckeys Estate and back along beach. The walk will include an introduction to the heritage and history of the area. Distance 4 km, flat.
Wollongong to Fairy Meadow – Wednesday 1 February
Meet at Fairy Meadow surf club at the end of Elliots Rd, Fairy Meadow. The walk will head north along the cycle track to Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club and back along the beach. Distance 2.5 km, flat.
Towradgi, Wednesday 8 February
Meet at end of Towradgi Road, Towradgi, and head north looking at Towradgi Dune restoration, and then along Towradgi Creek to the Blue Divers bridge, around Corrimal Surf Life Saving Club, and bush care site and back along beach if the creek isn’t flowing. Distance 2.5 km, flat.
Bellambi Dune – Wednesday 15 February
Meet at the end of Bott Drive, Bellambi, and walk the circular track through the dunes and then south along the cycle track to view the wetland, lagoon and dune. Distance 3.5 km, some hills.
Sandon Point and McCauleys Beach, Bulli – Wednesday 22 February
Meet at Sandon Point car park. We will walk around Sandon Point, along to the Tent embassy and McCauleys Beach. Distance 2.5 km, some slopes.
Brickyard Point Austinmer – Wednesday 29 February
Meet at beach car park off Headlands Ave, Austinmer. We will walk along the top of Brickyard Point to Coledale Beach and then back along the beach (tide permitting). Distance 2 km, some slopes.
Stanwell Park – Wednesday 7 March
Meet at Stanwell Park kiosk nearest the beach and walk through dunes south to Lower Coast Road and then north along beach and up along Hargraves Creek to The Drive. Distance 2.5 km, flat.
- All walkers should gather at the meeting place at 5.45pm and the walks will start promptly at 6pm. If you miss us, perhaps you can catch us up.
- Walkers might like to bring a camera to capture the beauty and binoculars to help spot the wildlife.
- Bring a sandwich or snack to eat along the way or come early and have a picnic before we set off.
- We will walk whatever the weather so that we experience the coast in all its glory, just dress appropriately.
- Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
- We will be off-track often so the walks are not suitable for prams or strollers.
- Don’t bring dogs.
For more information on the Coastal Walks call Council’s Community Service on (02) 4227 7111 or visit Council’s website.