We’re working to make a pathway so you can walk or ride along our coast between the Royal National Park and Lake Illawarra.
Known as the Grand Pacific Walk, this pathway follows the Grand Pacific Drive route.
This project will take many years and is being done in stages.
We need to build new paths in some areas that are very challenging, like steep cliffs and headlands overlooking the ocean. The new sections will link in with our existing bike tracks and pathways where possible.
We've recently built several new sections of path between Stanwell Park and Seacliff Bridge: see the 'Completed work' section below for details.
You can read more about this project in the Grand Pacific Walk Vision Report and Master Plan PDF, 2898.09 KB.
Upcoming work
Austinmer
This portion of shared path runs from Mountain Road to Headlands Avenue and is approximately 1.5km in length. Once completed, there will be a continuous walking and cycling route along this stretch of Austinmer.
We will be taking a staged approach to this work to minimise the impact on our community, particularly to traffic during the busy summer months.
Coledale
The next section of work in Coledale will focus on improving connections between Austinmer and Coledale, and making shared pathways safer and more accessible for everyone. This stage will span approximately 1km, from the northern end of Sharky Beach Car Park south to Headlands Avenue.
Proposed works include:
- Extending and improving shared path links
- Upgrading and formalising Sharky Beach Car Park
- Reinstalling the bus shelter on the east side of Lawrence Hargrave Drive
- Creating a new path through the eastern side of the car park
- Installing wayfinding signage
- Enhancing local amenities.
We’re also planning the next section, from the northern edge of Sharky Beach Car Park to Coledale Beach Public School (approximately 600m). An important part of this project will be preserving the natural character and feel of the beach. We are still exploring options for this stretch as part of our commitment to complete the full Grand Pacific Walk.
Clifton
The narrow footpath was replaced with a full width shared path, including a spectacular new boardwalk and viewing platform along the eastern side of Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
Coledale Beach
This section of the Grand Pacific Walk was delivered as part of the Coledale Beach Car Park Upgrade. A new shared path was built, which runs along Lawrence Hargrave Drive in front of Coledale Beach. We also made access improvements to the beachfront area.
Stanwell Park and Coalcliff
- Stoney Creek to Coalcliff Station. Work in this area included pedestrian safety upgrades around the station, removal of a sharp curve in the road for sight lines, and a new bus bay and pedestrian refuge. A new pedestrian bridge was also built over Stoney Creek.
- Coalcliff Station to Lower Coast Road. We created a new shared path, bridges over the crossing creeks, and a spectacular new boardwalk and ramp to make the most of ocean views.
- Lower Coast Road and Murrawal Road to Lawrence Hargrave Drive. A new footpath was built along the full length of the road, and we added on-road cycle facilities.
- Murrawal Road and Lawrence Hargrave Drive to Station Street, Stanwell Park. We replaced the narrow footpath with a full width shared path and safety rails. We also added paving, a pedestrian crossing, more parking, and directional and heritage signs at Stanwell Park.