Part of the new Kembla Mountain Bike Trails. Photos: NSW Government.
After a bumpy ride to the finish line, stage one of the $13.4 million Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network (MTB) has officially opened – giving riders 20 kilometres of purpose-built trails to gear up on.
Taking years to build and its intended opening last month hampered by wet weather, this first stage of the Kembla Mountain Bike Trails helps cement Wollongong’s reputation as one of the world’s premier cycling destinations.
Part of a planned 70 km network, it’s an initiative by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Wollongong City Council, in collaboration with the community.
Its opening also marks the culmination of a decade-long campaign by Destination Wollongong to establish the city as a mountain-biking destination.
Set within the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, the Kembla Mountain Bike Trails offer a mix of climbing routes, flowing descents, adaptive riding options and gravity-fed runs.
From family-friendly green and blue trails to technically demanding black runs, each has been designed to offer an exciting, challenging ride carefully crafted to protect the escarpment’s natural and cultural values.
Final approvals for the remaining parts of the network are close, including stage two of the Kembla Mountain Bike Trails and the Balgownie Trails, before construction begins in 2026.
Destination Wollongong general manager Jeremy Wilshire said the timing couldn’t be better, building on Wollongong’s global UCI Bike City Award earlier this year for its dedication to creating an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable cycling culture.
“It’s about dedicated cycling infrastructure and providing the community and visitors with product they’re proud of and can enjoy repeatedly,” Mr Wilshire said.
“It is, quite literally, making the most of our backyard.
“Experiential, nature-based tourism is one of the true growth sectors of the industry, and once this network is completed, it will boast a world-class mountain bike offering that will act as a destination attraction.”
Mr Wilshire said it had been a long and, at times, frustrating journey, but the collaborative will to improve and legitimise an activity that had been taking place on the escarpment for decades had been ultimately rewarding.
“It has been one hell of a ride – even before anyone stepped on a bicycle,” he said.
Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said the community had been advocating for the mountain bike network for a long time and once the full network was opened, it would elevate the region as a must-visit destination for bike riders.
“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,” Mr Park said.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said the trails were a celebration of collaboration, sustainability, and active recreation in one of the most stunning natural settings.
“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,’’ Councillor Brown said.
“This project is part of council’s commitment to offer a diverse range of riding experiences right across the city and further strengthens what Wollongong offers as a UCI Bike City, which is why we’re excited to see the Kembla Mountain Bike Trails ready to ride.”
NPWS South Coast director Julie Peterson said sustainability was at the heart of every decision made for the network and it had worked alongside many stakeholders to ensure the trails catered to all riders, while protecting the park’s natural and cultural values.
“The Kembla Mountain Bike Trails offer more than just a ride; they are an invitation to connect with nature and responsibly take in all the Illawarra Escarpment can offer,” Ms Peterson said.
“Now these trails are open, I hope every rider enjoys the adventure but rides lightly to help protect the area for generations to come.”
Greens MP and environmental spokesperson Sue Higginson said the government had created the first formal trails without sufficient investment in the closure and rehabilitation of the illegal track network.
“It’s time to repair the bush that’s been impacted by rogue illegal track construction through sensitive ecological and cultural areas,” Ms Higginson said.
“Conservation should be the primary role of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, but we’re seeing public funding spent on infrastructure while ecological restoration and erosion control is neglected.
“The public investment on formal trails was always justified on the removal of the illegal trails – so let’s see it. No waiting. No delays.”
The council has provided carparking in Kembla Village to minimise the impact on residents.
