The entrance to the Sublime Point Track at the Sublime Point end. The track will be closed for up to a year for upgrades. Photo: N Cubbin, DCCEEW.
One of the Illawarra’s most iconic and popular bushwalking trails will be closed for up to a year while it is upgraded.
The Sublime Point Walking Track will be closed from Monday 18 August until mid-2026 to allow the installation of more than 1000 stone steps.
All existing timber steps will be replaced with the stone steps, each weighing around 100 kg, which will be airlifted in by helicopter over the coming months.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) says specialist crews will work to improve the track surface and safeguard it against future natural disasters.
The track only reopened in November last year following a two-year closure when it became unstable following severe rains.
The track, used by about 65,000 visitors each year, is 700 m one way and takes between 30 and 45 minutes to walk given its steep gradient and numerous steps.
More than 1000 stone steps will be installed along the track. Photo: N Cubbin, DCCEEW.
The terrain means it is too difficult to carry the stone, equipment and tools by hand.
Crews will also work to widen the track at various points, allowing walkers and runners to safely pass and improve the flow of foot traffic.
NPWS spokesperson Andrew Hall said the critical work would result in a safer and more sustainable track.
“It’s such a large-scale project that has been in the planning for years, so we are looking forward to starting the work and reopening the track as soon as we are able,” he said.
“It will be quite spectacular seeing the nearly 100 kg stones being flown over the escarpment and lowered into place.
“We will update the community on the timing of these heli-lifts as they will be subject to weather conditions.”
Mr Hall said while the Sublime Point track was closed, keen bushwalkers could visit other tracks within the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area including the Forest Walk, Wodi Wodi Track, Gibson Walking Track, the Woodward Loop Track and the Mount Keira Ring Track.
Visit NPWS for more information on walks in the area.
