Project overview
The network will offer an inclusive mountain biking experience for all ages and abilities – while balancing the protection the area's outstanding natural and cultural values.
The timeline below shows where we are up to, including completion of Kembla Network – Stage 1 and planning and approvals for Balgownie Network. It summarises the indicative project milestones, which may change dependent on weather and other unforeseen events.
Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project timeline
Kembla Network – Stage 1: under construction
We are pleased to announce that over 60% of Stage 1 of the Kembla Network has been built, despite substantial delays due to rain and associated wet conditions.
Synergy Trails have completed over 10 kilometres of track, with 8 kilometres currently under construction. These include challenging climbing trails, a jumps park, cross-country loops and a broad range of technical, flow and gravity trails for a broad range of rider skill levels. The work also includes upgrades to existing tracks to improve drainage and erosion control and formalise these as part of network.
In sensitive, steep or difficult areas, tracks have been built by hand to manage the individual challenges in those areas. A variety of track infrastructure such as rock armouring, sub-soil drainage, retaining walls, and elevated tracks are also being constructed to future-proof the network.
As part of the work, we are also revegetating and rehabilitating degraded areas to improve environmental outcomes.
The next steps for Stage 1 include installing track features such as bridges, flyovers and additional infrastructure.
Construction is being carried out in accordance with rigorous environmental and cultural heritage planning approvals, the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy and our Cycling Strategy.
Please stay off the tracks until opened – we appreciate your patience. People are reminded that the area is a closed construction site. Please stay off the tracks until they are opened in mid-2025 for your safety and to allow the network to be completed.
Helicopter operations at Kembla Heights
Over the next few months, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be using helicopters to lift heavy construction materials for the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project, at Kembla Heights on the Illawarra Escarpment.
The work will be carried out approximately every 2 weeks between October and December, with each operation expected to take up to 2 days to complete.
The first helicopter operation is scheduled for business hours on 8 to 9 October, weather permitting. For safety, the area is a closed construction site.
Further helicopter operation dates will be posted on the park's webpage as they are confirmed.
Helicopters are one of the most efficient and low-impact ways of transporting heavy construction materials to remote, sensitive and less accessible park areas.
Balgownie Network
Following the exhibition of the Balgownie Network draft review of environmental factors in late 2023 and further stakeholder consultation, we have taken the opportunity to make some minor changes to the network alignment to facilitate more suitable access.
We appreciate everyone's feedback on the draft review of environmental factors and expect the plan to be finalised in the coming months. We will advise you when it is available on the project webpage.
Off-park supporting facilities
Work is moving forward on Wollongong City Council's supporting infrastructure for the mountain bike network.
The new retaining wall, fencing and stabilisation of the existing informal car park adjacent to the Wollongong Motorcycle Club entry road has been completed, and there is a new footpath connection that links the new parking bays on Harry Graham Drive with the trails and Wollongong Motorcycle Club entry.
An additional 20 car spaces have been constructed on Harry Graham Drive and work has been completed on the future shuttle drop-off zone.
The council's infrastructure will support the network, minimise impacts on residents and create safe and accessible riding experiences.
For more information, visit the council's webpage.
Rehabilitating unauthorised tracks at Mount Keira
Mount Keira is a special place of Aboriginal cultural significance and natural heritage values. The safety, environmental and cultural impacts of illegal, unsanctioned mountain bike tracks at Mount Keira impact these values.
The new network will provide a sustainable and authorised mountain biking alternative on the Illawarra Escarpment, in accordance with rigorous environmental and cultural heritage assessment and planning approvals.
Following the opening of the Kembla Network – Stage 1, unauthorised tracks at Mount Keira will be progressively closed and rehabilitated, to better protect Aboriginal cultural and natural heritage values. This will be completed using a staged approach and will include the removal of structures, erosion management, revegetation, signage, and a monitoring program.
Protecting natural and cultural values
Our national parks and reserves are managed to protect their unique values and provide for sustainable visitor use and enjoyment.
All visitor infrastructure improvements in the parks are subject to environmental and Aboriginal heritage assessments and rigorous planning approvals to ensure compliance with relevant environmental and heritage management plans under state and Commonwealth legislation.
The Illawarra Escarpment contains one of the most extensive rainforest areas in the Sydney basin, forming a crucial corridor between Royal National Park and the South Coast. The area acts as an important refuge, with 12 threatened species listed in the park.
The Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike project strikes a balance between the protection of natural and cultural values, while providing for sustainable mountain biking opportunities.
Creating memorable visitor experiences
Interpretation through innovative storytelling is one of the most effective ways to enhance the visitor experience, showcase the escarpment's natural and cultural values, and create a strong connection to nature.
To create a unique and immersive mountain biking experience for the Illawarra Escarpment, we have engaged specialist consultants to design interpretation and wayfinding signs for the network.
The work aims to deliver rich and engaging interpretation to promote the park's natural, historical, and cultural values, help people safely explore and navigate the network, and create memorable experiences for visitors. It is expected this will include a range of mediums including artistic installations, information panels, maps, wayfinding signs, and online products.
Engaging with the community
We recognise that community input adds value to the work we do, and have been meeting with stakeholders and the community including onsite visits, to ensure community aspirations for the project are considered.
We will continue to engage with the community in a meaningful way as the project progresses.
More information
For more information or to register your interest to receive updates visit the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Project webpage.
One of the completed tracks, weaving its way through the forest. 
A mix of trail types and skills means options for all levels of riders. 
Freshly built tracks will blend with the landscape as they settle over time. 
Rock armour is critical in wet sections to improve track sustainability and protect the environment. 
Off-park supporting facilities such as this carpark upgrade are currently underway by Wollongong City Council 
A spectacular tree fern in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area