Forest Walk to Sublime Point Track

Attraction
Rainforest and bridge, Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. Photo: NSW Government
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Park alerts

Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

5 current alerts · Checked 12 Oct 2026, 11:05 pm

  • Closed areasUntil 30 Nov 2026

    No access to Austinmer via Sublime Point Walking Track

    The Forest Walk terminates at Sublime Point due to major upgrades on the Sublime Point Walking Track which is closed from Monday 18 August 2025 to Monday 30 November 2026.

    There is no walking access to Austinmer or Austinmer Train Station.

    The upgrade is supported by the NSW and Australian Government’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund to repair and rebuild public assets directly impacted by natural disasters since 2019.

    Penalties apply for non-compliance. For information on alternative walks, contact the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre on 02 4236 0469.

About

The Illawarra Escarpment offers a full range of exciting walks. This extended hike combines several of the best, threading through magnificent cliff-top rainforest and dry eucalypts.

Start the walk at either Coalcliff (Wodi Wodi track) or Austinmer (Sublime Point track). Both trackheads are a short stroll from the train station. Your path then ascends sharply before snaking a leisurely 11 kilometres along Forest walk. Views are superb across the panoramic coast below, as you wander through upland swamps and tall blackbutt-apple shale forest. You’re bound to capture some inspiring photos here.

You can cap it all off with a post-trek barbecue: at Sublime Point lookout, the track takes a steep turn down to Austinmer via a narrow cliff ledge and several ladders. The nearby Lady Fuller park, featuring picnic tables and toilets, offers a fitting end to your challenging, but rewarding hike.

Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area · South Coast

Combining several hiking tracks, this extended day walk is one of the region’s best, taking in scenic views of the coast and Sydney, with access to nearby forest picnic spots.

Difficulty
Grade 4 · Hard
Distance
14km one-way
Time
5 - 6hrs

What to bring

  • Hat
  • Sunscreen

Plan your walk

Access, facilities and practical details.

Frequently asked questions

6 questions

Get in touch

Wollongong office

02 4224 4188npws.illawarrahighlands@environment.nsw.gov.au

Unit G Ground Floor, 84 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm

Where you'll be

Lawrence Hargrave Drive

Stanwell Park NSW 2508