Cycling the Illawarra
Few places in Australia pack so much variety into such a small area. In a single morning you can ride the clifftop curves of the Grand Pacific Drive, cross the Sea Cliff Bridge above the Pacific, and climb into subtropical rainforest on the Illawarra escarpment. It's why Wollongong hosted the 2022 UCI Road World Championships — and why riders come back again and again.
These guides are written by Cycle Tours NSW's local riders, John Armstrong and Fred David, who ride these roads every week. Each one covers distance, climbing, terrain, the tricky bits and where to stop for coffee.
Cycling the Illawarra: the best road rides from Wollongong to Kiama
Why the Illawarra is great for cycling?
Coast and mountains in one ride. The escarpment rises straight up behind the coastal strip, so climbs start minutes from the beach.
World Championships pedigree. Ride the same Mount Keira and Mount Pleasant climbs the pros raced in 2022.
Year-round riding. Mild winters mean the coast rides well even in July.
Easy to reach. About 80 minutes from Sydney by car, or take the South Coast Line train with your bike.
Great café culture. From North Wollongong to Kiama Harbour, there's always a coffee stop close by.
Things to know before you ride
Wind: a southerly change can arrive fast in the afternoon. Plan to ride south in the morning and come home with the tailwind.
Traffic: Lawrence Hargrave Drive and Macquarie Pass are busy on weekends. Ride early, ride single file where the road narrows.
Weather: the escarpment can be cloudy, wet and 5–8°C cooler than the coast. Pack a vest.
Wildlife and cows: watch for wallabies on Jamberoo Mountain Road and cattle grids on farm roads.
Trains: the South Coast Line stops at Thirroul, Wollongong, Shellharbour Junction and Kiama — handy for one-way rides.