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Clover Hill trail

Macquarie Pass National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Clover Hill trail.

Track grading

Grade 5

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

6km return

Time

2 - 3hrs

Quality of markings

No directional signage

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    The trackhead is at the northern edge of Cascades picnic area. From Sydney and Wollongong:

    • Take the Princes Highway and Southern Freeway to the Illawarra Highway turnoff at Haywards Bay
    • Travel about 14km along the Illawarra Highway, which veers right in Albion Park, to Macquarie Pass National Park.
    • After passing the Macquarie Pass National Park sign at the bottom of Macquarie Pass, travel 2.2km further along the highway.
    • Clover Hill Road is signposted on the left and the carpark is at the start of the trail

    From Robertson:

    • Take the Illawarra Highway east to reach Macquarie Pass National Park and Cascades picnic area
    • Clover Hill Road is signposted on the right, 5km after the Macquarie Pass National Park sign on the first hairpin bend, and the carpark is at the start of the trail.
    • Please be careful turning off and entering the Illawarra Highway at Clover Hill Road, as visibility is limited by the windy road.

    The main road used to access Macquarie Pass National Park is the Illawarra Highway which may close at times due to road works or accidents. For information on whether the Illawarra Highway is open, contact NSW Roads and Maritime Services on 13 22 13 or check Live Traffic NSW before you visit.

    Parking

    Parking is available in the designated carpark. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Macquarie Pass National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

    Autumn

    Take on some longer walks and see the lilly pillys fruiting.

    Spring

    Smell the sweet scent of flowering pittosporum and wattle throughout the park.

    Summer

    Walk in the cool of the rainforest and see the Illawarra flame trees and coachwoods in flower.

    Winter

    Enjoy the early wattle blooming at the edge of the forest and bring your binoculars for the bird activity of late winter.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    18°C and 25°C

    Highest recorded

    42.4°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    8°C and 18°C

    Lowest recorded

    2.3°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    September

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    304.4mm

    Facilities

    Carpark

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    The path is less defined than others in this park – it’s a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass or a GPS.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    River and lake safety

    The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - hard

    • Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty
    • The road is reasonably level but can be muddy or covered in thick leaf litter.

    Prohibited

    Gathering firewood

    • Firewood may not be collected from the park

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Clover Hill trail

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