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Mount Keira Ring track

Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Mount Keira Ring track.

Track grading

Grade 4

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

5.5km loop

Time

3hrs 30min - 4hrs 30min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

Experienced bushwalkers

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Byarong Park picnic area, where the track begins, is in the Mount Keira precinct of Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. To get there:

  • Heading south on the Southern Freeway from Waterfall towards Wollongong, exit at Figtree.
  • Turn left onto the Princes Highway
  • After 0.5km, turn left again onto Mount Keira Road. It is 3km to Byarong Park.

Parking

Parking is available at Byarong Park. 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 Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. Here are some of the highlights.

Spring

Enjoy a native wildflower display on the Forest walk.

Summer

Cool your heels on the Mount Keira ring track, which threads through refreshing rainforest.

Winter

Take advantage of the escarpment elevation for a spot of whale watching north of Mount Keira, or from one of the several lookouts.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

16.5°C and 25.6°C

Highest recorded

42.3°C

Winter temperature

Average

8.3°C and 18.3°C

Lowest recorded

-0.5°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

April

Driest month

August

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

316mm

Facilities

Drinking water isn't available in this area, so you'll need to bring your own supply.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

  • This walking track is a landslide hazard area. Rocks, trees, or branches may fall. Avoid this track during or after rain.
  • Please take care on this walk, stay on the track and keep a safe distance from cliff edges.

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 walking opportunities in this park are suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking.

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).

Prohibited

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.

Mount Keira Ring track

Operated by

Park info

  • in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area in the South Coast region

  • Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. However, it is recommended that bushwalking only be undertaken during daylight hours because of the presence of cliff edges and other hazards.