Overview
Kembla mountain bike trails offer adventures for riders of all ages and skill levels. Located near Wollongong, these special trails have been carefully crafted to get your legs pumping while protecting the environment. Come and ride lightly through Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area on Dharawal Country.
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Distance
- 20km of trails
- Time suggested
- 1-3 hr
- Grade
- Easy. The network offers green, blue and black trails.
- Opening times
Kembla mountain bike trails are open from sunrise to sunset.
- What to
bring - Drinking water, helmet, sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, suitable clothing, snacks, mobile phone, first aid kit, bike repair kit
Carefully crafted for all levels of riders, Kembla mountain bike trails offer 20km of unforgettable riding near Wollongong. Nestled in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area with pockets of rainforest and ocean views, you'll be able to leave your worries behind and enjoy a few well-spent hours connecting to nature.
Whether you're exploring with family or chasing your next adventure the green trails offer great runs for beginners and children, while experienced riders can test their skills on blue and black runs which serve up technical sections and multiple line choices.
Remember to 'ride lightly' on these special trails because the escarpment is also home to echidnas, wallabies, reptiles, possums, gliders, and birds including lyrebirds and owls. During your bike ride please keep an eye out for wildlife which can venture close to the trail.
Remember:
- Check alerts before you leave home to ensure the trails you plan to ride are open.
- Trails will be closed after heavy rain or strong winds.
- Please bring a clean bike to avoid spreading weeds and seeds throught the park.
- Bushwalking, trail running, motorcycling, or horse riding is not permitted on these trails.
- Pets are not permitted in the park.
- A section of Harry Graham Drive is closed for road upgrades until mid-2026. Find out more about getting there and parking.
The Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network is a joint initiative between National Parks and Wildlife Service and City of Wollongong Council for sustainable mountain bike riding on the Illawarra Escarpment.
Which trails are for you?
Green trails - easy
The main trails start 500m from Main Trail carpark. The first 200m might be difficult for beginner riders.
Gateway - 440m. Perfect for beginners with flowy turns, gentle rollers and small jumps. It’s a great way to ease into jump-based riding.
Power Up - 840m. With stunning coastal views, this scenic trail climbs follows the main creek and descends along the gas line, passing through wooded and grassy terrain before reaching the advanced trails - The Meg and Jaws.
Easy Rider - 730m. This trail features 2 two large bridges and has climbing and descending corners. It connects to the central climbing section, introducing riders to jumpable rollers and steeper sections.
Creekside - 850m. An easy, fun exit trail ideal for beginner riders, featuring smooth terrain with rollers, big turns, bridges, and rock features as it winds through the valley and loops around the main creek.
Blue trails - intermediate
Stinger Climb - 880. A scenic blue climb with challenging grades, this trail winds through temperate forest on smooth bench cuts, ascending to the heart of the trail network.
I Know I Can - 430m. A jump trail perfect for beginners to work on their airborne skills. It has larger berms, rollers, and jumps that you can roll over to gain confidence before taking flight.
I Think I Can - 380m. A progression-focused trail building on 'I Know I Can,' featuring larger jumps, rollers, berms and a flyover bridge – all rollable and perfect for advancing skills with smooth, controlled flow.
Chameleon Blue - 600m. A popular blue descent starting in pine forest, flowing onto a raised rainforest boardwalk, then transitioning into fast jumps and steep, rock-armoured turns for an adventurous ride.
Coastline - 620m. An exhilarating descent with coastal views, flowing through berms, step-downs and table-tops on a grassy hillside. Highlights include an iconic corner overlooking Lake Illawarra and a fast, jump-filled run into the Chameleon black trail finale.
Echo - 1560m. A cross-country trail with rocky climbs and descents, flowing through tight, fast sections in lomandra bush and linking to trails on the network’s edge.
False Start - 590m. A dynamic trail with tight climbing switchbacks leading to a rolling flow section featuring rollers, small tabletops, bridges, and rock-armoured segments, connecting to Creekside’s main junction.
Vortex - 1050m. Vortex delivers a thrilling 130m descent packed with spicy blue jumps, drops, step-downs, steep sections, tall berms, and dynamic flow – perfect for jump enthusiasts.
4 Seasons - 1180m. A long, varied descent with tabletops, rollers, rock armouring, and rollovers. Features include big bridges, tight bermed corners, a thrilling rock drop, and a rollable finish.
Flint Affect - 120m. Short, sweet and a test of precision. The steep descent with scattered rock boulders is a challenge to navigate and serves as a fun and dynamic link between descending levels.
Pit Props - 140m. Following an old log road this climb offers a short yet rewarding challenge. The trail twists and turns, connecting the front 2 eastern levels of the network.
Endless Summer - 1460m. This upper XC loop follows the mid-ridge featuring technical rock sections, gully bridges and tight turns through varied vegetation. It links back via a climb, offering an alternate descent without dropping to the valley floor.
Switched Up - 2000m. The main climbing trail in the central network guides riders to the peak of the network with 47 switchbacks winding through diverse vegetation.
Blue/Black - intermediate/difficult
Chameleon Black – 350m. The lizard has changed colour and picked up the pace. This adventurous descent becomes ever steeper before flattening out to one of our park entrances.
Black trails - difficult
Jaws - 350m. For advanced riders only, this tough, black-rated jump trail has small gaps, shark fin-style jumps, big berms and drops. It’s full of technical challenges for a thrilling and intense ride.
The Meg - 310m. A challenge for advanced riders only. This trail has extensive gap jumps, larger shark fin-style features, huge berms, big drops and a thrilling flyover jump.
Mad If You Don’t - 870m. A fast, technical black diamond descent through rainforest, featuring gaps over watercourses, big rocks, steep drops, and precision riding—linking back to the lower Chameleon trail. Caution: this trail includes a gap jump, with an easier B-Line option. Only attempt the jump if you are an expert rider.
Mind The Gaps - 280m. A brief but thrilling black diamond trail with multiple gap jumps, fast, flowy sections, and steep descents.
Do Drop in - 1100m. A black diamond descent from the network’s highest point, featuring rock and log drops, fast berms, rugged creek crossings, an 8 metre gully bridge and a technical rock-armoured finish along the main creek. Caution: this trail includes two gap jumps, with an easier B-Line option. Only attempt the jump if you are an expert rider.
Chalk n Cheese - 310m. Starting off smooth and easy but guaranteed to get the heart pumping. This trail quickly skirts the gully before plunging into a short, intense rock-filled descent through lush rainforest.
Espresso - 290m. A short, steep, black-rated technical trail, including off-camber sections, rock drops, chutes, and a thrilling descent through a watercourse.
Two-way links and management trails
Two-way links connect the trail network:
Chain Link – 160m.
Gate Pass – 220m. Gate Pass trail may be difficult for beginners. Please supervise children.
Management trail
Reservoir management trail – 995m. Please supervise children and watch out for vehicles on this trail.
Adaptive riding
Some green trails may be suitable for adaptive riders. Adaptive riders can enter the trails through the bike gate located at the rear of the Main Trail carpark, off Harry Graham Drive.
- The car park does not have designated accessible parking.
- The toilets at the trail head (entrance) cater for adaptive bikes however most riders will need assistance to operate the door.
Improved access and accessible parking for adaptive riders is being delivered in stage 2 of the Kembla mountain bike trails project.
Maps and apps
- Download the Trailforks app on your phone and search 'Kembla mountain bike trails'.
- Download our PDF map of Kembla mountain bike trails.
Safe and responsible riding
Only ride if the trail is open
Remember to check for closures before you leave home. Trails can be temporarily closed after rain, during strong winds, or for maintenance. This is to protect your safety and the environment. Short term closures might not be listed online so follow park signage on the ground.
You can only ride the sign-posted mountain bike trails. Bikes aren't allowed on closed trails, walking tracks, or forested areas.
Ride to your ability
Check the trail rating and only ride within your own ability and skill level. You’re responsible for staying in control, keeping yourself safe, and looking out for others.
Never stop on a trail where others can’t see you. It’s also dangerous to block or obstruct a trail.
Share the trails
Most of the mountain bike trails are one-way or single direction. Be considerate of other riders, slow down, call out, and make sure you alert other riders before overtaking them on the right.
Look uphill before entering a trail and give way to other riders.
Most trails start or finish on access roads or tracks in the forest. Some trails cross others so be careful when crossing these.
Wear safety gear
You'll need to wear an Australian Standard helmet. It's mandatory for riding the trails. A full-face helmet is recommended.
Protect yourself and wear safety gear including gloves, eye protection, knee and elbow pads, closed shoes, long sleeves.
Make sure your bike is in good condition and check brakes and tyres before you leave home. Remember to carry tools, spares, a mobile phone and sun protection.
In an emergency
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000). Find the nearest emergency marker and give the unique number to emergency services to confirm your location.
In the case of fire or smoke in the area, notify emergency services on 000, and leave the area via the nearest carpark.
Respect the trails
Ride lightly to protect the trails and the park. Staying on the trail protects you and the environment.
Make sure your bike and shoes are clean before you arrive. This is important to prevent the spread of weeds and plant diseases. A cleaning station is located at the trail entry.
Take all rubbish away with you and don’t disturb wildlife, plants or rocks.
Please don’t skid, cut corners, change the trails or try or form new ones, and don’t ride when it’s wet or muddy.
Volunteer on the trails
Don't just ride the trails, get to know your community while working to maintain them. Volunteer to assist with the maintenance of the mountain bike network.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/cycling-trails/kembla-mountain-bike-trails/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
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.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Kembla mountain bike trails.
Getting there and parking
Kembla mountain bike trails are in Illawarra State Conservation Area, near Wollongong.
From Sydney:
- Drive south for an hour on the M1 which becomes the A1
- Take the exit for Picton Rd/B88,
- Turn left on to Mount Keira Road
- Turn right on to Harry Graham Drive
- Follow the tourist directional signs to the Main trail carpark.
- City Of Wollongong is completing essential roadworks along Harry Graham Drive until mid 2026. Expect some traffic delays.
From Canberra:
- Drive north on the M23/M31 for 2 hours
- Turn right on to B88
- Continue along Mount Keira Road
- Turn right on to Harry Graham Drive
- Follow the tourist directional signs to the Main trail carpark.
- City Of Wollongong is completing essential roadworks along Harry Graham Drive until mid 2026. Expect some traffic delays.
From Kembla Heights:
- Harry Graham Drive will be closed in both directions between Wollongong Motorcycle Club and Kembla Village from October 2025 until mid-2026 while City Of Wollongong is carrying out essential road maintenance and upgrades.
- Access to the blue and black trails (only) is available via the small Council-operated Kembla Heights car park (just north of Kembla Heights Bowling Club on Harry Graham Drive).
For safety, and to avoid congestion, please don't park on the roadside. - There is no access to the green trails from Kembla Heights during the closure of Harry Graham Drive. To access green trails use the Main trail carpark off Harry Graham Drive via Mount Keira Road coming from the north.
Parking tip
- To access the green trails use the Council-operated Main trail carpark. The Main trail carpark is off Harry Graham Drive via Mount Keira Road.
- If you don't need green trails and only wish to ride blue and black trails aim for the Council-operated Kembla Heights carpark.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Parking
- To access the green trails use the Council-operated Main trail carpark. The Main trail carpark is off Harry Graham Drive via Mount Keira Road.
- If you don't need green trails and only wish to ride blue and black trails aim for the Council-operated Kembla Heights carpark.
By public transport
Catch a train to Unanderra Station. Depart the train and ride north along Princes Highway, then turn left at Harry Graham Drive.
Facilities
- There's no drinking water on the trails. Bring water with you.
- There are no bins so you’ll need to take all rubbish with you.
Toilets
- A small toilet facility is available at the start of the main trails, about 550m from Main trail carpark.
- Public toilets are also locatied at the entry to Chain Link trail, off Kembla Water Reservoir Management Trail.
- Non-flush toilets
Carpark
Seats and resting points
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
Some green trails may be suitable for adaptive riders. Adaptive riders can enter the trails through the bike gate located at the rear of the Main Trail carpark, off Harry Graham Drive.
- The car park does not have designated accessible parking.
- The toilets at the trail head (entrance) cater for adaptive bikes however most riders will need assistance to operate the door.
- There are a limited number of bench seats available.
Delivering a mountain bike riding experience for accessible riders is a key objective of the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Strategy and is a priority for Stage 2 of the project. This involves developing suitable access and parking facilities and assessing the Kembla mountain bike trails in line with the Adaptive Trail Rating (ATR) system under the Australian Adaptive Mountain Bike Guidelines.
Hard access is via steps or a steep slope, or you'll have to move across a rough surface with obstacles such as potholes, tree roots, and rocks. Assistance will be necessary.
Permitted
Cycling
Prohibited
- Any mountain bike group rides, events, or commercial activities require prior consent from the local park office.
- For your safety, bushwalking is not permitted on the trails.
- Trailbikes and motorcycles are not permitted on the trails.
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Camping
Drones
Gathering firewood
Generators
Horses
Pets
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
Kembla mountain bike trails is in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
200 million years and counting
The 500-metre-high Illawarra Escarpment provides a dramatic backdrop to the city of Wollongong and spans 200 million years of geological history. The escarpment is so notable, it's currently listed as a 'Scenic Landscape of State-wide Significance' on the Register of the National Trust of Australia (NSW).
- Forest walk to Sublime Point track 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.
- Mount Keira Ring track Encircling Mount Keira, the ring track passes through the varied terrains and forests of the Illawarra Escarpment, starting and finishing in a perfect picnic spot.
- Sublime Point walking track For a challenging walk through rainforest, Sublime Point walking track offers great birdwatching and scenic views across Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.
Going bush
The Illawarra Escarpment contains the most extensive area of rainforest in the Sydney basin and forms a crucial corridor between Royal National Park and the South Coast. The area acts as an important refuge for species that are affected by environmental disturbances such as development and bushfires. There are currently 12 threatened animal species in the area. You might even spot a lyrebird, the wildlife emblem of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
- Byarong Park picnic area Easily accessible and featuring all the facilities needed to enjoy a barbecue, the popular Byarong Park picnic area also offers walking track access and birdwatching.
- Forest walk to Sublime Point track 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.
How it all began
The Illawarra Escarpment lands were occupied by the Wodi Wodi Aboriginal people for 20,000 years. As such, they are a source of cultural legends and of continuing spiritual significance: Mount Kembla and Mount Keira, for example, feature in a number of creation stories. The conversation area also contains traditional routes of travel between the coastal plain and the plateau.
- Mount Kembla Ring track Taking in a significant Aboriginal site, local heritage, stunning scenic rainforest and a notable landmark, the Mount Kembla Ring track offers a taste of everything.
Our colonial past
The Illawarra Escarpment area is full of important local heritage, including colonial roads like the ones constructed by Surveyor-General Thomas Mitchell around 1834. Some were even built by convicts. Keep your eyes open for buildings, portals, rail tracks and other features from former farming and coal mining.
- Mount Keira Ring track Encircling Mount Keira, the ring track passes through the varied terrains and forests of the Illawarra Escarpment, starting and finishing in a perfect picnic spot.
Weekend city escape
Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area's convenient proximity to the city and public transport options means it has become an important venue for sports and recreation - on weekends it buzzes with hikers, picnickers, and cyclists.
- Byarong Park picnic area Easily accessible and featuring all the facilities needed to enjoy a barbecue, the popular Byarong Park picnic area also offers walking track access and birdwatching.
- Illawarra Escarpment mountain bike volunteers The Illawarra mountain bike network is a popular mountain bike network in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, near Wollongong. If cleaning up the garden is one of your strengths, volunteer today to help us maintain the trails.
- Kembla mountain bike trails Kembla mountain bike trails offer adventures for riders of all ages and skill levels. Located near Wollongong, these special trails have been carefully crafted to get your legs pumping while protecting the environment. Come and ride lightly through Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area on Dharawal Country.
- Robertson lookout The most scenic views of Mount Keira can be found at Robertson’s lookout, and tables make this a terrific picnic spot as well.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
-
Superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae)
With a complex mimicking call and an elaborate courtship dance to match, the superb lyrebird is one of the most spectacular Australian animals. A bird watching must-see, the superb lyrebird can be found in rainforests and wet woodlands across eastern NSW and Victoria.
-
Peron's tree frog (Litoria peroni)
Peron’s tree frog is found right across NSW. These tree-climbing and ground-dwelling Australian animals can quickly change colour, ranging from pale green-grey by day, to a reddish brown with emerald green flecks at night. The male frog has a drill-like call, which has been described as a 'maniacal cackle’.
-
Grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)
The grey-headed flying fox is Australia's largest native bat, with a wingspan up to 1m. This threatened species travels up and down south-eastern Australia and plays a vital role in pollinating plants and spreading seeds in our native forests.