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Mount Kembla 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 Kembla Ring track.

Track grading

Grade 4

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

5.3km loop

Time

2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

Experienced bushwalkers

Gradient

Very steep

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Mount Kembla Ring track is in the Mount Kembla precinct of Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. To get there from Sydney:

    • Drive south on the Princes Motorway (M1) to West Wollongong.
    • Take the exit for Princes Highway, heading south.
    • Continue for 2.5km, then turn right onto Cordeaux Road.
    • Stay on Cordeaux Road for about 7km to reach the carpark at Mount Kembla lookout (on your left hand side).

    Walk across the small clearing next to the carpark to reach the trackhead. Veer right and follow signs for Mount Kembla Ring track.

    Parking

    Parking is available at the carpark at Mount Kembla lookout.

    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

    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.

    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

    Gathering firewood

    Firewood may not be gathered in Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.

    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 Kembla 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.