Illawarra Escarpment/Kembla MTB Trails

Illawarra Escarpment MTB Network – Wollongong The Illawarra Escarpment MTB Network is an emerging mountain bike destination above Wollongong on the NSW South Coast, bringing purpose-built and officially sanctioned mountain biking to the dramatic forested slopes of the Illawarra Escarpment. The first major part of the network, the Kembla Mountain Bike Trails, opened in 2025 with around 20km of purpose-built trails. This is the beginning of a much bigger planned 70km Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network, with a further approximately 50km proposed for delivery in 2027. The Kembla network makes the most of the escarpment’s elevation and natural terrain, with dedicated mountain bike trails winding through the bushland around Mount Kembla and Kembla Heights. The official trails provide a much more sustainable way to experience mountain biking in the area while protecting the escarpment’s significant environmental and cultural values. The wider Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area rises dramatically behind Wollongong, creating a spectacular backdrop for riding with dense forest, steep terrain and glimpses back towards the coast. With Wollongong less than 10km away, it also has the ingredients to become a major MTB destination within easy reach of Sydney. Importantly, the area is currently going through a significant transition. From June 2026, NSW National Parks began progressively closing and rehabilitating unauthorised MTB trails around Mount Keira as the sanctioned network is developed. Riders should only use trails that are officially approved and open; closed trails may be signposted or physically blocked and penalties can apply for entering restricted areas. For riders searching for Illawarra mountain bike trails, Wollongong MTB, Mount Kembla mountain biking, mountain biking near Sydney or MTB trails on the NSW South Coast, the Illawarra Escarpment is one to watch as the official network continues to grow. RTS Tip: This is one where current mapping really matters. Don’t rely on older Strava routes, videos or historic trail maps, as some previously ridden trails are now being closed and rehabilitated. Stick to the approved network and check NSW National Parks trail status before heading out. The existing Kembla trails are just Stage 1, with the official network planned to eventually reach around 70km