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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

Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park is a purpose-built MTB destination just south of Wollongong, packing almost 12km of dedicated trails into the hills above Cringila. With sweeping views across Wollongong’s industrial coastline, Lake Illawarra and the ocean, it’s a great example of an urban bike park that offers something for everyone from first-time riders through to experienced mountain bikers. The network is predominantly green and blue-rated, with a couple of black jump lines for more experienced riders. Expect a mix of flowing descents, berms, rollers, jumps, drops and technical features, with trails designed so riders can gradually progress as their confidence and skills improve. One of Cringila’s biggest strengths is its progression-focused setup. Alongside the main trails is a 225m asphalt pump track, a dedicated bike skills playground and a jumps park aimed at beginner to intermediate riders. The skills area lets newer riders practise balance, cornering, jumping and small drops before heading onto the main network. The park was created on a former landfill site, transforming previously underused land into a major recreation precinct. Beyond the MTB trails, Cringila Hills Recreation Park includes more than 3.4km of shared-use and walking trails, an inclusive playground and other recreation facilities. It’s also incredibly accessible for a mountain bike park. Cringila is around 10–15 minutes south of central Wollongong, with the main entrance and parking off Lackawanna Street, and entry to the park is free. For riders searching for Wollongong MTB, Cringila Bike Park, Illawarra mountain bike trails, family-friendly MTB near Sydney or beginner mountain bike trails in NSW, Cringila is an excellent network to add to the ride list. RTS Tip: Cringila is particularly good for families and progression — start in the skills playground or pump track, move onto the green trails and work your way through the blues before considering the black jump lines. The dirt trails are sensitive to rain and can close at short notice, so always check the current trail status before heading out. The park is officially open sunrise to sunset, with the Lackawanna Street gates locked outside those hours.

Helensburgh MTB Park is a long-established mountain bike riding area in Helensburgh, NSW, sitting between Sydney and Wollongong and offering a huge variety of natural singletrack, technical trails and cross-country riding. The wider Helensburgh trail network is extensive, with current mapping showing more than 80 individual trails and around 75km of mapped riding. The mix ranges from easier green singletrack through to intermediate and advanced trails, giving riders plenty of options for anything from a quick session to a much bigger day exploring the surrounding bushland. At the heart of the local riding scene is Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club -HORCC Track, with the Helensburgh Off Road Cycle Club (HORCC) supporting riding and trail activity in the area. Expect a distinctly old-school Sydney MTB feel, with natural surfaces, roots, rocks, tight singletrack, short punchy climbs and technical descents rather than a manicured modern trail-centre experience. Mapped trails include everything from approachable lines such as Grass Track through to more challenging riding spread across the wider network. Helensburgh also connects riders with Cawleys Road trail and the surrounding Garawarra State Conservation Area. NSW National Parks specifically permits mountain biking on Cawleys Road Trail, a generally flat mix of bitumen and gravel through scribbly gum forest, with other trails connecting from the route. Its location makes Helensburgh a great option for riders searching for mountain biking near Sydney, Helensburgh MTB trails, mountain biking near Wollongong, Illawarra MTB trails or technical mountain bike trails in NSW. RTS Tip: There is a lot more riding around Helensburgh than can sensibly fit into one Ride Card. RTS will work on getting the individual routes added as separate rides over time, but until then check the mapping link to explore the individual trails, grades and connections across the network. Trail access and conditions can change, so follow current signage and closures and make sure the trails you choose are open to bikes.

Mt Kembla Memorial Pathway Rail Trail – Wollongong The Mt Kembla Memorial Pathway is a short but fascinating heritage rail trail at Mount Kembla in the Illawarra, following part of the former railway infrastructure associated with the area’s historic coal-mining industry. Rail Trails Australia lists the open trail at approximately 2km and suitable for mountain bikes, touring and hybrid bikes as well as walkers and other path users. The pathway provides a glimpse into Mount Kembla’s mining history, with the route connecting towards Memorial Pathway - Nebo's Bradford Breaker Lookout at Kembla Heights. The surrounding landscape is a mix of escarpment bushland, old industrial sites and remnants of the railway and mining operations that once dominated this part of the Illawarra. Rather than a long-distance rail trail, this is best considered a short heritage ride or an addition to a bigger Mount Kembla cycling adventure. Its relatively short distance makes it approachable for recreational riders and families looking to explore some of the region’s history by bike. There’s now another big reason for mountain bikers to visit the area. The nearby Kembla Mountain Bike Trails opened in 2025, adding around 20km and 25 purpose-built trails across the Illawarra Escarpment, ranging from green beginner trails through to difficult black-rated riding. For riders searching for Mt Kembla cycling, Wollongong rail trails, Illawarra bike trails, Mount Kembla heritage trails or cycling near Wollongong, the Memorial Pathway is an interesting little piece of the region’s cycling and mining history. RTS Tip: At around 2km, don't expect the Mt Kembla Memorial Pathway to fill a day on its own. Treat it as a short heritage exploration and combine it with other riding around Mount Kembla. If you're heading onto the nearby MTB network, make sure you're following the current sanctioned trail mapping, as access across the escarpment has changed significantly with the development of the new official trails.

GreenValleys Mountain Bike Park is a privately owned gravity MTB park at Tongarra, at the foot of Macquarie Pass on the NSW South Coast. Around 20 minutes inland from Shellharbour and roughly 90 minutes from Sydney, it specialises in downhill, freeride, slopestyle and technical gravity riding. GreenValleys is very much a progression-focused gravity playground. The park features purpose-built downhill and freeride trails alongside a skills park, jumps, drops and an impressive collection of more than 50 timber ramps and drop features. There’s also a large airbag for riders developing their jumping and aerial skills. The terrain is aimed predominantly at intermediate and advanced riders rather than complete beginners. Trails make use of the steep foothills of the Illawarra Escarpment, with technical descents, jumps, drops and freeride features providing plenty for experienced riders to session. The park itself specifically notes that it is not currently designed for beginners. One of the big attractions is shuttle-assisted riding. On scheduled Social Gravity Days, riders are transported back to the trailhead via the park’s sealed uplift road, meaning more time descending and considerably less time pushing or pedalling back uphill. GreenValleys also has a strong racing pedigree and regularly hosts gravity competition. In June 2026 it hosted Round 1 of the AusCycling NSW/ACT Gravity Series Downhill, continuing its role as an important venue for competitive gravity riding in NSW. There are facilities including parking, toilets, picnic areas and camping options, making it possible to build a visit into a bigger Illawarra riding weekend. For riders searching for GreenValleys MTB, Illawarra mountain biking, downhill MTB near Sydney, shuttle mountain biking in NSW or freeride MTB parks, this is one of the state’s standout privately operated gravity destinations. RTS Tip: GreenValleys currently operates differently from a normal public bike park. During 2026, while it works through a planning proposal with Shellharbour Council, the park is focusing on scheduled shuttle days and selected events, with coaching offered only on limited pre-scheduled dates. Don’t simply turn up expecting to ride — check the calendar and book your ride day in advance.

Unanderra Velodrome – Illawarra Unanderra Velodrome, officially known as the Illawarra Velodrome, is a traditional outdoor cycling track at Lindsay Maynes Park in Unanderra, just south of Wollongong. The venue is owned by Wollongong City Council and licensed and operated by the Illawarra Cycle Club, which uses it for track training, racing and rider development. The velodrome features a 270-metre concrete oval track with banked corners, providing a dedicated environment for track cycling while being less intimidating than some of the much steeper indoor velodromes. The Illawarra Cycle Club particularly uses the facility to introduce junior riders to track cycling and develop their skills and confidence. Right next door is the Illawarra Criterium Track, a purpose-built closed cycling circuit opened in September 2022. Together, the two facilities create a fantastic little cycling precinct where riders can experience both track and criterium-style riding away from normal road traffic. The velodrome has a long association with the Illawarra cycling community, with organised track racing traditionally held through the warmer months. The Illawarra Cycle Club supports everyone from juniors learning the basics through to experienced competitive cyclists. Located at 146 Princes Highway, Unanderra, the track is conveniently positioned for riders from Wollongong and the wider Illawarra, with the adjacent criterium circuit adding another reason to visit. For riders searching for Unanderra Velodrome, Illawarra Velodrome, track cycling in Wollongong, Illawarra Cycle Club or cycling tracks on the NSW South Coast, this is the region’s key dedicated track cycling facility. RTS Tip: The adjacent criterium circuit is open to everyone, while the velodrome itself is licensed and operated by Illawarra Cycle Club, so check current club sessions and access arrangements before heading onto the track. If you're interested in trying track cycling for the first time, the club also runs junior and introductory activities and has a selection of track bikes available for its junior program.