Sun-soaked days, salty sea air, and postcard-worthy views – summer is the perfect time to explore the Illawarra on foot. From dramatic clifftop paths and ocean-hugging promenades to bushland trails and lakeside strolls, this region delivers coastal walks for every pace and preference.
Whether you’re chasing panoramic ocean views, spotting whales offshore, walking with the family, or clocking up the kilometres on a longer adventure, the Illawarra’s coastal trails offer an unbeatable way to experience its natural beauty.
Lace up your walking shoes, pack plenty of water, and get ready to discover some of the best summer walks and coastal trails in the Illawarra!
The Blue Mile
If summer had a signature stroll, this would be it. Hugging Wollongong’s sparkling foreshore, this iconic waterfront walk is all about ocean breezes, blue horizons, and that laid-back coastal buzz. Expect sweeping sea views, shared pathways perfect for walkers and cyclists, grassy parks for pit stops, and plenty of cafés and eateries calling your name along the way.
It’s an easy, feel-good walk that lets you dip your toes in the ocean, cool off at nearby pools, or simply cruise along soaking up the sunshine. Keep an eye out for public art and interpretive signage dotted along the route – they share stories of the area’s rich Indigenous and maritime history, adding an extra layer of meaning to your walk.
If you’re keen to go deeper, there’s also a guided history walking tour that turns this coastal favourite into a storytelling adventure, complete with historic landmarks, local tales, and a well-timed refreshment break. Whether you’re here for a casual summer wander, a morning jog, or a full deep dive into Wollongong’s past, this foreshore walk delivers summer vibes in spades.
Kiama Coast Walk
Big summer energy, delivered in coastal form. This spectacular seaside trail serves up endless ocean views, dramatic rock formations, and long stretches of unspoilt beach – the kind that make you want to slow down, snap photos, and breathe it all in. Stretching along the coastline from river mouth to rolling surf beach, it’s an unbroken ribbon of exploration that feels made for sunny days and salty hair.
What makes the Kiama Coast Walk so good is its flexibility. Tackle it in bite-sized sections or commit to the full coastal adventure. Along the way, you’ll wander across sealed paths, grassy tracks, and sandy beach stretches, with gentle hills that suit most fitness levels. Expect volcanic rock platforms, famous blowholes, sweeping headlands, and plenty of spots to pause, picnic, or dip your feet in the water.
Whether you’re chasing a relaxed summer wander or a full-day coastal challenge, this iconic walk is a must-do for anyone who loves ocean views, fresh air, and seeing the coast at its absolute best.
Wodi Wodi Track
For a summer walk that rewards a little effort with big, breathtaking views, the Wodi Wodi track delivers. This clifftop trail weaves through lush forest before opening up to spectacular ocean vistas high above the coastline – the kind that stop you in your tracks (in the best way). It’s named in honour of the area’s original Custodians, adding deeper meaning to an already memorable experience.
Short but sometimes steep, this walk is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge without committing to an all-day hike. Side trails lead to jaw-dropping lookouts, making it well worth taking your time and soaking it all in. Designed as a comfortable day walk with easy access to public transport at either end, it’s a brilliant option for adventurous summer explorers keen to swap beach crowds for birdsong, bushland, and elevated ocean views.
Sea Cliff Bridge
Few summer walks deliver a wow-factor quite like this one. Suspended above the ocean and hugging the escarpment, this iconic coastal crossing is as unforgettable on foot as it is by car. With sweeping ocean views on one side and the dramatic green cliffs on the other, every step feels cinematic – especially on a clear summer day when the water sparkles below.
It’s a short, easy walk with massive rewards, making it perfect for a quick leg-stretch or a scenic stop on a coastal adventure. During whale migration season, it also doubles as a prime viewing platform, so keep your eyes on the horizon. Easily accessed by public transport, this walk proves you don’t need hours on the trail to experience one of the Illawarra’s most jaw-dropping coastal views.
Bald Hill Lookout to Stanwell Park Beach Reserve
Start with sky-high views at Bald Hill Lookout and finish with sand between your toes – this summer walk is all about the glow-up. From the top of Bald Hill, sweeping coastal panoramas stretch as far as the eye can see before the track gently guides you downhill toward the shoreline, trading clifftop views for shady forest and salty air along the way.
Following the historic Bald Hill track, the walk winds through a beautiful coastal landscape of gum trees and cabbage tree palms. This is the same area where aviation pioneer Lawrence Hargrave carried out his groundbreaking box kite experiments in the 1890s, helping pave the way for powered flight.
The walk ends at Stanwell Park Beach Reserve, a classic summer spot where the action continues overhead. Watch hang gliders and paragliders launch from Bald Hill and soar above the ocean, cool off with a swim, or stretch out on the sand and soak up the coastal vibes. Scenic, historic, and effortlessly summery, this walk ticks all the boxes.
Bulli to Wollongong Coastal Walk
This is coastal cruising at its finest. Stretching along the shoreline, this much-loved shared pathway is made for summer days spent moving at your own pace – whether that’s walking, jogging, cycling, or rolling along with a pram in tow. With the ocean never far from view, it’s an easy, breezy way to soak up the Illawarra’s seaside scenery.
Along the way, you’ll pass a string of beautiful beaches including Woonona Beach, Bellambi Beach, and Towradgi Beach, with plenty of opportunities to detour to scenic lookouts or drop down to the sand for a spontaneous swim. The fully sealed, mostly flat track makes it accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes, while grassy reserves and coastal parks offer perfect picnic or rest-stop options.
Best of all, this walk lets you choose your own adventure. Do a short section, tackle a longer stretch, or hop on and off wherever the mood strikes. With salty air, ocean views, and endless places to pause and play, it’s a summer favourite for good reason.
From clifftop lookouts and bushland trails to breezy foreshore paths and beachside strolls, the Illawarra’s coastal walks are made for summer exploring. Whether you’re chasing a quick seaside wander, a scenic half-day adventure, or a longer coastal challenge, there’s a trail here to match your mood, fitness level, and love of ocean views.
So, grab your hat, load up the sunscreen, and hit the track – because summer in the Illawarra is best experienced one step, splash, and salty breeze at a time.