WE'RE BACK FOR 2026!

We are back for 2026!

Registrations are now open for the 2026 Great Illawarra Walk.

All funds raised from this year’s event will be donated to KidsWish, to support the lives of children with disability or illness and their families through free programs, special events and community projects.

LJ Hooker Shellharbour, Corrimal and Wollongong are back as major sponsors for 2026. They are kindly covering the cost of walk t-shirts, so the cost of entry and every cent you donate/raise goes directly to KidsWish.

Register today and be part of a community event that will bring joy and opportunities to families across the Illawarra!

Looking to support the event through sponsorship? Become a water station sponsor!

Saturday 14 March, 40km from Shellharbour to Austinmer

WHERE DO WE WALK?

The 2026 Great Illawarra Walk begins at Bean Roasted Espresso Bar Shellharbour (Addison Street) at 7am on Saturday 14 March and finishes at Headlands Hotel Austinmer.

Check out the route section of the website for a full breakdown of the walk route.

Great Illawarra Walk - Route Overview

7am depart Shellharbour Village – Bean Roasted Espresso Bar, Addison St (approx. 40km to finish line)

9am depart Warrawong – Warrawong Plaza, King St (approx. 27km to finish line)

11am depart Belmore Basin for KidsWish Blue Mile – near Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant
(approx. 1.6km accessible path to Stuart Park)

12pm depart Wollongong – Stuart Park lunch spot (approx. 15km to finish line)

1pm depart Bulli - Sandon Point Beach, next to Bulli Surf Club (approx. 6km to finish line)

Arrive at the finish line - Headlands Hotel Austinmer

View an interactive map here with route details including water stations and key locations

Where do I collect my walk shirt from?

From Monday 9 February 2026 Great Illawarra Walk t-shirts will be available for collection 
from LJ Hooker during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm).

• LJ Hooker Corrimal - 2/183 Princes Hwy, Corrimal
• LJ Hooker Wollongong - 69 Kembla Street, Wollongong
• LJ Hooker Shellharbour - 30a Addison St, Shellharbour Village

We will have shirts available at Bean Roasted and Wollongong (Belmore Basin and Stuart Park) on the morning of the event, but we'd recommend getting them before event day if possible.

A huge shout out to our sponsor, LJ Hooker Shellharbour, Corrimal and Wollongong, for providing a shirt for each walker!

The Kidswish Blue Mile

This year the legends at KidsWish will once again be joining us as we take over the Blue Mile in Wollongong (which we have renamed the KidsWish Blue Mile!). There will be an accessible stretch (approximately 1.5-2km) open to all ages and abilities.

Those participating in the KidsWish Blue Mile will leave at 11am outside the Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant at Belmore Basin and make their way to Stuart Park to finish with a family friendly party and lunch.

Frequently asked questions / more details about KidsWish Blue Mile here

Family Fun Day at Stuart Park

Everyone is welcome to join the Family Fun Day that will take place from 11.30am to 1.00pm near the All Ages and Abilities Playground at Stuart Park.

There will be face painting, fun activities and special appearances from Illawarra’s Friendly Neighbourhood Spidey, The Cosplay Guardian and friends.

Thank you to the Rapid Relief Team for once again ensuring every participant is provided with a free lunch!

Headlands Hotel Austinmer - The After Party

Join us for an end of walk celebration at the Headlands.

The walk finishes at Headlands Hotel Austinmer, with a finale party throughout the afternoon. Most walkers are expected to arrive early afternoon - plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a beverage (or two!).

Presentation scheduled to begin at 4pm (subject to changes on the day).

Water Stations

You’ll be well supported along the route with regular water stations to help you refuel, refresh, and keep moving. Each station is proudly hosted by a generous local business supporting KidsWish – you can expect water, sunscreen, minor first aid, light snacks, and plenty of encouragement along the way.

Adding a bit of friendly competition, be sure to cast your vote for your favourite water station at the finish line.

Water station locations and sponsors can be viewed here.

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