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Route Description

Great Illawarra Walk - Route overview

• 7am Shellharbour Village (approx. 40km to finish line) – Bean Roasted Espresso Bar, 
  Addison St
• 9am Warrawong (approx. 27km to finish line) – Warrawong Plaza, King St
• 11am KidsWish Blue Mile (approx. 1.6km accessible path) – Belmore Basin to Stuart 
  Park
• 12pm Wollongong (approx. 15km to finish line) – Stuart Park
• 1pm Bulli (approx. 6km to finish line) – Bulli Surf Club
• Arrive Headlands Hotel Austinmer between 1pm and 4pm, with presentation scheduled 
  to begin at 4pm (subject to changes on the day)

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

 

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.

 

Detailed walk route

The following directions are a suggested guide. We recommend you stick to the footpath on the right hand side of the road where possible!

 

Shellharbour Village to Warrawong (approx 13km)

• Shellharbour Village - Bean Roasted Espresso Bar, Addison Street, Shellharbour
• Proceed East along Addison Street and follow the coastal path to Windang, via Warilla Beach and Reddall Reserve 
• Proceed North through Windang to Warrawong
• A good chance to pop into Warrawong Plaza food court for a bite to eat. Most walkers will arrive between 8.30am and 9.30am

 

Warrawong to Wollongong (approx 10km)

• Continue on Shellharbour Rd / Five Islands Rd north to Cringila
• At Cringila Hotel, turn right into Springhill Rd
• Walk through Belmore Basin (KidsWish Blue Mile) and make your way to Stuart Park, 
• Wollongong where you will find refreshments from Rapid Relief Team and family friendly 
  activities. Note: Belmore Basin is the starting point for the KidsWish Blue Mile (11am)
• Most walkers will arrive in Wollongong between 10.30am and 12pm

 

KidsWish Blue Mile (approx. 1.6km)

• An accessible walk open to everyone, all ages and abilities
• 11am depart outside Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant at Belmore Basin
• Walk to Stuart Park to finish with a family friendly party and lunch provided by Rapid Relief Team

 

Wollongong to Bulli (approx 12km)

• From Stuart Park continue North along Squires Road and follow the coastal track through Fairy Meadow, Bellambi and Bulli.

 

Bulli to Headlands Hotel Austinmer (approx 6km)

• From Bulli Surf Club follow the coastal track to Austinmer, turning right onto Lawrence Hargrave Drive
• Turn right at Headlands Ave and Headlands Hotel Austinmer is 100m on the right
• Cross the finish line at Headlands Hotel
• Congratulations! Time to celebrate!

 

Headlands Hotel Austinmer

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).