Forest Bathing on the Forest Walk, Illawarra’s Natural Treasure

A true gem of the Illawarra, the 14.5km Forest Walk AKA the Illawarra Escarpment Walk, offers an unforgettable journey through lush sceneries. Local Explorer Lipei calls it the perfect day hike for forest bathing, reactivation, and an immersive introduction to the beauty of the region’s 30-million-year-old escarpment.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Dharawal people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

The Forest Walk is a Grade 4, 14.5km hike (one way) in the Illawarra region of NSW, located just a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Sydney. The trail covers a portion of the Illawarra Escarpment Walking Track and can be accessible by car or train from either Coalcliff or Austinmer.

Soon, the Forest Walk will be part of the 67km multi-day Great Southern Walk from Sydney’s Kamay Botany Bay National Park to Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.

Forest Walk Facts

Distance: 14.5km one way
Duration: 5-6 hours
Elevation: Very steep from both entry points (Austinmer or Coalcliff)
Closest towns: Austinmer, Thirroul, Coalcliff, Stanwell Park
Time from Sydney: 1 hour 15 minutes by car

About the Forest Walk

The Forest Walk lies along the mountains stretching from Austinmer to Stanwell Park within the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. Surrounded by lush greenery and local wildlife, it’s a sensory-rich experience.

What makes this hike truly special is the constantly shifting scenery, offering a fresh experience at every turn over the six-hour journey. This day trek is perfect for hikers eager to reconnect with nature, as well as birdwatchers.

The Forest Walk covers a good amount of distance and time, offering ample opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the experience. As the name suggests, it’s a walk through the forest, and so much more.

How to Get to the Forest Walk

The track can be accessed from either Coalcliff (Wodi Wodi Track) or Austinmer (Sublime Point Track).

If Starting From Coalcliff

By Car

• From Stanwell Park, follow Lawrence Hargrave Drive for approximately 1.3km
• The walk begins at the Wodi Wodi trailhead, on the right

By Train

• Take the South Coast line to Coalcliff Train Station
• Walk north approximately 600m along Lawrence Hargrave Drive, to the Wodi Wodi trailhead
• The walk finishes in Austinmer

If Starting From Austinmer

By Car

• From Lawrence Hargrave Drive, turn into Moore Street in Austinmer
• Crossover the railway bridge and continue straight along Balfour Road
•  Turn left into Hill Street and take the next left into Foothills Road
• The walk begins at the Sublime Point trailhead, on the right

By Train

• Depart at Austinmer Station and walk up Kirton Road, then turn left into Hill Street
• Turn right into Foothills Road
• The walk begins at the Sublime Point trailhead, on the left

Skill Level

Intermediate

The track isn’t too hard overall, but the steep inclines at both entry points certainly elevate the difficulty.

Please note! The trail starts or ends at Sublime Point Track, which is very steep and is often closed due erosion or landslides after heavy rain. The best practice is to avoid hiking here if there’s been heavy rainfall the day before.

Parts of the trail can be closed for maintenance or improvements. Check NPWS for regular updates before the walk.

Read more: How to Stay Safe in the Bush: The Ultimate Hiking Safety Guide

Essential Gear for the Forest Walk

• Water (at least 1L per person, more if it’s a hot day)
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Packed lunch
• Camera
• Binoculars (If bird watching)

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

What’s It Like to Hike the Forest Walk

The Steep Climb at Sublime Point Track

To enjoy the Forest Walk in its entirety, Explorers must first endure a sharp incline from either Austinmer or Coalcliff. So if you’re hoping to steer clear of any ascent, you’re out of luck. My husband and I opted to begin from Austinmer, where the iconic 1km-long Sublime Point walking track unfolds.

For years, the narrow trail up to Sublime Point has been a local favourite for cardio enthusiasts, featuring a seemingly never-ending series of giant staircases that grow steeper with each step, and ladders anchored to the cliff.

Even though it’s the steeper of the two entry points, we chose it because we’d much prefer to climb up, than to navigate down multiple sets of steep and narrow stairs. The stairs are flanked by lush ferns and palm trees, a rejuvenating sight whenever we pause to catch our breaths.

I’d suggest taking this section slowly as it’s only a kilometre to the plateau, and there are 13 more kilometres of walking ahead!

Deep in the Heart of the Forest Walk: Where the Magic Unfolds

At the lookout on Sublime Point, we’re rewarded with fabulous views over the Illawarra and out to the sea. Following signs for the ‘Woodward Nature Loop Track’, we travel into the heart of the Forest Walk – a journey through lush, captivating forest scenes.

This is where the magic unfolds. For five hours, we forest-bathe along ever-changing landscapes with butterflies, birds, and bees zipping through the packed vegetation. The scenery shifts from various species of eucalypts towering over vibrant native blooms to low-lying trees forming canopies along the path.

We traverse through bark-shedding gum trees, rainforests, moss-covered boulders, dense she-oaks, and my favourite, narrow, winding trails framed by walls of vivid ferns.

It’s almost surreal to think I’m walking along Illawarra neighbourhoods from a higher ground – so close to civilisation, yet so deeply immersed in the abundant presence of flora and fauna.

The trail is far from crowded and every sound is amplified. The calls of birds, the soft rustle of leaves stirred by tiny lizards, and the haunting soundscapes of the forest surround me. At times, I’m hypnotised by the synchronised buzz of cicadas blaring through the air.

Paired with the sword-like leaves of Gymea lilies soaring over me, the entire experience feels otherworldly. I’ve stepped into another realm.

The walk is mostly flat, with a few rocky sections and tree roots braided to the earth. Some sections are elevated with boardwalks to protect the Coastal Upland swamps – a threatened ecological community in the Illawarra.

The path is straightforward, with arrows on signposts guiding me in the right direction, particularly when I encounter the powerline easement or when the trail briefly opens up to dirt crossroads.

Lunch with a View Before Descending to Coalcliff via Wodi Wodi Track

A few sections of the forest open up to views of the coast, a perfect spot to enjoy our packed lunch on a rock slab, with the vista and the gentle forest breeze as company. One of these slots offers a glimpse of Stanwell Park rail viaduct, a heritage listed arched railway bridge where the South Coast train snakes along its daily route.

The final section of the walk is also part of the Wodi Wodi Track, where the trail steers us between boulders and rocks. The path descends along a series of dirt paths, elevated boardwalks, and steep sandstone steps.

We pass through striking Blackbutt trees rising overhead, before the track leads us back to the coastal road of Lawrence Hargrave Drive. By this point, the weariness has crept in. Both of us dawdle along the 600m pedestrian path towards Coalcliff Train Station to catch a bus back to Austinmer, where our car is waiting.

Leaving behind the rich and thriving world of the natural environment, we feel both tired and spiritually replenished.

Tips for Hiking the Forest Walk

• Be careful on the steps of Sublime Point as some parts of the steps are really narrow
• It’s best to avoid the walk after heavy rain—tracks can get slippery and muddy
• Bring enough water

FAQs Forest Walk, Illawarra

What facilities are available along the trail?

There aren’t any facilities on trail, so make sure to pack enough water, snacks, and anything else you might need. You’ll find toilets and picnic tables at Sublime Point Lookout.

Could my kids hike the Forest Walk?

While it’s generally flat, there are a few steep sections along the Forest Walk – plus it’s 14km long. It really depends on how much adventuring your little one can handle for a day, but it might be best for the older kids. Just note, there are some exposed cliff edges, so always take care no matter the age!

When’s the best time to hike the Forest Walk?

The Forest Walk is open all year round and can be tackled pretty comfortably at most points. Generally, spring or autumn seasons would avoid any overly hot or cold days.

Bathe in More Forests Nearby

• 9 Best Walks & Hikes Around Wollongong & Illawarra
• You’ll Find Dharawal National Park Hiding Just South of Sydney
• Conquering The Couranga Walking Track
• Dusk Swimming at Karloo Pools
• The 10 Coolest Royal National Park Walks
• Forty Foot Falls in Mittagong NSW is The Perfect Pitstop