Another section of Illawarra’s Sublime Point Walking Track opens for Christmas

Following extensive geotechnical works to enhance safety, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has opened another section of Illawarra’s Sublime Point Walking Track in time for Christmas.

The lower section of the track, from the base up towards the junction with the Gibson Track is now open.

The track was closed in 2022 after several rain events resulted in sections becoming unsafe due to rockslides, other geohazards and damage to the track.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Director Kane Weeks thanked locals and visitors for their patience while these essential track works were completed.

Weeks shared “Walkers can now follow this upgraded path and continue along the Gibson Track for a 1.5 km loop that offers walkers an opportunity to walk amongst the cabbage palms and rainforest that the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area is known for.

“More than 170 sandstone steps were flown into the walking track site and manually carried onto the track where they provide a much safer and more comfortable walking experience.”

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will continue to replace all the wooden steps with sandstone, and do works to reduce the likelihood of further rockslide events from occurring. The works are significant and will take some time to complete, however it will ensure the popular Sublime Point Walking Track will remain open for years to come.

Weeks added “We are very pleased to be able to welcome back visitors just in time for the Christmas holidays and remind all to check NPWS Alerts for up-to-date information on park conditions.”

For more information on the Sublime Point Walking Track, visit the NPWS website.

Image. A path of carved sandstone steps winds uphill through coastal rainforest foliage