Sublime Point Track, Wollongong: Walk length, location & lookout

The Sublime Point Track in Wollongong climbs the Illawarra Escarpment from Austinmer to the Princes Highway. Expect a short, sweaty walk with lots of ladders and steps – and great views of the Illawarra coast from the Sublime Point Lookout.

The Sublime Point Track in Wollongong is one of the classic short walks in New South Wales. It is one of the best ways to explore the Illawarra Escarpment, and the short-but-tough climb can be factored into several road trips. If you’re driving from Sydney to Gerringong or Sydney to Kiama, for example, you can visit Sublime Point along the way.

Where is the Sublime Point Track?

You can choose to go either up or down, although either way, you’re going to have to get back to where you started. Some choose to start at the Sublime Point Lookout then work their way down.

But the smart option is to begin in Austinmer and climb to the Sublime Point Lookout, then have the downhill stretch on the way back. The trailhead is off Foothills Road, about a 20 minute walk from Austinmer railway station.

6 fantastic Wollongong experiences to book before you arrive

Tandem hang-gliding flight from Bald Hill – float down towards the beach.
One hour private surf lesson in Woonona – learn the basics, and get standing on your board.
Illawarra Fly ziplining course and treetop walk – test your nerves high up in the canopy.
Tandem skydive with beach landing – feel the rush of freefall.
Explore the city on a scavenger hunt – a fun way to get to know Wollongong better.
Half day deep sea fishing adventure – haul in some big boys.

How long is the Sublime Point Track?

If you are going to tackle the Sublime Point walking track, then you had better enjoy steps, because there are plenty of them. Part of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, this famous walking track is only 0.7km long, but it is a steep climb. It is rated as a Grade 4 walk, and has some obstacles along the way. Some bushwalking experience is recommended.

Those who do tackle the Sublime Point Track faces ladders that hop over the rocks and a daunting series of steps. However, there’s some gorgeous rainforest scenery on the way, with thick forest and a rich collection of tree ferns.

There’s also a good chance of spotting kestrels and falcons gliding nearby.

Sublime Point Lookout from the Princes Highway

Once at the Sublime Point Lookout, there are fabulous views of the Illawarra coastline. Of course, if you just want to see the views from the lookout without doing the walk, the lookout car park is just off the Princes Highway.

Other things to do in Wollongong include skydiving onto North Wollongong Beach, helicopter flights, a half day deep sea fishing charter and tandem hang gliding from the Bald Hill Lookout.

Wollongong beaches in the Australian Beaches Guide include Thirroul Beach, Austinmer Beach, Corrimal Beach, Stanwell Park Beach, North Wollongong Beach and Windang Beach.

Wollongong accommodation picks include the Adina apartments, the grand scale Novotel Northbeach and the golf course-centric Best Western City Sands.