The best road cycling routes in Dharawal Nature Reserve

Otford Lookout sits high above the southern coastline of Royal National Park, with sweeping views over Bulgo Beach, the Illawarra coastline, and the Pacific Ocean. The adjacent parking lot is also the southern trailhead for the Coast Track and Werrong Beach Track, making it a popular starting point for some of the park’s best coastal walks. Even if you’re not heading out on an adventure, it’s a worthwhile stop to take in the fantastic cliff-top scenery.

Stuart Park is a large beachfront park, stretching between North Wollongong Beach and Fairy Lagoon. There are expansive lawns, shared pathways, picnic shelters, and barbecues, making it a favourite local spot for recreation, community events, and family outings. Its prime coastal setting also provides direct access to the beach, and there’s plenty of room for kite flying, picnicking in the grass, or relaxing and watching the clouds go by.

Bellambi Rock Pool is a fifty metre ocean pool built into the rock platform beside Bellambi Beach in the mid-1960s. The pool runs parallel to the ocean, with waves occasionally washing over the edges during rougher conditions or higher tides. A smaller toddlers pool sits beside the main pool, and the surrounding area connects directly into the coastal shared path and nearby playground. From the northern end of the pool, you can often watch surfers riding the nearby break just offshore.

McCauleys Beach is separated from the main stretch of sand by rock platforms and smaller reefs. The beach is known locally as an off-leash dog beach and generally feels quieter than nearby Sandon Point. A coastal path runs above the sand with views north and south along the coastline, while the escarpment rises sharply behind the suburb. Surf conditions can still be rough here, with rips and exposed sections depending on swell

This lookout rewards you with clear views along the shore, where the Illawarra escarpment runs alongside the ocean in the distance. The viewpoint sits just above the water, with rock platforms and smaller bays breaking up the shoreline. It’s an easy place to stop along the track, with uninterrupted views in both directions.

Bulli Beach is a long surf beach backed by dunes, open grass reserve, and the escarpment rising behind the coastline. The beach is around 900 metres long and is well known for surfing, with Sandon Point forming its northern headland. A shared walking and cycling path runs beside the sand, linking the northern suburbs along the coast. Conditions can change quickly, with rips and surf depending on swell and tide.

Audley Visitor Centre and the surrounding picnic area sit right along the Hacking River in the central valley of Royal National Park. The historic precinct includes open lawns, picnic areas, and access to walking and cycling routes through the park. Set along the river near the Audley weir, it is a popular starting point for exploring the park’s bushland and waterways.

Belmore Basin is a beach sheltered by the breakwall, and is a popular spot for lounging, fishing, and going for a walk on the Blue Mile. From here, there are nice views of the Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse from across the little harbor.