One of the Illawarra's most popular walks, the Sublime Point walking track, is set for a upgrade with more than 1,000 new stone steps being flown in and lowered onto the steep path that descends the Escarpment.
The walking track will be closed from next week while these sky-high works take place, allowing specialist crews to improve the track surface and safeguard it against future natural disasters. The well-trodden track welcomes 65,000 visitors a year and when the upgrades are complete the walk will be more spectacular, safer and sustainable.
All existing timber steps will be replaced with hard-wearing stone steps, each weighing around 100 kilograms, that will be air lifted by helicopter over the coming months.
The track is 700 metres one way and takes 30 to 45 minutes to walk given its steep gradient and numerous steps. The terrain means it is too difficult to carry the stone, equipment and tools by hand, and with no vehicle access Sublime Point has some unique logistical challenges.
Crews will also work to widen the track at various points, allowing walkers and runners to safely pass and improve the flow of foot traffic.
Measures will also be installed to channel surface water away from the track meaning it will be less muddy and slippery which is great news for everyone.
The scale and complexity of these upgrades means the entire Sublime Point Walking Track will be closed to visitors from August 2025 until mid-2026.
Avid walkers can visit other tracks within the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area including the Forest Walk, Wodi Wodi Track, Gibson Walking Track, the Woodward Loop Track and the Mount Keira Ring Track.
This $3.9 million upgrade is supported by the NSW and Australian Government's Infrastructure Betterment Fund to repair and rebuild public assets directly impacted by natural disasters since 2019.
Visitors should check NPWS Alerts for up-to-date information on the closure.
Quote attributable to Andrew Wall, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
'We thank the community and visitors for their patience while we undertake these critical works to lock-in a safer and more sustainable track.
'It's such a large-scale project that has been in the planning for years, so we are looking forward to starting the work and reopening the track as soon as we are able.
'It will be quite spectacular seeing the nearly 100-kilogram stones being flown over the escarpment and lowered into place.
'We will update the community on the timing of these heli-lifts as they will be subject to weather conditions.'
Stone staircase along the Sublime Point walking track
