Stanwell Park’s ‘missing link’ opened on the Great Southern Walk

THE first of three ‘missing links’ in the Great Southern Walk is complete, with a new track connecting the Royal National Park to the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area now open.

The kilometre-long section of new track linking Bald Hill to Stanwell Park features a steep descent off the escarpment with more than 400 steps guiding walkers through bushland to the beach.

NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said for the first time, the two popular conservation reserves are connected by a walking track, offering a world-class bushwalking experience right on Sydney’s doorstep.

“Completing this ‘missing link’ between Bald Hill and Stanwell Park is a major step towards finalising the Great Southern Walk,” she said.

Construction has taken many months with more than 150 tonnes of sandstone steps and other material flown onto the site by helicopter.

Around 64km of the $17 million Great Southern Walk have now been completed. It will be a 67km multi-day coastal adventure that will bolster south coast tourism when it is completed in late 2024.

NSW Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park said the new walking track provides local residents with safe pedestrian access to Bald Hill lookout and delivers much-needed pedestrian access from Stanwell Park train station to this popular tourist destination.

“Work continues on upgrading other sections of the 67km Great Southern Walk, and plans are underway to construct three new campsites with amenities and camp kitchens to accommodate walkers overnight,” he said.

“By showcasing and sharing the natural beauty of the Illawarra the Great Southern Walk will drive local tourism, boost local business and put the south coast on everyone’s bucket list.”

Illawarra National Parks Association president Graham Burgess, who is part of the Stakeholder Group involved in the project said the walk is going to be amazing.

“The work the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is doing is great for visitors and locals, who now have a safe pedestrian connection up and down the hill,” he said.

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