Following is a proposal that Illawarra Ramblers members, John Groom and Sam Garrett-Jones, have been working on with regard to the shared path around Lake Illawarra.
We are seeking members’ input – please let us know if you have concerns or ideas or if you would like to be involved in the process. There is a survey at the end of the notice which you may like to complete. Alternatively, you can contact Pam Hayes at president@illawarraramblers.com.au
Loop the Lake Developments
Club members John Groom and Sam Garrett-Jones participated in the Ride Wollongong Conference last week where Active Transport speakers articulated the future needs in cycleway and shared path planning. John and Sam quietly promoted a walking/riding/running Lake Illawarra circuit concept they call Loop the Lake and local councils term the Lake Illawarra Shared Path. Ramblers’ members feature in the short video that we showed to attendees at the conference:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MCdSoJ-qWMcbCbY6OufLeCKpGbOtKmpc/view?usp=drive_link
Loop the Lake is an ambitious opportunity to create one of Australia’s most spectacular walking, cycling, running and recreation destinations: a continuous shared path of approximately 38 kilometres around Lake Illawarra.
The bi-directional route would connect communities, parklands, foreshores, wetlands, farmland and natural bushland, while offering breathtaking water views and unique opportunities for innovative over-water pathways and bridges. The largely flat route offers a rare long-distance cycling or running experience with minimal road interaction and potentially no road crossings. Another 5 km on existing pathway, through Reddall Reserve and Fred Finch Park, Berkeley, would create an off-road marathon track ideal for training and races with fewer entrants and would be an attractive additional use.
With more than 140,000 people living within 10 km of the lake, and significant population growth expected nearby, the project would provide an outstanding recreational asset for walkers, cyclists and runners while stimulating tourism and local businesses.
Twenty-eight km of the proposed loop already exists. Some of the additions would require private landowner consent. Bicycle NSW have studied the proposal and is willing to help navigate the challenges. See Bicycle NSW’s article on the proposal:
Looping Lake Illawarra – Bicycle NSW
To minimise safety concerns for walkers, runners and cyclists on shared paths, Bicycle NSW and ourselves are recommending that all new sections of the Loop should be constructed as separated walking/running and cycling tracks as described in the Transport for NSW Cycleway Design Toolbox. The example below at Scarborough Wetlands, Kogarah, was completed in 2026.
Loop the Lake would be a memorable, repeatable and iconic attraction — potentially the Illawarra’s most significant tourism infrastructure since Sea Cliff Bridge.
We seek contributions and feedback to this ambitious but achievable proposal. Funding would need to come from State and Federal grants. The next step is to encourage state and local governments to expedite a Master Plan for the path. We currently have local State Ministers for Planning and Health and the current Destination Wollongong CEO is a former high-level triathlete. Now is the time!
Please scan the QR code to follow, comment, or help.
Thank you!
