Land shift is one more piece in trail fan's puzzle

It's a significant step in the right direction, but there’s still so much more to be done.

So says Neville Fredericks after news this month of the NSW Government transferring a parcel of coastal bushland at Stanwell Park to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The former Kiama mayor has spent decades campaigning for an epic trail which he believes, once completed, will draw hikers from across Australia and the world.

While congratulating the government on sharing his vision, Neville, in his 80s and regularly in his hiking boots, is impatient to see his grand plan realised in full. That plan is an escarpment track that extends from the Royal National Park south to Cambewarra Mountain – a distance of about 150 kilometres.

Neville sees the latest news as important, but still a long way short of delivering the “wow” hiking trail he believes will be an ecotourism game-changer for the Illawarra.

The newly transferred 5.6 hectares will be brought under the environmental protection of the Royal National Park, securing a vital missing link at the top end of the Great Southern Walk. It will also provide NPWS the opportunity to establish a critical stretch of the 67-kilometre walk by establishing access between Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Stanwell Park Beach and Bald Hill Lookout.

The Great Southern Walk stage one is a spectacular coastal trail from Kamay Botany Bay National Park at Kurnell through the Royal National Park and south along the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area to the Bulli Tops lookout.

The walking trail takes in coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, rainforest gullies, ancient geological formations and places of Aboriginal cultural, historical and environmental significance.

It will also link with two cafes that Wollongong City Council is keen to reopen at Bulli Tops and Sublime Point, as reported this week in The Illawarra Flame.

Strong early support

For more than 50 years, and since his time as mayor in the 1980s, Neville hasn’t let go of his ambitious plan. Back then, all five coastal councils strongly supported the project, but as mayors came and went so did the drive and ambition.

Neville has had many positive discussions with most current mayors but none have put this trail toward the top of their agenda to date. He still hopes that might change as the region looks for new tourism opportunities.

“The Illawarra coastal range is unique,” Neville says. “This commanding coastal range so close to the coastline provides the opportunity to create an escarpment walking track truly of national significance. And it‘s all within about a two-hour drive of Sydney and 25 per cent of Australia’s population.

“Having walked some of Australia’s top 10 walking track, I am firmly of the view that the escarpment track would soon qualify for inclusion on this list.”

Neville says fast-tracking the project is in the hands of just a few people with the influence to make decisions.

“My strongest wish is for our region’s political leaders to formally endorse this vision. It wouldn’t mean an immediate commitment of funds, but would turn the councils of our region and government agencies towards route planning. The track could be developed progressively as opportunity permitted.”

Environmentally friendly

A passionate conservationist, Neville believes opening up the escarpment via formal hiking trails will help preserve the natural environment.

“Many of our residents walk in these areas at the moment and the problem is that many informal tracks are created with consequential negative impact on the environment.”

As for new and timely tourism product, Neville can’t hide his excitement.

“From a tourism perspective, the peak season for bushwalking is in winter and spring. An escarpment track with a national reputation would strengthen our tourism in the off season. There is also the possibility for small cabins to be developed for overnight stays in private adjacent lands for those who would take on multi-day walks.”

Neville says there’s also potential for spur trails connected to the main track from coastal residential areas close to the foot of the escarpment.

The benefits, he says, “are unlimited”.

“There is a massive amount of research confirming the mental and physical health benefits of walking,” Neville said.

“An escarpment track would also provide the opportunity for Aboriginal and European heritage education.”

A seasoned campaigner, Neville hopes the NSW election in March might provide the prompt for a commitment, from both sides of politics, to get behind his vision.

He hopes the small steps taken around Stanwell Park this month will become giant strides forward in the years ahead.

Avid walker and environmental photographer Chris Edmonds is a big supporter of the escarpment walk and says getting access through Sydney Water land near Mount Kembla will be crucial for the dream to become a reality.