For a sport that outsiders think is obsessed with machinery and technology, mountain biking is majorly connected to nature – which is what Illawarra enthusiasts are about to embrace with 20 kilometres of purpose-built trails now open.
Kembla Mountain Bike Trails opened on September 5, giving riders of any age and skill level safe, sanctioned access to rides on the escarpment.
The development is a game-changer and will provide a great attraction, says Craig Morris, vice president of the Wollongong Mountain Bike Club.
Craig says spending time in nature is one of the most loved parts of the sport, especially in the Illawarra.
“There are thrills involved [in riding] because of your speed downhill. But it’s great for relaxing, getting away, out in the bush and enjoying the environment,” he says.
“The escarpment is outstanding; you often stop and get these massive views – just stop and take it in. It’s great.”
The Wollongong Mountain Bike Club came together in the late 1990s, providing community and support to men, women and children who love the sport. Today, the club has about 120 members.
Mountain biking presents an exciting opportunity for beginner and expert riders to make friends, spend time outdoors and develop skills within the sport. Mt Kembla provides green and blue trails for families and beginners, as well as challenging black tracks for more experienced riders.
“It’s a very social sport,'' Craig says. ''There’s always hubs where people have a break and congregate, and you just start talking. If someone has an accident or a problem, everyone's always willing to help, check that you’re okay, make sure you get out of there or provide support if you’ve got a flat tyre or something.”
Wollongong Mountain Bike Club welcomes new members through its website. People can reach out to the club on Facebook for advice, and Craig says that mountain bikers can start as soon as they're old enough to ride a bike.
“The earlier you get into it the better – particularly when you’re young and you have no fear,” Craig says.
“There’s an abundance of bike shops around, and they’re all really helpful. If anyone needs guidance, go to the bike shops and talk to the sales people about what you’re doing and what your kids need – they’ll help you out,
“If you’re going to ride trails, steer clear of toy shop bikes like ones from Kmart; they’re not built for the trails. Go to a good bike shop for something that’s built to take the punishment that you get on trails.”
Craig has been mountain biking for more than 35 years and in December received a Silver Rise & Shine environment volunteer award for his work coordinating clean-ups that removed more than five tonnes of waste from Mt Keira and Mt Kembla.
Local mountain biking groups have worked to protect the natural environment and advocate for sanctioned trails on the escarpment for more than a decade. The Mt Kembla tracks were completed after almost two years of construction and delays, and the club is looking forward to hosting social rides and other events in coming months.
“We’ve been fortunate enough to get out there and check them out prior to opening, and they’re absolutely outstanding trails with something for everyone,” Craig says.
“There will be hundreds if not thousands of riders because everyone’s been waiting for this for so long. This outcome is absolutely outstanding.”
Wollongong City Council and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service are looking to expand the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network to include about 70 kilometres of trails. Work on additional Mt Kembla and Balgownie trails is expected to start in 2026.
Keep up with Wollongong Mountain Bike Club on its website and Facebook
