Aerial view of Lake Illawarra and Reddall Reserve on the Illawarra coastline

New South Wales • Australia

Wollongong to Shellharbour

Ebike Ride Guide

A journey through the Illawarra’s changing coastline, connecting harbours, industrial heritage, ocean lookouts, beaches, Lake Illawarra, a historic seaside village and a modern marina.

Explore the route
35 kmDistance
3–5 hoursRide time
EasyDifficulty
Family friendlyRide type

The experience

A journey through the Illawarra’s changing coastline

This ride reveals the changing character of the Illawarra coastline. Beginning at Stuart Park, it follows Wollongong Harbour before travelling through Port Kembla, where the region’s maritime and steelmaking heritage has helped shape both the landscape and local economy.

From there, the journey continues past ocean beaches, climbs to Hill 60 for panoramic coastal views, crosses the entrance to Lake Illawarra at Windang and follows the shoreline through Shellharbour Village before finishing at Shell Cove Marina.

Along the way, riders experience harbours, industrial heritage, ocean lookouts, beaches, Lake Illawarra, a historic seaside village and a modern marina, making this one of the Illawarra’s most varied ebike rides.

Interactive route map

Know the route before you ride

You can ride in either direction. Check the wind forecast before you set off to choose the most comfortable option.

Route HighlightsSeven places to pause and explore
Either DirectionStart in Wollongong or Shellharbour
Check the WindChoose the most comfortable direction
Mostly Shared PathEasy to follow with some quiet streets
View route map
Route map showing the 34.6 km shared coastal pathway from Stuart Park in Wollongong to Shell Cove Marina via Wollongong Harbour, Port Kembla Heritage Park, Hill 60, Windang Bridge and Shellharbour

Along the way

Route highlights

These highlights showcase the changing character of the Illawarra coastline. Along the way you will also discover beaches, reserves, cafés, lookouts, ocean pools and other places worth exploring at your own pace.

Two women smiling with ebikes before a ride at Wollongong foreshore
01

Stuart Park

A popular waterfront park and an ideal starting point overlooking North Wollongong Beach.

Historic Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse at Belmore Basin in Wollongong Harbour
02

Wollongong Harbour

Ride through Wollongong’s historic harbour precinct with its fishing harbour, lighthouse, cafés and ocean views.

Port Kembla Heritage Park featuring industrial heritage monuments, the historic Cowans Sheldon 30 Ton Steam Crane and views across Port Kembla Harbour on the Wollongong to Shellharbour coastal ride
03

Port Kembla Heritage Park

Discover the region’s industrial heritage through public art, sculptures and monuments celebrating the history of Australia’s steel industry.

Aerial view of Hill 60 overlooking Port Kembla, beaches and the Wollongong coastline on the Wollongong to Shellharbour ebike ride
04

Hill 60

One of the Illawarra’s most spectacular coastal lookouts with panoramic ocean views, Aboriginal cultural significance and excellent whale watching during migration season.

Aerial view of Lake Illawarra and Shellharbour coastline in New South Wales
05

Windang Bridge

Ride beside Lake Illawarra while crossing the bridge with sweeping views across the lake and ocean.

Boats in Shellharbour Village harbour beside the waterfront park
06

Shellharbour

Continue a little further to explore Shellharbour Village with its beaches, cafés and relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Aerial view of Shell Cove Marina on the Wollongong to Shellharbour ebike ride
07

Shell Cove

Finish at Shell Cove Marina with waterfront dining, public spaces and one of Australia’s newest marina precincts.

What makes it special

This ride tells the story of the Illawarra.

Beginning in Wollongong’s harbour precinct, it passes Australia’s largest steel manufacturing region before transitioning into beaches, coastal reserves, Lake Illawarra and Shellharbour’s modern marina precinct.

Few rides combine industrial heritage, coastal scenery and natural landscapes in such a varied yet easy to ride journey.

Good to know

Plan your ride

This ride can be enjoyed throughout the year, with each season offering a different experience.

Spring and autumn generally provide the most comfortable riding conditions, with mild temperatures and ideal weather for exploring the coastline. Summer is perfect for combining the ride with beaches, swimming and waterfront cafés, while winter often brings clear skies and excellent whale watching from Hill 60.

Before setting out, check the wind forecast, as riding with a tailwind can make the journey even more enjoyable.

01

Distance and time

34.6 km one way or 69 km return. Riding time is 1 hr 55 min one way. Allow 3 to 5 hrs one way or 5 to 7 hrs return.

02

Easy terrain

The route has 162 m of ascent and 144 m of descent. The surface is mostly shared pathways with some quiet local streets.

03

Choose your direction

Ride either way and start in Wollongong or Shellharbour. Riding time reflects continuous cycling. Recommended time includes breaks and time to enjoy the destination.

Pack well

What to bring

  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera or phone
  • Closed shoes
  • Swimwear and towel if you plan to use the rock pools or beaches

Local tips

  • Ride one way to Shell Cove Marina and return by train from Shellharbour Junction Train Station if you prefer a shorter day.
  • Hill 60 is one of the Illawarra’s best whale watching locations during the annual migration between May and November.
  • Check the wind forecast before setting out. A favourable tailwind can make the ride more enjoyable, especially on longer sections.

Easy and welcoming

Suitable for

Families with childrenRetired travellersCouples on holidaySolo travellersInternational visitorsFirst time ebike riders

More rides

Explore more scenic rides in the Illawarra

Each route offers its own unique coastal experience. Choose your next adventure and keep exploring.

Kiama Blowhole on the Illawarra coast

Kiama to Shellharbour

Coastal views, seaside villages and relaxed riding.

13 kmEasy
View ride guide
Flagstaff Point Lighthouse overlooking Wollongong Harbour

Wollongong to Thirroul

If you only have a few hours to explore the Illawarra, this is one of the best ways to experience the region.

23 kmEasy
View ride guide
Aerial view of Bellambi Rock Pool, beach and coastline on the Wollongong coastal cycling route.

Thirroul to Kiama

A longer coastal ride connecting the northern Illawarra with Kiama.

50 kmModerate
Coming soon
Aerial view of Wollongong Harbour, Flagstaff Point Lighthouse and City Beach

YOUR COASTAL RIDE AWAITS

Go further, feel better, see more.

Hire an ebike and discover the best of the Wollongong coastline.

Hire an ebike
Find an ebike
Find an ebike