Day 1 – Thirroul to Wollongong 16kms
Make your way to Thirroul, either drive or an easy train from Sydney. You will be met and provided a bike, briefing and luggage collected. You then join the Illawarra Coastal Cycle Path, which takes you right into Wollongong via the beaches, lagoons & waterways of this lovely stretch of coastline. You have plenty of time for stops, swims & ice-cream breaks. Make sure you bring your swimmers, as there are numerous places to stop for a quick dip.
Your accommodation is at Novotel North Beach Hotel in Wollongong, right across from the beach. Stunning ocean views, spacious light filled rooms and exceptional service make this a wonderful stop, breakfast is included.
Day 2 – Wollongong to Windang 25kms
Your day starts with a short cycle around the lovely Boat Harbour at Wollongong. Your route heads inland towards the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. This unique experience has grandeur architecture, art & culture, unique exhibitions & vegetarian culinary delights. Wander through the temples and gardens, or dine at the lovely tea house. Leaving the Temple, ride to Lake Illawarra, and cycle the shoreline. This is an ideal spot for lunch, with the Tea House at Nan Tien Temple providing delicious dishes suitable for take away. From here it’s a lovely ride to the Windang Beach Tourist Park, your accommodation for the night, located right at the lake’s entrance. This park is a haven for water enthusiasts, offering the very best in fishing, boating, windsurfing & surfing, or simply enjoy the golden sunrises or moonlight caressed waters. The Park offers a variety of self contained 1, 2 or 3 bedroom cabins - many are equipped with washing machine and dryer, air conditioning, spa, private BBQ, and undercover verandahs with lake views.
Day 3 – Windang to Kiama 25kms
Enjoy your included cafe breakfast. Today’s ride starts out along the bike path by the beach, and in to the pretty Shellharbour Village. After navigating the quiet suburbs around Shellharbour, your route takes you through mangrove swamps to the mouth of the Minnamurra River. From the Minnamurra River to Kiama is a hilly ride, so we recommend allowing plenty of time for this last 8kms! (This is where an e-bike is really handy!) This section is also very dramatic and beautiful with some great views – so it’s well worth the effort and we guarantee that you won’t want to hurry. This section also has some great swimming beaches and picnic locations, as well as a couple of cafes and some take away shops. These are marked on the maps provided. Kiama is a very popular holiday destination with a beautiful headland and a popular blowhole. Your accommodation in Kiama is at lovely Kiama Shores (or similar). Breakfast is included.
Day 4 – Departure
We will make arrangements to meet to collect hire bikes and transfer you to Kiama train station. It is about 1hr back to Thirroul or 2 hrs back to Sydney.
