The Best Road Bike Rides Around Wollongong & The South Coast
22km / 486m elevation
Mt Keira Return
The Mt Keira Return is Wollongong’s quintessential short but challenging ride—perfect for when you want a solid climb, big views, and a taste of the Illawarra escarpment without committing to an all-day epic.
This 6.5 km climb is a local favourite—steady but testing, with an average gradient of around 6% and ramps over 10% in sections.
From the top, a quick detour to the lookout is well worth it—offering panoramic views over Wollongong, the coastline, and out to the Pacific.
48km / 553m Elevation
Seacliff Bridge Return
The Sea Cliff Bridge Return is a must-ride Wollongong classic, combining scenic coastal roads, rolling terrain, and one of Australia’s most iconic cycling landmarks the Seacliff Bridge.
At just under 50 km, it’s the perfect ride for a brisk morning session or a relaxed weekend cruise—always with the ocean by your side.
86km / 1049m ELEVATION
Saddle Back Mountain Return
The Saddleback Mountain Return is a South Coast classic—an out-and-back ride that combines coastal cruising with one of the region’s toughest and most spectacular climbs. Covering just over 86 km, this route is as much about the journey as the destination, offering ocean views, rolling backroads, and a summit that rewards you with sweeping panoramas from the escarpment to the sea.
113km / 1587m elevation
Waterfall Return
The Waterfall Return is a true South Coast endurance classic—linking the stunning Illawarra coastline with the rolling climbs and lush bushland of the Royal National Park. At just over 113 km and almost 1,600 m of elevation, this route delivers the perfect mix of long coastal stretches, sustained climbs, and high-speed descents.
126km / 1866m Elevation
Royal National Park Loop
The Royal National Park Loop is one of the Illawarra’s most rewarding full-day rides—linking the rugged coastline north of Wollongong with the winding, forested climbs and descents of Australia’s oldest national park.
At over 125 km and nearly 1,900 m of elevation, this loop delivers a perfect mix of long coastal runs, sustained climbs, and twisting descents through lush bushland.
110km / 1575m elevation
Up Macquarie Pass, Down to Jamberoo Loop
This is one of the Illawarra’s most iconic loops—linking the legendary climb of Macquarie Pass with the sweeping descent into Jamberoo, all framed by lush rainforest, rolling farmland, and coastal views. At just over 105 km with 1,575 m of climbing, it’s a challenging and scenic day in the saddle for riders who enjoy a proper ascent and a flowing downhill payoff.
164km / 2733m Elevation
The Big Illawarra Loop - Kiama, Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Macquarie Pass
The Big Illawarra Loop is a true epic—an all-day cycling adventure that takes in the best of the South Coast and Southern Highlands. At over 160 km with nearly 2,800 m of climbing, this ride is a test of endurance, climbing legs, and sheer determination, but rewards every effort with jaw-dropping scenery and an ever-changing landscape.
After you pass through Kangaroo Valley Barrengarry Mountain is the most notable climb 6.40km long, at an average of 8.4% with 540m ascent!
Rent A Chapter2 Performance Road Bike
Full carbon frame, handle bar and carbon wheels. Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting.