Cycling Tour NSW South Coast

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Thirroul to Wollongong

   Your first day’s cycle is very gentle - perfect for getting into the swing of things. After a little bit of zig-zagging on quiet roads to get down to the beach, you will join the Illawarra Coastal Cycle Path, which takes you right into Wollongong via the beaches, lagoons and waterways of this lovely stretch of coastline. Generally, today’s cycle will only take about 2 hours of actual cycling time, leaving plenty of time for stops, swims, ice-cream breaks and other diversions.

   In warm weather, make sure that you bring your swimmers, as there are numerous places to stop for a quick dip along the way. 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. On the water's edge, just footsteps from the golden sands of North Wollongong Beach, enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, and breakfast included in your package. The hotel is close by to cafes, local attractions and the CBD.
   

   • 9.9 miles
   • Novotel North Beach Hotel, Wollongong

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     Novotel North Beach Hotel, Wollongong

     Enjoy this exceptional location, right next to the beach, on your first night

2. Day 2Wollongong to Windang

    After breakfast, start with a short cycle around the lovely boat harbour at Wollongong. Your route heads inland toward the Nan Tien Temple, a worthy distraction. Nan Tien Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. This unique experience has grand architecture, art and culture, unique exhibitions and vegetarian culinary delights to offer. Here you can wander through the temples and gardens, or dine at the lovely tea house. Please note that you are not permitted to cycle in the temple grounds and that respectful attire should be worn for going inside the temples.

   Sadly leaving the Temple, you will head down to Lake Illawarra, and cycle around the shoreline. This is an ideal spot for lunch, with the Tea House at Nan Tien Temple providing delicious noodle and vegetarian dishes suitable for takeaway. 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. Windang Beach Tourist Park is nestled between picturesque Lake Illawarra and the sparkling blue waters of Windang Beach. The park is a haven for water enthusiasts, offering the very best in fishing, boating, windsurfing and surfing, or simply enjoy the golden sunrises or moonlit-caressed waters. The park offers a variety of self-contained 1, 2 or 3 bedroom cabins — many are equipped with a washing machine and dryer, airconditioning, spa, private BBQ, and undercover verandahs with lake views.
   

   • 15.5 miles
   • Windang Beach Tourist Park
   • Breakfast

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     Windang Beach Tourist Park

     Another great location tonight, staying in a cute and comfortable cabin

   • 

     Windang Beach Tourist Park

     Another great location tonight, staying in a cute and comfortable cabin

3. Day 3Windang to Kiama

   Enjoy your included breakfast this morning. Today’s ride starts out along the bike path by the beach, and into pretty Shellharbour village. With plenty of cafes and restaurants, this is a great place for an early lunch or morning tea. 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 quite a hilly ride, and so the tour operator recommends you allow plenty of time for the 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 you won’t want to hurry through it. This section also has some great swimming beaches and picnic locations, as well as a couple of cafes and some takeaway shops. These are marked on the maps provided. Kiama is a very popular holiday destination with a beautiful headland and popular blowhole. Your accommodation in Kiama is at lovely Kiama Shores (or similar).
   

   • 15.5 miles
   • Kiama Shores (or similar)
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Kiama Harbour

     Cycle by delightful sights and places to stop as you gaze out to sea

   • 

     Kiama Shores (or similar)

     Head to this popular holiday spot for the last night of the tour

   • 

     Kiama Shores (or similar)

     Head to this delightful holiday spot for the last night of the tour

4. Day 4Departure

   The tour operator will arrange to meet you to collect hire bikes if needed, and can transfer you to Kiama train station. It is about a 1hr trip back to Thirroul or 2 hrs back to Sydney.
   

   • Breakfast