Route to Kiama

[nathg]

Hi everyone,

Family has moved down to Kiama, so over the Christmas period I’m planning to ride down for a visit. Starting location is Ryde.

Using ridewithgps.com to get an idea of the route, the problem I have is I can select the route as only driving or cycling. Driving will take me on a route that is not ideal, cycling will select paths/cycle ways I may not want to ride. For context, I’m on a road bike, no real issue riding on the road, prefer a shoulder, wouldn’t want to be on the Hume or any major road like that.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45059881

Someone who might know the route, or part of, able to tell me what they think? No idea what I’m up against once I’m past Waterfall and heading south.
It is also a lot flatter than I imagined, with elevation not really kicking in until Sutherland.


Appreciate any advice, cheers

[RonK]

Try the NSW Coastal Cycle Trail

https://www.nswcoastcycle.com/

[DernyDriver]

Try the NSW Coastal Cycle Trail

https://www.nswcoastcycle.com/

I live in the Illawarra and that is certainly the safest way to do it.

[nathg]

Thanks to both of you, hadn’t seen this website.

So looks like I’ll take the Princes Hwy all the way to Waterfall, and continue on trying to not go Princes Motorway (although that section looks a bit tricky on maps)? Continue to Stanwell Tops and follow the coast for the rest of the way which looks a mix of cycle paths and road.

Lawrence Hargrove Drive, is that mostly cycle friendly? Again, I’m fine on the road, just not familiar with these roads.

[warthog1]

Try the NSW Coastal Cycle Trail

https://www.nswcoastcycle.com/

Never heard of it. Looks great.

[DernyDriver]

Thanks to both of you, hadn’t seen this website.

So looks like I’ll take the Princes Hwy all the way to Waterfall, and continue on trying to not go Princes Motorway (although that section looks a bit tricky on maps)? Continue to Stanwell Tops and follow the coast for the rest of the way which looks a mix of cycle paths and road.

Lawrence Hargrove Drive, is that mostly cycle friendly? Again, I’m fine on the road, just not familiar with these roads.

At Waterfall, just after the overpass you exit to the right and take the OLD princes highway. Not the F6 motorway. The old highway will take you to the town of Helensburg. Its possible to ride the F6 to the Helensburg exit but the breakdown lane is pretty rough. The old highway is not great but there is not a lot of traffic uses it ....its not too bad. At Helensburg turn left towards Stanwell Tops and the coast. Narrow shoulder but its mostly gradual down hill so you will be doinga decent speed. And then , yes, down Bald Hill and on to Lawrence Hargeave Drive. Again, a narrow shoulder but its well frequented by cyclists and the cars are generally cautious and its fairly safe. Down around Thirroul / Bulli you can jump onto the caostal bike path which will take you all the way to Wollongong. Its a bit twisty and can be a lot of dog walkers and pram pushers but its safe and scenic. From around Bellambi area you can take Squires Lane to Wollongong, theres a decent shoulder and its more direct if the path is getting annoying.
South of wollongong use the path next to the road to get through the steelworks area which is hectic even in a car. You may need to use the road around the warrawong area for a kilometre or 2. From Warrawong to Windang is another dangerous spot, there are 3 lanes so its tempting to use that 3rd lane - but dont. Its 80k there and the cars do 100 up the left undertaking the traffic. Use the bike path next to the road. Its a bit lumpy but its ok. After Windang its safe to use the 3rd lane. Its 60k and lots of traffic lights to slow everything up. There actually is a bike path from Windang to Shellharbour but I would just use the road, its more direct.
A lot to take in ... but a nice ride
Good luck
DD

[g-boaf]

Try the NSW Coastal Cycle Trail

https://www.nswcoastcycle.com/

The map on that site gave me a headache! So slow and clunky.

I gave up.

Edit: Error! Map images could not be loaded.

[nathg]

Great advice, thanks DD!
I’ll put as much of it as I can in a planned route and save to my wahoo. Plan to do it over the Christmas/New Year break, hopefully not too busy if I start early enough

[DernyDriver]

Great advice, thanks DD!
I’ll put as much of it as I can in a planned route and save to my wahoo. Plan to do it over the Christmas/New Year break, hopefully not too busy if I start early enough

Just looking at the map again, as I said, Windang to Shellharbour I would use Shellharbour Road. Theres a 3rd lane.
And Riverside Drive at Kiama Downs is more direct and pretty good too. The coast path is very windy, but picturesque.
I am away between Christmas and New Year, otherwise I would offer you a motor scooter escort from Wollongong to Kiama, followed by a coffee in Kiama somewhere.
Speaking of coffee, avoid the crowds and go to south Kiama near the high school for great food and coffee. The Brooding Italian.
Cheers

[nathg]

Ok cheers. I’ll probably jump on and off the shared path depending on road condition/traffic etc.
parents live on Manning Street across from the beach. Hopefully somewhere good enough close by!