A plan to reboot the tourism and café offering at two of Wollongong’s most iconic lookouts is on the path to public exhibition following Council endorsement on Monday night (27 July).
A new draft Plan of Management (PoM) for Council-managed Crown Land at Bulli and Sublime Point lookouts proposes offering long-term leases for business operators to re-open disused café premises at the picturesque sites, as well as new camping opportunities to boost tourism in the region.
An endorsed PoM is a legislative requirement for all Council-managed Crown Reserves and guides the management and permissible use of public land, including recreational activities, environmental protection measures, and commercial operations.
The newly endorsed draft PoM covers two sections of Bulli Pass Scenic Reserve – Hopetoun Park, which contains Bulli Lookout and Cliffhanger Café, and Lady Fuller Park, which contains Sublime Point Lookout and kiosk. It’s proposed to categorise both parks for general community use, remove of the current 12-month lease limit for the cafes, and make camping/glamping an additional permitted use of the sites.
These proposals, aimed at enhancing tourism opportunities associated with the Great Southern Walk and Illawarra Escarpment Walking Tracks, also align with Council’s Tourism Accommodation Strategy (2025).
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said the PoM will only boost the appeal of the prime escarpment attractions.
“Anyone who has visited either spot will tell you what a memorable experience it is. The views and the walking tracks are truly stunning,” Councillor Brown said.
“They are breathtaking locations but, currently, they’re not being utilised to their full potential. Through our Tourism Accommodation Strategy, we’re looking at ways to entice people to, not only come and see what Wollongong has to offer but extend their stay and really enhance their experience.
“Getting the café sites operating again and providing further opportunities for camping and ecotourism would allow that to happen and it’s certainly something we want to incentivise through this Plan of Management.
“We’re also very cognisant of the fact that any activities carried out on the escarpment need to preserve and enhance the natural environment, which is why these plans and proposals need to be carefully developed and considered.
“We’re taking all the necessary steps in that regard and we’re certain this plan will make the very best use of the much-loved lookouts and walking trails.”
Following Council’s endorsement, the draft Lookouts PoM be referred to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure – Crown Lands for review and approval for public exhibition.
