The Minns Labor Government has transferred 5.6 hectares of coastal bushland at Stanwell Park to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to bring it under the environmental protection of the Royal National Park and secure a key missing link for the Great Southern Walk.
The land transfer allows NPWS to establish a critical stretch of the 67km Great Southern Walk by providing access between Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Stanwell Park beach and Bald Hill lookout.
The land parcel at The Drive adjoins the southern end of the Royal National Park and connects to the Illawarra State Conservation Area. The NSW Government has owned the land, which was under Wollongong City Council control and management, since 1977.
The Great Southern Walk is a spectacular coastal trail from Kamay Botany Bay National Park at Kurnell through the Royal National Park and south along the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area to Bulli Tops,
The walking trail takes in ocean cliffs, secluded beaches, rainforest gullies, ancient geological formations and places of Aboriginal cultural, historical and environmental significance.
The NSW Government has designed the walk to make iconic natural environments accessible and boost recreation and local tourism by linking landscapes from Sydney to Wollongong with options for short day walks through to multi‑day wilderness‑style treks within the Greater Sydney area.
Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:
“Stanwell Park is one of the jewels of our coastline and ensuring this land is protected in the national park estate means it will be maintained and enjoyed for generations to come.
“This is a practical, collaborative outcome that puts community and environment first and shows what can be achieved when agencies work together to deliver real benefits for our region.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“Transferring this land to the national park estate secures a critical link for the Great Southern Walk and will make sure key access tracks running from Bald Hill down to Stanwell Park remain in public hands.
“The transfer is important because it is the final piece in the puzzle of the Royal National Park’s coastline, creating a continuous stretch of protected coastline running from Bundeena to Stanwell Park.
“It will support greater visitation to our oldest and one of the most visited national parks, backing in the Illawarra as a great tourism destination and supporting more local jobs.”
