DESCRIPTION
Arrival
Make your way to Thirroul, either drive or using the train. You are welcome to BYO bike/s or we will set you up on one of our bikes on arrival, and grab your luggage for transfer to your 1st night accommodation.
Cycling
Day 1 – Thirroul to Wollongong 16kms
Your first day’s cycle is very gentle – perfect forgetting into the swing of things. After a little bit of zigzagging on quiet roads to get down to the beach, you 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 cafes, local attractions and the CBD.
Day 2 – Wollongong to Windang 25kms
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 grandeur architecture, art and culture, unique exhibitions and vegetarian culinary delights. 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 temple grounds, and that respectful attire should be worn for going inside the temples. Sadly leaving the Temple, you 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 take away. 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 be-tween picturesque Lake Illawarra and the sparkling blue waters of Windang Beach, this park is a haven for water enthusiasts, offering the very best in fishing, boating, windsurfing and surfing, or simply en-joy the golden sunrises or moonlight caressed waters. The Park offers a variety of self contained 1, 2 or 3 bedroom cabins – many are equipped with washing machine and dryer, air
conditioning, spa, private BBQ, and undercover verandahs with lake views.
Day 3 – Windang to Kiama 25kms
Enjoy your included breakfast. Today’s ride starts out along the bike path by the beach, and in to the 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 we recommend allowing plenty of time for this 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 we guarantee that 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 take away shops. These are marked on the maps provided. Kiama is a very popular holiday destination with a beautiful headland and a popular blowhole. Your accommodation in Kiama is at lovely Kiama Shores (or similar). Breakfast is included.
Day 4 – Departure
We will make arrangements to meet to collect hire bikes if needed, and can transfer you to Kiama train station. It is about 1hr back to Thirroul or 2 hrs back to Sydney.
