Family Friendly :: Yes, most of the paths are paved. There is some uphill/downhill walking though.
Accessibility :: Hill 60, MM Beach and The Breakwater are all located in Port Kembla. There is parking at the top of the hill, along Gloucester Blvd and at the Port Kembla Outer Harbour Boat Ramp, so wherever you choose to begin there’s a spot to pull up. The closest bus stop is at King George V Park on Olympic Blvd.
Length :: From Hill 60 down to Break Water Battery is just over 2km one way, if you decide to continue on to the Breakwater, you’re looking at least another km out to the end. Plus the return trip.
Duration :: Carve out a couple of hours for a good paced stroll with breaks for picture snapping.
Stunning views with a side of history
Hill 60 in Port Kembla is an important place for both Aboriginal history and Australia’s World War II history.
Just below the lookout on the beaches; you can still find signs of this history today, like shell middens along the shore.
Also under the lookout are old World War II bunkers, the big guns are gone now, but the concrete bunkers are still there.
These bunkers are linked by tunnels running through the hill, though they’re closed to the public. Hill 60 is a special place where you can learn about both Aboriginal culture and Australia’s wartime history, all in one visit.
The Breakwater Battery was also a coastal defence spot, now it’s an excellent place to snap an iconic Insta piccy.
How to explore
There are a couple of different ways we like to explore this area of Port Kembla.
You can start from by parking at the top of the Hill 60 lookout and first taking in all those ocean views.
From there, begin your walk out of the carpark down the hill past Five Islands Secondary College. This is a bit of steep descent and you need to cross the road to get out of the carpark so keep an eye on little ones.
Once you’re at the bottom of the hill you will reach Gloucester Blvd. On the corner of the Blvd you’ll also find Cakes by Rach Cafe if you feel like fuelling up before continuing your walk.
Turn right onto the road and continue past the school until you reach the coastline. On your right will be MM beach and on your left local factories and businesses.
The path along the road is paved or you can take the stairs down onto the sand for some beach walking. MM beach is also an off-leash area, stretching from the main stairs to the northern end of the beach, so feel free to bring the puppers along.
If you happen to be here on a day when the wind conditions are just right you may even spy some paragliders riding the breeze taking off from the grassy area across from Port Kembla Public School.
The path eventually reaches Port Kembla Heritage Park, where you’ll meet up with those iconic white painted concrete tetrahedrons, affectionately known as ‘the pyramids’.
These striking structures were originally put on the beach to stop enemy tanks, but now they’re set up as a display near the old gun sites. In the area you’ll also see some cool old machinery from the port’s history.
If you haven’t already had your caffeine fix, now’s the time to head to Lo Stretto Cafe Restaurant at the Maritime Centre for a quality cuppa or a deeeelish brunch or lunch with totally sensational views.
Alternatively you can park your car at the bottom of the Maritime Centre and do this stroll in reverse.
Making the most of your visit
To keep the good times going, you can walk from Heritage Park down the stairs or follow the path to Port Kembla Harbour. Lots of locals use the boat ramp to get out on the water for a fish.
Next to the harbour is the start of the Port Kembla Eastern Breakwater. This 1 kilometre path stretches out into the ocean and offers views all the way to Wollongong.
On the right day, you might even spot some sleepy seals snoozin’ on the lower rocks near the end of the track. Very cool.
Just a heads-up, the area is closed during dangerous weather for safety.
Return the way you came
The best way to get back is by turning around and walking from the same way you came in.
To switch things up a little you could make a detour down to Fisherman’s beach [Fisho’s]. You will see the small paved entrance on the water side of the road, just before the rear of Five Islands Secondary College. It gives a different perspective of Hill 60 from below, but beware it’s a steep climb up when you’re done, so make sure to save some energy for that.
Good To Know :: This isn’t one official walk, just a way to link a few of the places we love in Port together. Feel free to mix it up, do it all in one, or break into different visits.
Why We Love It :: Ocean view for daaaaays! Some of the most gorgeous coastline around, and the chance to see whales during the season as well!
What’s Nearby :: Port Kembla Pool and Port Kembla Beach are just a short walk or drive away, so if the sun’s out, make sure to leave a bit of extra time for a swim. Port Kembla Beach Park is also nearby and perfect for a play with the kiddos.
Check out our Guide to Port Kembla here for even more awesome ideas for what to see and do whilst you’re in town.
