Everything You Need To Know About This Local Hiking Trail That Gets The Heart Pumpin’
Need to work on that fitness? Here’s a great trail to smash out a session that will rival any gym class – and it’s free, no membership required!
Check out the Ken Ausburn trail, offering the perfect training location for hiking or trail running.
And if you’re not after a workout? Then take it slow and steady and take in those wonderful ‘Gong vistas and some very interesting wildlife and history.
Heads up, guys! This walk within the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area is open up until the T-intersection where it meets the Mount Keira Ring Track. That track was damaged by landslides and is currently closed but you can still get a good 40 – 60 minute workout walking up to the T-intersection on the Ken Ausburn Track and back again.
Family-Friendly :: Yes!
Easily Accessible :: Yes, lots of free weekend parking or catch the free Gong Shuttle, only minutes from Wollongong CBD.
Dog-Friendly :: Nope, as it’s part of Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.
Stairs :: Sure is! Lots of wooden stairs for a great glute workout.
Time :: 40- 60 minutes, depending on your pace and whether you choose to run it!
Cost :: No cost
Talk about nature on your doorstep!
The trailhead is located in Keiraville, this is a prime location for a local bushwalk, easy public transport and on the UOW’s doorstep – perfect for a lunchtime walk to clear your head students and Professors?!
Head to the end of Northfields Avenue and access the walk from there.
If choosing your own adventure is your thing, this walk gives you options – joining the Mt Keira Ring track you could add onto your walk a variety of trails for a solid day of bushwalking if you want to stretch it out.
So who’s this Ken Ausburn fellow?!
Dr Kenneth John Ausburn was the first head of the Department of Physics at the UOW and an avid nature lover and conservation. It’s fitting that the trail was named in his memory given the diversity on the trail and its very close proximity to the Uni.
What to expect?
A few metres in and the elevation starts straight up. Expect to have totally underestimated that hill and you likely just spotted the huge wooden staircase ahead too – blimey!
Well, we promised a workout, so get your internal bootcamp instructor revved up.
Are you feeling the burn yet? Thankfully the wonderful people who built the stairs included some small seats and viewing platforms to check out the Southern Wollongong views – you might stop to check the view, or recover, no one’s judging here.
This large staircase is a terrific training option, run them five or so times if you really want to ramp up your workout. They’re steady and wide, so perfect for few sprints.
Or just crawl up them, once again – no one’s judging!
What’s the big silver thingy?!
The path continues to one of Wollongong’s most infamous art installations – think tongues wagging like the elevated palms in the mall!
Love it or hate it – the Herbert Flugelman “Winged Figure” is a monument to commemorate Lawrence Hargreaves.
Erected in 1988, it was a big event at the time and certainly still stands tall and shiny, as impressive as the day it was grounded in this place.
Despite the controversy this piece created, I must admit up close it is spectacular – whether it was the late afternoon light or the light-headedness after the many stairs – I was impressed.
Besides the obvious size, the stainless steel with the greenery and magic blue sky, this is a truly angelic feature that complements the beautiful lookout.
Up that heart rate!
Continuing on the pathway up towards the escarpment, this next part of the walk is a really impressive spot for bird watching.
So if you can take your time, or even your camera and enjoy identifying the birds, you might even catch a glimpse of the local and friendly leucistic kookaburra – this little guy is a treat and doesn’t mind posing for photos!
The trail continues up and up on copper log stairs and wide trails until you reach the denser forest.
From here the climb begins again – up and up – as you reach your way deeper into the escarpment.
There are a few informational signs along the way, and some sneaky views of the coastline, so if it’s your first time, it’s worth stopping to learn more about the history along the coast.
Go back in time…!
One of the biggest highlights on the Ken Ausburn Trail is the coal history dating back to 1848 including a tramway cutting near the small bridge you cross and of particular interest is the mine ventilation shaft which majestically stands with trees as if it’s always been there.
There are signs that give you the full backstory which adds plenty of interest to the walk.
The trail officially ends at the t-intersection on a service trail.
You have the option to head south to continue on the Mt Keira Ring Track to summit Mt Keira, or north to Mt Pleasant.
Or you can simply head back the same way you came.
Then repeat – maybe?! We did say a workout right!?
INSIDER TIPS
1 :: If you’re not doing a lunchtime walk from the uni and planning on driving there, do this walk on weekends. Weekend parking is heaven, weekdays are a nightmare.
2 ::This trail has steep sections. If you’re less fit just simply take your time.
3 :: The steepness of the trail is definitely a good highlight for those wanting to add some diversity to their fitness routine, trail walking or running is a great way to mix things up and keep working out interesting and challenging.
4 :: If you plan on running, be sure to have sturdy shoes, ankle support shoes a bonus.
5 :: Naturally, ensure you carry plenty of hydration too.
Why this is a great bushwalk!
This track is ideal for birdwatchers, history enthusiasts or people looking to increase their fitness.
It’s not a ‘typical’ Wollongong bushwalk as it’s a wider trail, has a huge art installation and goes through an urban area at the start of the trail.
It’s a great walk with many pluses, and well worth ticking it off your list if not only for the views!
The track is a round trip being roughly a 3km walk so is great for families too – you might just need to bribe the kids to keep them motivated in the steep sections.
***
We love sharing our awesome outdoor adventures with The Fold readers and want to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy when giving our walks and rides a crack for themselves. So, always check the weather forecast before you venture out. If you’re heading into a National Park, be sure to consult the National Parks website for up-to-date information about current alerts. Prepare yourself with the right equipment, clothing, safety items, with plenty to eat and drink if you’re going on longer hikes, and always let someone else know where you’re going and what time you are expected to be back. Have fun and stay safe!