Macquarie Pass National Park: A Coastal Escarpment Escape
Explore rainforests, waterfalls, and panoramic views in this accessible Illawarra escarpment park. Perfect for hiking, picnics, and nature lovers.
Macquarie Pass National Park, nestled on the Illawarra escarpment, offers a convenient escape into nature with rainforests, waterfalls, and panoramic views. Established in 1970, the park protects diverse habitats and provides opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, and picnicking, making it a worthwhile destination on the New South Wales south coast.
A brief summary to Macquarie Pass National Park
- Illawarra Hwy, Albion Park, New South Wales, 2527, AU
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Check Live Traffic NSW before you go, as the Illawarra Highway through Macquarie Pass can be subject to closures due to roadworks or accidents.
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, especially if you plan to hike to the waterfalls, as the terrain can be slippery.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the park is home to a diverse array of birdlife.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated picnic areas.
- Be mindful of the steep, winding road and drive carefully.
Getting There
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Driving
Macquarie Pass National Park is accessible via the Illawarra Highway. From Sydney or Wollongong, take the Princes Highway and Southern Freeway to the Illawarra Highway turnoff at Haywards Bay. Travel approximately 14km along the Illawarra Highway, veering right in Albion Park, to reach the park. From Nowra, head north on the Princes Highway and turn west onto Tongarra Road at Albion Park Rail. After 15km, Tongarra Road becomes the Illawarra Highway leading to the park. Be aware that the Illawarra Highway may be closed due to roadworks or accidents; check Live Traffic NSW before your visit. Parking is available at the Cascades picnic area and the Clover Hill Trailhead. There are no toll roads on the Illawarra Highway to access the park.
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Public Transport
Limited public transport options are available directly to Macquarie Pass National Park. The closest major town with public transport connections is Wollongong. From Wollongong, you can hire a car or join a guided tour to reach the park. Alternatively, you can take a train to Albion Park Station and then a taxi or rideshare service to the park. A taxi or rideshare from Albion Park Station to the Cascades picnic area (approx. 13km) would cost approximately $40-$60 AUD.
Discover more about Macquarie Pass National Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Robertson Honour Roll & Memorial Stone
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Belmore Falls
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Illawarra lookout walking track
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Minnamurra River
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Lower heritage wall
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Morley Park
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The Fold Illawarra
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Retford Park Estate
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Southern Highlands Visitor Information Centre
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Berrima District Historical & Family History Society
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Mount Gibraltar Quarries
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Wingecarribee Aboriginal Community Centre
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Mount Gibraltar
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Unmissable attractions to see
Cascade Falls
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Cascades walk
1.7 km
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The Big Potato
6.3 km
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Rainforest walking track
6.5 km
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Carrington Falls
6.8 km
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Carrington Falls Lookout
6.9 km
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Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
7.9 km
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Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
10.1 km
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Gerringong Falls
11.0 km
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HARS Aviation Museum
12.1 km
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Illawarra Light Railway Museum Society
12.2 km
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Illawarra tourism route
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Belmore Falls Lookout
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Barren Grounds Illawarra Lookout
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The Australian Motorlife Museum
15.6 km
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Essential places to dine
The Orangerie
17.7 km
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Hordern's
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Ruby's Mount Kembla Restaurant
20.1 km
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Scottish Arms Hotel
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Glass Cafe & Bistro Mittagong
22.4 km
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Mount Ashby Estate
22.9 km
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Paste Australia
23.2 km
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Ethos Restaurant
23.6 km
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Bistro Sociale
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Home no.9 Thai cuisine by Bangkok house
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JB’s Indian Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Grandpa's Shed
18.4 km
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Etcetera Home & Gifts
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5 Feathers
22.3 km
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THE Nostalgia Factory
22.4 km
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The Hive KV
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Warrawong Plaza
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Twisting Vintage
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Mittagong Hotel
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Mittagong RSL Club
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The Gin Trading Co.
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The Bowral Hotel
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The Parting Glass
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The Vault Port Kembla
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Harvey's Bar
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Five Barrel Brewing
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Moss Vale Hotel
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Moss Vale Services Club
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Vip Lounge
35.1 km
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Jervis Bay Sailing Club
49.2 km
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Club Callala
49.3 km
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Flamingos Nightclub
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