The Great Illawarra Walk
Official WebsiteAbout This Event
Join the Great Illawarra Walk for a scenic coastal walk from Shellharbour to Austinmer, supporting KidsWish with a family-friendly event featuring lunch and activities.
Events
Save the ones you’re doing to My races. Free with a MyRaceHub account.
Saturday 13 March
-
40km Walk7am
-
27km Walk9am
-
KidsWish Blue Mile11am
-
15km Walk12pm
-
6km Walk1pm
For current entry fees, check the entry page.
Quick Facts
- Date
- Saturday, 13 March 2027
- Terrain
- Road
- Location
- Bean Roasted Espresso Bar, Addison Street, Shellharbour Village to Headlands Hotel Austinmer
- Entry Fee
- Check the entry page for current prices
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Start Time
- 7:00 AM (first wave — see schedule)
- Good for Beginners
- Yes - multiple distances and flat terrain
Event Details
Course Description
The Great Illawarra Walk offers a scenic coastal route from Shellharbour Village to Austinmer, passing through charming towns, beaches, and parks. With multiple distances to choose from, including a 40km option, the event is perfect for walkers of all abilities. The course is flat and road-based, making it accessible and enjoyable for families and first-time walkers alike.
Getting There
The event starts at Bean Roasted Espresso Bar in Shellharbour Village. Parking is available in the surrounding area. Public transport options include the Austinmer Train Station, which is a 20-minute walk from the finish line. Arrive early to allow time for registration and preparation.
Where to Stay
Places to stay near the start, priced for race weekend.
We may earn a small referral fee if you book through this map — you pay the same price.
Weather & What to Pack
March is autumn in southern NSW, with temperatures typically ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Expect mild conditions with some sun. Dress in layers and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the walk.
Race details last updated 21 Sep 2026
Ready to run The Great Illawarra Walk?
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter the walk?
The entry fee is $50 per adult and $20 per child for the 40km, 27km, 15km, and 6km walks. The KidsWish Blue Mile costs $20 per participant.
Where can I collect my walk shirt?
Walk shirts are available for collection from LJ Hooker Shellharbour, Corrimal, and Wollongong from Monday 8 February 2027. They will also be available at Bean Roasted and Wollongong on the morning of the event.
Are there water stations along the route?
Yes, there are regular water stations along the route, hosted by local businesses. They provide water, sunscreen, light snacks, and first aid.
What is the KidsWish Blue Mile?
The KidsWish Blue Mile is a 1.6km accessible walk in Wollongong, open to all ages and abilities. It includes a family-friendly party and lunch at Stuart Park.
What happens after the walk finishes?
The walk finishes at the Headlands Hotel Austinmer, where there is an after-party with drinks, food, and a presentation of fundraising totals.
parkruns near this race
Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races.
- Shellharbour parkrun Sat 8:00am · 2.5 km away · Shell Cove
- Reddall Reserve parkrun Sat 8:00am · 4.6 km away · Windang
- North Wollongong parkrun Sat 8:00am · 21 km away · Towradgi
More Races in NSW
Is this your event?
Claim The Great Illawarra Walk to keep its details up to date — dates, distances, entry fees and course information. Free, and it takes a minute.
- Correct your race's details yourself, any time
- Runners see accurate info when they're deciding what to enter
- Optionally feature your event in search results