FAQs

The Grand Pacific Walk is Wollongong’s major active transport project and once completed, will comprise a near-70km coastal pathway between Royal National Park in the north to Lake Illawarra in the south. It aims to connect communities through the provision of an alternative transport mode, improve facilities for the local community and visitors and benefit the community’s health and wellbeing.

A shared path will be installed beginning on Lawrence Hargrave Drive, opposite Mountain Road, and will run downhill toward Austinmer shops. The shared path will include new kerbs, gutters and driveways. A viewing platform with some bench seating will be installed at Slade Park, along with a new footpath that will run parallel to 153 Lawrence Hargrave Drive. This path will meet up with the existing walkway. 

Traffic lights at the exit of Knox Park will be upgraded to allow for the shared path crossing, as well as new kerb ramps. The fence at Knox Park will also be relocated to allow for the shared path.

 The shared path will continue on Lawrence Hargrave Drive until the entrance of Little Austinmer Lane. Going up the hill toward Toxteth Avenue, the shared path will be a floating boardwalk. A new concrete traffic barrier will replace the existing guardrail along this bend for safety. 

The beach access stairs near Toxteth Avenue will remain but will be modified to suit the shared path. A new table setting will be installed on the headland.

The culvert (stormwater channel) fences opposite Glastonbury Garden will be replaced and upgraded with new compliant cycle and pedestrian barrier fencing. 

Little Austinmer Lane will become a 10km/hr shared zone for vehicles and pedestrians, with four (4) speed cushions spaced along the lane to manage traffic speed. Seats will be installed in Tuckerman Park. 

The shared path will continue along the western side of Yuruga Street with new driveways, kerbs, gutters and kerb ramps to connect to Headland Avenue. The shared path will then connect with Lawrence Hargrave Drive on the northern side of Headland Avenue. Three (3) footpaths will stem from the shared pathway for a section of Headland Avenue, to provide access to Pinecourt Park and the tennis courts.

The reconstruction of some driveways is a possible part of the shared path design. The driveways that may be affected have been highlighted on the consultation plan. The driveways may be altered by Council to the extents required by the new shared path, which include minor level changes. As this project is currently in the design stage, the extent of these driveway changes is yet to be determined and any affected property owners will be notified by Council.

The shared path will be 2.5m wide, however there are some areas where we will need to manoeuvre around existing structures such as fences, power poles and trees. The path may widen in these areas and will be line marked.

To allow for the shared path and ensure pedestrian safety, we’ll push the centre line of a small section of Lawrence Hargrave Drive west. We’ll install No Stopping signs on the corner of Oceana Parade and Moore Lane and relocate the No Stopping sign outside Austinmer Surf Club. This will result in the loss of nine (9) parking spaces, however two (2) new additional car spaces are proposed between Kennedy Road and Oceana Parade.

The project is currently in the design stage. It is intended that the platform will be an extension of the concrete shared path with some bench seating for the community to sit and enjoy the view.

We will aim to retain all trees along the route except for one on Headland Avenue that needs to be removed to allow for the footpath. We’ll be replacing it with native shrubs. There’ll also be some minor vegetation pruning in other areas shown on the consultation plan. If any other trees are required to be removed, we’ll plant suitable replacements nearby, in line with our Urban Greening Strategy. To protect the Norfolk Pines along Knox Park, we’ll be installing flexible pavement. 

A safety barrier with a rail will be installed in place of the existing guardrail around the blind corner opposite Toxteth Avenue to protect pedestrians and cyclists. 

Compliant barriers, handrails and fences will be installed where required to provide a safer environment for all users.

An artists impression of the shared path and safety barrier around the corner opposite Toxteth Avenue.

We’re aiming to start work in late 2024 and with good weather, it will take approximately 12 months to complete.

During construction, residents and businesses will see a construction work crew, their vehicles and equipment in the area. The work crew will aim to minimise disruption, however there may be some traffic control requirements at times. Access to and from some properties may be affected. Our construction crews will make contact before works start on site.

At the conclusion of the engagement period, a report is provided to the project team with a summary of all the feedback received for their consideration. They’ll use people’s feedback to inform the final design.

A cycle barrier will be installed on the beach-side of the new shared use path, opposite Glastonbury Gardens, to ensure compliance with national safety standards regarding proximity to slopes and potential falls. 

Council will investigate placing a gap in the fence to ensure residents can still access the beach.