NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) announced last December that one of my favourite little walks in the Northern Illawarra had re-opened after a multi-million-dollar upgrade. Our local member, Maryanne Stuart, repeated this announcement in her newsletter shortly after. So with great excitement I set off on the Wodi Wodi track from Coalcliff to walk to Stanwell Park station.
The trailhead sign encouraged me to believe the full trail was open (see pic 1, above).
Whoops, I got to Stanwell Creek, enjoying the new sandstone steps and upgraded path, but was then confronted with a washed-out gully where the track used to go to head uphill north towards the station (pic 2, below). No upgrade here.
I no longer have mountain goat mode. So, I searched for alternatives. Then I noticed a faded painted arrow on a tree and a tiny yellow arrow in the distance pointing downstream, and a tree with red tape around it (can you see them in pic 3?).
After following the creek down about 100m, I saw some old sandstone steps ascending to the north. Ah, this is the track! Sure enough I could get through to Stanwell Park Station, but this section of track has had no work done on it, is slippery when wet, and is steep and washed out in places (pic 4). Only recommended for fit, agile people.
So, is the Wodi Wodi track upgraded? Yes and no. The green section in the trail map (pic 5) is great and has been upgraded.
The blue section is manageable but only obscure signage directs walkers where to find it. The red section is OK but not easy in places, traversing steep slopes, and slippery when wet. I have requested NPWS to update the signage at the trailheads and place clearer signs along the creek. This information is accurate as of 8 April 2025.
PS: After a tip from a friend, I take an old credit card to flick off leeches before they get too attached.
About the writer
Stephen Young is a retired farmer and software developer who has lived in Thirroul since 2015. He is a keen bushwalker and lover of our natural environment. He volunteers for Hewitt's Creek Bushcare, Electrify 2515, MCCI refugee support, Illawarra Table Tennis, and the Greens.