Lake Illawarra Foreshore Shared Path

Lake Illawarra's foreshore shared path is less a single named trail than a chain of flat paved paths along the water, and the Reddall Reserve end in Lake Illawarra is the easiest place to join it. Expect wide estuary views, pelicans on the shallows and an on-lead rule the whole way.

Lead rules

The path crosses two councils, with Shellharbour City Council looking after the southern end around Reddall Reserve and Wollongong City Council the northern and western shores. On both, dogs stay on a lead along the shared paths and the foreshore reserves beside them.

The walk

It is flat and sealed, shared with runners and cyclists, with community artwork along the way. Some stretches have trees, picnic shelters and shade, while the open waterfront sections are fully exposed.

Bubblers and taps sit near the amenity blocks at the bigger reserves, and bins are easy to find. Free parking runs along Reddall Parade.

Max: Bikes share this path. Keep the lead short so a passing cyclist never meets a wandering dog.

Make a day of it

The Fern & Anchor is close by for a coffee, and Warilla Fenced Dog Park gives your dog the off-lead run the foreshore does not allow.

When to go

Flat and paved, it suits older dogs, prams and young dogs still learning lead manners. On hot days, walk early, before the exposed stretches heat up.