Bald Hill Headland Reserve

Bald Hill sits on the clifftop at Stanwell Tops, above Stanwell Park, with sweeping views down the coast to the Sea Cliff Bridge. Dogs are welcome on lead in the reserve, so treat it as a scenic stop rather than a place to run.

Lead rules

Wollongong City Council allows dogs on a lead at Bald Hill Reserve, kept away from the picnic tables. The off-lead green zone is down at Stanwell Park Beach.

Around the headland

Paved paths, handrails and viewing platforms run along the clifftop, past the Lawrence Hargrave Memorial and open grass. Hang-gliders and paragliders launch from the cliffs, which is worth stopping to watch.

There is a large free car park, public toilets and often a coffee or food van, especially on weekends.

A formed track with more than 400 sandstone steps drops through bushland to the beach. Parts of it cross land managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, so check the signs before taking a dog down.

Max: The wind can be strong on the clifftop. Keep the lead short near the viewing platforms.

Make a day of it

Finish with an off-lead run at Stanwell Park Beach Off-Leash Green Zone or a meal at Uluwatu Blue.

When to go

Weekends bring the food vans and more people to the lookout. Any day with light wind is the most comfortable for a dog up top.