Helicopter operations in the Illawarra Escarpment Reserve

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is warning residents of the northern Illawarra region, between Austinmer and Stanwell Park, of a two-day helicopter operation taking place from July 24 to 25 as part of ongoing works on the Great Southern Walk.

This work is part of the Great Southern Walk track upgrades in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. Work has commenced in 2023 on the southern boundary of Wodi Wodi Track and will continue on Forest Track along the top of the escarpment.

Weather permitting, the helicopter will lift approximately 120 loads to the work zones on the Wodi Wodi and Forest tracks. Residents in the region will be able to watch the helicopter from 9am to sunset on both days as it transports materials to the project site. For the safety of the public, all associated tracks will remain closed to the public while work is being carried out.

Locals should be aware that there will be occasional helicopter operations in connection with this project over the coming months. Please refer to the NPWS website to keep up to date with ongoing work.

NPWS regularly uses helicopters to transport construction materials to tracks that are difficult to access due to their location and rugged terrain and therefore inaccessible to vehicles.

Work began in 2023 on the 67km Great Southern Walk, which aims to showcase the natural and cultural beauty of the Illawarra Escarpment, Royal and Kamay Botany Bay national parks in a multi-day experience.