Last Updated on 22 October 2021
Despite the popularity of Clifton’s serpentine Sea Cliff Bridge among tourists and locals alike, the vast majority of visitors actually have no idea where to go for aerial views of this iconic Illawarra landmark. In fact, I’ve lived within 30 minutes of this bridge for the last 5 years and I only very recently discovered the proper pathway myself (and not for lack of trying)!
After years of bashing through the bushes to get a view of the coastline (and sometimes even bashing through the bushes to find nothing in particular, getting lost in the tangled vines), I am eager to confirm that all rumours of a proper trail to the scenic viewpoint are entirely true. Without further ado, here is absolutely everything you need to know about hiking to the secret Sea Cliff Bridge lookout for one of the best views in the entire Wollongong-Illawarra region.
Getting to Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout
Sea Cliff Bridge stretches between Clifton and Coalcliff, about 70km south of the Sydney CBD and 20km north of Wollongong. Although it is possible to catch a train to Scarborough station and walk the short distance to the bridge, most people prefer to drive, parking at the south end in the designated car spaces on the ocean-side of the road.
Crossing the bridge, you’ll see a very small gravel parking area right at the start of the bridge, sitting just in front of the Sea Cliff Bridge sign (visible in the photo below). It is from this parking area that the trail actually starts– don’t blink or you’ll miss it! Pass through this clearing in the bushes and begin walking upwards along a crude dirt trail.
UPDATE: A concerned reader recently messaged to say that access to this trail is now restricted. I can’t verify the accuracy of that statement myself as there were no signs or physical barriers to the trail at the time of writing, BUT if these do now exist, obviously I do not condone trespassing.
The trail to Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout
The path to the lookout is often lost in the leaves, but it’s not overly difficult to follow, especially given the yellow ribbon that some kind soul has tied to trees and bushes throughout to keep you on track.
In a few sections, the dirt is extremely loose and the trail can get a bit steep, so just prepare for a little bit of scrambling. When you come to the steepest climb yet, a garden hose has actually been knotted around a tree to act as a rope and aid in your ascent. Before making your way up, however, continue on 10 metres to the right and peak out of the trees to see Sea Cliff Bridge below.
This lower lookout offers a great vantage point, and is actually the only lookout I knew of before finding this proper trail, but the upper lookout still takes the cake. Not only is the site just slightly higher, but the ground is a lot more level, allowing you to get out from the trees and take a better photo. If you do take photos at this lower lookout, be SUPER CAREFUL and watch your footing— it’s incredibly steep and the loose dirt is just waiting to shoot out from underneath you.
UPDATE: I would just like to reiterate once more that the ground here is incredibly unstable and you should exercise extreme caution when walking out to the lower lookout. If you’re unsure, just skip it and head straight to the upper lookout, which is a bit safer. In both instances, though, BE SAFE.
People have died at this lookout, so it’s no joke. Visit at your own risk.
The Secret Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout
Continuing upwards for another few minutes, you’ll finally come to a bit of a clearing and then the upper lookout, which is simply spectacular! Even on a sunny weekend, I only crossed paths with one other couple, so expect to enjoy the view mostly to yourself.
From here, you can see the road winding around the cliffs, watch little people-shaped specks walk up and down bridge, and see the coastline in all its blue glory.
In total, the walk to this incredible secret lookout is only about 10 minutes, with the lower lookout halfway along the trail. Even though there’s still a bit of bush whacking involved and you’re likely to end up with a fair amount of dirt in your shoes, getting to this viewpoint is the most worthwhile 10 minutes you’ll spend all weekend.
A quick reminder to be cautious!
UPDATE: Late September 2018, one visitor attempting to reach a lookout over Sea Cliff Bridge sat on loose soil, slid down the face of the cliff, and fell to his death. Based on reporting in local news, it appears that this group walked along train tracks and scaled a fence, and although I would strongly discourage trespassing or other unsafe routes to reach a viewpoint (walking along the tracks is illegal!), my sincerest sympathies are with the victim’s family and his friends.
This horrible tragedy has been felt by the whole community, but if we can learn anything from this story, it’s that hiking and bushwalking are inherently risky and that accidents can often be catastrophic.
Just last month, my stepmum had to be heli-lifted of a mountain after a climbing accident and my dad was evac’d a couple years ago when he fractured his ankle on a summit— both of them have extensive mountaineering experience (45+ years!), but accidents are still possible!
When any of us are out in nature, we need to:
- Exercise a realistic degree of caution
- Be constantly vigilant of cliff edges and uneven ground
- Prepare adequately for the activities we are doing, including wearing proper footwear
- Be realistic about our own personal limitations— a good selfie is not worth your life
- But also acknowledge that, even if we follow all of these guidelines, accidents can still happen— we accept this risk every time we set foot on a trail.
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The Comments
David
Thanks for the info. We found the path so easily. There are more yellow signs and markings now as well as rope along most of the route which helped with the steep climbs.
On the return we found a much easier new route(?) which takes you back to the Sea Cliff Bridge car park further south on the cliff side near Clifton School of Arts and the rail crossing.
This route essentially goes through the bushes at the end of the car park over a tiny stream and then along the railway fence line straight to the upper lookout. It felt much safer, easier because it was relatively level in comparison. You still need to exercise caution on this route and especially when you come out at the lookout. Those drops are sheer even though you may not be able to see it for all the vegetation.
Thanks again for the tips!
brooke brisbine
DavidHi David, thanks so much for the updates, that’s great!! I’ll have to explore the new route and update the post in the coming months 🙂
Happy trails!
xx bb
Anonymous
Don’t park in the little bay directly in front of the bushes. This is a no stopping bay and I just got a ticket for $283 😫
brooke brisbine
AnonymousThank you for this important update!
Chris
Wow a secret spot! quick let me write a detailed blog post on exactly how to get there! Surely it won’t ruin said secret?
joking aside, i really don’t care about this spot, its pretty funny people think of it as an extreme adventure and even more insane that people have killed themselves over a photo from it. What i do care about though are the secret spots that blogs like this kill all the time. what have you gained by writing this, other than an increased liability and increased soil erosion and general degradation of the environment?
brooke brisbine
ChrisHere’s what I know, Chris.
People have been tramping through that hillside in search of the “secret lookout” long before blogs like this existed. That erosion and environmental damage is now contained to a single track rather than spread needlessly over an enormous area. People are also diverted away from the train tracks, which are illegal to cross and yet had often been involved in a roundabout route to this lookout.
And just like teaching abstinence doesn’t work, telling people to STAY OUT seems sadly ineffective; recognising that, the only logical solution is to minimise the potential for harm by informing people of the safest route, advising caution, and stressing the need for appropriate footwear. People will go up there with or without this information, but wouldn’t we rather they be prepared?
Truthfully, the council should maintain a short trail and a safer lookout platform, that would be the best solution. Allow people to enjoy a spot they clearly love without serious risk OR substantial environmental impact.
Coffee Kuo
brooke brisbineNice reply and I totally agree!! 😊 Thank you for replying to my questions about shoes and other safety suggestions. You’re a great blogger Brooke.❤️
Coffee Kuo
Lovely Brook,
I will visit this sea bridge for the second time this Sunday. I tried to climb up this trail more than a year ago. I followed the ribbons and the gaps in the bushes, but I ended up getting lost and it became too steep and soft on the way. My backpack was full of photography. Equipment, they total nearly 13 kg. I challenged to climb a short section of soil landslide, but because my body continued to slide down, there was no stable tree trunk or rope that could continue to assist each section of the landslide, so I had to give up halfway.
In fact, it is difficult for me. I may not be able to bear the weight and my own weight and grasp the steep and soft soil. I am a survivor of a serious car accident in Colac, Victoria three years ago. I have been rehabilitating for three years after the incident. The main nerves connecting my arm’s two shoulders were broken before the operation, so I was originally It was because I lost the function of one arm. Now I have greatly recovered, but I still have difficulty lifting more than 4 kg with that arm to the height of my chest. I think this is also the reason why I didn’t have the confidence to climb up (this was the case last year, but I think my muscle strength may not be enough this year).
But I am an amateur photographer who loves shooting beautiful scenery. Can you tell me some suggestions? For example, what kind of shoes do you wear? How to climb and descend on steep slopes with soft soil and no continuous branches and ropes? (I slipped down for a short while when I went down the mountain, but that was a slope that I must fall. I could only let myself slide down while sitting, preferring to get my ass dirty instead of hurting myself.
I’m considering buying a drone, which may be a safer way. But it is impossible to take long-exposure photos as beautiful and detailed as a digital monocular.
I like you, a healthy and beautiful blogger who likes hiking and traveling. I hope you will always have more beautiful experiences, enjoy and share happiness.
brooke brisbine
Coffee KuoThank you so much for the lovely comment and an update on the Sea Cliff Bridge trail!
It’s very important to know your own limits, especially considering that people have died on this hike, so I think you made the right call. If you do decide to return, make sure you are wearing sturdy shoes (hiking boots), not carrying too much weight, stay a safe distance from the edge, and probably visit with friends/family who can provide support. It’s a spectacular view, but not worth a serious accident!
Happy trails 🙂
-Brooke
Shannon
Hey Brooke!
Love this blog, I went up this trail about a month ago. I was very lost at first and was soon met by an elderly man on the road. He showed me the entry and soon informed me that he was the one that had placed all of the ropes and the yellow ribbon! A local man, super nice and encouraging but emphasised the risks. I haven’t seen any signs about fines or anything, so I’m not sure why people would be getting fined. It’s definitely a scary hike but super fun and worth it for the view!
brooke brisbine
ShannonHi Shannon, thanks so much for sharing your experience!
Great to hear that there aren’t any signs restricting access (as many people have suggested), so hopefully that means it’s still permitted to use this trail and enjoy one of the best views in the Illawarra!
-Brooke
Jason
I just went today, as an adventurous 17 y boy, i found this trail very fun and exciting, Easy to find since the gap in the bush is pretty noticeable. Only scary things is coming back down. Yes there are risks such as slipping and hurting yourself.But i loved the challenge. Its not really as scary as other people say.
brooke brisbine
JasonHi Jason,
Thanks for your feedback, and so glad to hear you enjoyed the lookout! Just wondering (as I haven’t done the hike recently myself), are there any signs posted about restricted access as some readers have stated? Or was it completely open?
-Brooke
10 Best Walks In Sydney - Phoebe's Footprints
[…] This stunning sea cliff bridge is 1 of 10 best walks in Sydney because of its picturesque views. It is located between Clifton and Coalcliff. It is a difficult walk to find and this is the best blog post I’ve found to help guide you to the best lookout spot. […]
Sam
Hi Brooke,
I think it is great you put in the time and effort to make these blogs, but could you please just do us all a favour and remove this one? I was here recently and there were loads of people venturing into the bushes upto this spot.
While I dont think its that dangerous (ofcourse people’s perceptions will vary), and I scaled it quite easily even when it was extremely slippy with soaked mud, unfortunatley most people seem to lack common sense and it is only a matter of time with the amount of people I saw going up before some moron wanders to close to the edge again.
Thank you.
Te
Hi While it sounds like fun it sounds like a $448 fine and the possibility of slipping and dying on unofficial track that receives a great deal of rainfall and is highly prone to rockfalls is definitely not worth the risk.
Take the bridge instead.
brooke brisbine
TeHi Te, thanks for the comment. At the time of writing, there was no posted restriction on the track, so it is great to know that there is now a large fine in place! This will certainly deter people– in which case, you’re right, the bridge itself might be the best alternative.
-Brooke
Perps
Just went today. Very dangerous so please be cautious. Have to hold onto the vines. MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW THE YELLOW TAPE/RIBBON! If you don’t you’ll end up in the wrong place. It’s slippery so PLEASE BE CAREFUL! I’m not really fit and I’m scared of heights. So pls be careful. 8/10 WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. Almost slipped a bunch of times so yeah. Love you guys and be safe. If you do the view is beautiful. Just don’t go near edges!
brooke brisbine
PerpsThank you very much for this comment, I wholeheartedly agree: anyone trekking to this lookout needs to be VERY CAREFUL and exercise their best judgement, as people have died falling off the edge. It’s no joke.
If you don’t have appropriate footwear or experience hiking on exposed trails, absolutely do not attempt to make it to this lookout. It’s not a long or demanding walk, but it’s slippery and the risk of falling is pretty high– the view is spectacular, but not worth your life.
Thank you again for the update!
-Brooke
Rocca-Busch
Hi all .
5 people have died in that area in the last month. Please be careful , I found that the locals won’t let you know how to get up there.
As it’s illegal,
The police have been giving out $448 fines for people that they catch using the track.
brooke brisbine
Rocca-BuschThank you for the update. I hadn’t heard about any deaths in the area recently, but it’s interesting to know that fines are being given out! This certainly will deter people from going, as I’m sure is the goal.
Sebastian
Hi Brooke,
How do you get back down? I assume the same way one goes up? Is it just as hard going down or as dangerous?
Thanks!
brooke brisbine
SebastianHi Sebastian,
Yep, you get down the same way as you went up. It’s definitely slippery because of the loose dirt, but it’s not really the walk up or down that’s concerning (obviously common sense and sturdy shoes are still important!)– it’s actually when you pop out at the lookout that you need to be the MOST wary. The lower lookout in particular is right on the cliff edge, very steep/exposed and covered in loose dirt. If you go slow and avoid getting too close to the edge, it should be totally fine. And as for the walk up/down, it’s through the trees rather than on the cliff edge, so it’s not too sketchy at all.
Hope that helps! Enjoy and be safe 🙂
-Brooke
brooke brisbine
Hi Pete, I actually have read this article, and it is tragic that a young man lost his life while attempting to get to this lookout. But if I can clarify, the route that I wrote about does not involve climbing over any fences, nor does it involve walking on the train tracks (I would never promote trespassing on my blog!); it is along a defined trail, and this leads me to believe that the group must have taken a different route to reach a similar lookout. While my sincerest sympathies are with his family, I think there is implicit danger in any hiking or bushwalking, and it’s a bit unfair to suggest that the blame rests with “you people”, presumably anyone who has ever tagged this lookout location or written about how to get there. I don’t actually think there are many safety railings on any of the Australian hikes I describe on my blog, and therefore there is equal risk on, say, the Royal Coast Track or the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. Accidents can happen on any trail, and I think the most important lesson to take from this horrible tragedy is to always be careful and wary of your surroundings when in nature.
Further to your suggestion, though, I will add a reminder for my readers to exercise an extra degree of caution when attempting to reach this lookout.
Pete T
Just one week ago a 24 year old Sydney lad took your advice and walked the short track with some of his mates to the lookout at the Sea Cliff Bridge as described on this webpage. Unfortunately this boy didn’t go home that night, instead he slipped and fell some 60 meters to his death. This so called lookout is unofficial and unsafe and it is extremely irresponsible of you people to promote such dangerous activities, particularly to unsuspecting tourists who may never get the opportunity like this boy to go home to their family again! I am suggesting you change the webpage to describe its dangers or better still, delete it altogether!
brooke brisbine
Pete THi Pete, I actually have read this article, and it is tragic that a young man lost his life while attempting to get to this lookout. But if I can clarify, the route that I wrote about does not involve climbing over any fences, nor does it involve walking on the train tracks (I would never promote trespassing on my blog!); it is along a defined trail, and this leads me to believe that the group must have taken a different route to reach a similar lookout. While my sincerest sympathies are with his family, I think there is implicit danger in any hiking or bushwalking, and it’s a bit unfair to suggest that the blame rests with “you people”, presumably anyone who has ever tagged this lookout location or written about how to get there. I don’t actually think there are many safety railings on any of the Australian hikes I describe on my blog, and therefore there is equal risk on, say, the Royal Coast Track or the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. Accidents can happen on any trail, and I think the most important lesson to take from this horrible tragedy is to always be careful and wary of your surroundings when in nature.
Further to your suggestion, though, I will add a reminder for my readers to exercise an extra degree of caution when attempting to reach this lookout.
Tjibaenyana Daman
Pete TThanks for this happy new year it was great
brooke brisbine
Tjibaenyana DamanGlad you enjoyed it!