Clover Hill trail
Macquarie Pass National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Clover Hill trail.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
6km return
Time
2 - 3hrs
Quality of markings
No directional signage
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Short steep hills
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
The trackhead is at the northern edge of Cascades picnic area. From Sydney and Wollongong:
- Take the Princes Highway and Southern Freeway to the Illawarra Highway turnoff at Haywards Bay
- Travel about 14km along the Illawarra Highway, which veers right in Albion Park, to Macquarie Pass National Park.
- After passing the Macquarie Pass National Park sign at the bottom of Macquarie Pass, travel 2.2km further along the highway.
- Clover Hill Road is signposted on the left and the carpark is at the start of the trail
From Robertson:
- Take the Illawarra Highway east to reach Macquarie Pass National Park and Cascades picnic area
- Clover Hill Road is signposted on the right, 5km after the Macquarie Pass National Park sign on the first hairpin bend, and the carpark is at the start of the trail.
- Please be careful turning off and entering the Illawarra Highway at Clover Hill Road, as visibility is limited by the windy road.
The main road used to access Macquarie Pass National Park is the Illawarra Highway which may close at times due to road works or accidents. For information on whether the Illawarra Highway is open, contact NSW Roads and Maritime Services on 13 22 13 or check Live Traffic NSW before you visit.
Parking
Parking is available in the designated carpark. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Macquarie Pass National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Take on some longer walks and see the lilly pillys fruiting.
Spring
Smell the sweet scent of flowering pittosporum and wattle throughout the park.
Summer
Walk in the cool of the rainforest and see the Illawarra flame trees and coachwoods in flower.
Winter
Enjoy the early wattle blooming at the edge of the forest and bring your binoculars for the bird activity of late winter.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 25°C
Highest recorded
42.4°C
Winter temperature
Average
8°C and 18°C
Lowest recorded
2.3°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
304.4mm
Facilities
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
- Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty
- The road is reasonably level but can be muddy or covered in thick leaf litter.
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
- Firewood may not be collected from the park
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Operated by
- Wollongong office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 4224 4188
- npws.illawarrahighlands@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Unit G Ground Floor, 84 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Park info
- in Macquarie Pass National Park in the South Coast and Country NSW regions
Macquarie Pass National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.