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Wollongong’s landmark Bald Hill reserve, which offers sweeping coastal views and which features in the latest Qantas air safety video, has received a major facelift with the opening of a new $8.8 million visitor centre.

Located high above Stanwell Park, the site is also the location where Lawrence Hargrave worked out the basic mechanics of flight with his box kite - mechanics that would later be used by the Wright brothers at the birth of powered flight.

Today, those principles are used by another group that has made Bald Hill famous - hang gliders.

To aid the hangliders and the more than 3,000 people visiting the reserve during busy weeks, the improved amenities and a reconfigured road access were opened earlier this month by Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery.

The work includes a new amenities block and cafe sunk into the hill, car parking, a road realignment and roundabout, as well as new artworks commemorating both Aboriginal and settler achievements.

Mayor Bradbery explained “before this, parking was hectic and in some respects, non-existent, especially for buses and vans.”

The project was backed by a $1 million contribution from the Federal Government and $2.9 million from the NSW Government’s Illawarra Infrastructure Fund.

Commenting on the funding, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra, Gareth Ward stated “we have been able to deliver quality upgrades to these local amenities, highlighting the culture of the Illawarra, and making this location an attractive stop for locals and tourists to enjoy.

“Local artists have provided decorative pieces for the seating, the amenities building and the plaza area between car parks, which highlight the region’s indigenous history.

“This is just another example of how the Australian, NSW and local Governments are delivering more jobs, new opportunities and a greater standard of living for the Illawarra region.”

For more information on the development go to www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/services/majorprojects/Pages/Bald-Hill-Reserve.aspx 

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