Macquarie Pass
Southern Highlands, NSW
At a Glance
About the Macquarie Pass
6.8km climb of the Illawarra escarpment from Albion Park to Robertson - NSW's most photogenic switchback climb with 460m of gain.
Macquarie Pass is one of NSW's most spectacular road climbs - a 6.8km ascent of the Illawarra Escarpment that links the coastal plain at Albion Park with the Southern Highlands plateau at Robertson. The climb gains around 460m at an average gradient of 6.8%, with sustained 7-9% sections through tight rainforest switchbacks. From the bottom the road climbs through ancient subtropical rainforest, with waterfalls visible from the climb itself and the famous 'Cascade Falls' just metres off the carriageway.
The climb is technically challenging due to its tight hairpin corners, narrow lanes, and significant truck traffic on the Illawarra Highway. It is best tackled early on weekend mornings before traffic builds.
From Robertson, riders can continue west to the Jamberoo Mountain Road descent for one of the most exhilarating loops in NSW. The Robertson Pie Shop, Pizzas in the Mist and Moonacres Cafe in Robertson are essential post-climb stops.
Gradient profile — Avg gradient: 6.8%, Max gradient: 12%.
Macquarie Pass Safety & Warnings
Heavy truck traffic; narrow lanes; greasy surface in wet/fog; ride single-file.
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Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Attractions(5)
Toilets(3)
Groceries(5)
Fuel(5)
BP TONGARRA ROAD
BP · 7.4km
Updated 1h ago
EG Ampol Albion Park
EG Ampol · 7.8km
Updated 1h ago
Ampol Foodary Albion Park Rail
Ampol Foodary · 9.5km
Updated 1h ago
7-Eleven Albion Park Rail South
7-Eleven · 9.6km
Updated 1h ago
BP ALBION PARK
BP · 9.6km
Updated 1h ago
Dump Points(5)
Kevin Walsh Oval
Free · 10.7km
Berry Showground Dump Point
Free · 22.2km
Mittagong Caravan Park Dump Point
$? · 25.9km
Bendeela Camping Ground
Free · 26.7km
Country Winnebago
Free · 30.5km