A key section of Bass Point Tourist Road in Shellharbour will soon undergo a major upgrade to improve safety, access and resilience to future weather events.

Construction will start in November, rebuilding the two-kilometre section of road from the main entrance gate to Bushrangers Bay car park with a sealed surface and upgraded drainage.

The upgrade to Bass Point Tourist Road, delivered through the $200 million Infrastructure Betterment Fund under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, will help reduce long-term maintenance needs and improve reliability for locals and visitors.

Federal Member for Whitlam Carol Berry said Bass Point is an iconic location.

"I am proud that the Albanese Labor Government has joined with the NSW Government to contribute close to $1 million to deliver much-needed road improvements at this site," she said.

“Bass Point is an important asset for our visitor economy and infrastructure improvements are a very practical way for the Federal Government to contribute to the development of our local economy and community experience of this beautiful location.”

Bass Point Reserve contains one of the few littoral rainforests in the Illawarra and is recognised as one of the most important archaeological sites on the NSW coast, listed for both its Aboriginal and European heritage values.

Planning and approvals have ensured the works protect the Reserve’s environmental and cultural significance, with the upgraded road remaining within its existing footprint.

“I am very pleased to hear that works are beginning on the upgrade to Bass Point Tourist Road following nearly $1 million in joint Federal/State funding and a further $300,000 from the Shellharbour City Council," Shellharbour MP Anna Watson said.

“This will allow construction of an additional 2-kilometre section of sealed road on the existing road alignment, including the installation of stormwater drainage infrastructure.

“I have been advocating for Bass Point Tourist Road to be upgraded for many years, and I can’t wait to see the road fully sealed.”

During construction, vehicle access to most of Bass Point Reserve will be closed, however Maloneys Bay and Red Sands car parks will remain open.

Pedestrian access via the walking track from the gravel loader car park to Bushrangers Bay will also remain available.

To support summer visitation, full vehicle access will be restored during the six-week holiday period from 17 December to 27 January. Construction is expected to be completed by March 2026, weather permitting.

Bass Point Road. Photo: Shellharbour City Council

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Federal Government was committed to ensuring local infrastructure is "built back better, stronger and more resilient to future disasters".

“By investing in the long-term future of roads like Bass Point Tourist Road, all levels of government are working together to help communities better withstand the impacts of natural disasters while preserving access to important cultural and environmental landmarks," she said.

Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer added: “These much-needed upgrades will improve safety, reduce maintenance and provide a more reliable experience for all who visit Bass Point.

“The timing of works has been carefully planned to protect the Reserve’s unique environment and ensure full access for the community during the peak summer holidays.”