Summary
Location: Bass Point Reserve, Shell Cove
Timeframe: 2025/26. The project is expected to be complete by April 2026
Funding: Funded by Shellharbour City Council and the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, comprising Federal and NSW State Government contributions. Read more.
About the Project
Approximately 2km of Bass Point Tourist Road, from the main entrance gate to Bushrangers Bay car park is being upgraded.
For many years the unsealed road has faced issues with erosion, poor drainage and surface deterioration, making it difficult for vehicles, especially during wet weather. The upgrade will deliver a safer, more reliable sealed surface while protecting the Reserve’s unique environment and heritage.
Bass Point Reserve is one of Shellharbour’s most significant natural and cultural landmarks, home to a littoral rainforest, diverse marine life and important Aboriginal and European heritage sites. It is recognised as one of the most important archaeological sites on the NSW coast and is listed on the Australian Heritage Commission register for both its Aboriginal and European values.
Existing Road Condition
Timing and Access
Construction will run from 24th November 2025 to March 2026.
During this time, vehicle access beyond Maloneys Bay will be closed, except during the six-week summer break from 19 December 2025 to 26 January 2026, when full vehicle access to the Reserve will reopen. Pedestrian access will remain open via the walking track, and vehicles will still be able to reach Red Sands and Maloneys Bay car parks throughout the works.
There may be times during works when the entire the reserve is periodically closed per construction staging, and in March 2026, there will be a full two-week full closure for vehicles and pedestrians. The closure allows crews to complete the upgrade safely while minimising disturbance to nearby trees, vegetation and heritage sites. Emergency access will be maintained at all times, with Council working closely with emergency services to ensure reliable entry.
Protecting the Reserve
Bass Point is an environmentally and culturally sensitive area and protecting it is central to this project.
Closing the road during construction helps limit disturbance to the surrounding trees, vegetation and heritage sites. The upgrade will stay within the existing road footprint, avoiding the need to widen the corridor or remove vegetation.
The project has been designed and approved under strict environmental and heritage management conditions to ensure improvements are delivered safely and with as little impact as possible on this unique environment.
Project Stages
Funding Announcement - Completed
Council secured $992,000 from the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which includes contributions from both the Federal and NSW State Governments.
Planning and Approvals - Completed
Specialist studies and approvals have been completed. These include Section 60 works Application, Statement of Environmental Effects, Statement of Heritage Impacts, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment, and Crownlands Owners Consent.
Detailed design - Completed
We are in the process of completing the final details of the road profile and essential drainage design.
Construction - Upcoming
Works are scheduled to begin on 24 November and be delivered in two stages, with a pause over the summer holiday period.
Completion - Expected March 2026
The project is expected to be complete in late March 2026.
FAQs
When will construction happen?
Work will start on 24 November 2025 and finish by late March 2026, weather permitting.
There will be a break over summer holidays, from 19 December to 27 January, when the road will reopen for vehicles.
Will Bass Point Reserve be open during construction?
Yes. The Reserve will stay open, but access will change during the work stages.
Stage 1 (24th November 2026 – Approx. Mid-March 2026) SEE MAP HERE
- Works extend from the eastern side of Maloneys Bay Carpark to Bushrangers Bay.
- Vehicles can still access Red Sands and Maloneys Bay car parks as usual.
- The road section between Maloneys Bay and Bushrangers Bay remains closed to vehicles while works are carried out.
- Walking track access remains open at all times.
- Site fencing in place around work areas and amenities for safety.
Stage 2 (Commence after Stage 1 Completion – Approx. Mid-March to End March 2026) SEE MAP HERE
- Works extend from the entry gates through to the Maloneys Bay Carpark.
- No vehicle or pedestrian access into the reserve during this period.
- Duration expected to be approximately 2 weeks, weather permitting.
- On completion, full public access to Bass Point Reserve will reopen.
Holiday Access Period (19 December 2025 – 27 January 2026)
- During this period, full vehicle access will be available throughout the reserve.
- Construction works will pause for the summer holidays.
Will emergency access be available during works?
Yes. Emergency access will be maintained at all times. Council is working closely with the contractor and emergency services to ensure safe and reliable entry during construction. Access will also be available for essential maintenance vehicles and bushland management crews.
What are the project improvements
The upgrade will seal around 2 km of Bass Point Tourist Road, creating a more durable and safer surface for drivers, cyclists and visitors.
This includes:
Pavement reconstruction:
New pavement construction comprising of 400mm road base material and spray seal wearing course are planned for Bass Point Tourist Road to fit different site conditions. The design follows relevant standards and suits a low-speed, low-traffic road mainly used by light vehicles. This will provide a waterproof wearing surface for the roadway.
Drainage infrastructure improvements:
Surface runoff will be managed with concrete mat-lined drains (swales) along one or both sides of the road, depending on site conditions. In tight areas, drains will be limited to one side to reduce impact.
Concrete box culverts will be installed where needed, following relevant design guidelines. These culverts will safely convey runoff beneath the road in low points or opposing crossfalls.
Improved signage throughout the reserve, including wayfinding, speed zone, and parking restriction signage:
Improved wayfinding, speed zone, and parking signage will be installed throughout the corridor. Signage will reinforce designated parking areas, identify shared zones and speed limits, and guide visitors near car parks and stopping points to discourage verge parking.
Because the area is environmentally and culturally sensitive, no kerb and guttering will be installed.
How will drainage be improved?
The road will be regraded and reshaped at key points that are currently prone to water damage. The installation of concrete-lined channel drains and culverts along the road will also mitigate the impact of stormwater on the road.
Why are the works happening in Summer?
Because Bass Point is a Littoral rainforest, the area is typically very wet during winter and the cooler months, making it unsuitable for road construction. From past maintenance experience, working during these months leads to poor ground conditions and delays due to excess moisture. The materials used to build the road base are also moisture-sensitive and need dry weather to compact and set properly. For these long-lasting pavement works, it would not be feasible to undertake them in winter. Carrying out the works during the warmer, drier summer months gives the best chance for a strong, durable road surface.
How is the road currently maintained?
Council grades the gravel surface when needed to manage erosion and maintain safe access. Once sealed, the road will need far less maintenance.
Will this affect local businesses and dive operators?
Yes. Council has been in touch with local dive operators that use Bass Point. They’ve been advised about the construction schedule, access changes and summer reopening. Council will keep them updated throughout the project to help them plan and minimise disruption.