Mount Nebo (New South Wales)

Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo in the foreground, seen from Mount Keira. Mount Kembla is visible in the background.
Highest point
Elevation	251 m (823 ft)
Coordinates	34°25′30″S 150°50′0″E / 34.42500°S 150.83333°E / -34.42500; 150.83333
Geography
Mount Nebo Location in New South Wales
Location	Illawarra region, New South Wales, Australia
Parent range	Illawarra Range

Mount Nebo, a tall hill that is part of the Illawarra Range, is located in the foothills of the Illawarra escarpment on the edge of the suburban fringe of the city of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. At 251 metres (823 ft) above sea level, the hill is reached by the steep O'Brien's Road from the suburb of Figtree.

O'Brien's Road is unusual in that it was built as a private toll road in the early 19th century to connect Sydney and the Illawarra. O'Briens Road began at the locally famous fig tree that gave the name to the suburb of Figtree. Views from the top look over Wollongong, Lake Illawarra and the local mountains. Nebo is the Aboriginal name for the hill, and the name was retained as in the case of Woonona Mountain and Mount Warrigal hill at Lake Illawarra.

In 1999 the council stopped vehicles from continuing from the summit due to illegal dumping, and the road has become a track to O'Brien's Gap and Mount Brisbane, at 469 metres (1,539 ft) above sea level. However litter remains a problem.

The hill provides excellent views of Mount Kembla and Mount Keira and is popular for photograph taking. It is connected to the Illawarra escarpment by Nebo Ridge. From the end of the trafficable part of O'Briens Road a short trail climbs to the summit area where, near television re-transmission towers and a water tank, one has almost 360 degree views, excluding that which the summit blocks. from here the Illawarra Coastal Plain is obvious, with the hills of Mount Mangerton, Mount Saint Thomas and Cobblers Hill appearing amidst residential areas. To the southeast lies Saddleback Mountain, Noorinan Mountain and Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, Knights Hill, the southern escarpment and, most obviously, Mount Kembla and Kembla West.