MORTON NATIONAL PARK
When to go
Morton NP has activities for every season. Paddlers can canoe down the Shoalhaven or Kangaroo rivers – autumnal rains create ideal conditions. Take the Three Views or Granite
Falls walking tracks in spring to see wildflowers in colourful bloom (for very experienced bushwalkers, Ettrema Gorge is fringed with spectacular orchids). A number of walks, particularly around Bundanoon, take you through the cool rainforests in Morton’s gullies and deeper sandstone clefts. Serious uphill hiking and clambering, such as the kind done in the northern Budawang Range, is best done in the cooler months.
Getting there
By car, Fitzroy Falls is only 140km from Sydney CBD, and Pigeon House Mountain Didthul in the south is only 100km from Canberra, some of this on unsealed roads, but passable via 2WD. Google maps won’t register many unsealed routes through the park, so purchase topographic maps from the NSW Department of Lands, direct or online from a map shop.
Where to stay
Camping sites are plentiful, but bear in mind that many areas around Morton NP are weekend destinations for Sydney and Canberra. Kiama, Jervis Bay, Ulladulla, Nowra, Kangaroo Valley and Braidwood boast numerous places to stay.
Beware
The Australian army’s and navy’s former Tianjara Live Firing Range is a large area containing unexploded shells and bombs. There are restrictions on walking and camping in the main contaminated area. Find more information at: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
Walking and cycling
Glow Worm Glen Walk
1-hour return
This short track just outside the historic highlands town of Bundanoon features a platform walk around which many glow-worms wink. They are only visible after dark. Access: Bundanoon
Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track
5km return, 2.5–3.5 hours
The iconic Pigeon House Mountain Didthul track features amazing panoramic views of the Budawang Range from the mountain summit. A climb of 500m leads to steel ladders that help you clamber up the last steep sandstone nub at the top.
Access: from Ulladulla or Braidwood Fitzroy Falls to Kangaroo
Valley cycling route
30km one-way, 8 hours
Combining scenic riding past undulating escarpment country with some steep downhill runs, mountain bikers can pedal past the magnificent drop of Fitzroy Falls to the Kangaroo Valley cycling route. Access: Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre and Jacks Corner Road, Kangaroo Valley
Griffins walking track
11km one-way, 8–10 hours
In the north of the park, Griffins walking track offers a hike through the Yarrunga Creek Valley and up Meryla Pass. The walk is undulating and has some long, steep sections. Camping is available. Access: Kangaroo Valley or Moss Vale
Points of interest
Belmore Falls
Fitzroy Falls
Glow Worm Glen
Bundanoon
Ettrema Wilderness
Granite Falls
George Boyd Lookout Budawang Wilderness
Monolith Valley
The Castle
Pigeon House Mountain Didthul
More informaton
There are many self-reliant bushwalking experiences in Morton NP. For example, the Ettrema Wilderness offers gorge country to explore. This is best reached by joining a bushwalking club. Bushwalking Australia: www.bushwalkingaustralia.org/