Less well-known than the Royal National Park or the Blue Mountains, Morton National Park in the Southern Highlands deserves far more attention.
With its remote wilderness, scenic waterfalls, dramatic gorges, rewarding bushwalking tracks, and panoramic lookouts, Morton National Park offers something for everyone. The area is a vast sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, including bowerbirds, lyrebirds, eagles, falcons, and ground parrots.
The park is also rich in Aboriginal heritage, with various sites recorded in the area, the traditional land of the Yuin people, dating back more than 20,000 years. Iconic locations like Didthul (Pigeon House Mountain) and Fitzroy Falls hold deep cultural significance.
To help you plan your next adventure in this stunning part of New South Wales, we’ve compiled a list of eight fantastic hikes in Morton National Park.
Top 8 Morton National Park Walks:
Walk | Distance | |
---|---|---|
1 | Granite Falls Walk | 1 km (return) |
2 | Belmore Falls Lookout Track | 1.5 km (return) |
3 | Badgerys Spur Walking Track | 3.5 km (return) |
4 | West Rim Walking Track | 3.5 km (return) |
5 | Pigeon House Mountain Walk | 5 km (return) |
6 | East Rim Walking Track | 7 km (return) |
7 | Mount Bushwalker Walking Track | 7 km (return) |
8 | Kangaroo River Walking Track | 7 km (return) |
1. Granite Falls Walk
![Granite Falls Walk](https://sydneyuncovered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/granite-falls-walk.jpg)
The short and easy Granite Falls Walking Track, located south of Nowra, leads hikers to a viewing platform with sweeping views of the 63-metre waterfall and the valley below.
Built just a few years ago, the impressive platform extends out over the valley, offering a unique vantage point.
Although the waterfall itself often has a modest flow, the expansive views of the valley are undeniably picturesque.
Granite Falls Walk | |
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Distance: | 1 km (return) |
Time: | 0.5 hours |
Grade: | Easy |
Trailhead: | Google Maps |
2. Belmore Falls Lookout Track
![Belmore Falls](https://sydneyuncovered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/belmore-falls-waterfall.jpg)
Belmore Falls is a striking plunge waterfall with two tiers on Barrengarry Creek. A short walking trail leads visitors to several lookout points that offer excellent views of the falls and the surrounding valley.
This walk also includes Hindmarsh Lookout, where you can take in sweeping views of the upper Kangaroo Valley.
An unofficial walking track descends to the base of Belmore Falls, but it’s important to note that this track is officially closed. If you choose to explore it, proceed with extreme caution.
Belmore Falls Lookout Track | |
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Distance: | 1.5 km (return) |
Time: | 1 hour |
Grade: | Easy |
Trailhead: | Google Maps |
3. Badgerys Spur Walking Track
![Badgerys Spur walking track](https://sydneyuncovered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/badgerys-spur-walk.jpg)
The Badgerys Spur Walking Track descends steeply through beautiful eucalyptus forests, finishing at the banks of the Shoalhaven River. Though short, this track is a challenging adventure.
The walk begins at the Badgerys Lookout car park, located near the small village of Tallong, not far from Goulburn.
For the perfect bushwalking experience, take a refreshing dip in the calm river waters and enjoy lunch in this secluded and picturesque spot.
Badgerys Spur Walking Track | |
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Distance: | 3.5 km (return) |
Time: | 3 hours |
Grade: | Moderate / hard |
Trailhead: | Google Maps |
4. West Rim Walking Track
![Fitzroy Falls](https://sydneyuncovered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fitzroy-falls-waterfall.jpg)
Fitzroy Falls is more than just a stunning waterfall; it’s also the starting point for several rewarding bushwalks.
The West Rim Walking Track is a 4-kilometre return trail that winds through pristine eucalypt forests, offering spectacular views of the Yarrunga Valley.
Along the way, several lookout points, including Twin Falls and Renown Lookout, add to the adventure, making this a must-do experience in Morton National Park.
The trail begins at the Fitzroy Falls Lookout, located just beyond the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre.
West Rim Walking Track | |
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Distance: | 3.5 km (return) |
Time: | 2 hours |
Grade: | Easy / moderate |
Trailhead: | Google Maps |
5. Pigeon House Mountain Walk
![Pigeon House Mountain walking track](https://sydneyuncovered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pigeon-house-mountain-walk.jpg)
With its distinctive peak, the 720-metre-high Pigeon House Mountain, also known as Didthul, is located in the southern part of Morton National Park, west of Milton and Ulladulla.
The 5-kilometre return trail to the summit may not be long, but it features some steep climbs and ladders that add to the challenge.
At the top, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views over the Budawang Range, showcasing its dramatic cliffs and gorges.
Pigeon House Mountain Walk | |
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Distance: | 5 km (return) |
Time: | 3 hours |
Grade: | Moderate / hard |
Trailhead: | Google Maps |
6. East Rim Walking Track
![Yarrunga Valley](https://sydneyuncovered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/yarrunga-valley.jpg)
The East Rim Walking Track, also known as the Wildflower Walk, is the second major bushwalk at Fitzroy Falls. As its name suggests, the trail follows the eastern cliff line of the Yarrunga Valley.
This walk is a treat for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Along the way, you’ll be greeted by colourful wildflowers and the cheerful sounds of birds, as you hike through eucalyptus forests and take in scenic views of the valley.
The trail begins at the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, just below the bridge where the boardwalk branches off to the east.
East Rim Walking Track | |
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Distance: | 7 km (return) |
Time: | 3 hours |
Grade: | Moderate |
Trailhead: | Google Maps |
7. Mount Bushwalker Walking Track
![Mount Bushwalker walking track](https://sydneyuncovered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/mount-bushwalker-walk.jpg)
If exploring the untouched and remote wilderness of the Budawang Range appeals to you, the Mount Bushwalker Walking Track is a must-do adventure.
From the summit of Mount Bushwalker, you’ll be treated to majestic views of The Castle, The Shrouded Gods, and the Clyde Gorge; scenery often considered among the finest in New South Wales.
While the mountain itself may be small, the walking track embodies all the qualities of a classic bushwalk.
Mount Bushwalker Walking Track | |
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Distance: | 7 km (return) |
Time: | 3.5 hours |
Grade: | Moderate / hard |
Trailhead: | Google Maps |
8. Kangaroo River Walking Track
![Kangaroo River walking track](https://sydneyuncovered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/kangaroo-river-walk.jpg)
The scenic Kangaroo River Walking Track begins at Tallowa Dam Road and descends to Lake Yarungah, also known as Kangaroo River.
This trail meanders through lush rainforest, passing intriguing rock formations before reaching an idyllic spot on the riverbank. It’s an ideal destination for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and camping.
The quiet water’s edge also makes a perfect setting for a picnic amidst the serene natural surroundings.
Kangaroo River Walking Track | |
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Distance: | 7 km (return) |
Time: | 3 hours |
Grade: | Moderate / hard |
Trailhead: | Google Maps |