Morton National Park

Morton National Park is a sprawling wilderness of sandstone gorges, eucalypt forests, and dramatic waterfalls that plunges into the Shoalhaven River valley. A two-hour drive from Sydney, it offers a quieter alternative to the Blue Mountains, with epic lookouts, swimming holes, and Aboriginal rock art sites that reward self-drive explorers and bushwalkers alike.

Highlights & What to See

• Fitzroy Falls: One of the park’s most accessible highlights—a 81-metre waterfall that plunges into a sheer-sided canyon. The viewing platform is a short walk from the car park, and longer trails lead to the Grotto and beyond.
• Belmore Falls: A stunning horseshoe-shaped drop with multiple viewpoints. The walk to Snakey Canyon lookout is short but gives a vertiginous view of the falls.
• Bungonia State Conservation Area: A rugged limestone gorge with excellent hiking, abseiling, and the Bungonia Lookdown—a sheer drop into the Shoalhaven Gorge. The park also contains significant Aboriginal sites.
• Pigeon House Mountain (Didthul): A distinctive peak shaped like a pigeon house, offering a challenging but rewarding 5 km return walk with panoramic views of the Budawang Range.
• Morton National Park’s Aboriginal rock art: At sites like the Red Ground Shelter and the Yalwal area, you can see hand stencils and charcoal drawings, best visited with a guide or by following marked trails.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors allocate a full day to see the main lookouts and do one or two short walks, but to truly explore the park’s diversity—including a longer hike like the Pigeon House Mountain or the Budawang Coast walk—plan for two to three days. Camping is available at several sites, making it easy to base yourself and explore different sections at a relaxed pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kangaroo Valley: A picturesque valley with the historic Hampden Bridge, kayaking on the Kangaroo River, and the popular Kangaroo Valley Village with cafés and craft shops.
• Bundanoon: A charming village on the park’s northern edge, known for its antiques, cosy guesthouses, and access to the Bundanoon trail network.
• Fitzroy Falls Village: A small settlement with accommodation, the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, and a café with views of the falls.
• Nowra & Shoalhaven Coast: The region’s main town, Nowra, offers river cruises, the Shoalhaven Zoo, and excellent seafood. The nearby beaches of Hyams Beach and Jervis Bay are famous for white sand and clear water.
• Tallong & Caoura: Quiet hamlets in the southern part of the park, ideal for scenic drives and farm gate produce.

Please check official sources for current details.