Gulaga National Park

Rising dramatically from the coastal plains of southern New South Wales, Gulaga National Park is a place of profound natural beauty and deep Aboriginal cultural significance. The park is centred on Mount Gulaga (formerly Mount Dromedary), an extinct volcano whose lush, rainforest-clad slopes and rocky summit offer one of the region’s most rewarding bushwalks. For the Yuin people, Gulaga is a sacred ancestral mother mountain, and the park protects important dreaming sites and artefacts. Whether you’re hiking to the summit for panoramic views, exploring ancient rainforest gullies, or learning about Indigenous heritage, Gulaga National Park delivers a raw, immersive Australian wilderness experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Gulaga Summit Walk: A challenging 12 km return hike through subtropical rainforest and across open granite slopes. The summit rewards with 360-degree views of the coast, Montague Island, and the surrounding hinterland.
• Yuin Aboriginal Cultural Sites: The park protects several significant sites, including bora rings and stone arrangements. Pick up a self-guided walking brochure from the visitor centre to understand the deep connection between the Yuin people and this landscape.
• Rainforest Gully Walks: Shorter trails like the Gulaga Rainforest Walk lead you through towering tree ferns, ancient Antarctic beech, and mossy boulders, with birdlife including lyrebirds and whipbirds.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for swamp wallabies, echidnas, and a rich array of bird species. The park is also a stronghold for the vulnerable long-nosed potoroo.
• Panorama Lookout: A short drive from the park entrance, this lookout offers a stunning view of the entire mountain and the coastline without the need for a big hike.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors dedicate a full day to Gulaga National Park. The summit walk alone takes 5–6 hours return, so start early to allow time for breaks and to soak in the views. If you’re short on time, a half-day is enough to tackle a shorter rainforest walk and visit the lookout. For those with a keen interest in Aboriginal culture or botany, consider overnighting in nearby Tilba Tilba or Narooma to explore the park over two days, combining walks with a visit to the local heritage villages.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Central Tilba & Tilba Tilba – Charming heritage villages with craft shops, galleries, and the famous Tilba Dairy, perfect for a post-walk coffee and cheese tasting.
• Narooma – A coastal town 20 minutes north, offering stunning beaches, the iconic Australia Rock, and boat tours to Montague Island for seal and penguin spotting.
• Montague Island Nature Reserve – A short boat trip from Narooma, this island is a haven for little penguins, seals, and seabirds, with guided tours run by the NPWS.
• Bermagui – A laid-back fishing village with a vibrant arts scene, great seafood, and access to the beautiful Blue Pool and Horseshoe Bay.
• Mimosa Rocks National Park – A coastal park north of Bermagui with sea caves, blowholes, and excellent surfing beaches, ideal for a day of exploring.

Please check official sources for current details.