Photo: Baltimike / CC BY 2.0
Morton National Park is a rugged wilderness of sandstone cliffs, deep river gorges, and ancient eucalypt forests stretching across the Southern Highlands and South Coast of New South Wales. A paradise for bushwalkers and nature lovers, this park offers dramatic lookouts, tumbling waterfalls, and a sense of isolation that feels a world away from the coastal towns nearby. Whether you're chasing panoramic views from the Pinnacle or cooling off in the crystalline waters of the Fitzroy Falls, Morton rewards those who step onto its trails with raw, untamed beauty.
Highlights & What to See
- Fitzroy Falls – A spectacular 81-metre waterfall plunging into a deep valley, easily accessed via a short wheelchair-friendly boardwalk with several lookout platforms.
- The Pinnacle Lookout – A breathtaking 360-degree panorama over the Budawang Range and the Shoalhaven River gorge, reached by a moderately challenging 2 km walk.
- Bungonia State Conservation Area – A karst landscape with limestone caves, cliff-top lookouts, and the Bungonia Gorge, popular with canyoning and abseiling enthusiasts.
- Morton National Park walking tracks – Over 100 km of trails, including sections of the iconic Budawang Track and the easier 1.5 km walk to the Caoura Creek waterfall.
- Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for lyrebirds, swamp wallabies, wombats, and the elusive platypus in the park's creeks and pools.
Suggested Time to Spend
To truly experience Morton National Park, dedicate at least a full day. Spend the morning exploring Fitzroy Falls and the nearby lookouts, then tackle a longer walk such as the Pinnacle Lookout or a section of the Budawang Track in the afternoon. If you're an avid hiker or canyoneer, consider an overnight trip – camping is available at remote sites like the Yadboro River. For a quick taste, a half-day stop at Fitzroy Falls is worthwhile, but you'll miss the park's deeper wilderness.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Kangaroo Valley – A charming historic village with a famous suspension bridge, kayaking on the Kangaroo River, and the delightful Hampden Bridge.
- Berry – A picturesque town known for its boutique shopping, gourmet produce, and the scenic Seven Mile Beach National Park.
- Shoalhaven Coast – Pristine beaches like Hyams Beach (famous for its white sand) and the coastal villages of Huskisson and Vincentia.
- Bundanoon – A quaint village in the Southern Highlands, gateway to the Morton National Park's Bundanoon section and the enchanting Fairy Bower Falls.
- Nowra – The regional hub offering river cruises on the Shoalhaven, the Meroogal historic house, and excellent dining options.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Kangaroo Valley — user:Grahamec / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Berry — Eva Rinaldi / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Shoalhaven Coast — MrActiniuM / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Bundanoon — Winston M. Yang Wyp / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Nowra — Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Fitzroy Falls — Bjenks / CC BY-SA 3.0