Budawang National Park

Budawang National Park is a rugged wilderness of sandstone escarpments, eucalypt forests, and deep gorges in southern New South Wales. This remote park rewards adventurous travellers with spectacular views, challenging hikes, and a true sense of isolation. It’s a place for experienced bushwalkers and those seeking a raw, untamed Australian landscape.

Highlights & What to See

• Pigeon House Mountain (Didthul): The park’s iconic summit offers panoramic coastal views. The steep climb via ladders and chains is exhilarating and best done early morning.
• The Castle: A dramatic sandstone monolith with a challenging but rewarding bushwalk to its summit. The 360-degree views of the Budawang Range are unforgettable.
• Cooyoyo Creek Campground: A basic, first-come-first-served site tucked in a valley – perfect for overnight trips to explore the park’s heart.
• Budawang Wilderness: For experienced hikers, multi-day treks through the park’s remote interior reveal ancient forests, wildflowers, and solitude.
• Morton National Park Overlaps: The park borders Morton, allowing combined visits to the Fitzroy Falls and the Pigeon House Mountain area.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors tackle the Pigeon House Mountain walk as a half-day trip (4–5 hours return) from the coast. For a deeper experience, allow at least one full day for The Castle walk, or two to three days for a wilderness backpacking trip. The park has no fuel or supplies, so plan to bring everything you need.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Morton National Park: Adjacent park with stunning lookouts and waterfalls like Fitzroy Falls.
• Jervis Bay: White-sand beaches and clear waters, about 45 minutes east – a perfect contrast to the bush.
• Ulladulla: A charming coastal town with seafood and whale-watching opportunities.
• Batemans Bay: Gateway to the Eurobodalla region, known for oysters and the Clyde River.
• Canberra: The capital city is a two-hour drive west, offering museums and dining.

Please check official sources for current details.