Bungonia Village

Nestled in the rugged Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Bungonia Village is a tiny, off-the-beaten-path hamlet that punches well above its weight for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by dramatic limestone gorges, eucalypt forests, and the wild Shoalhaven River, this is a place for those who crave raw nature, quiet camping, and world-class canyoning and bushwalking. With no shops or cafes, Bungonia is all about disconnecting and immersing yourself in one of Australia's most spectacular canyon landscapes.

Highlights & What to See

• Bungonia National Park – The star attraction, with a network of walking trails that lead to clifftop lookouts over the Shoalhaven Gorge, including the breathtaking Lookdown Track and Adams Lookout.
• Red Track – A challenging 8 km return walk descending into the gorge, passing through ancient rainforest and ending at the Shoalhaven River – perfect for experienced hikers.
• Canyoning & Abseiling – Bungonia is a mecca for adventure sports, with limestone slot canyons and multi-pitch abseils like Butterbox Canyon and Dangars Creek (best with a guide).
• Bungonia Caves – The park holds several limestone caves, including the easily accessible Bungonia Cave and the more challenging Grasshopper Cave (require a permit and caving experience).
• Wildlife & Birdwatching – Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wombats, lyrebirds, and peregrine falcons that nest on the cliffs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Bungonia Village and its national park are best enjoyed over a full day or a weekend. A day trip from Sydney (2.5 hours drive) is feasible for a single hike or abseil, but to truly explore the gorge, walk the Red Track, and visit a cave, plan for two days. Camping overnight at the Bungonia Campground (basic facilities) lets you catch sunrise over the gorge and tackle multiple trails without rush.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Morton National Park – Just south, with the iconic Fitzroy Falls and the wild Bundanoon area, known for its sandstone cliffs and glow-worm tunnels.
• Goulburn – A historic inland city with grand Victorian architecture, the famous Big Merino, and excellent local produce – a great place to stock up on supplies.
• Shoalhaven Coast – The coastal towns of Nowra and Jervis Bay are an hour east, offering white-sand beaches, dolphin-watching, and fresh seafood.
• Kangaroo Valley – A scenic valley with lush farmland, the historic Hampden Bridge, and scenic drives through the Morton National Park.

Please check official sources for current details.