Morton National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
- A look at the past
- Aboriginal culture
- Wildlife
- Natural features and native plants
- NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
- Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
- (02) 4887 7270
- NPWS Ulladulla (02) 4455 1269
- CALL in at the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre for an overview of attractions
- SEE Fitzroy Falls plummeting over the escarpment
- HIRE a mountain bike and explore the Bundanoon area
- CLIMB to the top of Pigeon House Mountain
Introduction
Morton National Park is a world of dense bush, an expanse of spectacular sandstone country on the eastern escarpment of the Southern Tablelands, its plateau rent by deep gullies and thundering waterfalls, and in the south, mountainous terrain and tracts of wilderness including the rugged Budawang Ranges. This national park has been a retreat for visitors for more than a century and well-developed visitor sites are a feature in the northern section. In the south, experienced walkers can savour the wilderness.
Fact file
Access
From Wollongong via Illawarra Hwy to Belmore Falls and Fitzroy Falls; from Ulladulla and Milton in the east and Goulburn and Marulan in the west (southern section); from Princes Hwy between Ulladulla and Nowra, and from Nowra–Moss Vale Rd (route 79)
Best Season
All year
Location
115 km south of Sydney; 18 km south of Moss Vale; 2 km south of Bundanoon; 24 km west of Nowra
Park Information
Permits
Written permission required in advance for rock-climbing and canyoning; permit required from NPWS Ulladulla to drive the Tianjara Fire Trail
Size
170 478 ha
Where to Stay
Bundanoon/Moss Vale 1300 657 559
Nowra 1300 733 274
A look at the past
One of the park’s most arresting landmarks is Pigeon House Mountain, named by Captain Cook in 1770 as he tacked up the eastern coast of the continent. Early European exploration of the region focused on fi nding a route from the coast to the inland regions, but soon settlers arrived to mine, log and farm the country and scattered remnants of settlement from those days remain. Morton National Park was established in 1938.
Aboriginal culture
The area is rich in Aboriginal cultural sites and many of the valleys and ridge lines were traditionally part of a route from the hinterland to the coast. Natural features and native plantsThe powerful Shoalhaven River flows through the park, as does a web of smaller rivers and creeks. Vegetation is a patchwork of tall eucalypt forest, mallee woodlands and heathland, with cool temperate rainforest thriving in sheltered aspects and in the moist fertile soil along creeks. Extensive tracts are offi cially declared wilderness areas.
Wildlife
In the open forest and woodland eastern grey kangaroos, wallaroos, the common wombat, possums and gliders make up most of the animal population. Powerful raptors such as the wedge-tailed eagle and peregrine falcon patrol the escarpment in search of prey. The heathland is home to two endangered species, the ground parrot and eastern bristlebird, and eastern spinebills and numerous species of honeyeaters dart among the nectar-rich heath and flowering plants. Watch for eastern snake-necked turtles in and near the waterways and do not miss the glow-worms at night.
Natural features and native plants
The powerful Shoalhaven River fl ows through the park, as does a web of smaller rivers and creeks. Vegetation is a patchwork of tall eucalypt forest, mallee woodlands and heathland, with cool temperate rainforest thriving in sheltered aspects and in the moist fertile soil along creeks. Extensive tracts are offi cially declared wilderness areas.
Featured Activities in the National Park
Introduction
Call in to the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre for helpful information on the attractions of this park. A wheelchair-friendly boardwalk leads to the falls and excellent views. The centre also has a cafe.
Bushwalking
Ask at the visitor centre for a list of walking tracks – they are numerous. In the northern section of the park, there is East Rim Wildfl ower Walk (5 km return, 2 hours, easy). Follow the well-marked trail with its interpretive signs and enjoy wildfl owers in spring, sheer chasms and panoramic views. Belmore Falls walk (3 km return, 45 minutes, easy) from Hindmarsh Lookout carpark, rewards with views across Kangaroo Valley, and past banksia and wattle to the impressive falls. Other walks are to the Erith Coal Mine, Fern Tree Gully, Glow Worm Glen and Long Point Lookout. In the southern part of the park, Pigeon House Mountain Walk (6.1 km return, 4 hours, easy–medium diffi culty) is steep in parts (the fi nal ascent is by ladders in the rock face) but a generally easy and rewarding climb to reach the mountain’s stony peak. Large lace monitors sometimes cross the track. All walkers should be well equipped, and carry a compass, topographic maps and drinking water.
Cycling
A number of trails are suitable for mountain-bike riders. Fire trails around Bundanoon – popular with families – lead to lookouts over Bundanoon Gullies. Fitzroy Falls to Kangaroo Valley (30 kilometres, leaves from visitor centre) is a little more challenging, including some steep sections. Register with the visitor centre before departure.
Other activities
Breathtaking views from many vantage points are an outstanding feature: Long Point Lookout (for a wonderful view of the Shoalhaven River), Bagerys Lookout, Gambells Rest, Fitzroy Falls, Belmore Lookout, Tianjara Falls and George Boyd Lookout are just a few. There are opportunities for canyoning and rock-climbing but written permission is required in advance. Four-wheel-drive touring is limited; to undertake the 17-kilometre Tianjara Fire Trail route you will need permission from the NPWS Ulladulla offi ce.
Campsites
Bluegum Flat camping area (bush camping)
Sassafras camping area (walk-in camping)
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