Kangaroo River walking track

Morton National Park

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Overview

Kangaroo River walking track winds 3.5km down to the water’s edge, where a secluded picnic spot offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, canoeing, birdwatching and camping.

Distance
7km return
Time suggested
2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min
Grade
Grade 4
Entry fees

Park entry fees apply at Fitzroy Falls and in the Bundanoon area of the park

What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.

A short walk down to Kangaroo River (Lake Yarrunga) offers the sort of solitude and pristine nature that makes our national parks such treasures. Bring some swimmers and a picnic lunch for a relaxing afternoon by the water, or carry in a tent and make a thrilling night of it. Endangered owls and arboreal mammals live in the trees and come out after dusk, making the evening experience completely different.

Kangaroo River walking track threads off Tallowa Dam Road, 15km west of Kangaroo Valley, and extends 3.5km downhill. There are several steep sections along the way, but the unusual wave-like rock formations make it a fascinating trek. Carry some binoculars if birdwatching is an interest, waterbirds, gang-gang cockatoos, and little lorikeets are regularly sighted in the area.

If you’re into fishing, carry a rod and some bait down to the edge of the river, as bass and carp are plentiful in Lake Yarrunga.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/kangaroo-river-walking-track/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Kangaroo River walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

7km return

Time

2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min

Quality of markings

Limited signage

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Very steep

Steps

No steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Kangaroo River walking track is in the Tallowa Dam Road precinct of Morton National Park. To get there from Kangaroo Valley:

    • Head west along Mount Scanzi Road, which turns into Tallowa Dam Road, for 15km.
    • Kangaroo River walking track is located on the northern (right-hand) side of the road. Look for the gate and trailhead sign.

    Parking

    Parking is available in the cleared area adjacent to the gate on Tallowa Dam Road.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Morton National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

    Autumn

    Grab an oar and canoe down the Shoalhaven River or the Kangaroo River. Autumn rains create ideal conditions for river paddling, and you'll find good spots for beginners as well as for more experienced paddlers.

    Spring

    Take the Three Views or Granite Falls walking tracks to see wildflowers in colourful bloom.

    Summer

    The rainforests of Morton National Park are a great place to escape the summer heat – try the Erith Coal Mine track at Bundanoon or the nearby Fairy Bower Falls walk.

    Facilities

    You'll need to bring your own drinking and cooking water.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    This park is in a remote location, so please ensure you’re well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Permitted

    Camp fires and solid fuel burners

    • You’re encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    Prohibited

    Gathering firewood

    • Firewood is not supplied and may not be collected from the park

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Visitor centre

    Learn more

    Kangaroo River walking track is in Morton National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    A rugged beauty

    West Rim walking track, Morton National Park. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

    Morton National Park envelops you in its fascinating landscape. Roam through rainforest on the Kangaroo Valley escarpment. Or relax on your picnic blanket, shaded by tall eucalyptus trees - the park has everything from Sydney peppermint to spotted gum and the rare Pigeon House Ash. The park's geological features are equally captivating. Detect different rock types in the cliff face, or find a good vantage point and gaze at the plateau carved with deep gorges. Absorbing the gorges sheer size, coupled with their interesting terraced appearance, can keep you occupied for hours.

    • Badgerys Spur walking track Badgerys Spur walking track in Morton National Park offers a steep and challenging hike on the edge of Ettrema Wilderness Area, finishing on the banks of Shoalhaven River.
    • Castle summit guided overnight hike Conquer the Castle summit on this challenging overnight bushwalk with Epiphany Tours in Morton National Park. You’ll hike through remote landscapes and camp under the stars.
    • Granite Falls walking track The easy Granite Falls walking track in Morton National Park, near Nowra, offers scenic waterfall views with springtime wildflowers. Enjoy a picnic by the lookout.
    • Self-guided paddling experiences Leave the world behind and paddle away for half, full or multi-day river adventures along breathtaking gorges in Morton National Park with kayaks and canoes supplied by Kangaroo Valley Safaris.  
    • South Coast wildlife, waterfalls and wine tours Local Travel Planner’s big day out takes in stunning valleys, beaches and waterfalls south of Sydney. It’s also a great way to see native animals and sample delicious local food and wine.

    Rich Aboriginal history

    View of Morton National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

    Morton National Park is the traditional Country of the Yuin people. Several hundred Aboriginal sites have been recorded here and there are likely many more. The park's imposing mountains, particularly Didthul, are particularly significant in Aboriginal mythology, as is the majestic Fitzroy Falls. The park's plateau and surrounding country also contain sites of great importance to Aboriginal people, whose occupation of the area dates back over 20,000 years.

    • Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre The award-winning Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre offers information on the region’s local Aboriginal culture, wildlife and birdwatching, in the Southern Highlands.
    • Then and now: Aboriginal culture Then and now: Aboriginal culture is a Stage 2 (Years 3-4) school excursion at Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park, focusing on HSIE. Through story and creative expression, the life and culture of the local people are shared.
    • Then and now: Aboriginal culture Then and now: Aboriginal culture is a Stage 1 (Years 1-2) school excursion in Morton National Park, focusing on HSIE. Through story and creative expression, the life and culture of the local people are shared.
    • Then and now: Aboriginal culture Then and now: Aboriginal culture is a Stage 3 (Years 5-6) school excursion at Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park, focusing on HSIE. Through story and creative expression, the life and culture of the local people are shared.

    Teeming with wildlife

    Honeysuckle (Banksia serrata), Morton National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

    This massive park is a sanctuary for all kinds of wildlife. Rainforest and moist eucalypt forest support swamp wallabies, gliders, bush rats and long-nosed potoroos. Birdwatchers will be tickled pink with Morton's residents - satin bowerbirds, green catbirds and lyrebirds call the park home, while eagles and falcons hover overhead. You could be fortunate enough to see an endangered ground parrot in the heath. And, if it really is your lucky day, maybe you'll meet a platypus or long-necked tortoise in one of the rivers.

    • Canoes, cool-climate wines and canapés Indulge your taste buds with gourmet food and wine on this enjoyable guided excursion with Wildfest. It’s a great way to reconnect with nature along magical waterways in Morton National Park, near Kangaroo Valley.
    • East Rim and Wildflower walking tracks The East Rim and Wildflower walking tracks offer awe inspiring views of the Southern Highlands. Starting from Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, wind your way through nature on these connecting tracks.
    • Mannings lookout For spectacular cliff-top views over Kangaroo Valley, Mannings lookout offers great birdwatching on a family driving route through the NSW Southern Highlands, in Morton National Park.
    • Pigeon House Mountain Didthul picnic area Pigeon House Mountain Didthul picnic area offers basic facilities as well as terrific birdwatching and a walking track up the mountain to a scenic lookout.
    • Walking with wombats luxury excursions Even if you're short on time, you can have it all on this tour with Perfect Day Sydney. This unforgettable day out includes a magical bushwalk, visits to waterfalls and other scenic sights, and the chance for wombat encounters during a relaxing twilight dinner.

    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • Yellow-tailed black cockatoo. Photo: Peter Sherratt

      Yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)

      The yellow-tailed black cockatoo is one of the largest species of parrot. With dusty-black plumage, they have a yellow tail and cheek patch. They’re easily spotted while bird watching, as they feed on seeds in native forests and pine plantations.

    • Closeup of a laughing kookaburra's head and body. Photo: Rosie Nicolai/OEH

      Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)

      Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.

    • A spotted-tailed quoll walks across a moss-covered forest floor at night. Photo: Lachlan Hall © Lachlan Hall

      Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)

      The spotted-tailed quoll is the largest remaining carnivorous marsupial on the Australian mainland. It’s protected as a vulnerable species in NSW.

    • An eastern ground parrot bird's green and yellow colouring camouflages it amongst grassland. Photo: Lachlan Hall © Lachlan Hall

      Eastern ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus wallicus)

      The eastern ground parrot is a beautiful, ground-dwelling native bird that lives in low heathland habitat along the NSW North and South coasts and escarpments. It’s listed as a vulnerable species in NSW.

    Plants

    •  Black sheoak. Photo: Barry Collier

      Black sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis)

      The black sheoak is one of a number of casuarina species found across the east coast of Australia and nearby tablelands. Growing to a height of 5-15m, these hardy Australian native plants can survive in poor or sandy soils. The barrel-shaped cone of the black sheoak grows to 10-30mm long.

    • Blueberry ash. Photo: Jaime Plaza

      Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)

      The blueberry ash is a rainforest shrub which produces blue olive-shaped berries and spectacular bell-shaped flowers, which often appear on the plant together. It is a tall slender shrub or small tree found in rainforest, tall eucalypt forest and coastal bushland in eastern NSW, south-east Queensland and Victoria.

    • Grass trees, Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

      Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

      An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.

    Environments in this park

    Education resources (1)

    School excursions (4)