Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track
Morton National Park
Overview
Completing the iconic Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track near Ulladulla in Morton National Park rewards hikers with amazing panoramic views of the area.
- Where
- Morton National Park
- Distance
- 5km return
- Time suggested
- 2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min
- Grade
- Grade 4
- Price
- Free
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Sturdy shoes, sunscreen, drinking water, hat
- Please note
- It's best to walk this track in dry weather as it is very steep and involves some ladders, you'll also enjoy better views.
- The Budawangs is a declared wilderness area and to protect the environment there are some restrictions on group sizes, firewood use and camping locations, including camping in rock overhangs. Please refer to the Guidelines for walking in the Budawang Wilderness.
Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track is one of the best walks in Morton National Park and on the south coast. The walk is in the park’s southern section. The walk is pretty steep in parts, but terrific views make it worthwhile.
You’ll hike through forest, heathland and age-old sandstone before coming to the best part – negotiating a series of ladders that lead you to the summit and the view.
Take in the captivating sight of cliffs and gorges within the Budawang Wilderness, all carved by the Clyde River. On clear days, you may be able to see as far as Jervis Bay and Bermagui. You might even spot a lyrebird along the final portion of the track, where you can also check out rare Pigeon House Ash eucalypts.
Enjoy some lunch at the top of the mountain, or head back down to the picnic area at the start of the walk for a well-deserved lunch.
Take a virtual tour of Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
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/pigeon-house-mountain-didthul-walking-track/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Morton National Park in the South Coast and Country NSW regions
Morton National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Parts of the south-eastern area of this park were once used for military training and may contain unexploded artillery shells. These areas have restrictions in place for your safety.
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Park entry fees:
Fitzroy Falls: $4 per vehicle per day. Bundanoon area: $8 per vehicle per day. The park has coin-operated pay and display machines - please bring correct coins.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track.
Track grading
Grade 4
Learn more about the grading system Features of this track-
Time
2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min
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Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
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Gradient
Very steep
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Distance
5km return
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Steps
Many steps
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Quality of path
Formed track
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Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Getting there and parking
Pigeon House Mountain, Didhul walking track is in the southern section of Morton National Park. To get there:
- From Milton, turn off Princes Highway, following signs marked ‘Pigeon House’ (this will take you along Croobyar Road, Woodstock Road and Yadboro Road). The walk begins in the picnic area off Yadboro Road.
Road quality
The road to Pigeon House Mountain Didthul can become boggy when it rains - check the weather before setting out.
Parking
Parking is available at the beginning of the Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track, next to Pigeon House Mountain Didthul picnic area.
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
There is a picnic area located near the carpark.
Maps and downloads
Permitted
Camping
A permit is required to camp at Cooyoyo Creek over the Easter and October long weekends.
Prohibited
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
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Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
1301 Nowra Road, Fitzroy Falls NSW 2577 - 9am to 5pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 4887 7270
Nearby towns
Batemans Bay (44 km)
Batemans Bay is a bustling coastal town with majestic seascapes. It's located on the estuary of the Clyde River.
Milton (7 km)
Milton is a historic agricultural town close to magnificent beaches. It's set on a ridge between green valleys and the Great Dividing Range.
Ulladulla (8 km)
Ulladulla is close to several wonderful national parks. Morton National Park, to the west, is home to Pigeon House Mountain, a local landmark which is a popular climb. Murramarang National Park, between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, has beautiful coastal walks, beaches and camping sites.
Learn more
Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track is in Morton National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A rugged beauty
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.
- 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.
Rich Aboriginal history
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 This excursion experience has been updated and is now being delivered in line with the new NSW Department of Education Curriculum. We will be revising this excursion's name and information online soon. Contact your local national parks office for more information about the updated excursion.
- Then and now: Aboriginal culture This excursion experience has been updated and is now being delivered in line with the new NSW Department of Education Curriculum. We will be revising this excursion's name and information online soon. Contact your local national parks office for more information about the updated excursion.
Teeming with wildlife
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.
- East Rim and Wildflower walking tracks Take in awe inspiring views of the Southern Highlands’ on East Rim and Wildflower walking tracks. Start from the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre and wind your way through nature on these joined tracks.
- Manning lookout For spectacular cliff-top views over Kangaroo Valley, Manning 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.
Plants and animals you may see
Animals
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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.
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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.
Plants
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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.
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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.
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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.
