Is Bungonia Gorge Slot Canyon Via Red Track NSW’s Best Canyoning Day Trip?

Always liked the look of canyoning but thought it seemed like a lot of work? At only two hours from Sydney and with no abseiling or specialist gear required, camping overnight in Bungonia National Park should be your next adventure.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Njunawal people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

This article was written by Neil & Gabby Massey in collaboration with Natalie Hardbattle who also greatly enjoyed this canyon adventure. Accounts from both contributors have been combined to provide a detailed overview.

Quick Facts Bungonia Slot Canyon

Distance: 5km
Duration: 4 hours
Elevation gain: 400m approx.
Closest town: Goulburn

@neil.massey

Quick Overview

The Red Track is a 5km return, Grade 5 hike located in Bungonia National Park in New South Wales. The hike should take around 4 hours to complete if done at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops for photos.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

About Bungonia Slot Canyon

Take one group of mates, pack up a car with camping stuff, fill an esky with some cold ones and throw in the epic Bungonia slot canyon for good measure.

National Parks estimate the Bungonia Gorge Red Track will take the average person five hours to complete. Don’t underestimate this slot canyon hike, it’s seriously amazing but seriously tough.

There are huge ascents and descents and once in the canyon there are no track markers. There’s also a danger of rockfall associated with the quarry blasting above. This is usually at 3.10pm on weekdays and there are warning sirens which precede the blasting, so stay aware.

Make sure to read warning signs! | @travelmademedoit

History of Bungonia Gorge

Bungonia Gorge has been shaped over millions of years by the relentless flow of Bungonia Creek, carving out towering limestone cliffs, deep slot canyons, and a rugged boulder-strewn landscape.

Long before it became a go-to spot for adventure seekers tackling the steepest sections of the Bungonia Slot Track, this land was cared for by the Njunawal People. Their deep connection to the valley, the creek bed, and the surrounding ridgeline is woven into the very fabric of the gorge.

When you scramble over giant limestone boulders and tackle the steep ascent back to the car park, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the rich cultural and natural history of the region.

@kamil_sustiak

How To Get To Bungonia National Park

From Sydney it’s just over two hours driving. Turn off Hume Highway at Marulan South (Jerrara Rd) and follow signs to Bungonia State Conservation Area then national park.

From Canberra it’s about an hour and a half. Turn off Hume Highway at Goulburn (for the Big Merino), drive into town along Hume St, turn left into Clinton St and after a few minutes follow the signpost to Bungonia State Conservation Area.

There’s a visitor centre as you enter the park. Drive through the campground. There are two car parks. The first is William Mitchell car park and day-use area, but if you keep driving along Lookdown Road you’ll come to the David Reid car park, which is closest to the Red Track trailhead (the start of the Bungonia Slot Canyon trail!).

@neil.massey

Where To Stay

Bungonia National Park has a great campground (with hot showers!). Sites are well-spaced with plenty of bush in between. Some even have their own picnic table.

For those without cooking gear, there’s even a camp kitchen. Book through the National Parks NSW website.

Read more: Camping Meals: 19 Recipes to Make Camp Cooking a Breeze

@jonharris_photography

Essential Gear

• Water
• Snacks/food
• First aid kit (including a snake bandage)
• Headlamp (just in case)
• Shoes with grippy soles
• Tent
• Hat
• Sunscreen

Read more: How to Keep Yourself Safe Around Snakes in the Outdoors

Bring your climbing gear too! | @neil.massey

Skill Level

Advanced

This particular track is graded hard and requires a good level of fitness and navigation skills. If you’re not quite there yet, there are a variety of trails in the park ranging from easy and moderate to hard (mostly due to the steepness of terrain and quality of track).

For information on this and other walks at Bungonia National Park, see the NSW National Parks and Wildlife website. They have a downloadable brochure with marked trails.

Cheeky skinny dip! | Shot by Dakota Gow

What It’s Like to Hike Red Track to Bungonia Gorge Slot Canyon

My first visit to Bungonia Gorge in Bungonia National Park near Goulburn, aeons ago, involved aid climbing. We had an awesome weekend of scaring ourselves silly in between lugging tons of ironmongery up and down steep hillsides.

Returning recently, minus hardware, we rediscovered the joy of scrambling.

Arriving late Friday night, we sleep late and breakfast long. After many pots of coffee we finally leave camp just after 11.00am. Being mid-winter, this means we only have six hours of daylight left. Head torches in packs, we set off.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Our intention had been to follow the White Track up to Mt Ayre and then down to the Shoalhaven River, then to bush-bash along Bungonia Creek to join up with the Red Track through Bungonia Gorge.

Not keen to finish walking by the light of headlamps, we opt instead to follow the Red Track down to Bungonia Creek and the slot canyon. Being contrary by nature (or perhaps fuelled by caffeine), we decide to reverse the suggested direction and head down the Mt Ayre side.

En Route to Bungonia Creek

Orange and grey rock faces loom as we descend, past the signpost to Mt Ayre, through eucalypts and xanthorrea, disturbing the occasional rock wallaby. At one turn in the path we find ourselves level with a Wedge-tailed Eagle, cruising the thermals.

Down at creek level, green pools look picturesque, reflecting gorge and trees, but up close they’re slimy and still.

Following Bungonia Creek upstream, pebbles grow into rocks, rocks become boulders, until the gorge is blocked by a tumbled maze of house-sized boulders.

Following Bungonia Slot Track

Scrambling through, under and over the maze is the highlight of an awesome day. It is almost disappointing to come down to the canyon floor, to walk again on gravel and rock and sand.

The challenge isn’t over yet though, with the final leg-burning ascent out of the canyon still to come before we can head back to camp for chocolate, wine and scrabble.

Tips For Hiking Bungonia Gorge Red Track

• Start at the William Mitchell car park and head anti-clockwise around the track. This is the reverse of what is recommended by the National Parks map but there’s technically no right or wrong way to hike it. If, like me, you have dodgy knees you will thank me later as the ‘correct’ way round has an incredibly steep descent. Both directions have steep climbs so jelly legs are a given regardless of whether you choose the clockwise direction or not
• Start your walk along Red Track early to avoid the heat of the day
• Stay quiet and you’ll likely see kangaroos and giant goannas
• Scrambling through, under and over the maze is a major highlight
• Watch out for the gorge exit as it’s not very well marked. If you get to the big knocked over tree trunk and mini cave you’ve gone too far

FAQs Bungonia Slot Canyon

How difficult is the Bungonia Gorge Red Track hike?

The Bungonia Gorge Red Track is a Grade 5 hike with steep ascents, descents, and boulder scrambling. It requires a high level of fitness and navigation skills.

Where does the Bungonia Gorge Red Track start?

The hike starts at David Reid Car Park, located in Bungonia National Park. It’s the closest access point to the Bungonia Slot Canyon trailhead. You can also start from the William Mitchell car park, it’s just further away.

Is there a right or wrong way to hike the Bungonia Slot Canyon loop?

No, you can hike in either direction, but clockwise involves a steep descent while counterclockwise has a steep climb. Some hikers prefer counterclockwise to avoid knee strain.

What makes Bungonia Gorge one of the best canyon hikes in NSW?

The Bungonia Slot Canyon features giant limestone boulders, slot canyons, and panoramic views. It’s an adventure-filled hike with some of the steepest sections in the park.

What’s the best time of year to hike the Bungonia Slot Canyon?

Avoid wet weather due to flash flooding risks in the slot canyon. The best time is during autumn and spring, when temperatures are mild.

Can you camp in Bungonia National Park?

Yes! The Bungonia National Park campground has hot showers, a camp kitchen, and picnic tables. It’s a great base for hiking the Red Track and other trails.

What other hikes can you do in Bungonia National Park?

Alongside the Red Track, hikers can explore the White Track to Mt Ayre, the Green Track for a scenic valley walk, or shorter hikes with panoramic views from Adams Lookout.

Are there any safety concerns when hiking Bungonia Gorge?

Yes! Be aware of quarry blasting warning sirens, rockfall risks, and track markers disappearing in the Bungonia Slot Canyon. Bring a first aid kit and start early to avoid hot weather.

What should I pack for the Bungonia Slot Track hike?

Bring grippy hiking shoes, plenty of water, snacks, a headlamp (just in case), and a first aid kit. If camping, pack a tent and warm layers—it gets chilly at night.

Where is Adams Lookout?

Adams Lookout is located in Bungonia National Park, New South Wales. It’s a short walk from the Adams Lookout car park, offering panoramic views over Bungonia Gorge, the Shoalhaven River, and the surrounding rugged landscape.

Where is Mount Ayre?

Mount Ayre is located in Bungonia National Park, near the Shoalhaven River. It’s accessible via the White Track, which leads to a steep descent down to the river.

Where does Green Track go?

The Green Track in Bungonia National Park is a scenic trail that takes you through a variety of landscapes, including eucalypt forests and along Bungonia Creek. It starts at the William Mitchell car park and heads towards Bungonia Gorge.

@neil.massey

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Photos by @amy.eloise and @whimsicool

Table of contents image by @neil.massey