This short but rewarding walk through rainforest to the top of Drawing Room Rocks is a perfect introduction to the Shoalhaven. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the ocean, mountains to the south and a peek into Kangaroo Valley, before picnicing on the strange rock formations.

Highlights

  • Great views at the top and along the walk
  • Lots of native birds, especially lyrebirds
  • Rainforest and scrub environments
  • Lots of photo opportunities

Up We Go!

The walk to Drawing Room Rocks begins in the rainforest on a very narrow part of the escarpment above the town of Berry. The track is quite well worn and easy to follow, although parking is limited.

The first half of the walk has a very steep incline but there are several spots on the way to have a brief break from walking. As the track zig-zags up the mountain, the environment starts to change into dry scrub. About halfway up, the track splits in two. You can continue left along the main track, or turn right where there is a good vantage point looking east towards Gerroa. This is a great spot to have a drink and take in the views.

As you continue up the mountain, you will notice all the exposed roots from the surrounding trees, they’re a bit of a trip hazard so watch your step. It’s at this point where the track begins to flatten out, making the last part of the walk to the top more bearable.

 

emily parisi, drawing room rocks, shoalhaven, lookout, person, nsw

The Top Of Drawing Room Rocks

You’ll know you’re near Drawing Room Rocks when the ground beneath you becomes sandy and the landscape opens up. Once you’re out of the bush, you will be greeted with amazing views to the south. On a clear day, you will be able to see Berry and Didthul (Pidgeon House Mountain) directly to the south, Jervis Bay to the south east and Kangaroo Valley to the south west.

On the cliff edges are the rocks, which over time have been carved by nature to become wonderful tables and chairs for a picnic. The scenery really does make the walk up the mountain worthwhile, and you’re guaranteed to get that cool, edgy profile picture you’ve been after for so long.

The walk back down the mountain is much easier. Overall it is an enjoyable walk with lots to look at.

 

Essential Gear

  • Food and water
  • Good shoes for uneven terrain
  • Insect repellent (there are bees at the top, lots of them!)
  • Sun protection
  • Mobile phone and camera

How To Get There

Just north of Berry, turn into Woodhill Mountain Road (right turn from the north, left from the south). Follow the road right up the mountain for about 7km until it splits, then turn right into Brogers Creek Road. After 100m turn right into what looks like a driveway (it isn’t). You will soon come to a small carpark at the side of the road, it only has a few spaces so get there early. The track begins at the top of the road where signposted.

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Photography
  • Picnics

Skill Level

Intermediate – the track can be quite steep; you need a reasonable level of fitness to complete it.

Distance Covered / Elevation Gain

The walk is 4.5km return, with an elevation gain of about 400m.