Mt Bushwalker is a 7km out-and-back hike on NSW’s South Coast. Amy tells us how even though this walk is suitable for beginners, the vistas on display will have even the most experienced of hikers saying ‘Wowsers!’. 

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Yuin 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.

 

Please note! Morton National Park was once used for military training and the area around Mt Bushwalker has been identified as highly contaminated with unexploded ordnances. It’s crucial that Explorers stay on the marked trails and roads and don’t explore off-track. For more info, check out the NSW National Parks website.

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Quick Overview

Mt Bushwalker is an easy 7km out-and-back trail on the NSW South Coast. The hike takes around 2-2.5 hours to complete.

About Mt Bushwalker

Mt Bushwalker is a beginner hike that takes you into the heart of Morton National Park and allows you to take in sweeping views of the Budawang Range and its most iconic peaks, without traversing up and over mountains.

Mt Bushwalker History

Morton National Park is the traditional home of the Yuin people and several hundred Aboriginal sites have been recorded within the park. 

At the end of 2021, significant upgrades were completed on the Mt Bushwalker trail, which saw $400,000 spent on creating the lookout platform at the end of the trail and a raised boardwalk that provides a flat and stable track. This has allowed people with less accessibility to still enjoy the hike.

How to Get to Mt Bushwalker

The Mt Bushwalker trail is located on NSW’s South Coast in Morton National Park and looks out over the Budawang Range. 

The start of the trail is approximately a 3.5 hour drive from Sydney and a 50 minute drive from Ulladulla and is found 13.8 km down Porters Creek Road off of the Princes Highway. The road changes name to Pointer Gap Road after 2.6km and then turns right after 7.3km into Mount Bushwalker Road, it’s then 3.9km to the trailhead.

Once you’ve turned off the highway, some of the road is unsealed and not well maintained, with plenty of potholes about, so drive slowly and ideally take a car with good clearance. 

Where to Stay Near Mt Bushwalker

There are a bunch of caravan parks available for camping in Lake Conjola and Bendalong, around 40 minutes from the Mt Bushwalker trailhead. 

Otherwise, Yadboro Flats is a large and grassy campground in Yadboro State Forest on the edge of Budawang National Park. There are drop toilets and a river close by, plus it’s free, and around an hour and 20 minutes’ drive from the trailhead. 

Skill Level

Beginner 

Around three-quarters of the trail is along raised platforms, meaning it’s very easy walking underfoot. Little navigation skills are needed, however there are a few points where you may have to scout out the next trail marker placed along the rocks. 

This hike is child friendly, however as there are steep cliff edges close by, kids must be supervised at all times.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Duration / Distance

2 hours / 7km return

Essential Gear for Mt Bushwalker

  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Camera 

What It’s Like to Walk the Mt Bushwalker Trail

As soon as you arrive at the car park, it’s clear this trail has recently been upgraded by NSW National Parks. There are ample car spaces and the freshest drop toilet I’ve ever seen. 

After walking on a wide fire trail for the first kilometre, the track mounts a raised walking platform for most of the trail. When my Dad and I walked the track, the raised platform seemed unnecessary, however friends have since told me it gets very wet and soggy on the plateau and the platform is very handy for keeping feet dry and ecosystems safe. 

 

 

The track meanders through low-lying heathland, with native flowers springing up on either side, and after another kilometre or so, the not-so-distant Budawang Ranges start to come into view. 

The final few hundred metres traverse rock before leading you to the edge of the plateau and landing you at the lookout at the Mt Bushwalker headland. 

 

 

This is what you came for. Laid before you is a 180-degree panorama of the many volcanic plug peaks of the Budawang Range and a deep valley carved by the Clyde River, hidden far below. 

Spot Didthul / Pigeon House Mountain, winking at you from the south and notice the intruiging contour patterns of the trees that perished during the 2019/20 bushfires. 

Make sure you’ve brought some snacks and water, as this the large lookout platform is ideal for a picnic (plus you won’t want to say goodbye to this view anytime soon). 

 

 

Once you feel like you’ve taken it all in, tie your laces, pack your bag again, and head back the same way you came. 

Tips for Hiking the Mt Bushwalker Track

  • Stick to the marked roads and trails in this area as there are unexploded ordnances in the surrounding area. Don’t explore off-track!
  • The road to the trailhead is pretty rough in sections, with potholes unexpectedly appearing. Drive slowly and take a car with good clearance 
  • Take a photo of the map of the range at the start of the trailhead. There’s currently no signage at the lookout and you’ll want to know what you’re looking at

 

FAQs Mt Bushwalker Track

Where is Mt Bushwalker located?

Mt Bushwalker is located in Morton National Park on the NSW South Coast. The closest main towns are Milton and Ulladulla. 

How do you get to Mt Bushwalker?

Mt Bushwalker is a three hour drive from Sydney along the Princes Highway. Take Porter’s Creek Road off of the Princes Highway for 13.8km. This road enters Morton National Park and from there, follow signs to Mt Bushwalker. For more info scroll up to ‘How to Get to Mt Bushwalker’.

When is Mt Bushwalker open?

Mt Bushwalker is open most of the time and will mostly only close because of severe weather or fire danger. It’s best to check the NSW National Parks website for alerts before heading out. 

Is Mt Bushwalker good for beginners?

Yes! Mt Bushwalker is great for beginners as it’s a relatively easy route, well-marked, and doesn’t involve any great elevation.

How long does it take to complete Mt Bushwalker?

It takes around 2-2.5 hours to walk the Mt Bushwalker track there and back, including time spent at the lookout. 

How long is Mt Bushwalker?

Mt Bushwalker track is 7km return. 

Do you need a 4WD to get to Mt Bushwalker?

You don’t need a 4WD to get to Mt Bushwalker, however a car with good clearance is recommended for the drive in. 

Is Mt Bushwalker free?

Yes, hiking Mt Bushwalker is free to do.