The best walks and hikes in Morton National Park
4.4
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738
hikers
13
hikes
Hiking in Morton National Park features a landscape characterized by a flat plateau deeply cut by steep gorges. This creates dramatic scenery with lush rainforest gullies, extensive eucalypt forests, and distinctive sandstone formations. The park is notable for its numerous waterfalls and panoramic lookouts offering views across the gorges, plateaus, and distant coastline. The varied terrain includes both gentle paths and more challenging ascents.
Best hiking trails in Morton National Park
- The most popular hiking route is The Grotto – Renown Lookout loop from Fitzroy Falls, an easy 2.5 miles (4.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 13 minutes to complete, offering views of Fitzroy Falls and Renown Lookout.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Pigeon House Mountain loop from Woodburn, a moderate 4.3 miles (7.0 km) path. This route involves a sustained climb to Pigeon House Mountain, providing extensive views of the coastline and wilderness areas.
- Local hikers also love the Shoalhaven River View – Lake Yarrunga View loop from Lake Yarrunga View, a 4.7 miles (7.6 km) trail leading through varied bushland, often completed in about 1 hour 59 minutes.
- Hiking in Morton National Park is defined by dramatic gorges, spectacular waterfalls, and panoramic lookouts. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to challenging wilderness expeditions.
- The routes in Morton National Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 500 hikers have used komoot to explore Morton National Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
4.3
(12)
169
hikers
4.22km
01:17
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(10)
132
hikers
6.94km
03:06
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.2
(10)
153
hikers
3.98km
01:12
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
28
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
28
hikers
8.28km
02:12
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This viewpoint is a great stop along the West Rim Track, where you'll have a beautiful view of Twin Falls and Yarrunga Creek descending into the Yarrunga Valley below. A short bridge near the top of the falls leads to the main lookout and nearby viewing points overlooking the gorge, making it an ideal place for a scenic break along the route.
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The Grotto is a sheltered rock overhang reached by a short but steep detour through forest and rainforest. Water cascades over the rocky outcrop onto moss-covered rocks below, creating a cool and peaceful setting tucked beneath the escarpment. Surrounded by dense vegetation and the sound of birds chirping in the trees, this beautiful spot is one of the quieter natural features along the walk.
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Renown Lookout is the final major viewpoint along the West Rim Track, with sweeping views across the Yarrunga Valley to the south and surrounding sandstone escarpments. From here, you can see both Fitzroy Falls and Lady Hordern Falls cascading into the valley below, and it’s especially impressive after rain.
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Starkeys Lookout offers clear views of both Fitzroy Falls and Lady Hordern Falls cascading into the gorge below. Located toward the end of the track, the lookout overlooks the point where waterways wind through the Yarrunga Valley. Set on a viewing platform above the escarpment, it's another incredible vantage point along the walk for appreciating the scale of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
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This is a fantastic spot along the West Rim Track that offers one of the first full views of Fitzroy Falls plunging into the valley below. The lookout overlooks the rugged sandstone escarpment, forested slopes, and the surrounding wilderness and is a great stop for taking in the scale of the waterfall and valley scenery.
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Fitzroy Falls is a beautiful waterfall where the waters of Wildes Meadow Creek plunge more than 80 metres into a deep sandstone valley below. This is one of several nearby lookouts that offer sweeping views across the escarpment and surrounding bushland of the Southern Highlands. This lookout is easily accessible from the visitor centre, one of the area’s best-known natural attractions, and a popular starting point for nearby short walks with multiple breathtaking viewpoints.
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Pigeon House Mountain, also known as Didthul, is a unique sandstone peak rising above the Budawang landscape in Morton National Park, recognised for its dome-like shape and cultural significance to local Aboriginal communities. Reached by a set of steel ladders, the summit offers panoramic views across the rugged wilderness and deep valleys, and on clear days, you can see all the way to the coastline.
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This viewpoint on the Pigeon House Walking Track is a rocky lookout with a great bench that sits just short of the summit ladders, with expansive views across the Budawang Wilderness and surrounding sandstone escarpments. Positioned on the ridge below the summit dome, it’s a rewarding stopping point where you can look out over the forested valleys, rugged peaks, and distant wilderness landscapes before the final climb.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Morton National Park?
Morton National Park is characterized by a dramatic landscape of a flat plateau deeply cut by steep gorges. You'll encounter lush rainforest gullies, extensive eucalypt forests with diverse species, and distinctive sandstone formations. The varied terrain offers everything from gentle paths to challenging ascents.
Are there many waterfalls to see in Morton National Park?
Yes, Morton National Park is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls. Key attractions include the iconic Fitzroy Falls, Belmore Falls, Tianjara Falls, Twin Falls, and Fairy Bower Falls. Many hiking tracks, such as the East Rim and Wildflower walking tracks at Fitzroy Falls, offer impressive views of these cascades.
What are the best viewpoints or lookouts in Morton National Park?
The park offers numerous panoramic lookouts with breathtaking vistas. You can reach summits like Pigeon House Mountain (Didthul) for extensive views of the coastline and wilderness. Other scenic viewpoints include Renown Lookout, Twin Falls Lookout, and Jersey Lookout. The Corang Arch also provides a unique natural attraction.
How many hiking trails are available in Morton National Park?
Morton National Park features a diverse network of over 10 hiking routes. These range from easy strolls suitable for families to more challenging wilderness expeditions, ensuring options for various fitness levels.
Are there any easy or family-friendly hikes in Morton National Park?
Yes, the park offers several easy trails perfect for families or those seeking a gentle walk. An excellent option is The Grotto – Renown Lookout loop from Fitzroy Falls, which is an easy 4.1 km route offering views of Fitzroy Falls and Renown Lookout. Another accessible choice is Jersey Lookout – Starkeys Lookout loop from Fitzroy Falls.
What is a good moderate hike for experienced walkers?
For a moderate challenge, consider the Pigeon House Mountain loop from Woodburn. This 7.0 km path involves a sustained climb to Pigeon House Mountain, rewarding hikers with extensive views of the coastline and surrounding wilderness areas.
Are there any circular walks in Morton National Park?
Yes, many of the trails in Morton National Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include The Grotto – Renown Lookout loop from Fitzroy Falls, Pigeon House Mountain loop from Woodburn, and Shoalhaven River View – Lake Yarrunga View loop from Lake Yarrunga View.
What do other hikers say about their experience in Morton National Park?
The hiking routes in Morton National Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 30 reviews. Hikers often praise the dramatic gorges, spectacular waterfalls, and panoramic lookouts, as well as the variety of trails suitable for different ability levels.
Is Morton National Park suitable for birdwatching or wildlife spotting?
Absolutely. Morton National Park is a critical sanctuary for diverse wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot species like yellow-tailed black cockatoos, kookaburras, and lyrebirds, and even the endangered ground parrot. You might also encounter swamp wallabies, gliders, and long-nosed potoroos.
What is the best time of year to visit Morton National Park for hiking?
The park offers an engaging experience throughout the year due to its varied plant life and diverse ecosystems. Spring and autumn generally provide pleasant temperatures for hiking, while winter can offer crisp, clear views. Summer can be warm, but the rainforest gullies and waterfalls provide cooler spots.
Are there facilities like picnic areas along the trails?
Yes, many trails and scenic spots within Morton National Park feature convenient picnic areas. This makes it easy to enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty, enhancing the overall hiking experience.
Are permits required for hiking in Morton National Park?
Generally, permits are not required for day hiking on marked trails in Morton National Park. However, it's always advisable to check the official National Parks and Wildlife Service website for the latest information on park entry fees, conditions, and any specific requirements for certain areas or activities. You can find more details at nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.
Most popular routes in Morton National Park
Most popular attractions in Morton National Park
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