Best trails in Deua National Park
The Deua National Park is located inland of Moruya in NSW on land of the Yuin traditional owners who for thousands of years travelled the escarpments and established pathways between the coast and Monaro Tablelands. There are many sites of Indigenous spiritual significance throughout the park including scarred trees, middens, dreaming trails and grinding grooves.
The diverse landscapes and landforms of the Deua National Park include grassy woodland, peatlands, swamps, gorges, mountain peaks, and limestone karst systems - which provide habitat for over 106 bird species, and support unique and rare species of gum trees such as the woila and jilliga ash. Visiting during spring is a great time to see the park bursting with wildflowers and bustling with birdlife.
Top sights
Top trails
- 4.6 (156)·Moderate·7.2 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrThis vigorous walk to the stunning Lower Portals gorge offers a challenging bushwalking experience within the World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park. Recommended for hikers with moderate fitness, the track features a rough surface and has lots of intense ups and downs along a steep ridgeline. The reward is a beautiful location where the river has carved deep, clear swimming holes into the rock. Be prepared to get your feet wet, as you will need to wade across the second river to reach...
- 4.4 (6)·Hard·49.3 mi·Est. 24 hr+This scenic route is a top pick for off-road driving and camping in NSW. The loop commences in the town of Moruya and follows the Princess Highway, turns into Larrys Mountain Road through the Wandera State Forest and continues onto Araluen Road up to the Deua National Park, roughly a 20 minute drive. There will be a left turnoff after The Lagoon into Merricumbene Firetrail, which first passes Dry Creek Campground and proceeds south into the Oulla Creek Firetrail which is where the 4x4...
- 4.0 (1)·Moderate·1.4 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrIf you’re keen for a steep climb rewarded with spectacular views, the Wyanbene Caves Mountain Summit track in Deua National Park is a great choice. This out-and-back trail starts from the Wyanbene Caves camping area, and immediately begins the ascent up the slopes of Wyanbene Caves Mountain. The area is an important refuge for wildlife, and you're stepping into the traditional country of the Walbanga Aboriginal People. While traversing the slopes, be on the lookout for wildlife like Eastern...
- 3.3 (5)·Moderate·4.8 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrThis track is a classic hike for those staying at the remote and beautiful Bendethera Valley Campground. The campground itself is a destination, set in a massive, grassy valley by the Deua River and accessible only by a challenging 4WD track. The trail to the caves heads northwest from the campground, leading you on a steady climb up the mountainside through rugged eucalypt forest. The track winds through dry woodland, which is home to wombats, wallabies, and plenty of birdlife. The...
- Easy·3.6 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrThis easy out-and-back walk is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful Deua River valley in the remote Deua National Park. It’s a peaceful track, perfect for a gentle hike or walk, and is located between two key camping spots: Bakers Flat and Dry Creek Camping Area. The route predominantly follows the river’s path, offering lovely forest scenery and easy access to the water. The Deua National Park is known for its rugged mountains, pristine rivers, and diverse forests of eucalypts and...