Trail summary
Hike overview
Griffins walking track offers a peaceful hike through the Yarrunga Creek Valley and up Meryla Pass. At 11km one-way, it can be attempted in a single day, but is best tackled with an overnight camp.
Start the walk at either Jacks Corner, in Kangaroo Valley, or at the top of Meryla Pass. The walk is undulating and has some very long steep sections, but the beauty is staggering. Don't forget to look up occasionally at the amazing sandstone cliffs towering overhead. In the distance, you should be able to spot the distinctive shapes of Mount Moollattoo and Mount Carrialoo. As well as these, expect creek crossings, rocky outcrops, views across the valley, and plenty of wildlife - don't forget the camera, particularly if birdwatching is of interest.
Aim to settle down for the evening at Griffins Farm, a grassy area alongside the creek where remnants of an old house, barn, and rock wall fence can still be seen. The Griffins family cut timber here to sell to sawmills between the 1940s and 1970s. Bring dinner and light a campfire afterward for a thrilling night out under the stars.
At the top of Meryla Pass, you can also follow Wombat Hill lookout trail for another terrific vantage point over the surrounding landscape.
Tips
There is limited mobile reception in this park
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Getting there
To Jacks Corner Road. Griffins walking track is in the Yarrunga Valley precinct of Morton National Park. To get there from Kangaroo Valley:Head west from Moss Vale Road for 11km along Bendeela RoadGo past the pondage as the road becomes Jacks Corner Road. Continue until you reach the Morton National Park trailhead gate at the bottom of Griffins walking track. This is known as Jacks Corner.Alternatively, from Moss Vale, head towards Nowra on Yarrawa Road.Turn right onto Meryla Road and follow it for 16km through Meryla State Forest to the top of Griffins walking track. This is known as Meryla Pass. Park entry points Jacks Corner Road See on map Road quality Check the weather before you set out as the road to Griffins walking track can become boggy when it rains. Parking Parking is available at both ends of the track at Jacks Corner and at the top of Meryla Pass.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
About the region
Easily accessible from Nowra, Morton National Park is great for a daytrip or school excursion. Visit Fitzroy Falls for scenic waterfall views; go mountain biking, walking or enjoy a picnic lunch.
Be enthralled by nature on a grand scale at Morton National Park. If the cascading Fitzroy Falls don't leave you breathless, try the sweeping views from the top of Pigeon House Mountain Didthul.
This enormous park really does have something for everyone; whether you're an experienced bushwalker looking for remote wilderness hiking, a novice mountain biker looking for an easy ride or a keen photographer looking for some scenic waterfalls to capture.
You'll find imposing gorges dissecting the landscape alongside pockets of rainforest that are full of wildlife. There are a number of well equipped picnic areas and numerous informal spots where you can stop for a break to enjoy the view and if you'd like to go camping, head to Gambells Rest campground in the Bundanoon precinct of the park.
The park is easily accessible from Bundanoon, Kangaroo Valley, Nowra and Ulladulla, so it makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway.
Suggest an edit
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Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.