A short walk down to Kangaroo River (Lake Yarrunga) offers the sort of solitude and pristine nature that makes our national parks such treasures. Bring some swimmers and a picnic lunch for a relaxing afternoon by the water, or carry in a tent and make a thrilling night of it. Endangered owls and arboreal mammals live in the trees and come out after dusk, making the evening experience completely different.
Kangaroo River walking track threads off Tallowa Dam Road, 15km west of Kangaroo Valley, and extends 3.5km downhill. There are several steep sections along the way, but the unusual wave-like rock formations make it a fascinating trek. Carry some binoculars if birdwatching is an interest, waterbirds, gang-gang cockatoos, and little lorikeets are regularly sighted in the area.
If you're into fishing, carry a rod and some bait down to the edge of the river, as bass and carp are plentiful in Lake Yarrunga.
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.
To Kangaroo River access. Kangaroo River walking track is in the Tallowa Dam Road precinct of Morton National Park. To get there from Kangaroo Valley:Head west along Mount Scanzi Road, which turns into Tallowa Dam Road, for 15km.Kangaroo River walking track is located on the northern (right-hand) side of the road. Look for the gate and trailhead sign. Park entry points Kangaroo River access See on map Parking Parking is available in the cleared area adjacent to the gate on Tallowa Dam Road.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Morton National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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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.
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.
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
