Trail summary
Safety advice
This park is in a remote location and weather can be unpredictable €“ please ensure you're well-prepared.
Hike overview
Mount Budawang trail is a challenging yet rewarding walk, cutting through several environments; from grassy woodland to montane forest, and finishing at the summit for scenic views. This is bushwalking at its best for those with a keen sense of adventure. Pull on your hiking boots and get ready to sweat, you should be fit and well-prepared with lots of water and a map as this day walk, to the summit of Mount Budawang, is more taxing than its modest distance of 4km suggests.
Threading through a diverse range of environments €“ grassy woodland, wet gullies, montane forest and grassland at the top €“ you're exposed to a terrific cross-section of what makes Budawang National Park wilderness. The rare Budawang wallaby grass, for example, is only found on the summits of Mount Budawang and Currockbilly Mountain.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, too €“ crescent honeyeaters and olive whistlers are known to frequent higher areas of the park. The ascent is about 430m up a steep-sided mountain range, but the scenic views from Mount Budawang are tremendous, with 360-degree views of the surrounding area. To the north, along the Budawang Range, are the Castle and Pigeon House Mountain Didthul. To the east are Durras Mountain and the NSW coast. Down below is the forested Clyde River valley, and further afield west you can see all the way to Braidwood's Mount Gillamatong.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1134 m
Min elevation: 724 m
Total climbing: 423 m
Total descent: -423 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Moruya, Batemans Bay, Braidwood, Nelligen, Milton
Mount Budawang trail is at the southern precinct of Budawang National Park. To get there from Braidwood or Mongarlowe. From Charleys Forest Road or Little River Road, turn onto Northangera Road through Mongarlowe, then onto Budawang Road near the fire station. Travel a further 1.8km, then veer right at the intersection through a gate. Follow the signs for another 5km to the carpark. You’ll need to go through several farm gates €“ make sure you leave them as you find them.
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Mount Budawang can become boggy when it rains. Parking is available at the start of Mount Budawang trail.
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
Budawang National Park is declared a wilderness area, with hiking, river camping, swimming and scenic views for advanced, well-equipped travellers.
Budawang National Park is wilderness. Rugged and isolated, it's full of steep mountainsides and tall moist forests. There are glossy black-cockatoos in tall eucalypt forests, shallow rivers, and wallabies in patches of grassland.
The park derives its name from one of its dominant features, Mount Budawang €“ whose name is a variation of the Aboriginal word €˜Buddawong'. The prominence of its peak meant it was used to light signal fires and to observe the movement of people between the highlands and the coast.
Today, this park is perfect for adventurers and experienced trekkers who will love the walking through remote areas and river camping opportunities. If you're looking for a place to truly get away from the civilised world, Budawang offers a ready haven. Hiking in the park is suitable for fit and experienced bushwalkers equipped with sufficient water and survival gear. There are formal and informal walking tracks, meaning this is a perfect place to set off into the bush with a map and GPS.
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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.