If the long weekend rolls around and you’re the kind of person that gathers their mates and heads for the bush, Bungonia Gorge is an adventure just for you. Located in Bungonia National Park, the hike is an easy 2.5-hour drive from Sydney. The National Park covers 15km² of bushland, starting up in the southern highlands and running all the way down to the Pacific Ocean near Nowra. To access the Bungonia Gorge hike, enter the park by passing through the small town of Bungonia. Stop off at the visitor’s center to log your trip in the visitor’s book, fill up your water bladders, grab a map and check for fire bans.

The track starts at David Reid car park. From here, take the white track headed past Mt Ayre and descend down to the Shoalhaven River. The track is clearly signposted and relatively easy, but becomes a bit of a scramble as you head down into the gorge. Take it slowly. If your knees are on the wobbly side, I would recommend grabbing a sturdy stick as the slate makes it very slippery. When you get to the bottom, head round to the right to find the flat camping area. Pitch up for the day and enjoy swimming in the creek. The campsite is a great spot to spend the afternoon relaxing, boiling the billy and reading a book. Keep your eye peeled for the local inhabitants. We had a close encounter with the resident red-belly black snake. As night rolls in get cosy by the fire and enjoy the spectacle of the twinkle of millions of stars above you.

Start fresh the next day by heading up into the gorge. Here you’ll have to do some rock hopping up the creek. There isn’t a trail but just follow the creek up until you join up with the red track at the start of the slot canyon. Here you’ll find one of nature’s best playgrounds. Channel your inner mountain goat while scrambling over the boulders and finding the best route up the canyon. There are lots of hidden water holes to cool off in and you might even stumble across a herd of goats, a red belly black snake or an echidna like we did. Once you reach the top of the boulders double back on yourself and head to camp for another swim in the river.

Note: if you don’t have as much time on your hands and want to make this a two day hike, you can exit by taking the red track up to Mt Ayre and all the way back to the car park. Just drop your packs before entering the slot canyon.

If you have the luxury of three days, spend the last morning back at Shoalhaven River before walking out on the same white track you walked in on. Then head for home, I’d recommend stopping on you way back at Berrima for a well-deserved pie and a bevvy to top of your adventure.

By Pia Grace

2018

Map Here.

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