Towering over the Morton National Park on the South Coast of New South Wales the Pigeon House Mountain track is a challenging but rewarding hike.
Close to 40 years ago, I distinctly remember climbing (or was it scrambling!) to the top of Pigeon House Mountain in the Morton National Park in New South Wales. I remember it because of the ladders at the end… and the fear and tears that they inflicted on me. So admittedly those memories kinda turned me off hiking the trail until now.
Finding myself on the South Coast of New South Wales I figured it was time to have a go a climbing to the top of Pigeon House Mountain. The Social Media influence on my decision cannot be denied, having recently being exposed to visits by people I admire on Instagram I figured the I needed to throw away those bad memories of the ladders and give it go!
Driving into the National Park in itself is a journey. Dirt road for about 20km in, you don’t need a 4wd but take note this road can get quite boggy in the wet so take it easy or pick another time to visit. I drove in from the entrance close to the Burrill Pines campground, a great cheap camp spot, and after dodging a multitude of pot holes I arrived at the picnic area ready to tackle the 5km hike.
The hike begins weaving uphill, soon becoming steps and apart from a small section, it doesn’t stop going uphill till you reach the top. Wet weather meant it was vey muddy especially on the steps and was very hard to avoid through this section so I found myself tip toeing through the “not so muddy” parts… I am still wondering why I wore my joggers and not my hiking boots because by the end of the trail my joggers were covered in mud!!! It is a popular hike and I found there were plenty of people on the track, young and old all tackling it at their own pace. Some went all the way to the top while others stopped at the ladders… either way this hike is a definite challenge and something to be proud of attempting. The ladders are quite daunting as they are very step and in the rain they become slippery . A series of metal ladders with platforms in some spots, they only have room for one person at a time on them, so you might have to wait to ascend or descend and if you have a fear of heights then the ladders may also be a problem. The National Parks website suggest the track takes between 2 and a half and 3 and a half hours for the return 5km. I took 2 and a half hours at a quick pace without spending too much time at the top due to the rain starting, but on even on a foggy day I could see some gorgeous views over the National Park so I can only imagine how amazing the views would be on a clear day!
So next time you are on the South Coast of New South Wales why not head up into the Morton National Park and have a walk on the Pigeon House Didthul walking track.
What: Pigeon House Didthul Walking track
Where: Morton National Park, South Coast NSW Australia.
How much: Free except you do need a National Parks and Wildlife pass
Need to know: The road into the track is dirt for about 20km and can be quiet slippery and bumpy when there has been rain, take plenty of water and snacks with you ( water at the picnic ground needs to be treated), there are pit toilets at the picnic ground and covered tables, wear appropriate footwear and consider taking hiking poles or use a stick!, take care with children on the ladders and at the peak, and as always make sure you tell someone where you are especially if hiking solo.
Safe Travels
Kerrie
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