The Didthul walking track takes between two and three and a half hours to cover, according to the park’s managers. Photos: NSW National Parks.
Visitors are being welcomed back to the Didthul walking track on Pigeon House Mountain following recent works to make the hike through Morton National Park a more comfortable day in nature.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has reopened the track to the public after a four-month closure. The site suffered extensive damage due to heavy rainfall, which required restoration work to stabilise the degraded trail surface and surrounding infrastructure near the summit of the walk.
Shoalhaven area manager Michael Phelan thanked everyone for their patience while the essential works were carried out.
“These works have lifted the bar on an already impressive walk and would not be possible without the commitment of all workers involved, who had to complete the 5 km return walk every day to get this work done,” he said.
“The improvements are the perfect balance between preserving the site’s environmental and cultural integrity while ensuring safe access for visitors to enjoy for years to come.”
With funding from the NSW Government’s Flood Recovery Program, an NPWS team will continue to implement a quarterly maintenance program to ensure the track remains safe.
However, the main repair works were undertaken by local Aboriginal-owned construction company South Coast Contracting and Hire, in collaboration with the Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Due to the remote location of the track, 200 individual helicopter lifts were used to transport materials in and out of the worksite.
Works consisted of the construction and replacement of 946 hardwood stairs and drainage bars using imported crushed stone, as well as rehabilitation of disturbed areas adjacent to the track with brush matting and timber debris.
Some of the newly laid steps on the popular hiking trail, which is known for its steep incline.
Morton National Park is well known for Fitzroy Falls, a popular inland spot to freshen up during hot weather.
However, those choosing to make the trip to Pigeon House Mountain will be able to take in the Budawang wilderness that’s been carved out by the Clyde River.
Walkers can take advantage of the summit’s panoramic views for a lunch, or make the descent back to a picnic area at the start of the trail.
On clear days, the NPWS says, you may be able to see as far as Jervis Bay and Bermagui, or even a lyrebird near the end of the track – if you’re lucky.
Find out more about the track on the NPWS website.
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