Wollondilly River walking track

Guula Ngurra National Park

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Overview

Wollondilly River walking track is a challenging 8km return walk in Guula Ngurra National Park, near Moss Vale. It's best suited to very experienced bushwalkers.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
8km return
Time suggested
4 - 6hrs
Grade
Grade 5
Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

What to
bring
Drinking water, snacks, sturdy shoes, hat, raincoat, clothes for all weather conditions, sunscreen, first aid kit, personal locator beacon, topographic map, compass, gps
Please note
  • This challenging walk requires a good level of fitness and is only suitable for very experienced bushwalkers.
  • Spring and autumn are the best seasons to walk this track. Summer is too hot.
  • Drinking water is not available in the area so bring plenty with you.
  • There is no mobile reception in this park.

Winding downhill to the Wollondilly River and offering breathtaking views along the way, Wollondilly River walking track is a pleasant walk through beautiful forest. With some steep sections, a rough track and limited signage, it's also a difficult walk suitable for very experienced bushwalkers.

Starting from the informal parking area you'll follow Dirrang Management Trail for roughly 1km, descending into grey gum forest. At the bottom of Dirrang Management Trail you'll enter a flat clearing, and then continue on a smaller trail heading west along a section of grass. The trail splits here with Baldy Billy Peak walking track on your right heading north, and Wollondilly River walking track on your left heading south.

As you follow Wollondilly River walking track you'll make your way along the ridge top, and then head further downhill for 800m. The track can be slippery here, and steep in some sections, so walking sticks could be a good option. Keep going, and when you reach the next intersection you'll take the right and continue heading west into forest red gum woodland.

After another 1.5km you'll find yourself at the Wollondilly River and the return point of your walk. You'll also receive the reward for your efforts, with the riverbank providing stunning river views and a perfect spot to swim or enjoy a picnic among the big boulders.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Mount Penang loop walk, Guula Ngurra National Park. Photo: Phil Craven

    Mount Penang loop walk

    Mount Penang loop walk in Guula Ngurra National Park is a 3km unmarked hiking trail that is best-suited to experienced bushwalkers.

  • View of Guula Ngurra National Park, from Baldy Billy Peak walking track in Little Forest West area. Photo credit: Andrew Boleyn © DPIE

    Baldy Billy Peak walking track

    Climb to the top of Billy Baldy Peak on this steep and challenging 5km return walk in Guula Ngurra National Park, near Moss Vale and Canyonleigh.

Map


Map legend

Map legend

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/wollondilly-river-walking-track/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

  • in Guula Ngurra National Park in the Country NSW region
  • The Mount Penang and Little Forest West areas of Guula Ngurra National Park are always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    The Tugalong area of Guula Ngurra National Park is open to the public from 8.30am to 5pm on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month between 1 March and 31 October. Visitors must arrive onsite before 2pm. The area is closed to the public at other times to protect sensitive natural and cultural heritage values.

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Wollondilly River walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

8km return

Time

4 - 6hrs

Quality of markings

Limited signage

Experience required

Very experienced bushwalkers

Gradient

Very steep and difficult

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Rough track, many obstacles

Getting there and parking

Wollondilly River walking track is in the Little Forest West area of Guula Ngurra National Park. To get there from Sydney or Goulburn:

  • Follow the M31 and take the Illawarra Highway – Moss Vale exit, following signs to Canyonleigh.
  • Continue for 10km on Canyonleigh Road, then turn right onto Tugalong Road.
  • Travel 20km along Tugalong Road and then turn left at the small Guula Ngurra National Park entry sign onto the Dirrang Management Trail.
  • Open the entry gate, drive 100m along the trail and then park in the clear, open area on your right.
  • There is a locked gate after the carpark with pedestrian access to the Wollondilly River walking track.

Road quality

  • Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

An informal parking area for 5 cars is available on the Dirrang Management Trail within the Little Forest West area, just before the trail head. A formal parking area for 5 cars is available in the Mount Penang area 2.5km north, along Tugalong Road.

Best times to visit

Autumn

Autumn's a great time to visit as you escape the heat of summer and avoid the chill of winter.

Spring

If you're interested in wildflowers, visit in spring to see them in bloom throughout the park.

Facilities

There are no bins so you'll need to take all rubbish away with you.

Carpark

Informal parking is available at Wollondilly River walking track.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Camping safety

Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Prohibited

Hunting and shooting native animals or poaching wildlife is prohibited. Report illegal activities.

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Cycling

Generators

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Learn more

Wollondilly River walking track is in Guula Ngurra National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Koala Country

Wollondilly River in Little Forest West Area, Guula Ngurra National Park. Photo: Andrew Boleyn © DPE

The name Guula Ngurra was provided to the park by the Gundungurra People and translates as Koala Country. The park is part of the Gundungurra Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA). The Wingecarribee and Wollondilly rivers that flow through the park, as permanent water sources and providers of diverse plant and animal resources, would have and continue to play an important role to the Aboriginal people. And the meeting point of the rivers, on the northern boundary of the park, is part of the Creation Story in which Mirragan fought Gurangatch, and is of great significance in Aboriginal culture.

  • Wollondilly River walking track Wollondilly River walking track is a challenging 8km return walk in Guula Ngurra National Park, near Moss Vale. It's best suited to very experienced bushwalkers.

The boundary of 2 bioregions

Birds in the Tugalong area, Guula Ngurra National Park. Photo: Jennie Wiles © Jennie Wiles

Guula Ngurra National Park sits at the boundary of 2 bioregions. To the west is the South Eastern Highlands and to the east are the sandstone landscapes of Sydney Basin. Located on the boundary between these 2 bioregions, the park is high in biodiversity and supports species at their geographical limit.

The park also contains high quality koala habitat and sits within the Great Western Wildlife Corridor in the Southern Highlands, which supports an estimated population of 1000 koalas. The koala however is just 1 of 139 species of fauna the park supports and provides habitat for, 22 of which are listed as threatened.

Transformative rivers

View of Guula Ngurra National Park, from Baldy Billy Peak walking track in Little Forest West area. Photo: Andrew Boleyn © DPE

Guula Ngurra National Park is home to 22km of the Wollondilly and Wingecarribee Rivers, including the point where they meet. These waterways have had a profound impact in shaping the park, carving out steep escarpments and rocky gullies that drop dramatically into the rivers’ valleys. Looking out over the valleys, Mount Penang and Baldy Billy Peak offer spectacular views and a glimpse into the rivers’ transformative history with the park.

  • Baldy Billy Peak walking track Climb to the top of Billy Baldy Peak on this steep and challenging 5km return walk in Guula Ngurra National Park, near Moss Vale and Canyonleigh.
  • Wollondilly River walking track Wollondilly River walking track is a challenging 8km return walk in Guula Ngurra National Park, near Moss Vale. It's best suited to very experienced bushwalkers.

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  • Australian brush turkey, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

    Australian brush turkey (Alectura lathami)

    The Australian brush turkey, also known as bush or scrub turkey, can be found in rainforests along eastern NSW. With a striking red head, blue-black plumage and booming call, these distinctive Australian birds are easy to spot while bird watching in several NSW national parks.

  • Brush tail possum. Photo: Ken Stepnell

    Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

    One of the most widespread of Australian tree-dwelling marsupials, the common brushtail possum is found across most of NSW in woodlands, rainforests and urban areas. With strong claws, a prehensile tail and opposable digits, these native Australian animals are well-adapted for life amongst the trees.

  • Eastern common ringtail possum. Photo: Ken Stepnell

    Common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)

    Commonly found in forests, woodlands and leafy gardens across eastern NSW, the Australian ringtail possum is a tree-dwelling marsupial. With a powerful tail perfectly adapted to grasp objects, it forages in trees for eucalypt leaves, flowers and fruit.

  • Bare-nosed wombat. Photo: Keith Gillett

    Bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus)

    A large, squat marsupial, the Australian bare-nosed wombat is a burrowing mammal found in coastal forests and mountain ranges across NSW and Victoria. The only other remaining species of wombat in NSW, the endangered southern hairy-nosed wombat, was considered extinct until relatively recently.

  • Emu, Paroo Darling National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

    The largest of Australian birds, the emu stands up to 2m high and is the second largest bird in the world, after the ostrich. Emus live in pairs or family groups. The male emu incubates and rears the young, which will stay with the adult emus for up to 2 years.

  • Koala. Photo: Lucy Morrell

    Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

    One of the most renowned Australian animals, the tree-dwelling marsupial koala can be found in gum tree forests and woodlands across eastern NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as in isolated regions in South Australia. With a vice-like grip, this perhaps most iconic but endangered Australian animal lives in tall eucalypts within a home range of several hectares.

  • Closeup of a laughing kookaburra's head and body. Photo: Rosie Nicolai/OEH

    Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)

    Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.

  • A juvenile platypus saved by National Parks and Wildlife staff. Photo: M Bannerman/OEH

    Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

    One of the most fascinating and unusual Australian animals, the duck-billed platypus, along with the echidna, are the only known monotremes, or egg-laying mammals, in existence. The platypus is generally found in permanent river systems and lakes in southern and eastern NSW and east and west of the Great Dividing Range.

  • Red kangaroo, Sturt National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Red kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

    The red kangaroo is one of the most iconic Australian animals and the largest marsupial in the world. Large males have reddish fur and can reach a height of 2m, while females are considerably smaller and have blue-grey fur. Red kangaroos are herbivores and mainly eat grass.

  • Echidna. Photo: Ken Stepnell

    Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

    One of only 2 egg-laying mammals in the world, the short-beaked echidna is one of the most widespread of Australian native animals. Covered in spines, or quills, they’re equipped with a keen sense of smell and a tube-like snout which they use to break apart termite mounds in search of ants.

  • Wedge-tailed eagle. Photo: Kelly Nowak

    Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)

    With a wingspan of up to 2.5m, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. These Australian animals are found in woodlands across NSW, and have the ability to soar to heights of over 2km. If you’re bird watching, look out for the distinctive diamond-shaped tail of the eagle.

  • Yellow-tailed black cockatoo. Photo: Peter Sherratt

    Yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)

    The yellow-tailed black cockatoo is one of the largest species of parrot. With dusty-black plumage, they have a yellow tail and cheek patch. They’re easily spotted while bird watching, as they feed on seeds in native forests and pine plantations.

Plants

  • Grass trees, Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

    Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

    An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.

  • River red gum, Murrumbidgee Valley National Park. Photo: Paul Childs

    River red gum (Eucalpytus camaldulensis)

    Australian native plants, majestic river red gum trees are widespread across Australian inland river systems. The river red gum is a dominant tree species of the Murray-Darling basin which spans NSW, Queensland and Victoria. This iconic native eucalypt grows to a height of 30m and is thought to have a lifespan up to 500-1000 years.

Environments in this park