Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track in Morton National Park is a day hike that has it all. The reward far outweighs the short distance (5km return hike) - epic views of the ocean, gorges and wilderness. Right near the town of Milton, it’s a wonderfully different way to explore this beautiful part of the NSW South Coast.

If you’re holidaying anywhere near Mollymook, Ulladulla, Lake Conjola or Sussex Inlet, Pigeon House Mountain Didthul is an easy day trip away. Or, it’s just 3 hours south of Sydney and super close to some awesome NSW parks camping and accommodation.

Getting there is easy. From Milton (where you’ll return for the coffee), turn off the Princes Highway, following signs marked ‘Pigeon House’. Drive along Croobyar Road, Woodstock Road and Yadboro Road, and arrive at the Pigeon House Mountain Didthul picnic area just off Yadboro Road. This is where you can park, visit the pit toilet and start your walk. From Milton to the picnic area is a 45-minute drive.

The hike is pretty intense (grade 4), with steep inclines and ladders to reach the summit. The perfect hike for people with a good fitness level and a sense of adventure (suitable for kids eight and above). It starts by meandering through heathland and forest before reaching the fun part - a ladder climb to the summit! Okay, I’m not going to lie - parts of the walk are steep, make sure to give your calves a good stretch before setting off. After you catch your breath, I promise you’ll be smiling ear to ear when you get to the top!

Allow between 2.5 - 3.5 hours return depending on your fitness ability, with an additional half an hour thrown in for a picnic lunch at the top - definitely worth it. You’ll need sturdy shoes (good walking shoes with grip as this hike is steep and can be tricky when wet) and plenty of drinking water (there aren’t any facilities along the way). The track is a grade 4 meaning some rough terrain and steep sections, suitable for walkers with basic bushwalking experience and a moderate level of fitness.

You’ll be walking through a declared wilderness area, which is awesome as you may catch a glimpse of some wildlife such as the yellow-tailed black cockatoo, one of 176 bird species in the area. Didthul has significant Aboriginal cultural value and is the traditional country of the Yuin people. It’s crucial we all respect this by keeping to formed walking tracks and leaving no trace.

Walking Pigeon House Mountain Didthul will leave you feeling great. From start to finish you will have a good adventure tale to tell when you get back to the beach to soothe your hiking legs. Do it!

PS: If steep walks aren’t so much your thing, check out other nearby day walk options such as Little Forest walking track.