Climb Pigeon House Mountain Didthul

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Climb Pigeon House Mountain (Didthul)

Winter is an ideal time to tackle bushwalks that might seem a little too hard core for summer. It's a great way to warm up, too.

Climbing up Pigeon House Mountain, or Didthul, is such a trek. Located in the Budawang Range in Morton National Park, the walk up this curiously shaped mountain is not particularly long or difficult but be warned; the initial incline is a bit of a killer.

A few hours south of Sydney and due west of both Milton and Ulladulla, Pigeon House Mountain is accessible via fairly sound forest tracks which would usually not require the oomph of a four wheel drive. It is also accessible from the western side via nearby Braidwood. A carpark with covered picnic tables and a toilet is provided at the trackhead.

When sailing along the coastline in 1770, Captain Cook spotted in this mountain and was reminded of the square, domed roof bird houses he'd seen back in England. More obviously, and less prudishly, the mountain has been compared to a woman's breast. It is believed that this is the meaning of its traditional name, 'Didthul'.


Walkers will enjoy passing through a variety of plant communities on their way up and down the mountain including Black Ash, the rare Pigeon House Ash as well as sandy heathland. Superb Lyrebirds may be seen and heard on the ascent while friendly rock warblers may greet you at the summit.

Allow around four hours for the return trip. Care needs to be taken on the impressive sets of steel stairs and ladders that take walkers to the summit. Hold on, particularly if the day is windy! Scaling the tier provides a good chance to challenge those mid weight height phobias.



360 degree views from the top take in an extensive view of the Budawang Range and vast valleys. The Clyde river and its tributaries can be seen snaking along the valley floor, where it has carved out great gorges. Plateaux such as 'The Castle' and 'Byangee Walls' rise impressively to the north-west, and the southern view stretches all the way to Mount Dromedary. Natural rock sculptures and caves makes for interesting exploration.



Heading out of the park and onto Clyde Ridge Road in Morton, you may be tempted to stop at the 'Pigeon House Tea Rooms' which is reopening at the time of writing.

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