Bungonia National Park is in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales.

Understand

History

The park sits across the traditional lands of the indigenous Njunawal group, the northwest corner of the Wandandian tribal region, and the southern boundary of the Gandangara tribal group. The prominent ridge tops are considered historically significant travel routes for tribes who moved with the seasonal harvest. However, archaeological evidence of campsites has been found on the main plateau, along with limestone dolines that contain the remnants of edible plants consumed by Aboriginal peoples.

The establishment of European settlement in this region began around the 1820s, with Goulburn settled in the 1840s and the town of Bungonia set to be created in 1832.

The park was initially established as a water reserve in 1872, to protect the water supply extracted from the Shoalhaven River and in the same year, a visit was reported to the Drum Cave and the Sky-Light Cave, named after the sound made when a stalactite was struck and the large hole in the roof, respectively. Multiple minor explorations of the park were made by Europeans throughout the late 1800s, to explore the many cave systems which were prominent features of the area.

Visitor records for the park began in 1892 when 85 visitors were recorded. By 1899, this number had increased to 559, with exploration of the caves costing 15 pounds per party "candlesticks provided".

Climate

The average summer temperature in Bungonia National Park is between 12 and 26°Cs with the highest recorded temperature being 40°C. Due to its increased altitude and inland southerly position, the park receives a very cold winter temperature. On average the temperature sits between 1 and 14°C with the lowest ever recorded temperature being -9°C. Average rainfall in the region is around 665 mm with most precipitation occurring in March and the least in September. The highest recorded rainfall in a single day is 200.7 mm (7.90 in).

Visitor information

• Park website
• 1 Bungonia National Park Office, 838 The Lookdown Rd, ☏ +61 2 4827 4700. Only on some weekends and public holidays. (updated Sep 2024)

Get in

The park can only be reached by car. If you're going on the M31 Hume Hwy, exit on Jerra Rd, just south of Marulan. From the exit, head south towards Bungonia and then turn onto The Lookdown Road once at the town – there will then be signs guiding you towards the park from the town.

Fees and permits

There is a fee of $8 in Bungonia National Park and can be paid off at the ticket machine at the entrance.

Get around

The Lookdown Road is the main road connecting the main points of interests in the park. It is fully sealed, wide enough to barely accommodate 2 cars. Parking is provided at the start of most trails, including spur trails. On most days the park is empty enough that you will likely be one of few in the park. Adams Lookout Road branches from The Lookdown Road near De Kerrilleau Picnic Area, but it is unsealed.

The speed limit in the park is strictly 40 km/h (25 mph) – however, there is no sign when exiting the park; note that as soon as you leave the boundaries of the park, you may travel 100 km/h (62 mph).

See

• 1 Adams lookout, Adams Track, Bungonia. The lookout may have an ordinary name, but the views are much more than what the name has, as it overlooks the large mountains of the Great Dividing Range. (updated Nov 2021)
• 2 The Lookdown lookout. Look down at the mountainous views from this lookout, as the name says and be prepared for some quite unbelievable views. (updated Nov 2021)

Do

Caving

Caving is a popular activity in the park with hundreds of caves open to explore throughout the year. Access to many of these caves requires ropes and abseiling techniques and should only be attempted in company of experienced cavers. Some of the larger caves in Bungonia include the Drum Cave and Grill Cave, but there are other smaller caves in the park such as the Blowfly Cave, Argyle Cave, Chalk Cave, and dozens of other unnamed caves. However, be warned that dangerous levels of carbon dioxide are often present in these systems, especially during the summer months.

Hiking

There are a number of hiking trails in this park, although there aren't many compared to other parks. Such include the Green track, a 6.7 km (4.2 mi) trail going through some of the bushy areas of the park, or the Molly O'Neill nature track, a simple 300 m (980 ft) walk around a picnic area.

If you are limited on time or are visiting the park solo, you are better off walking the Green Track between the two lookouts – it is rather gentle, easygoing and does not take long to do. There are parts of the trail that may be narrow, but there are often steps in such sections.

Eat

There are no eateries in the park; you'll need to bring your own food.

Sleep

Lodging

There is no lodging within the park.

Camping

• 1 Bungonia campground, Bungonia Access Rd, Bungonia. Includes all the basics of a campground, including a parking lot, a toilet and showers. (updated Nov 2021)

Stay safe

Bungonia National Park is known for its caves. As such, mind your step when hiking, as lots of holes are present in the ground.