Bendethera Valley

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesBraidwood
FinishMoruya
DifficultyDifficulty 3/5
Suitable For4WD 
Distance227.26 km
Minimum Days1
Average Speed34.5 km/hr
Travel Time6 hrs 35 mins
Page Updated: 14 Nov 2023

Description

Bendethera Valley is in the Deua National Park, approximately 320km southwest of Sydney and 100km southeast of Canberra. There's a number of popular camp grounds within the region - some with picnic tables, fireplaces, and even long-drop toilets. Popular spots include Bendethera Valley campground, Wyanbene Cave and Berlang campgrounds to the north, and Dry Creek campground to the east.

Hiking, nature spotting, cave exploring, and simply enjoying the spectacular views from the highlands are some of the popular activities within Bendethera and Deua NP - so pack your hiking boots. Highlights include The Big Hole (just north of Gundillion), Marble Arch, Bendethera and Wyanbene Caves, Dampier Trig and Bendethera Mountain. The region is rich in culture and history. The remains of the old Bendethera homestead and the surrounding area provide a variety of artefacts, structures and features relating to gold and silver mining, grazing and tourism.

Due to the nature of most of the park’s roads and tracks, touring in a conventional car is limited to only a few attractions such as The Big Hole and Wyanbene Cave. Therefore, to make the most of the sights, a 4WD with low range and dedicated ‘off road’ tyres are ideal. There are some challenging 4WD sections throughout the park, including river crossings and considerably steep and rocky sections. The tracks into Bendethera are quite established and reasonably well formed, but being clay based - they do get slippery during wet conditions. As rugged as this region is, being well prepared, having competent 4WDriving skills, and going in with at least one other vehicle - will help pave way for an enjoyable and safe trip.

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TIP

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Environment

Geology - Deua National Park lies over a basement of granite that rises from the coastal plain westwards to the Monaro Tablelands. Metamorphic rocks lie over the granite where the topography dips to the northeast. The fast flowing Deua River has cut deep V-shaped valleys through the park.

Both underground and surface features are associated with the limestone (karst) areas within Deua National Park. Each of the areas includes a number of cave systems and sinkholes Bendethera and Wyanbene caves were discovered late last century and have since had continual use, however Deua cave was only discovered in 1980 and is in relatively pristine condition. All the karst areas contain features of high conservation or scientific importance, which are sensitive to any human activity. The karst environments in the park provide a significant geomorphological resource, in addition to providing habitats for a diversity of fauna, including important roosting sites for bats.

Fauna

There are around 90 species of birds, which have been recorded in the park together with swamp wallabies, red-necked wallabies, grey kangaroos, echidnas, possums and bandicoots as well as the rare tiger quoll.

Flora

Vegetation in the park changes markedly with altitude. A complex system of swamps, bogs and fens is associated with the watersheds of the Deua and Shoalhaven rivers providing clean and reliable water during times of drought. The well drained slopes surrounding areas of rainforest support ironbark (Eucalyptus paniculata), with yellow and white stringybarks (E. muellerana and E. globoidea). On the ridge tops the vegetation changes to stands of silvertop ash (E. sieberi) in open forests, and snow gums (E. pauciflora) at higher altitudes.

History

Bendethera was once a pastoral lease, dating back to about 1861, and remnants of the homestead and farm are visible. A lot of the ‘historical sights’ have well-presented signage explaining the history and operations of the area. In the last part of the 19th Century, the Bendethera Valley was cleared to provide a resting-place for cattle driven from the Monaro Plains near Canberra to Bega, from where they'd be shipped to either Sydney or Melbourne. Settlement of the valley was especially difficult given its remoteness from both the coast and the tablelands. The area however was a favourite destination for early tourists, and in 1896 a portion was reserved for public recreation. The main Bendethera Cave has signatures dating from the 1890s including many old names in the district.

The idea for a national park for the Deua River was probably first discussed in 1920 when Myles Dunphy and Roy Davies walked through the region. But it was not until the 1960s that the National Parks Association's 'Deua–Tuross National Park Proposal' was put together. The momentum for a national park was developed during the 1970s, culminating in its dedication in 1979. In 1994, two sections of Deua National Park were declared wilderness - the Burra–Oulla and Woila–Deua wilderness areas. Take the time to read the NPWS advisory signs at the entry to the park, explaining the Flora, Fauna, Environment and History of the area.

TrekID: 92

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
As Bendethera is relatively close to Braidwood (or Moruya), no extra fuel or water is required, although ensure you have enough to cover your intended destinations. Consider the food required for the number of days you plan to stay within the park. Bring good hiking boots, adequate clothing for the time of year - especially warm clothes for the colder months. Carrying all the necessary safety equipment is advisable. First Aid kits, recovery gear, navigation and communication gear. It is wise to take a GPS and relevant maps to navigate confidently through the maze of forestry roads and tracks. Communications gear such as a UHF radio, satellite phone, and PLB is also beneficial.

Most standard 4WD’s should be able to cope with the conditions OK, however there are some track sections, which are rocky and steep, and therefore - should be driven with caution. This is where: low range, dedicated ‘off road’ tyres, good ground clearance, and sump guards are highly recommended. Extreme caution and common sense should be exercised during wet conditions, as rain can make rocks very slippery and rivers too deep and strong for crossing. Going into the park with two or more 4WDs is advisable. During the dry conditions, it has been said that the tracks in and around Bendethera should not pose any problems, and some travellers have even taken camper trailers into the park.

Before embarking, please check the weather conditions and track conditions with a local National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) office such as the one in Narooma. They should also be able to advice you on: Park Closures and Fire Bans.

Permits

There are no entry or camping fees for Bendethera Valley, however fees apply at some camping grounds. For more information, click: Camping in Deua National Park.

Please note that no bookings are taken for any campgrounds in Deua National Park. as it works on a first come basis. For more information on camping, track conditions, and bushfire alerts contact please contact the NPWS Narooma Office.

NPWS Narooma Office

Address: Cnr Graham & Burrawang Sts, Narooma NSW
PO Box 282, Narooma NSW 2546
Phone: (02) 4476 0800 or (02) 4476 2888
Fax: (02) 4476 2757

The centre has information on southern NSW National Parks, and walking and driving tour opportunities. The office is open 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. For more information on the DECC website click: Deua National Park.

Fuel Usage

DieselULPLPG
4cyl 32 litres4cyl 37 litres4cyl 45 litres
6cyl 35 litres6cyl 41 litres6cyl 40 litres
8cyl 35 litres8cyl 38 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

Generally, all year round. Good between October and April as it can get cold in winter. Rain can make river crossings difficult and tracks slippery. Also be aware of bushfires during summer.

Closest Climatic Station

Batemans Bay (Catalina Country Club)
Distance from Trek Mid Point 22.88km E
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C25.825.424.322.219.717.516.918.320.321.822.924.4
Mean Min. °C15.615.913.910.57.25.13.74.67.39.612.213.9
Mean Rain mm82.3107.773.566.663.972.643.655.959.497.692.376.8
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Braidwood to Bendoura
Driving: 12.28 km
Heading: 232°
Avg Speed: 66.54 km/hr
EST Time: 11:04
  • Drive south on Wallace Street/B52. Continue on Wallace Street. for: 0.74 km time: 01:30
  • Turn right onto Coghill Street. for: 0.32 km time: 00:33
  • Bear left onto Araluen Road. for: 1.64 km time: 01:30
  • Turn right onto Cooma Road. for: 9.58 km time: 07:31
Bendoura to Ballalaba
Driving: 9.55 km
Heading: 222°
Avg Speed: 88.58 km/hr
EST Time: 06:28
  • Drive west on Cooma Road. for: 9.55 km time: 06:28
Ballalaba to Togganoggera
Driving: 9.14 km
Heading: 195°
Avg Speed: 81.28 km/hr
EST Time: 06:44
  • Drive southwest on Cooma Road. for: 9.14 km time: 06:45
Togganoggera to Gundillion Cemetery
Driving: 10.6 km
Heading: 162°
Avg Speed: 69 km/hr
EST Time: 09:13
  • Drive southeast on Cooma Road. for: 10.52 km time: 07:02
  • Turn left. for: 0.07 km time: 02:10
Gundillion Cemetery to Gundillion
Driving: 3.62 km
Heading: 182°
Avg Speed: 49.76 km/hr
EST Time: 04:21
  • Drive west. for: 0.07 km time: 02:10
  • Turn left onto Cooma Road. for: 3.55 km time: 02:12
Gundillion to Fairfield
Driving: 5.66 km
Heading: 186°
Avg Speed: 89.89 km/hr
EST Time: 03:46
  • Drive south on Cooma Road. for: 5.66 km time: 03:47
Fairfield to Jinden Creek, Krawarree Rd
Driving: 10.41 km
Heading: 203°
Avg Speed: 69.04 km/hr
EST Time: 09:02
  • Drive south on Cooma Road. for: 10.41 km time: 09:03
Jinden Creek, Krawarree Rd to Currambene Creek, Krawarree Rd
Driving: 0.9 km
Heading: 158°
Avg Speed: 92.66 km/hr
EST Time: 00:34
  • Drive south on Cooma Road. for: 0.9 km time: 00:35
Currambene Creek, Krawarree Rd to Krawarree Rd & Curranbene Creek Rd
Driving: 5.39 km
Heading: 192°
Avg Speed: 47.71 km/hr
EST Time: 06:46
  • Drive south on Cooma Road. for: 5.39 km time: 06:47
Krawarree Rd & Curranbene Creek Rd to Curranbene Creek Rd & Middle Mountain Access
Driving: 2.05 km
Heading: 109°
Avg Speed: 19.81 km/hr
EST Time: 06:12
  • Drive east on Middle Mountain Road. for: 2.04 km time: 06:07
  • Bear right to stay on Middle Mountain Road. for: 0.01 km time: 00:05
Curranbene Creek Rd & Middle Mountain Access to Dampier Trig Point
Driving: 10.84 km
Heading: 131°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 32:31
  • Drive south on Middle Mountain Road. for: 5.77 km time: 49:27
  • Bear left onto Minuma Range Fire Trail. for: 5.07 km time: 43:25
Dampier Trig Point to Minuma Range Fire Trail & Dampier Mountain Fire Trail
Driving: 1.75 km
Heading: 32°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 05:15
  • Drive southeast on Minuma Range Fire Trail. for: 1.75 km time: 15:00
Minuma Range Fire Trail & Dampier Mountain Fire Trail to Dampier Mountain Fire Trail & Bendethera Access
Driving: 8.68 km
Heading: 83°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 26:02
  • Drive south on Minuma Range Fire Trail. for: 0.04 km time: 00:23
  • Turn left onto Dampier Mountain Fire Trail. for: 8.62 km time: 01:13:51
  • Bear left onto Bendethera Camp Trail. for: 0.02 km time: 00:14
Dampier Mountain Fire Trail & Bendethera Access to Bendethera Camp Site
Driving: 3.27 km
Heading: 359°
Avg Speed: 25 km/hr
EST Time: 07:50
  • Drive north on Bendethera Camp Trail. for: 3.23 km time: 32:17
  • Turn right. for: 0.04 km time: 01:24
Bendethera Camp Site to Bendethera
Driving: 0.06 km
Heading: 279°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: N/A
  • Drive west. for: 0.04 km time: 01:18
  • Bear left onto Bendethera Caves Trail. for: 0.02 km time: 00:33
Bendethera to Dampier Mountain Fire Trail & Bendethera Access
Driving: 3.25 km
Heading: 176°
Avg Speed: 25 km/hr
EST Time: 07:48
  • Drive northeast on Bendethera Caves Trail. for: 0.02 km time: 00:32
  • Make a sharp right onto Bendethera Camp Trail. for: 3.23 km time: 32:25
Dampier Mountain Fire Trail & Bendethera Access to Bendethera Fire Trail & Merricumbene Fire Trail
Driving: 6.93 km
Heading: 62°
Avg Speed: 25 km/hr
EST Time: 16:37
  • Drive south on Bendethera Camp Trail. for: 6.74 km time: 57:50
  • Keep left to take Merricumbene Fire Trail. for: 0.19 km time: 05:34
Bendethera Fire Trail & Merricumbene Fire Trail to Bendethera Trig Point
Driving: 0.4 km
Heading: 294°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 01:12
  • Drive northwest on Merricumbene Fire Trail. for: 0.28 km time: 08:25
  • Turn left to stay on Merricumbene Fire Trail. for: 0.12 km time: 03:36
Bendethera Trig Point to Mongamula Fire Trail & Merricumbene Fire Trail
Driving: 11.1 km
Heading: 18°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 33:18
  • Drive east on Merricumbene Fire Trail. for: 0.12 km time: 03:35
  • Turn left to stay on Merricumbene Fire Trail. for: 10.98 km time: 05:29:24
Mongamula Fire Trail & Merricumbene Fire Trail to Mongamula Mountain
Driving: 5.8 km
Heading: 333°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 17:24
  • Drive northeast on Merricumbene Fire Trail. for: 0.04 km time: 01:07
  • Turn left onto Mongamula Fire Trail. for: 5.76 km time: 02:52:48
Mongamula Mountain to Deua River, Mongamula Fire Trail
Driving: 6.43 km
Heading: 242°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 19:17
  • Drive west on Mongamula Fire Trail. for: 6.43 km time: 03:12:49
Deua River, Mongamula Fire Trail to Alpine Homestead
Driving: 0.89 km
Heading: 292°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 02:40
  • Drive north on Mongamula Fire Trail. for: 0.89 km time: 26:50
Alpine Homestead to Mongamula Fire Trail & Minuma Range Fire Trail
Driving: 8.53 km
Heading: 312°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 25:35
  • Drive north on Mongamula Fire Trail. for: 8.52 km time: 04:15:34
  • Turn right. for: 0.01 km time: 00:23
Mongamula Fire Trail & Minuma Range Fire Trail to Minuma Range Fire Trail & Dampier Mountain Fire Trail
Driving: 21.83 km
Heading: 180°
Avg Speed: 25 km/hr
EST Time: 52:23
  • Drive southwest. for: 0.01 km time: 00:16
  • Bear right onto Minuma Range Fire Trail. for: 21.83 km time: 03:07:05
Minuma Range Fire Trail & Dampier Mountain Fire Trail to Dampier Mountain Fire Trail & Bendethera Access
Driving: 8.68 km
Heading: 83°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 26:02
  • Drive south on Minuma Range Fire Trail. for: 0.04 km time: 00:23
  • Turn left onto Dampier Mountain Fire Trail. for: 8.62 km time: 01:13:51
  • Bear left onto Bendethera Camp Trail. for: 0.02 km time: 00:14
Dampier Mountain Fire Trail & Bendethera Access to Bendethera Camp Site
Driving: 3.27 km
Heading: 359°
Avg Speed: 25 km/hr
EST Time: 07:50
  • Drive north on Bendethera Camp Trail. for: 3.23 km time: 32:17
  • Turn right. for: 0.04 km time: 01:24
Bendethera Camp Site to Bendethera
Driving: 0.06 km
Heading: 279°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: N/A
  • Drive west. for: 0.04 km time: 01:18
  • Bear left onto Bendethera Caves Trail. for: 0.02 km time: 00:33
Bendethera to Dampier Mountain Fire Trail & Bendethera Access
Driving: 3.25 km
Heading: 176°
Avg Speed: 25 km/hr
EST Time: 07:48
  • Drive northeast on Bendethera Caves Trail. for: 0.02 km time: 00:32
  • Make a sharp right onto Bendethera Camp Trail. for: 3.23 km time: 32:25
Dampier Mountain Fire Trail & Bendethera Access to Bendethera Fire Trail & Merricumbene Fire Trail
Driving: 6.93 km
Heading: 62°
Avg Speed: 25 km/hr
EST Time: 16:37
  • Drive south on Bendethera Camp Trail. for: 6.74 km time: 57:50
  • Keep left to take Merricumbene Fire Trail. for: 0.19 km time: 05:34
Bendethera Fire Trail & Merricumbene Fire Trail to Little Sugarloaf Rd & Deau River Fire Trail
Driving: 5.77 km
Heading: 131°
Avg Speed: 25 km/hr
EST Time: 13:50
  • Drive southeast on Merricumbene Fire Trail. for: 0.19 km time: 05:34
  • Make a sharp left onto Bendethera Fire Trail. for: 5.59 km time: 48:01
Little Sugarloaf Rd & Deau River Fire Trail to Little Sugarloaf Rd & Coondella Fire Trail
Driving: 6.04 km
Heading: 108°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 18:07
  • Drive east on Bendethera Fire Trail. for: 2.26 km time: 19:23
  • Turn left at the end of the road, onto Little Sugarloaf Road for: 3.77 km time: 32:22
Little Sugarloaf Rd & Coondella Fire Trail to Little Sugarloaf Rd & German Creek Rd
Driving: 3.56 km
Heading: 175°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 10:40
  • Drive southeast on Little Sugarloaf Road. for: 1.43 km time: 12:18
  • Bear right to stay on Little Sugarloaf Road. for: 2.13 km time: 18:14
Little Sugarloaf Rd & German Creek Rd to Little Sugarloaf Rd & Western Boundary Rd
Driving: 15.28 km
Heading: 82°
Avg Speed: 20 km/hr
EST Time: 45:50
  • Drive south on Little Sugarloaf Road. for: 14.6 km time: 02:05:07
  • Turn right at the end of the road, onto Little Sugarloaf Road for: 0.68 km time: 05:51
Little Sugarloaf Rd & Western Boundary Rd to Little Sugarloaf Rd
Driving: 3.66 km
Heading: 351°
Avg Speed: 27 km/hr
EST Time: 08:08
  • Head northeast on Little Sugarloaf Road for: 3.65 km time: 36:32
  • Make a slight right to stay on Little Sugarloaf Road for: 0.01 km time: 00:06
Little Sugarloaf Rd to Kiora
Driving: 7.86 km
Heading: 38°
Avg Speed: 18.85 km/hr
EST Time: 25:01
  • Drive northwest on Little Sugarloaf Road. for: 1.26 km time: 10:47
  • Bear right onto Wamban Road. for: 6.55 km time: 14:04
  • Turn left at the end of the road, onto Araluen Road for: 0.05 km time: 00:09
Kiora to Moruya
Driving: 3.54 km
Heading: 68°
Avg Speed: 22.02 km/hr
EST Time: 09:38
  • Drive northeast on Araluen Road. for: 3.41 km time: 09:04
  • Enter the roundabout and take the 2nd exit, onto Campbell Street for: 0.05 km time: 00:08
  • Turn right. for: 0.02 km time: 00:11
  • Turn left. for: 0.06 km time: 00:15
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

Facilities

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies

No Services & Supplies available for this trek

Wildflowers

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