Bungonia National Park
National Park Limestone gorges and caves popular for bushwalking
East of Goulburn in New South Wales, Bungonia National Park is known for deep gorges, caves and sandstone cliffs; visitors come for caving, canyoning, hiking and climbing.
Bungonia National Park is a New South Wales protected area notable for its limestone karst landscape, with deep gorges, caves and significant vertical relief compared with the surrounding tablelands.
The park’s signature features are the Bungonia Gorge and an extensive cave system that attract bushwalkers, cavers and vertical-rope enthusiasts; some lookouts provide panoramic views over the gorge and the Shoalhaven River. Marked walking tracks, picnic areas and a campground offer access for day visits and overnight stays, while guided cave trips or technical abseils are available through specialist operators for those with the right skills or equipment.
The area has long been recognized for its karst features and was protected as a national park to conserve its caves, gorges and native vegetation. Management focuses on balancing recreational use with protection of delicate cave ecosystems and scenic values.
Bungonia National Park lies in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, inland from the South Coast and within driving distance of regional centres such as Goulburn and Canberra.
- Access and safety: Some areas are used for vertical rope activities and caving; these require appropriate experience or guided services and may be subject to seasonal closures for safety.
- Practical tip: Lookouts are best visited in cooler months to avoid heat exposure, and weather can change quickly in the gorge so check local conditions before heading out.
What to See #
- Bungonia Gorge: Bungonia Gorge is the park's most dramatic feature, a steep limestone-walled chasm offering lookouts and technical abseiling routes for experienced parties.
- Cave system and showcaves: A network of caves and sinkholes, collectively referred to as the Bungonia Caves, includes well-known showcaves and passages used by cavers and guided tour operators.
- Trails and campground: Designated walking tracks and a campground provide access for bushwalking and multi-day visits, with lookouts over the Shoalhaven River and surrounding tablelands.
How to Get to Bungonia National Park #
About 35 minutes south-east of Goulburn by car. From Goulburn, follow signs toward Bungonia and the national park; parking and trailheads are signed near the visitor area.
Tips for Visiting Bungonia National Park #
- The Bungonia Gorge walk is steep and can be slippery - wear sturdy footwear and allow time to scramble carefully.
- Avoid the gorge in heavy rain or during storms; flash flooding is a risk.
- Try a late-winter visit when the river and pools have good flow for photos.
Best Time to Visit Bungonia National Park #
Best in shoulder seasons (autumn, spring) to avoid summer heat and to enjoy stable trail conditions.
Weather & Climate near Bungonia National Park #
Bungonia National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (739 mm/year).
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 76 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.