Unofficial guide · verify with NSW National Parks (NPWS)

Morton National Park guideMorton National ParkUnofficial operator’s manual

Erith Coal Mine track (Bundanoon)

Guide updated · Park conditions, track status, entry fees, camping availability, facilit…

A named Bundanoon-area track referenced in official and public walking materials, linking forest walking with historic Erith Coal Mine interest when open and signed. Confirm live status, distance and grade on NPWS — do not rely on stale third-party stats.

  • Moderate to harder Bundanoon track when open — [VERIFY] live NPWS grade
  • Allow several hours depending on route and fitness — [VERIFY] official guidance
  • Named Bundanoon historic / nature walk — distance varies by exact signed route; [VERIFY] on NPWS (commonly a longer/harder feel than the shortest Fairy Bower stubs)
  • Effort: moderate
  • Best for: Walkers wanting Bundanoon depth beyond the shortest rainforest loops; historic interest when interpreted on site

Distance, grade, time and open/closed status change — verify on NSW National Parks (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/morton-national-park) and Park Alerts before you go.

Official NPWS info (verify status)
Dimmocks Creek walking track rainforest, Morton National Park, NSW

Erith Coal Mine — Dimmocks Creek track

Kgbo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Where you start

Bundanoon park access / signed Erith Coal Mine trackhead

Access via Bundanoon national park day-use and signed track network. Pay applicable entry fees and follow current NPWS wayfinding — historic features are not an excuse to leave the track.

How to get there

  1. Base in Bundanoon village; drive to signed park parking as directed on NPWS.
  2. Bundanoon area entry fees commonly cited around $8 per vehicle per day — [VERIFY] live.
  3. Combine carefully with Fairy Bower style walks only if fitness and daylight allow.
  4. Rail + walk possible for strong planners — [VERIFY] train times and total walking load.

How to do it (step by step)

  1. Confirm the track is open on Park Alerts / NPWS the morning you go.
  2. Pack as for a proper half-day forest walk: water, grip shoes, shell, headtorch, snacks.
  3. Stay on the signposted track at all times — historic mine interest does not mean entering unstable structures or closed adits.
  4. Agree a reverse clock. Forest light dies early under canopy.
  5. Exit to Bundanoon village recovery; do not invent a night loop.

What to expect

Erith Coal Mine is part of the Bundanoon walking story in public and official materials: forest travel with historic industry context when the signed track is open. It is not a museum with handrails everywhere — treat the bush and any heritage remnants with caution.

Live distance, grade and open/closed status are NPWS problems to check, not blog problems to guess.

Operator’s reality check

If anyone in the group is already tired from Fairy Bower, make Erith optional. Two half-finished tracks help nobody.

Do not enter mine openings, climb unstable relics, or pocket “souvenirs.” Look, photograph from safe ground, leave heritage in place.

Heritage and bush safety

Old industrial sites can hide holes, rusted metal and unstable ground even near formed tracks. Stay signed.

Carry first aid and a headtorch. Tell someone your plan if you are walking alone.

Best conditions

Dry-ish mild days for grip and comfort. Avoid starting long Bundanoon links into severe weather or last light.

What to pair

Fairy Bower style rainforest walking when both open. Village food in Bundanoon. Separate day for Fitzroy Falls.

Map (orientation)

Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking and track status on NSW National Parks before you drive.

Interactive map — pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.

Open in Google MapsGet directions

Extra tips

  • Read any on-site interpretation; treat industrial heritage as fragile and potentially hazardous.
  • After rain, expect mud and slower times.
  • Good second Bundanoon product after you already know Fairy Bower style terrain.
  • No pets. No illegal camping. Gambells Rest only via NPWS booking if you need a park camp.

Often paired with Fairy Bower— only if energy and weather allow.

Area guide: Bundanoon & northern escarpment

Optional next: Stay hub · Tours hub · Gear — not a merch wall on the walk page.

Nearby stays (optional)

After the walk plan is solid. Official NPWS camping, park fees and government bookings are never affiliated. Amazon kit lives on the Gear hub.

Nearby stays

Bundanoon (primary) · Moss Vale · Kangaroo Valley · Ulladulla

All Booking.com links open in a new tab and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park day use is never affiliated. Official campgrounds (e.g. Gambells Rest) book only via NPWS - never affiliated here.

Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. All Booking.com links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park entry fees and official NPWS camping bookings are never affiliated — book campgrounds only via nationalparks.nsw.gov.au. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy

Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. All Booking.com links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park entry fees and official NPWS camping bookings are never affiliated — book campgrounds only via nationalparks.nsw.gov.au. Disclosure