Imagine standing on a 400-metre vertical wall with 300-degree views of Australia’s most fascinating landscapes. This guide will give you everything you need to know to hike The Castle. A dominating mountain structure located in the remote Badawangs National Park that can be climbed in a day or as an overnight hike.
For more of this style of content, feel free to also check out my other HIKING GUIDES or articles on AUSTRALIA.
Key Details
Distance – 12km
Time Required – 12 Hours or 2 days.
Total Incline – 900 Metres
Difficulty – 8/10
Take plenty of water!
What is the Castle
The Castle is a domineering sandstone mountain structure located in the Badawangs National Park. It stands roughly 400 metres high and is easily the largest feature in the Area. The Castle is 400 metres long and 100 metres wide at its middle with a flat top, making it a great spot for overnight hiking the Badawangs National Park. The Castle also offers views of the Surrounding Badawangs National and Pidgeon House mountains.
Where is the Castle
The Castle is located inland from Mollymook on the New South Wales coast. It is also 4 hours south of Sydney or 3 hours from Canberra.
The Castle Hike Elevation
The Castle climb is roughly 800 metres in elevation one way. It’s a long steep day so make sure you’re prepared!! (Note: I had an extra incline on my strava map from climbing the scramble twice).
Where to start the Castle Hike
The main starting point for the Castle hike is from the Long Gully campground carpark. There is ample parking, toilets and a camping area with vehicle access here.
Badawangs National Park
The Badawangs National Park is a designated wilderness area located in New South Wales, next to Morton National Park. Named after the land’s original occupants, the Badawang people, who lived here up to 11,000 years ago. It is dominated by giant stone structures and cliffs and there is minimal infrastructure or access. The Badawangs is a great example of a wilderness area with very few people visiting, Meaning you are very likely going to
The Badawangs also have a long list of indigenous artifacts to find, ranging from rock paintings, cave shelters and axe grinding locations.
Overnight Hiking on the Castle
Overnight hiking and camping are possible on or around the Castle and in Badawangs National Park. The castle has a flat top, perfect for multiple campsites, however, be cautious around the weather as it is quite exposed.
The Castle and Monolith Valley also have a designated campsite at Cooyoyo Creek Campsite, with ample room for multiple parties and a drop toilet. Cooyoyo campsite is 500 metres from the castle’s main summit track.
Is it Dangerous to Hike the Castle in Badagwangs National Park
Short answer, yes. It is quite steep and exposed with a fair amount of scrambling on fixed ropes. At the end of a long hike with a heavy pack, it could be quite difficult for some. Make sure you are cautious and know what you’re doing. If you aren’t find a friend that is and invite them on the trip!
The Castle Hiking Map
Here’s a detailed hiking map of the overall path to reach the Castle in The Badawangs National Park. A few key points are:
- To avoid the tunnel can be avoided by a short detour to the left.
- The Castle scramble is approached from the eastern side.
- If you are running low on water it can be fetched from the creek at Cooyoyo Campsite, however it is seasonal.
My Experience Hiking the Castle
My partner Erin and I were looking for an adventure so we tackled this as a 3 day experience, spending two cold nights on top of the Castle. I was doing some shooting for a local Australian brand at the same time so we took a load of their kit with us.
I have a habit of neglecting to check how long places take to get to, and this was another example of this. We left Sydney at 9 am which is far too late. If you are coming from Sydney, try to leave by 6 am so you’re not so rushed.
After spending four and a half hours in the car we arrived at Long Gully carpark around 1:30 in the afternoon, threw our bags on and hit the trail.
Yadboro River
The first challenge to overcome is the Yadboro River crossing, which in a wet season will turn into a swim. Luckily for us, it was only ankle-deep.
The next 2.5 kilometres follow a gentle uphill ridge, easing you into the day to come. Soon enough we came to the base of the Castle itself, here there were some stone stairs with chains to climb.
The path then wraps around the base of the castle, travelling up the western side through the valley connecting to Mount Mooryan.
Camping Caves
Along the way, there are a few interesting water features and caves to explore. Around 5 kilometres into the hike are a few various caves, known for a very obvious reason as ‘camp cave’. These will keep you dry and will allow a fire inside.
After the camp caves will start the main incline push. This takes you up through a grand valley on wood and stone steps that seem to go forever. Now, remember how I said I set off late? Well, we were pushing for time now. With heavy packs on it was hard to keep a reasonable speed, however, the light was quickly fading so time was of the essence for us.
Tunnel Through the Castle
Nearing the top of the valley we came to a fork in the road. I chose the right path knowing it would take us to the tunnel through the castle. Note: You can bypass the tunnel by turning right at that intersection.
The tunnel is a moderate squeeze however with bags on it means we had to awkwardly push them along in front of us. It’s short however can take a little bit of time to navigate.
The Castle Summit Scramble
The tunnel exits you onto the eastern side of the Castle itself. A short 200 metre walk along the base and you’ll see the main scramble start with ropes attached.
By this time it was almost dark, Erin was moving slower than myself so we decided to drop her bag at the bottom for me to retrieve later. Our main priority at this stage was to get to the top and find a tent site.
The scramble is super fun!!! It’s pretty attainable and there are plenty of ropes to assist you on the way. Do keep in mind though that one slip could mean a very bad outcome!
After a few hundred metres and a couple of rope climbs, we were nearing the top. The path is easy to follow as it is quite worn in and there are arrows carved into the rock.
The Castle Summit
We popped our heads out the top with the smallest bit of light left in the sky. the orange glow dipping behind the far-off ranges was spectacular and I wish we had more time to enjoy it.
However, light was a priority for us. I dropped my pack, Erin set about setting up the camp and I descended to get her pack in the darkness. Note: The ridge to the right of the picture below is what you climb up.
When I returned the tent was up, a fire was lit and it was time for a well-earned drink!
We had a magical night with a sky full of stars and awoke to a breathtaking view the next morning. The top is very flat so has plenty of space for multiple campsites. This spot was properly primo!
Sunrise on The Castle Summit
The next day we had an easy morning exploring the castle and finding the logbook (don’t miss it!).
From the main lookout, you have one of the best views in New South Wales. Looking over Pidgeon House mountain and the greater Badawangs National Park area, stretching to Ulladulla and the coastline.
The colours and textures of the morning light on the grand rock features are something everyone must experience!
That day we went for a short hike to Cooyoyo Creek Campsite to fetch some water from the creek then back up the castle for sunset.
The Descent
We left early on Monday morning, winding our way back down the snaking path. With a distinct suspicion, we were the only ones in the entire park! Arriving back at our proved this true and makes you realise how remote the area is!
Two nights was a perfect amount of time the hike The Castle in the Badawangs National park, however, it can be just as good as a 1-night adventure!
For more of this style of content, feel free to also check out my other HIKING GUIDES or articles on AUSTRALIA.
