The Florence Head walk is an easy walk to a secret, spectacular view in Morton National Park. Minimum effort, maximum view. That’s what I love in a bushwalk adventure, and this 6km return bush walk to Florence Head in the Morton National Park delivers in spades.

Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Distance / Duration: 6km / 2 hours

If you want in on a local secret, this little-known bushwalk is it. A 30 minute drive from Milton will take you deep into the Morton National Park to a beautiful, easy bushwalk with stunning views of the Budawangs. This 6km return bushwalk is perfect if you’re looking to explore one of the South Coast’s best National Parks, without breaking a sweat.

Local Tip: This walk is perfect for sunrise (pack a cuppa and a thermos). You won’t see the sunrise itself, but watching Didthul light up in the morning sun, with a cuppa in hand, is my favourite way to start the day. And if you want epic sunset viewing, pack a local beer (hyperlink to guide to breweries and wineries) and watch the sun set over the Budawangs. Guaranteed to win you brownie points with your mates or your partner!

As always: Remember to leave no trace

What to expect?

Incredible views of Didthul (Pigeon House) and the Budawangs – without having to scale a mountain

• An easy walk on mostly flat terrain
• A variety of vegetation – from mallee gums to heathland, and many grasses and sedges. There’s also an array of bird life – expect to see honeyeaters, lots of wrens and some colourful parrots
• Easy to do in a morning or afternoon

Things to note

• There’s a small climb onto a rock platform at the end, where epic views of the Budawang Ranges await. It’s a short scramble but be aware
• Suitable for groups of varying fitness level (note: not suitable for wheelchairs, prams or strollers).
• While the walk itself is easy for children, we don’t recommend it for toddlers or young kids, as there are sharp cliff edges, steep falls, and no fences on the rock platform. So if you bring kids, keep them supervised and close at all times.

Navigating the track

You’ll start the walk on the Little Forest Walking Track which is a cute 500m boardwalk through bushland. At the end of the track, follow the signage to Florence Head. You should also see signs that direct towards Rusden Head (another great walk), but stay on the track to Florence. The track is mostly flat fire trail – with compact sand and soil underfoot. It’s a nice walk that we think is well suited to beginners. The track can get quite wet after rain, but is usually still walkable.

As you head along the escarpment, you’ll see Didthul (Pigeon House Mountain) and The Castle outlined along the horizon to your right, and glimpses of the ocean and township of Milton to your left. As you approach the end of the track, you’ll need to look out for a small bush track that will step you down to a rocky outcrop.

Once you’ve stepped down onto the rocks, you’ll need to do a short scramble/climb onto the rock platform where epic views of Didthul and The Castle can be truly appreciated. The platform drops sharply away, falling straight to the lush forest below. It’s absolutely breathtaking, but be careful.

If you want to impress someone with your local knowledge, this walk is it. The views are spectacular… and you’ll probably be the only one out there.

How to get there

If you’re using GPS or Google Maps, use ‘Little Forest Walking Track’ as your destination.

To get to the car park, head north from Milton for 9km along the Princes Highway, then turn onto Porters Creek Road which turns into Pointers Gap Road. After 10km, turn left at the T-intersection onto Porters Creek Dam Road. At the end of this road, you’ll find the Little Forest Walking trailhead.

National Parks have this road marked as 2WD accessible but the road is unsealed and can be slippery. We recommend taking a 4WD if you have access to one.

Facilities

There is a small car park suitable for about 4-5 cars in total. Please note that no toilets, rubbish bins or taps are available. Remember to bring enough water with you, and to take all rubbish home with you.

What to pack

• Comfortable walking shoes
• A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
• Water
• Snacks
• A rubbish bag (make sure you take all rubbish home with you)

FAQs

Where is Florence Head located?

The trail is located in Morton National Park on the NSW South Coast. The closest main towns are Milton and Ulladulla.

When is it open?

This trail is open year round, except in severe weather events. As always, it’s best to check the NSW National Parks website for alerts before heading out.

Is it appropriate for beginner bushwalkers?

Yes! The trail is mostly flat terrain and a nice 2 hr return walk.

How long does it take to complete?

We recommend planning 2-3 hours. That should be enough time for most people to walk out and back, and allow for some viewing time at the rock platform.

Is it free to do?

Yes, Florence Head is a free bushwalk on the South Coast.

Can I bring my dog?

No, you can’t bring your dogs into National Parks. If you’re looking for somewhere to bring your furry friend, check out our local guide to dog-friendly walks on the South Coast.