Ettrema Tops Trail
8.5 km
distance
1h
Contour time
4.5
difficulty
Unsealed
surface
Scenery
New South Wales
The Ettrema plateau is one of the most remote sections of Morton National Park, sitting above the Shoalhaven River's...
Road quality
Grade 4.49
Every segment scored on 40+ data signals.
Accessibility
Fully sealed
Best in 4WD. Peak season: Autumn-Spring.
7-day forecast
Technical sandstone plateau track with significant recovery risk due to remoteness. The Ettrema plateau has limited access points and exits - a breakdown requires significant self-rescue capability. Worth it for drivers who are properly prepared.
Recommended gear: Recovery boards, Snatch strap, Tyre repair kit, Satellite comms.
The road
Ettrema Tops Trail is one of the more remote tracks within practical day-trip range of Sydney. The 8.5-kilometre fire trail sits on the Ettrema plateau above the Shoalhaven gorge in Morton National Park, where the sandstone escarpment drops hundreds of metres to the river below. The plateau vegetation is heath and stunted mallee on thin soils over rock - completely different from the tall forest in the gorge and an unusual landscape in southern NSW. On clear days the coast is visible from the highest points. The recovery risk is elevated at 5.79 because the plateau has limited access points and exits - a breakdown here requires significant self-rescue capability. Satellite communication is essential. The reward is escarpment views and wild sandstone country that feels far more remote than its distance from Sydney suggests. The track connects well with a Kangaroo Valley or Fitzroy Falls detour on the way in or out.
Ettrema Tops Trail is one of the more remote tracks within practical day-trip range of Sydney.
Why this road
The region
The Ettrema plateau is one of the most remote sections of Morton National Park, sitting above the Shoalhaven River's deep gorge country south of Nowra. The sandstone escarpment here drops hundreds of metres to the Shoalhaven below. The plateau vegetation is heath and stunted mallee on thin soils over rock - completely different from the tall forest in the valleys. On a clear day the coast is visible from the highest points.
Before you go
Access via Nowra or Kangaroo Valley. Fuel in Nowra before departure. Satellite communicator essential - the plateau is out of phone range and the exit options are limited. Check fire danger periods - the heath is highly flammable in summer. NPWS conditions can restrict access during high fire risk.
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Flag itWorth stopping for
Kangaroo Valley
The scenic valley on the escarpment descent west of Nowra - the historic Hampden Bridge, dairy farms and a good country pub at Kangaroo Valley village.
Fitzroy Falls
Morton NP's main visitor area, with the 80-metre Fitzroy Falls dropping into the valley below - an easy sealed road detour on the way out.
Route
Start
Morton NP plateau entry
End
Ettrema Tops
Gallery
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