Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located approximately 20 kilometers west of Moruya on the south coast of New South Wales, Deua National Park spans over 33,000 hectares of remote, rugged terrain dominated by heavily forested ridges, deep river gorges, and granite outcrops. The park protects an important segment of native bushland including extensive dry sclerophyll forests made up of candlebark, scribbly gum, and spotted gum species. It also contains significant stands of cool temperate rainforest along sheltered valleys. Deua's diverse habitats are home to a range of iconic Australian wildlife including eastern grey kangaroos, goannas, powerful owls, and the elusive greater glider. There are also populations of endangered species such as the brush-tailed rock-wallaby. The park’s landscape was shaped by ancient geological processes, evident in its granite cliffs and boulder fields. Deua National Park was officially declared in 1982 to protect these bushland areas and provide opportunities for nature-based recreation. Visitors are drawn by the park’s extensive network of multi-day walking tracks, such as the Bendethera and the Big Hole Scrub trails, which pass through river canyons, mountain ridges, and pockets of rainforest. Wilderness camping is popular, with several designated sites accessible only by foot or mountain bike. Deua is also a favored destination for birdwatching, photography, and rock climbing. The park’s remoteness and lack of extensive visitor infrastructure make it ideal for those seeking solitude and an authentic Australian bush experience. Despite its wild character, it remains accessible from coastal towns and is managed to balance preservation with low-impact recreation.
