A longtime favourite getaway spot for overworked Canberrans, the Bendethera Valley is nestled within the Deua National Park and is just a 140km blast southeast of the bustling capital.

The park’s a ripper spot for visitors to escape the rat race for a weekend offroad session, with some great hiking and a selection of idyllic campsites to choose from thrown in too.

When the mercury spikes out here over the summer months, swimming and kayaking in the Shoalhaven and Deua rivers is a great way to cool off, and an eternally popular option with the kids.

The main Bendethera Valley Campground is fairly remote and works on a first come, best-dressed basis, but offers visitors all the usual amenities for a comfortable weekend away.

STUFF TO DO

4WDING is the principal reason for a visit to the area, and it’s necessary to get the wheels dirty even to access the valley. Access from the east is via the Bendethera Fire Trail, and via the Dampier Fire Trail if you’re coming in from the west.

While exploring the valley’s network of trails, Dampier Trig, Big Badja Hill and Bendethera Cave are all worthy of a visit.

CHECK OUT THE SCENERY via some of the area’s popular lookouts. There are some great photo opportunities on offer at Hanging Mountain to the southeast of the valley, which has a stunner outlook across to Wamban Mountain and the Eurobodalla region.

IMPORTANT INFO

LOCATION: 140km southeast of Canberra, the park is accessed via Kings Highway and Araluen Road.

CAMPING is available at the Bendethera Valley Campground and all basic facilities are available including wood barbeques, non-flushing toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. Visitors should carry in their own drinking water, or be prepared to boil and treat fresh water from the river.

FUEL is available at Braidwood and Canberra.

MORE INFO is available at www.environment.nsw.gov.au