Destinations, walking and bridle tracks, camping areas, fire trails of interest.
Bendethera 2019 Update
For a number of years now it has been illegal to tow a trailer or caravan into Bendethera from the western approach that goes via the Dampier Trig station.
As at July 2019, both the eastern approach from Moruya via Sugarloaf Road and the Bendethera Fire Trail and the western side of the Dampier Fire Trail have been graded. To the west of the Dampier Trig the trail has not been graded (July 2019).
The current surface is quite level but with the lack of rain there are some steeper sections which have a layer of fine (bull)dust. Also it is noticed that some of the steeper parts are starting to be chewed up - perhaps by vehicles travelling too fast and bouncing.
There is a new gate at the base of the Dampier Fire Trail (where the track enters the valley itself). The new gate is open but it is understood that this gate would be closed for safety reasons such as fire or flood. It is possible to go along from east (Moruya) to west (Cooma Road) which stays outside the gate.
July 28 I had the whole valley to myself and being a clear night I managed a few astro photos of the Horse Yards at the old Bendethera Homestead.
Bendethera Images
Bendethera is a favourite destination as a secluded cleared valley along the pristine Deua River. It is visited by a wide range of people mainly with 4WD. They bring trail bikes, offroad trailers and loads of toys. Horse riders also use it as a destination and there are well established horseyards near the old homestead site.
It is extremely popular during the summer and holiday periods and the valley can be quite crowded at times. There is growing pressure on its environment - such as a shortage of firewood. The use of chainsaws in Bendethera is prohibited - please bring your own wood or collect from well away from the area.
The NPWS have now (2014 onwards) made it illegal to take offroad trailers along the Dampier FT, the Merricumbene FT and the Minmura FT. Access to Bendethera for those with offroad trailers is via the Little Sugarloaf Rd from Moruya.
After rain, the Deua River can rise rapidly and is quite fast flowing in places. The bottom of river crossings can become quite "soft" after heavy rains. Engage 4WD low range and move at about walking speed (or a bit faster). The creek crossing of the Dampier FT near the Cooma Road is often the deepest to cross and often is about 500-700mm deep even without rain.
Several historic bridle tracks start or terminate at Bendethera including the Zig Zag track and the Georges Pack Track. The limestone caves can be accessed by a walking track from the valley.
Winter is great at Bendethera with few people. The following images are from June 2015
A few more images from May 2017
