Bendethera is a favourite 4WD destination
Bendethera is a favourite 4WD 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. May need to Book a Campsite
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 by Peter Kneen are from June 2015
