Driving from Sydney you take the Pacific Highway to Milton where you stop for coffee and home made cakes or an ice cream. (rest revive survive).
Milton was established in 1860. It was first called "The Settlement" - it has been classified by the National Trust as an historical village. There are many wonderful shops to browse through including a shop with Charlie Chaplin at the front (I will find out its name next trip) - it has the best hand made soap I have ever used.
The oldest living thing in Milton is the Giant Fig Tree in Mick Ryan Park it is said to be 115 years old 'if only it could speak'
After refreshing yourself at Milton you drive slowly through the township until you see the big brown sign 'Pigeon House Mountain Tourist Drive" - turn right and follow the signs. Please be aware that most of the drive is on dirt road. If there has been heavy rain this road is unsuitable for two wheel drive vehicles. The drive is about 30 kilometres - approximately three quarters of an hour. The road is very narrow in places with several one car bridges which are obscured by vegetation - there are some twisty parts and some nice size potholes as well as the usual "graded' areas - why they are called graded I will never know, the ground is ridged like the beach after the tide goes out. The first time my grandson accompanied me on one of these roads he got out of the car and said "Grandma, now I know what a milkshake feels like" - this sums it up very acurately. After you have driven for just over half an hour keep an eye out on the right hand side of the road for the sign to Pigeon House. It is on a left hand curve, if you are driving at a reasonable speed you can go past it before your brain registers what the sign said. Turn right at the sign and go to end which is a carpark with a pit toilet,picnic tables and water if there has been rain. It is wise to take some water with you.
Pigeon House Mountain is not visible from the carpark.
There is a very well defined track. The National Parks and Wildlife Service have done a marvellous job of upgrading the track with sleepers, although I must say it is a bit hard on the knees and legs walking up these "steps". The return trip is 5 kilometres and takes about 4 hours, depending how fit you are. TAKE YOUR TIME - LOOK AROUND AND ENJOY THE FLORA AND SCENERY - think of Thomas the Tank Engine - I think I can, I think I can, I know I can, I know I can - I DID IT!!!!!!!!
Stage 1 is a steep climb of 800 metres (which feels like 800 kilometres) from the car park to the first cliff line(at least this climb is at the beginning when you are fresh).
Stage 2 is a flat walk of 1 kilometre.
Stage 3 is a steep climb of 500 metres to the base of the ladders. Some of the climbing in stages 1 and 3 is over large bolders so make sure you are wearing suitable shoes with good grip.
Stage 4 to the summit is up a series of water pipe ladders attatched to the cliff face. This part I found very challenging as I am terrified of heights. I forced myself to conquer my fear and climb. Sweating and trembling I arrived at the top. It was well worth it, the view is magnificent. On the summit if you sit quietly you will see parrots, satin bower birds and funny little lizards basking in the sun.
Rest and enjoy the view for at least half an hour to an hour. Eat some food and drink plenty of water.
I found that coming down was harder on my legs than going up and took a couple of ten minute rest stops to give my legs and knees a rub.
I have climbed Pigeon House on several occasions. Mostly alone when I feel the need to challenge myself and once with a friend.
HAPPY CLIMBING
