Your Guide to Minnamurra Rainforest, New South Wales

Here’s your sign to reconnect with nature in New South Wales’ Minnamurra Rainforest.

Bushwalking is the best! How long since you have meandered along the riverside, strolled through an envelope of verdant tree canopies, and been dutifully rewarded with the sight of spectacular twin waterfall action? If you answered, way too long then set your sights firmly on a Minnamurra Rainforest adventure.

Before wellness-themed escapes were trending, the simple idea of connecting with nature was the go-to ritual for most. Pack water, healthy snacks, a good pair of walking shoes and get your Sir David Attenborough discovery energy ready.

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

The Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is a multi-award-winning venue with expert staff, all local to the area. Feel free to ask them any questions, and they’ll happily share their in-depth knowledge with visitors. Souvenirs and trinkets are available for purchase.

Minnamurra Falls

Minnamurra Rainforest waterfalls at Kiama, South Coast — Minnamurra Falls is breathtaking from above. (Image: Destination NSW)

Set your own pace to Minnamurra Falls as you navigate the elevated walkways through rare remnant rainforest. The falls are the main drawcard for adventurous humans on a memorable exploration mission. Admire the tranquil streams, moss-laden rocks and fanned-out ferns beneath your feet as you trek toward the canyon and meet with a jaw-dropping vista of the majestic Minnamurra Falls. There are a few paths to take, and a few steep inclines along the way, but you’ll find plenty of spots to sit, relax and catch your breath.

Falls Walk

a woman enjoying the scenic walk by the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park — Walk amongst lush greenery at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre. (Image: Destination NSW)

Follow the 2.6-kilometre Minnamurra Falls walk to see the upper and lower waterfalls. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate Mother Nature’s bounty; it’s certainly on full display here. You’ll find mountainous views, dense rainforest foliage, and curious wildlife.

Depending on your pace, this walk can take anywhere from 1.5 to two hours. The stunning rainforest once stretched throughout the entire Illawarra region. It’s a fascinating experience to literally witness the leaves of living history in all their flawless beauty.

And to be met at the end by the great Minnamurra Falls certainly makes this nature-centric walk worth it.

Lyrebird Loop Walk

an aerial view of people kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast — Ride on a kayak across the Minnamurra River. (Image: Destination NSW)

The 1.6-kilometre Lyrebird Loop Walk takes about an hour and is a beautiful rainforest path that follows the Minnamurra River with a few scenic suspension bridges to cross along the way.

Overall, it’s an immersive experience within the Budderoo National Park, plus it’s a gentle hike that suits all ages and most fitness levels.

Make use of the various viewing platforms and interpretive signs that describe the rich flora on show and fauna that inhabits the zone. Expect to see native plants such as cabbage palms, banksia, strangler figs and if you’re lucky some rare orchids. Butterflies and birds will no doubt join your Minnamurra Rainforest journey. Hint: keep a look (and ear) out for the elusive lyrebird on your walk, this guy is the master mimicker of other avian calls.

Wildlife Experiences

a group of people enjoying a visit to the Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park, Jamberoo — Explore the rainforest on a guided tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

Here’s an idea: bring some headphones along and tune into a self-guided audio tour of the Minnamurra Rainforest.

We love the birdwatching-themed one narrated by an expert ecologist. The ‘walk with a park ranger’ audio tour is also an engaging way to learn about the local wildlife here in the national park. Download the NSW National Parks App before you go in case there’s minimal phone signal in the bush.

Keep in mind that intrepid visitors often experience animal encounters with eastern water dragons, swamp wallabies and the many species of colourful birds that inhabit the area.

Getting there

Take the turn-off to Minnamurra Falls Road from Jamberoo Mountain Road and drive to the end. Car parking is available for $12 per day.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

Your guide to the stunning Minnamurra Rainforest