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 heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

Your guide to the stunning Minnamurra Rainforest