Minnamurra Rainforest
An ancient rainforest
Follow Tourist Drive 9 west through Jamberoo to find this rare remnant of subtropical and warm temperate rainforest. The Minnamurra Rainforest offers a glimpse of what vast areas of the Illawarra looked like before white settlement in the area. Experience the peace and serenity while viewing lyrebirds, water dragons, ancient fig trees, rock orchids, elk horns and lush ferns.
Information
The Minnamurra Rainforest is a multi award winning attraction located in Budderoo National Park, a short fifteen minute drive west of Kiama past the village of Jamberoo (off Tourist Drive No 9) Visitors can experience the spender and beauty of this rare remnant of subtropical and warm temperate rainforests which is representative of the once extensive rainforests of the Illawarra region.
Visitors regularly see first hand the fauna of the area such as the normally elusive Lyrebird, the Eastern Water Dragons, Swamp Wallabies and a host of bird species which make Minnamurra their home.
Leading from the Information Centre, visitors commence their rainforest experience along a network of elevated walkways and paved tracks. Meandering through the rainforest is the Loop Walk, a 1.6km walk which is linked by suspension bridges across the Minnamurra Rivulet.
The first 500m of this walk provides for assisted wheelchair access. Visitors should allow 45mins – 1 hour to complete this walk.
Half way around the Loop visitors are able to deviate up the paved Falls Walk (2.6km return). This walk is a little more challenging offering the reward of spectacular views over the rainforest canopy and the gorge carved by Minnamurra Rivulet. The walk concludes with a viewing platform and rest area at the base of the Upper Falls.
Total of both walks is 4.2km walk distance and visitors should allow 2 hours.
Other facilities include visitor information services, a retail shop, a Cafe for light meals and refreshment, Picnic and BBQ facilities. Guided Tours are available by prior booking.
Park entry fees: $12 per vehicle per day (Minnamurra Rainforest area only).
NOTE: Park gates are locked at 5pm, last entry 4pm.
Rainforest Loop Walk
Time: 45mins Distance: 1.6km Grade: Medium
Explore the diverse range of plant and wildlife species. The first 500m is suitable for assisted wheelchairs.
The Falls Walk
Time: 1hr Distance: 2.6km Grade: Medium / steep in parts
A continuation on from the ‘Loop Walk’, the 2.6 km (return) ‘Falls Walk’ will lead you safely along the canyon cliff edge to the breathtaking upper Minnamurra Falls. This walk is slightly more challenging than the Rainforest Loop.
The National Parks & Wildlife Regulations 2009 (NPW Regulation) prohibits smoking in parks, (clause 15A, effective from 1 May 2016). This Policy applies to all lands acquired or reserved under the NPWS Act 1974, including lands managed by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) under Part 11 of the Act. Under the new regulation, a person can be fined up to $550 for smoking where the ban applies. Minnamurra Rainforest is proudly managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
