An easy rainforest escape: Minnamurra Falls walk

Tucked in the lush heart of Budderoo National Park, the Minnamurra Falls walk is one of those quiet gems that delivers way more than you’d expect from a couple of hours on foot.

It’s a well-maintained track, family-friendly, and absolutely bursting with life — think towering fig trees, ferny gullies, and the steady soundtrack of trickling water and birdcalls.

Highlights of the Minnamurra Falls walk

This rainforest walk in NSW is a round-trip loop of just under 2 km, taking around 1.5–2 hours if you stop to enjoy the sights — and you absolutely should. The first part of the walk is on a suspended boardwalk, gently winding through dense rainforest before becoming a paved climb up to the upper Minnamurra Falls viewing platform. From there, you’re rewarded with the sight of cascading falls plunging into a shaded gorge.

What to expect along the way

Expect stairs. A fair few of them. But nothing too strenuous — kids and older walkers handle it fine. There are benches along the way and heaps of opportunities to pause and soak up the atmosphere. If you’re into birdwatching, this is paradise. Bring a water bottle, wear decent shoes, and don’t rush it. The Minnamurra Rainforest Centre at the start of the trail offers good info, toilets, and a small café.

Why this short walk punches above its weight

For such a short track, this one’s packed with payoff. It’s one of the best waterfalls near Kiama and a brilliant family walk on the South Coast of NSW. The paths are safe and sealed, so no slipping about in mud, and it’s accessible enough for most fitness levels.

My verdict

If you’re cruising around the Kiama region or heading inland from the Illawarra coast, pull over and stretch your legs here. It’s short, it’s beautiful, and it’s a brilliant example of what NSW’s coastal national parks do best — protect and showcase some of the last remaining pockets of subtropical rainforest. It’s a walk I’d happily do again, especially after a bit of rain when the falls are roaring.

Practical Information

• Location: Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park, Jamberoo NSW
• Opening hours: 9am–5pm daily (last entry 4pm)
• Cost: $12 per vehicle for park entry
• Distance: 1.6 km return to the falls (allow 1.5–2 hours with stops)
• Accessibility: First section (Rainforest Loop) is wheelchair accessible. The falls track includes stairs and steeper sections.
• What to wear: Closed shoes, light jacket or raincoat, hat
• Best time to visit: After recent rainfall; avoid peak heat in summer
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, small café, visitor centre
• Safety: Keep to marked paths, watch footing on stairs, bring water