UPDATE :: This track is currently closed due to damage from heavy rains. The Lyrebird Loop remains open but could close at short notice. Updated 15 Feb 2023.
The Fold’s Kweeeeeen of adventure, Dimity of @dimsim_outdoors hit The Falls walk at Minnamurra Rainforest, and found cute critters AND overcame her fear of suspension bridges as she explored the stunning landscape. Here’s her rundown of what to expect when you chase waterfalls at Minnamurra – with some crackin’ pics – soooo gorgeous!
Family Friendly :: Suitable for all ages but you need to have a reasonable level of fitness and be prepared for some steep sections.
Easily Accessible :: Deep in the Jamberoo Valley, the visitors centre and parking area is accessed via Minnamurra Falls Road.
Dog Friendly :: Sorry this is a National Park so no doggo’s allowed
Stairs :: Not many stairs but some very steep inclines and suspension bridges!
Length :: 4.2km return track
Time :: 1-2 hours depending on your fitness level and how long you spend admiring the falls.
Start at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park. It can be pretty busy on weekends, so get there early or go on a weekday if you can.
The Falls Walk starts with a nice easy pathway through the cool undergrowth of the stunning rainforest that clings to the bottom of the Jamberoo Valley. We stopped to say hello to a little lizard friend (he was actually pretty enormous!) sunning himself in the few small rays of direct light that made it to the forest floor.
Exploring this walk is like stepping into another world with large ferns and vines hanging all around you. It really feels like you’re an intrepid adventurer exploring the great unknown…except you can do it all from the comfort of a very well made and maintained boardwalk! Booyah!
It’s not long before you reach the first cross of the river and a suspension bridge (my exploring nemesis!). I took a few breaths – I have a slight (!) fear of suspension bridges – and pictured the beautiful falls in my mind, and in no time, I was across and smiling again.
The path criss-crosses the river and several suspension bridges stand/bounce between you and your destination. But by the time we were done with our walk I’m proud to say I totally conquered my fear – I even had a bounce or two!!
After the bridges, the climb starts. An off shoot from the small loop track that takes you around the bottom of the gully is where you will begin your ascent up the steep path towards the falls.
The path is steep but paved and not too difficult to manage, especially considering there are several benches at strategic intervals along the path. Just when you feel like your legs can’t take the incline any longer a bench appears for you to enjoy a short rest before soldiering on!
Once you have made it up the incline, you can breathe a sigh of relief (once you get your breath back) – the worst is behind you and all that is left to do, is follow the track along the side of the hill as it carries you over several small falls before you turn a corner and….
Voila! One of the most beautiful waterfalls you will ever see!
Minnamurra, meaning plenty of fish in the local Dharawal dialect, is a special little haven where we spent quite a while enjoying its cascading beauty, cooling off in its lovely light spray and having a fiddle with the camera so we could capture these fab pics (totally Insta-worthy, people!) and some memories for ourselves.
Our way back down was much easier than the way up and we spent more time enjoying the scenery, noticing little fungi and flowers we hadn’t been aware of on the way up (mostly due to our preoccupation with aching legs and water breaks). We even saw some beautiful lyrebirds as we made our way back down the track and back to the car.
Minnamurra Rainforest is a must-see destination – we’re so lucky to have this in our backyard! It’s great for the whole family and those who are keen to get out and explore but not looking to get their shoes too muddy.
The track is well maintained and the facilities at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre are excellent – just be wary that on weekends it can be INCREDIBLY busy!
