National park · Australia
Budderoo National Park
Go for one half-day at Minnamurra: park at the Rainforest Centre before 10:00, walk the 2.1 km Falls walk, then drive to Carrington Falls for the 50 m drop; skip it on total fire ban days and after heavy rain.Go for one half-day at Minnamurra: park at the Rainforest Centre before 10:00 AM, walk the 2.1 km Falls walk, then drive to Carrington Falls for the 50 m drop; skip it on total fire ban days and after heavy rain.Go for one half-day at Minnamurra: park at the Rainforest Centre before 10:00, walk the 1.3 mi Falls walk, then drive to Carrington Falls for the 50 m drop; skip it on total fire ban days and after heavy rain.Go for one half-day at Minnamurra: park at the Rainforest Centre before 10:00 AM, walk the 1.3 mi Falls walk, then drive to Carrington Falls for the 50 m drop; skip it on total fire ban days and after heavy rain.
Map to the park
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Area
60 km²23 sq mi
approximate
Established
1986
Best months
Jul–Nov
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 60 km²23 sq mi
- About 60 km²; the Budderoo and Barren Grounds Important Bird Area covers roughly 73 km² across both parks (check).
- Established
- 1986
- Best months
- Jul–Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Sydney
Budderoo National Park sits on the Illawarra escarpment between Jamberoo and Robertson, and it is really two visits in one: the Minnamurra Rainforest, where a sealed 2.1 km boardwalk and track climb through remnant warm-temperate rainforest to a waterfall, and the western plateau above the Kangaroo River, where Carrington Falls drops about 50 m into a gorge with three lookouts and a six-site campground within a short walk. The park was gazetted in 1986 and covers roughly 60 km², with the adjoining Barren Grounds Nature Reserve forming part of an Important Bird Area for the endangered eastern bristlebird. There is no entry fee and no gate; you pay only for parking at the Rainforest Centre and for camping. The practical constraint is fire: December to January is bushfire season, the park can close at short notice, and total fire ban days change what you can do. Everything here is a day trip — half a day at Minnamurra, half a day at the falls — and the two sides are not connected by a walking route inside the park, so you drive out and around to switch between them.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1986.
Size and age
60 km²23 sq mi · national park since 1986
About 60 km²; the Budderoo and Barren Grounds Important Bird Area covers roughly 73 km² across both parks (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Sydney.
Why go
- Two different parks in one: a boardwalk rainforest at Minnamurra and an escarpment of waterfalls and lookouts above the Kangaroo River.
- The Minnamurra Falls walk is 2.1 km return on a sealed path, so it works in half a day from Kiama or as a stop between Sydney and the South Coast.The Minnamurra Falls walk is 1.3 mi return on a sealed path, so it works in half a day from Kiama or as a stop between Sydney and the South Coast.
- Carrington Falls drops about 50 m into a gorge, with three lookouts within a short walk of the picnic area.
- It is one of the few places near Sydney where you have a realistic chance of a platypus and a lyrebird in the same morning.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunGo
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecCaution
- JanBushfire season; check the fire danger rating and park alerts (check)
- FebWet stretch; tracks slick (check)
- MarRain continues; falls at full flow (check)
- AprRain easing, mild days (check)
- MayCooler and quieter (check)
- JunCold mornings, low crowds (check)
- JulDry, crisp; lyrebird display season
- AugDry and clear; good walking
- SepOften the driest month; wildflowers start (check)
- OctWarm; spring birds and blossoms
- NovWarm; still manageable
- DecHot and busy; fire risk rises (check)
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern bristlebird (endangered)All year · Heath and woodland in the Budderoo and Barren Grounds area; do not playback calls. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Superb fairy-wrenAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Lyrebird display and matingJun–Aug · Winter is the display season; listen more than you look. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| PlatypusAll year · Kangaroo River; dawn and dusk only. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| SnakesOct–Mar · Active in warm months; give them room and they move off. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Kiama
Drive Jamberoo Road then Jamberoo Mountain Road about 12 km, turn right onto Minnamurra Falls Road and follow it 3 km to the Rainforest Centre.Drive Jamberoo Road then Jamberoo Mountain Road about 7.5 mi, turn right onto Minnamurra Falls Road and follow it 1.9 mi to the Rainforest Centre.
20–25 min (check)
From Sydney
M1 south, then Jamberoo Mountain Road; or train to Kiama and the weekday-only route 125 bus.
About 2 h by car (check)
Open the page →
From Robertson
Drive to Carrington Falls Road for the falls, lookouts and campground on the western side of the park.
Short drive (check)
From Kiama by bus
Route 125 runs once each way on weekdays only; it does not serve the Carrington Falls side.
About 30 min (check)
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Minnamurra Rainforest | The visitor centre, the boardwalk and the Falls walk through remnant rainforest. | Access and opening hours vary — check the park alerts page before you go; parking is charged separately. |
| Carrington Falls and Kangaroo River | The 50 m waterfall, picnic area, three lookouts and the campground on the western side. | Reached by road from Robertson or Jamberoo Mountain Road; check alerts for closures. |
| Barren Grounds Nature Reserve | Adjacent heathland plateau, important for eastern bristlebirds. | Separate reserve with its own walking tracks; no camping. |
Sketch map
- 1Minnamurra Rainforest Centre · Headquarters≈-34.635, 150.727Map ↗
- 2Minnamurra Falls · Viewpoint≈-34.634, 150.716Map ↗
- 3Jamberoo lookout · Viewpoint≈-34.656, 150.704Map ↗
- 4Carrington Falls picnic area · Gate≈-34.624, 150.655Map ↗
- 5Carrington Falls campground · Sleep≈-34.619, 150.657Map ↗
- 6Izzards lookout · Viewpoint≈-34.625, 150.651Map ↗
- 7Warris Chair lookout · Viewpoint≈-34.624, 150.649Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (Budderoo National Park) | Free | vehicle | No gate and no entry fee is charged for the park itself (check current status and any new charges before you go). |
| Minnamurra Rainforest Centre parking | Free | vehicle per day | Parking here is charged separately from park entry; the current rate is not confirmed — check before you go. |
| Carrington Falls picnic area and lookouts | Free | vehicle | No day-use fee is charged (check). |
| Carrington Falls campground | Free | adult per night | Camping is booked and paid separately; the current nightly rate is not confirmed — check when booking. Six sites only. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Camping at Carrington Falls permit or guide
Fire bans and closures no permit
Park rules
- Stay on the track
- The Minnamurra boardwalk and the lookout tracks protect rainforest roots and fragile heath; do not cut across.
- No swimming at the falls
- Carrington Falls and Minnamurra Falls plunge pools are dangerous and closed to swimming.
- Dogs
- Not allowed in the park or in Barren Grounds Nature Reserve.
- Fires and BBQs
- Only in provided fireplaces at the Carrington Falls picnic area; total fire bans override everything.
- Drones
- Not permitted without a NSW National Parks filming approval (check).check
- Camping
- Only at the Carrington Falls campground; no bush camping.
Where to stay
In the park
Carrington Falls campground
Six unpowered sites near three lookouts; book ahead, check-in 14:00, check-out 10:00.Six unpowered sites near three lookouts; book ahead, check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 10:00 AM.
Near the park
Kiama
Motels, holiday rentals and hostels 20–25 min from the Rainforest Centre.
Near the park
Robertson
Country pubs, guesthouses and farm stays on the western side, 15 min from Carrington Falls.
Safety
Bushfire high
Slippery tracks and cliff edges medium
Snakes low
No phone signal on the plateau medium
Accessibility
- The Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, its cafe and the first section of the boardwalk are wheelchair accessible.
- The Falls walk becomes steep and stepped in its upper half; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
- Carrington Falls picnic area and the Missingham lookout track are the easiest stops for limited mobility; the Warris Chair track is about 500 m each way.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on the boardwalk: the rainforest here is a remnant, and roots do not recover from foot traffic.
- Do not use bird-call playback for bristlebirds or lyrebirds; it disrupts breeding.
- Take all rubbish out; there are no bins along the tracks.
- Book the six-site campground rather than parking overnight on the roadside.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Budderoo National Park?
There is no entry gate and no entry fee for the park itself (check current status). Parking at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is charged separately and the current rate is not confirmed — check before you go. Carrington Falls picnic area and its lookouts are free, and camping at Carrington Falls is booked and paid separately.
What are the best hikes in Budderoo National Park?
The Minnamurra Falls walk (2.1 km return, sealed, 1.5–2 h) is the signature one, and the Lyrebird loop (30–45 min) is the easy add-on from the same car park. On the western side, the Carrington Falls and lookout tracks are short and mostly flat, with Missingham, Warris Chair and Izzards lookouts within a couple of kilometres of the picnic area.
When is the best time to visit Budderoo National Park?
July to November is the most reliable window. February to early April is the wettest stretch and December to January is bushfire season, so check the fire danger rating and park alerts before driving on those days. Finer month-by-month conditions are not confirmed — check.
Can I see a platypus at Budderoo?
Possibly, on the Kangaroo River near the Carrington Falls side at dawn or dusk. Sit still and quiet at the water's edge; there is no guaranteed viewing spot and no feeding or luring.
Do I need a parks pass for Budderoo?
Pass coverage for Budderoo is not confirmed — check the NSW National Parks site before relying on any annual pass. In practice you pay for parking at the Rainforest Centre and for camping at Carrington Falls, which are separate from entry. See the national park passes page for how passes work in the US, Canada and Australia.
Is Budderoo National Park a day trip from Sydney?
Yes, most people visit as a day trip or as a stop on the way to Kiama; the drive time from Sydney is not confirmed — check. Trains reach Kiama, but the only bus to the Rainforest Centre runs once each way on weekdays.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Sources
- officialNSW National Parks — Budderoo National Park
- officialNSW National Parks — Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
- officialNSW National Parks — Minnamurra Falls walk
- officialNSW National Parks — Carrington Falls picnic area
- officialNSW National Parks — Carrington Falls campground
- secondaryWikipedia — Budderoo National Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Budderoo National Park, revision 5204872 (CC BY-SA 4.0)