Budderoo National Park
Park National park in NSW, features rainforest and waterfalls
Budderoo National Park offers rainforest gullies, plateau lookouts and Minnamurra Falls. Day visitors come for waterfall walks, picnics, short hikes and sweeping views across the Illawarra escarpment.
Budderoo National Park is a protected area on the Illawarra Escarpment in New South Wales, Australia, conserving rainforest gullies, waterfalls and sandstone escarpment country. The park is known for its waterfalls and highland forest.
Key attractions include waterfall lookouts and short rainforest walks, notably access to Carrington Falls on the Kangaroo River and the Minnamurra Rainforest precinct with established walking tracks. The escarpment provides viewpoints over coastal plains and valleys.
Walking tracks range from easy boardwalks in rainforest gullies to longer ridge walks on the escarpment, and the park is used for birdwatching, picnics and short nature excursions. Facilities and access points are concentrated near small towns such as Jamberoo and Robertson.
The area has long been valued for its forested gullies and watercourses and was progressively reserved for conservation through 20th-century moves to protect Illawarra escarpment landscapes. Management focuses on protecting rainforest remnants and creek systems.
Budderoo National Park lies on the Illawarra Escarpment in eastern New South Wales, inland from the coastal towns of the Illawarra and within driving distance of regional centres such as Wollongong and the Southern Highlands.
- Visiting seasons: Best visited in late spring to autumn for drier walking conditions; some tracks and lookouts can be slippery after rain and may be closed temporarily.
- Access note: The park is part of the Illawarra Escarpment and offers accessible waterfalls and rainforest walks within an hour or so's drive from coastal towns.
What to See #
- Carrington Falls: Carrington Falls is a notable waterfall within the park, located on the Kangaroo River and accessible via short walking tracks and lookouts.
- Minnamurra Rainforest: Minnamurra Rainforest is a tract of warm temperate rainforest within the park, with boardwalks and short walking trails that showcase large tree species and birds.
How to Get to Budderoo National Park #
Budderoo National Park is located southwest of Wollongong on the Illawarra escarpment. The nearest towns are Jamberoo and Robertson; driving from Wollongong or Nowra via the Princes Highway and then inland roads is the usual route. Local roads lead to several car parks and trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Budderoo National Park #
- Visit the Jamberoo Valley lookout early morning for softer light and fewer people.
- Combine a Budderoo visit with the Sea Cliff Bridge drive for dramatic coastal contrast.
- Check local ranger updates for any track closures after heavy rains; escarpment paths can be slippery.
Best Time to Visit Budderoo National Park #
Best visited in the cooler months (autumn-spring) for comfortable walking and clearer views.
Weather & Climate near Budderoo National Park #
Budderoo National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1586 mm/year), wettest in March.
January
January is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (196 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).