Budderoo National Park Park

Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/budderoo-national-park

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.

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.

• 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.