This hike/walk is located in the middle of Budderoo National Park. It offers a two-in-one hike where buy following the “Rainforest loop” you can diverge onto an alternate path that leads you to stunning and tranquil views of Minnamurra Falls. The hike offers well founded tracks that are simple to follow and, pretty much impossible to get lost on.
Getting there…
The rainforest and falls walks are located inside of Budderoo National Park, not far from Jamberoo at, Minnamurra Falls Rd, Jamberoo NSW 2533. Starting from the University of Wollongong the drive takes approximately 33 minutes. The drive itself is farely straight forward, but at times I did feel as though I had taken a wrong turn at some points, just follow the directions given to you by your map and you will get there!
You will almost be there when you are met with a gate that is the entrance to the national park and the start of the track. You will also have to stop at one point to be met by a park ranger that will give you the information you require in terms of parking, the tracks available and also the closing times of the park, (which is 5pm).
There is a decent amount of parking available at the track, but could fill up during busy periods so be cautious of that. Additionally, it cost $12 to park there for a full day ticket which was the only option available but this could be different during different parts of the year.
The car park. 
The parking ticket. 
The hike…
The hike itself is really enjoyable, with bridges over streams and well secured and maintained tracks. The signage around the track is classified as medium grade and according to ‘Australian Walking Track Grading System’ on the official national park site it is “Grade 4”, with a steep gradient and occasional steps.
If you do both the walks at the one time it is 4.2 kilometers return and will take an hour to an hour and a half long. Depending on how long you spend at both of the falls lookouts. The hike is well signed and provides setting frequently. Make sure you stay on the provide track at all times to ensure you don’t disturb the rainforest and effect regeneration.
The hike is for anyone who is willing to give it ago as the track is so well maintained therefore it is appropriate for anyone from families to the moderately fit elderly.
The waterfall at end of the track is scenic and a nice place to take a breather, a drink break and some photos. The national park also has a cafe called the “Lyrebird Cafe” where you can have a coffee or a meal before or after your hike.
Some photos and the track I took…
Rainforest walk 
The falls 
Signage at the start of the hike 
Waters you pass during the hike 
The cafe 
My Fitbit map 
The parks map
**My Fitbit did not start recording the track until half way through so I also provided a map that the Park provided.
What to bring…
- Car Keys
- Appropriate footwear
- Fully charged phone (I had service the majority of this trip.)
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Water
- Camera (if you want)
Make sure you are out of the park by five and if you are going alone or with someone else, be sure to let someone know where you are going and how long you will be, to ensure your safety and protection in case something happens.
And, stay safe!
Hiking the Illawarra 