Your Guide to Minnamurra Rainforest, New South Wales

Here’s your sign to reconnect with nature in New South Wales’ Minnamurra Rainforest.

Bushwalking is the best! How long since you have meandered along the riverside, strolled through an envelope of verdant tree canopies, and been dutifully rewarded with the sight of spectacular twin waterfall action? If you answered, way too long then set your sights firmly on a Minnamurra Rainforest adventure.

Before wellness-themed escapes were trending, the simple idea of connecting with nature was the go-to ritual for most. Pack water, healthy snacks, a good pair of walking shoes and get your Sir David Attenborough discovery energy ready.

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

The Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is a multi-award-winning venue with expert staff, all local to the area. Feel free to ask them any questions, and they’ll happily share their in-depth knowledge with visitors. Souvenirs and trinkets are available for purchase.

Minnamurra Falls

Minnamurra Rainforest waterfalls at Kiama, South Coast — Minnamurra Falls is breathtaking from above. (Image: Destination NSW)

Set your own pace to Minnamurra Falls as you navigate the elevated walkways through rare remnant rainforest. The falls are the main drawcard for adventurous humans on a memorable exploration mission. Admire the tranquil streams, moss-laden rocks and fanned-out ferns beneath your feet as you trek toward the canyon and meet with a jaw-dropping vista of the majestic Minnamurra Falls. There are a few paths to take, and a few steep inclines along the way, but you’ll find plenty of spots to sit, relax and catch your breath.

Falls Walk

a woman enjoying the scenic walk by the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park — Walk amongst lush greenery at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre. (Image: Destination NSW)

Follow the 2.6-kilometre Minnamurra Falls walk to see the upper and lower waterfalls. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate Mother Nature’s bounty; it’s certainly on full display here. You’ll find mountainous views, dense rainforest foliage, and curious wildlife.

Depending on your pace, this walk can take anywhere from 1.5 to two hours. The stunning rainforest once stretched throughout the entire Illawarra region. It’s a fascinating experience to literally witness the leaves of living history in all their flawless beauty.

And to be met at the end by the great Minnamurra Falls certainly makes this nature-centric walk worth it.

Lyrebird Loop Walk

an aerial view of people kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast — Ride on a kayak across the Minnamurra River. (Image: Destination NSW)

The 1.6-kilometre Lyrebird Loop Walk takes about an hour and is a beautiful rainforest path that follows the Minnamurra River with a few scenic suspension bridges to cross along the way.

Overall, it’s an immersive experience within the Budderoo National Park, plus it’s a gentle hike that suits all ages and most fitness levels.

Make use of the various viewing platforms and interpretive signs that describe the rich flora on show and fauna that inhabits the zone. Expect to see native plants such as cabbage palms, banksia, strangler figs and if you’re lucky some rare orchids. Butterflies and birds will no doubt join your Minnamurra Rainforest journey. Hint: keep a look (and ear) out for the elusive lyrebird on your walk, this guy is the master mimicker of other avian calls.

Wildlife Experiences

a group of people enjoying a visit to the Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park, Jamberoo — Explore the rainforest on a guided tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

Here’s an idea: bring some headphones along and tune into a self-guided audio tour of the Minnamurra Rainforest.

We love the birdwatching-themed one narrated by an expert ecologist. The ‘walk with a park ranger’ audio tour is also an engaging way to learn about the local wildlife here in the national park. Download the NSW National Parks App before you go in case there’s minimal phone signal in the bush.

Keep in mind that intrepid visitors often experience animal encounters with eastern water dragons, swamp wallabies and the many species of colourful birds that inhabit the area.

Getting there

Take the turn-off to Minnamurra Falls Road from Jamberoo Mountain Road and drive to the end. Car parking is available for $12 per day.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

Your guide to the stunning Minnamurra Rainforest