Minnamurra Falls: How to Find This Epic Waterfall (2023)

Minnamurra Falls is one of the most underrated yet picturesque waterfalls in the Southern Highlands. Located in the beautiful Minnamurra Rainforest, which is part of the Budderoo National Park, you’ll find this uber-serene waterfall.

In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting Minnamurra Falls. First, we’ll talk about the trails that you’ll need to follow to reach the waterfall (the Lyrebird Loop Walk and the Minnamurra Falls Walk). Then, we’ll cover all of the other useful things to know before you visit, including how to get there, opening times, costs, where to stay nearby and other waterfalls to chase in the Southern Highlands!

Read our article about the Kiama Coast Walk (guide coming soon)

The Ultimate Guide to Minnamurra Falls

Minnamurra Falls is one of the most tranquil waterfalls to visit in the Southern Highlands. At 28 metres high, the waterfall is dwarfed in comparison with the better-known waterfalls in the Southern Highlands such as Belmore Falls, Fitzroy Falls and Carrington Falls (guides coming soon). But, take nothing away from the beauty and quaintness of Minnamurra Falls. Despite its smaller stature and less powerful drop, the waterfall is still certainly worth visiting.

Found in the luscious Minnamurra Rainforest area, exploring the rainforest itself is just as exhilarating as chasing the waterfall.

So, exactly where is the waterfall located in the Minnamurra Rainforest?

Where Is Minnamurra Falls?

The waterfall is located in the Minnamurra Rainforest area of Budderoo National Park in the Southern Highlands. It’s found along the Minnamurra River, which courses through the centre of the Minnamurra Rainforest. To help get your bearings, please click on the image below to access an interactive map of the area on Google Maps.

Address: 345 Minnamurra Falls Road, Jamberoo, New Sout Wales, 2533

​​​​​​​Minnamurra Falls Opening Times

Before we talk about the walks involved in finding the waterfall, it’s worth knowing that the Minnamurra Rainforest has opening hours.

Minnamurra Rainforest is open daily from 9am to 5pm, while last access is at 3pm for the Minnamurra Falls Walk and 4pm for the Lyrebird Loop Walk. Indeed, the gates are shut outside of these times. And, because Minnamurra Falls is located inside the rainforest, you’ll only be able to visit the waterfall during these opening hours.

Now, we’ll look at the walk involved to find this incredible waterfall.

Minnamurra Falls Walk Overview

Essentially, to reach Minnamurra Falls, you’ll need to walk along two different trails. You’ll initially walk a section of the Lyrebird Loop Walk, before joining and completing the Minnamurra Falls Walk. The combination of these two walks is also known as the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk as it covers the only two trails in the rainforest.

Below, we’ll look at the trail specs and a GPS-guided map of this walk.

Minnamurra Falls Walk Details

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 4.2km
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 190m
• Difficulty: Grade 4
• Trailhead: Minnamurra Rainforest Visitor Centre Car Park
• Map: AllTrails

Minnamurra Falls Walk: Trail Description

Let’s talk about the peaceful and charming walk through the Minnamurra Rainforest to get to Minnamurra Falls. Your tranquil walk starts at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre.

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

The walk begins at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre as this is where the large car park is located. If you’re after any more information about the walks or the area, we highly recommend going inside the visitor centre. You’ll find loads of great information inside and the friendly staff are always happy to help.

From the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, you’ll join the Lyrebird Loop Walk.

Lyrebird Loop Walk

Once known as the Rainforest Loop Walk, the Lyrebird Loop Walk is a trail that meanders through breathtaking rainforest. Along this trail, you’ll experience a slight incline, so expect the heart rate to start ticking over. Given the terrain, part of the trail is on a boardwalk, which is well-maintained.

Eventually, you’ll reach the start of the Minnamurra Falls Walk.

Minnamurra Falls Walk

As you commence the Minnamurra Falls Walk, the trail quickly steepens as you head deeper into the rainforest. The trail weaves and bends its way around the luscious rainforest, towards the Minnamurra River. Along the walk, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over Budderoo National Park.

Soon enough, you’ll hear the thunder of cascading water as you approach the river. Before reaching the main waterfall, you’ll pass Lower Minnamurra Falls. This is actually a bigger waterfall that pierces through a slot canyon. Back in the day, visitors would visit this waterfall as the main attraction. But, due to a landslide in 1989, the trail to the base of Lower Minnamurra Falls was closed.

During the Minnamurra Falls Walk, you’ll be able to see the top of Lower Minnamurra Falls. But, unfortunately, your views are mostly obstructed. Indeed, you’ll get a much better look at Upper Minnamurra Falls.

Minnamurra Falls Lookout

At the end of the Minnamurra Falls Walk, you’ll reach a large viewing platform, where you’ll see Upper Minnamurra Falls, which is just known as Minnamurra Falls. It’s certainly a spectacular cascade waterfall and one of the best rainforest falls in NSW. Depending on what time you visit, expect a few people to gather at the viewing platform, enjoying views of the waterfall.

Personally, Beck and I found the small cascade super captivating. We stayed for around half an hour, admiring and photographing the waterfall.

After finding the waterfall, it’s time to retrace your steps to return to the Lyrebird Loop Walk. From there, you can simply retrace your steps back to the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre. But, we recommend completing the entire Lyrebird Loop Track as there is plenty more gorgeous rainforest to explore.

By completing the Lyrebird Loop Track in its entirety, the walk back will only be slightly longer. Along the loop track, you’ll follow a section along a suspension bridge, which is an absolute thrill to walk across. Soon enough, you’ll reach the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, and so completing the walk!

Essential Things to Know For Your Visit

Now, let’s look at some important things to know to help you plan your visit.

How to Get to Minnamurra Falls

The only way to get to Minnamurra Falls is to drive there as there is no public transport access. If you don’t have a car, we recommend hiring one for the day or hiring one for your trip to the Southern Highlands. After all, you’ll need a car to visit most of the main attractions in and around the Southern Highlands.

In terms of Minnamurra Falls directions, simply put the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre into Google Maps or your SatNav. If you’re coming down from Sydney, you’ll follow the M1 south (maybe even via a cheeky detour to the sublime Grand Pacific Drive on the South Coast) and then you’ll eventually turn onto Jamberoo Mountain Road to reach Minnamurra Falls Road.

Thankfully, Minnamurra Falls Road is a sealed road, so hiring a low-clearance 2WD vehicle will be fine.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Where to Stay Near Minnamurra Falls

Unfortunately, there are no Minnamurra Falls camping options. If you want to stay at a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services campsite near the waterfall, we recommend the Carrington Falls Campground in Budderoo National Park.

What to Pack and Wear

Here are our hiking gear essentials for exploring Minnamurra Rainforest.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Other Waterfalls Near Minnamurra Falls

There are plenty of other incredible waterfalls in the Southern Highlands. Below, we’ll list some of the other lesser-known waterfalls to see in the area (guides coming soon).

• Nellies Glen
• Forty Foot Falls
• Sixty Foot Falls
• Erith Coal Mine Falls
• Fairy Bower Falls
• Mermaid Pools and See Thru Pools
• Granite Falls
• Macquarie Pass National Park Waterfalls (including Cascade Falls)

Read more: The Best Waterfalls in the Southern Highlands (coming soon)

Of course, the Southern Highlands is famous for its waterfalls. And, it’s Bemore Falls, Fitzroy Falls, Carrington Falls and Gerringong Falls that are the most well-known waterfalls in the area.

Belmore Falls

Belmore Falls is one of the most well-known waterfalls in Kangaroo Valley. Located in Morton National Park, the plunge waterfall drops majestically from Barrengarry Creek into the northern end of Kangaroo Valley.

Read more: Belmore Falls – How to Visit Despite Prohibited Trails & Access

Fitzroy Falls

Also located in Morton National Park, you’ll find the well-known Fitzroy Falls. This waterfall runs along Wildes Meadow Creek and drops 80 metres into the gorgeous Yarrunga Valley.

Read more: Fitzroy Falls Guide (coming soon)

Carrington Falls

Carrington Falls is one of the other well-known Budderoo National Park waterfalls. This waterfall is found along Kangaroo River where it drops 50 metres into a deep gully.

Read more: Carrington Falls Guide (coming soon)

Gerringong Falls

Also located in Budderoo National Park, Gerringong Falls is a roughly 180 metre, two-tier waterfall. Despite its magnificence, it isn’t as well known (or easily accessible) as Belmore Falls, Fitzroy Falls and Carrington Falls.

Read more: Gerringong Falls Walk – Find the Epic Lookout and Base of the Falls

Minnamurra Falls FAQs

Below, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about Minnamurra Falls.

How Long Is the Minnamurra Falls Walk?

The Minnamurra Falls Walk is 4.2km and takes around 1.5–2 hours to do.

How Much Does it Cost to Go to Minnamurra Falls?

The park entry fees are $12AUD per vehicle entering the Minnamurra Rainforest area. But, if you have a NSW National Parks Annual Pass, entry is free. Indeed, if you explore NSW National Parks often, we highly recommend buying an annual pass. That way, you don’t have to pay for parking when you visit NSW National Parks where parking fees apply.

What Time Does Minnamurra Falls Open?

It opens at 9am.

Is Minnamurra Falls Walk Open?

Make sure to check the local alerts for Budderoo National Park on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services website to ensure Minnamurra Rainforest is open. Whether it’s track maintenance, landslides, bushfires or flood damage, Minnamurra Falls may be closed sometimes.

Can You Swim at Minnamurra Falls?

Minnamurra Falls swimming isn’t allowed as the viewing platform near the waterfall is fenced.

Is Minnamurra Falls Dog Friendly?

No, dogs aren’t allowed in Budderoo National Park.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit is after a decent bout of rain. That way, the waterfall will look even more impressive.

We hope you enjoyed our ​​​​​​​Minnamurra Falls NSW article. Please share it with your waterfall chasing buddies.

We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land/water that we visited and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.