Best trails in Budderoo National Park
Budderoo National Park is located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales on Tharawal land. It is best known for the Minnamurra rainforest boardwalk, but it is home to a whole lot more. Its beautiful landscape consists of rainforests, sandstone heath, eucalypt woodland, waterfalls, and lookouts. It is home to many different bird species like pilotbirds and rockwarblers, and flora found nowhere else on earth, making it a great place to hike and watch wildlife.
Top trails
- 4.6 (249)·Moderate·2.2 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrPristine subtropical rainforest and the enchanting calls of the Superb Lyrebird define this immersive journey through the Minnamurra Rainforest. This path consists of a series of elevated boardwalks and paved sections that wind through a lush canopy of giant figs and orchids. The track involves a spirited climb toward the Upper Minnamurra Falls, featuring several steep inclines that will certainly get the heart rate up. Still, the rewarding views of the tiered cascades make every bit of...
- 4.6 (260)·Moderate·2.3 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrStunning subtropical rainforest scenery and the impressive Upper Minnamurra Falls define this refreshing journey through Budderoo National Park. Meandering through a lush canopy of ancient figs and cabbage tree palms, the track provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the Illawarra’s natural beauty. Keep your ears open for the incredible mimicry of the superb lyrebird; if you are quiet and lucky, you might spot one scratching through the leaf litter near the Lyrebird Loop. The sightings...
- 4.4 (328)·Moderate·11.4 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrThis long fire trail route leads you to viewpoints of Gerringong Falls in Budderoo National Park. Most will find that having a mountain bike to travel the most efficiently on the fire trails is the best option, and it keeps you from spending the bulk of your visit walking on the less interesting paths. People often attempt to take "secret" paths to access the bottom of the falls, but this is extremely dangerous and should not be undertaken by anyone for any reason. Access to the top of the...
- 4.3 (196)·Moderate·1.5 miThis scenic route within Budderoo National Park offers two very different experiences, ranging from a leisurely stroll to a rugged scramble. Starting from Thomas' Place Picnic Area, the initial section is well-formed and approachable for most walkers, leading you to Izzards Lookout. From here, you can soak in the dramatic sights of Carrington Falls plunging into the expansive valley below. For experienced bushwalkers seeking a challenge, the track continues down towards the river and the...
- 4.3 (144)·Easy·2.6 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThis is a straightforward trail that leads to two amazing lookouts in Budderoo National Park. From the Nellie's Glen car park the trail keeps tight to the border of the park (where it abuts private property) before it forks to the Missingham Lookouts. The views over the valley below are magical and not to be missed. You can decide to attempt the nearby Missingham Steps which provides a nice challenge for the fit adventure.
- 4.5 (138)·Strenuous·4.3 miThis is an insanely difficult and Strenuous expedition into the deep Kangaroo Valley gorge, reserved only for expert hikers with extreme confidence and fitness. This short loop is a brutal physical and mental test defined by unrelenting, near-vertical ascents and descents on both sides of the canyon. The infamous Stevo's Track is often almost vertical and extremely slippery, while the Missingham side requires pure scrambling over large, wet rock slabs and hauling yourself up big stretches of...
- 4.2 (67)·Moderate·0.9 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrHidden within the escarpment of Budderoo National Park, this enchanting circuit offers a quintessential dip into the Australian bush. Starting near the Carrington Falls Campground, the path leads you through a landscape rich with vibrant Waratahs and local birdlife. The star of the show is the picturesque swimming hole at Nellie’s Glen, where a gentle waterfall spills into icy, crystal-clear waters. The terrain involves some light adventure, including stepping-stone creek crossings and a bit...
- 4.4 (51)·Moderate·0.9 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrLush sub-tropical rainforest and ancient ferns create a verdant canopy along this enchanting stroll through the Minnamurra Rainforest. The journey features a well-maintained network of boardwalks and suspension bridges, designed to protect the delicate forest floor while offering a front-row seat to the local flora. As the name suggests, the area is a haven for the Superb Lyrebird, and you might be lucky enough to hear their impressive mimicry echoing through the trees alongside the chatter...
- 4.0 (57)·Hard·3.8 miThis is a fantastic hike through the Budderoo National Park, situated in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, near the town of Robertson. This trail is a round trip and commences and concludes at the car park near Carrington Falls, which is the end of Nellies Glen Trail. The trail presents some difficult segments, so it's advisable to download the map before starting. Please keep an eye out for the pink markers to help in navigating the path.
- 3.5 (67)·Hard·3.3 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrThis is short and challenging hike through Budderoo National Park, located not too far south west of Wollongong, NSW. Navigation skills and some bush bashing are required to follow this route. Enjoy the walk to the base of two waterfalls as you wander through rough bushland. The trail then returns along the escarpment to reach the top of the main falls. Spectacular views! Along the creek is temperate rainforest so a lot of interesting fungi and a few orchids and specialised plant life.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Budderoo National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Budderoo National Park is Minnamurra Falls Walk, which has a 4.6 star rating from 249 reviews. This trail is 2.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 643 ft.
What is the longest trail in Budderoo National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Budderoo National Park is Budderoo Fire Trail and Hersey Fire Trail to Gerringong Falls. This trail is estimated to be 18.3 mi long.
How many trails are in Budderoo National Park?
There are 19 trails in Budderoo National Park.These trails have an average 4.0-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Budderoo National Park?
Budderoo Fire Trail and Hersey Fire Trail to Gerringong Falls has the most elevation gain with 1,722 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Missingham Steps and Stevo's Track Loop, which has 1,332 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Budderoo National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Budderoo National Park which is Nellie's Glen Loop with an average 4.2 star rating from 67 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Budderoo National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 running trails in Budderoo National Park and the most popular is Gerringong Falls via Budderoo Fire Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 328 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Budderoo National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 biking trails in Budderoo National Park and the most popular is Gerringong Falls via Budderoo Fire Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 328 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Budderoo National Park?
Yes, there are 10 trails with waterfalls in Budderoo National Park, including Minnamurra Falls Walk, Lyrebird Loop Walk and Minnamurra Falls Walk, Gerringong Falls via Budderoo Fire Trail, Izzards Lookout and Lower Carrington Falls, and Missingham Lookout Track.
Are there any trails with rivers in Budderoo National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with rivers in Budderoo National Park, including Izzards Lookout and Lower Carrington Falls, Missingham Steps and Stevo's Track Loop, Missingham Steps via Missinghamia Lookout Track, Stevo's Track and Izzard's Lookout, and Warris Chair Lookout.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Budderoo National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with scenic viewpoints in Budderoo National Park, including Izzards Lookout and Lower Carrington Falls, Missingham Lookout Track, Missingham Steps and Stevo's Track Loop, Les Lambert Lookout via Hindmash Pass Trail, and Warris Chair Lookout.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Budderoo National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with picnic areas in Budderoo National Park, including Izzards Lookout and Lower Carrington Falls, Missingham Steps and Stevo's Track Loop, and Stevo's Track and Izzard's Lookout.
Attractions
- Forest trails in Budderoo National Park
- Moderate trails in Budderoo National Park
- River trails in Budderoo National Park
- Short trails in Budderoo National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Budderoo National Park
- Trails with views in Budderoo National Park
- Waterfall trails in Budderoo National Park
- Wildlife trails in Budderoo National Park