Budderoo National Park may not boast the grandeur of it’s more popular counterparts like the Royal and The Blue Mountains National Parks but it has a special charm that is truly emblematic of NSW’s rugged beauty. Pristine rainforest walks, picturesque waterfalls and spectacular lookouts make up the Illawarra region gem and it’s natural beauty is best explored by foot. Nature lovers will have plenty to do here with hidden swimming nooks for a relaxing dip, secret pools with vibrant sapphire waters and many meandering walking trails to discover. It’s a quick drive from Sydney which makes it an alluring day trip destination. Ready to see what’s so special about this national park? Here’s a weekend itinerary to the most enchanting places at Budderoo National Park.
Budderoo National Park, NSW
Tucked between the Southern Highlands and the south coast of NSW, this park is a treasured resource for those seeking respite from the city. Plenty of recreational opportunities and walking expeditions await, set amidst a background of stunning natural beauty. Plan a trip after a day of rainfall to see the waterfalls in full force and the lush beauty of the rainforest come to life. There’s a lot to explore but if you’re short on time, here are some of the best things to do at Budderoo National Park on a weekend trip.
1. Walk through the ancient Minnamurra Rainforest
The centuries old Minnamurra Rainforest lies on our doorstep but feels world’s away. Teeming with subtropical forest and vines with a distinct Jurassic landscape, this is one of the most authentic rainforest experiences near the city. Conveniently, the rainforest offers two walks — the 1.6km Rainforest Loop Walk which can be completed within an hour and The Falls Walk which would take around 1 or 2 hours and offers dense canyon and rainforest views and leads to the picturesque Minnamurra Falls. The walks include suspension bridges, viewing platforms and plenty of signs along the way. There are also picnic areas and quaint riverside spots in the area that are perfect for the whole family.
2. Enjoy a dip at Nellies Glen
Nellies Glen is a lovely little waterfall and swimming hole and one of NSW’s best hidden gems. A highlight of the Budderoo National Park, this wonderfully wild swimming spot is flanked by a lush bushland setting, excellent views and an inconspicuous little cave at the base where you can find some shade on a hot day. The small but mighty swimming spot is right around the corner from the more popular Carrington Falls so you can make a day out of chasing waterfalls in the area. Nellies Glen is about a 100m walk from the carpark and the path can be quite muddy on a rainy day so dress accordingly. Read more about it here.
3. Discover the dazzling Blue Pool
One of Budderoo’s most Instagram-famous spots is the aptly named Blue Pool. When the light is just right, the water in this popular spot sparkles in a beautiful turquoise shade. To get to this enchanting spot, head to Jamberoo Mountain Road then keep an eye out for the Blue Pool sign which leads to a car park. From here, you’ll have to walk about 100 metres to the pool. Wondering if you can swim in this picturesque spot? You sure can. But be careful if you’re not a seasoned swimmer or have kids in town as the water is known to be quite deep.
4. Explore the hiking trails
Budderoo is home to some truly excellent walking trails. We’d even go as far as to say it has some of the best walking trails in NSW. Winding past towering eucalyptus forests, rocky escarpments and many hidden waterfalls, there is some kind of walking trail on offer for every type of traveller and fitness level. Aside from the earlier mentioned Minnamurra walk, you can also head to the short and family-friendly Carrington Falls walking track that offers open forest views and native flora, or try and tackle the more challenging Budderoo Track on the western ridge of the park. Don’t miss out on the spectacular lookout at Warris Chair which is about a 1km walk from the carpark and for a shorter walk opt for the Izzards Lookout Track which would take about 30 minutes to an hour and offers more views of the canyon and Kangaroo Valley.
5. Hike to Carrington Falls
Carrington Falls is one of Budderoo’s most popular attractions and worth the drive out. A short and easy walk from the carpark will bring you to the falls which thunders down into a sandstone escarpment. Conveniently, there are a number of viewing platforms where you can take in the majestic drop from. The plunge waterfalls drops around 50m into the Kangaroo River and the view is amazing. If you plan a trip after a heavy day of rain, the sound of the falls dropping is just as good as the view.
Best time to visit Budderoo National Park
This national park is a year -round destination with something on offer with every changing season. Late winter and spring are an excellent time to visit with blooming wildflowers along the trails and the warmer months of September to April present plenty of opportunity for a refreshing swim and walk through the rainforest. Do note that summers can be quite busy here as the city crowds descend upon the park to escape the heat. Find more information about Budderoo National Park on NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Getting there
Budderoo National Park is located on the south coast of NSW and you can reach it within 2 or 2.5 hours from Sydney. The park is always open but may be closed due to bad weather or bushfire danger.