Budderoo National Park

Budderoo National Park is located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia, about 100 km south of Sydney. The park lies near the towns of Robertson and Jamberoo, with the coastal city of Kiama to the east. Known for its lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls, Budderoo National Park is part of a region renowned for its natural beauty. The park was established in 1986 to protect its unique ecosystems, including temperate rainforests and rare plant species. It also holds cultural significance for the Dharawal and Wodi Wodi Aboriginal people, who have a long-standing connection to the land. Parking facilities in Budderoo National Park are available at key locations, including the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre and Carrington Falls. The Minnamurra area offers large car parks, with fees of around AUD 12 per vehicle per day, payable at the entry station. Other areas, like Carrington Falls, may have smaller parking areas and do not always require fees. The park is home to a diverse range of native wildlife. Visitors may encounter swamp wallabies, echidnas, and eastern water dragons. The Minnamurra Rainforest is also known for its birdlife, with species like the superb lyrebird, satin bowerbird, and the endangered glossy black cockatoo commonly seen. Budderoo National Park’s flora is characterized by temperate rainforest, eucalypt woodlands, and heathland. Common plant species include coachwood, sassafras, and ferns in the rainforest areas, with colorful wildflowers like waratahs and banksias dotting the heathland during spring. Notable landmarks include the Minnamurra Rainforest, with its elevated boardwalks and scenic waterfall, and the dramatic Carrington Falls, which plunge into a deep gorge. Public transport options are limited, but some bus services run to Robertson, from where visitors typically drive to the park. Most access is by car via Jamberoo Mountain Road.