Part of Budderoo National Park west of Kiama, Minnamurra Rainforest is a subtropical, dry, riparian and temperate rainforest. Only a 30-minute drive from Wollongong, it’s a great place to experience the Australian bush.
Parking is available near the visitor centre, for a small fee. Alternatively, if you have an annual pass for NSW National Parks and Wildlife, parking and entry are free. Advice on the walks and information on the area is available at the visitor centre.
Two walks are available, the Lyrebird and Falls walks. It is possible to do Lyrebird and extend it to the Falls. Each takes around an hour to complete, so two hours for both. Unfortunately on our visit, heavy rain had closed the Falls Walk, so we only did Lyrebird.
The track follows the Minnamurra River, crossing it four times as you walk along its valley. The majority of the track is board walk to is easy to walk, although it is steep in places. The track also has up and down grades as you move along the valley and is rarely flat. Even so, we found it an easy walk, taking us under an hour, even with constant stops to admire the scenery.
At two points suspension bridges cross the river, providing great photo opportunities and views along the river.
Don’t rush the walk, but look at the plants growing along the path. We found some amazing looking mushrooms growing there.
Minnamurra RiverSuspension bridge over the Minnamurra RiverSuspension bridge over the Minnamurra RiverThe boardwalk that makes up most of the trackSuspension Bridge over Minnamurra RiverSmall creek along the walkMushrooms growing on a fallen logA creek flowing through the rain forestMinnamurra RiverRain forest along the walk
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
The Tasman Peninsula has an wonderful array of historical and natural locations explore. Containing some of Australia’s oldest convict sites, it tells the story of early colonial life while being surrounded by amazing natural beauty.
During our stay here, we visited the sites below. This is by no means all there is to see and do, as there are many more bush tracks to walk, and places to visit. We spent three days here, but could easily have taken a whole week.
Tasmania is full of natural beauty. The wind, rain and sea have combined in places to produce wonderful geological features. For the Full blog of our trip here, click this link.
To prevent escaped convicts leaving the Tasman Peninsula, a dogs were placed at the narrowest point. These vicious dogs are commemorated with a full sized bronze sculpture. Tasmania is full of natural beauty. The wind, rain and sea have combined in places to produce wonderful geological features. For the Full blog of our trip here, click this link.
Although not as popular as Port Arthur, the Coal Mine Historic Site is also an important relic of the convict past. The first coal mine in Tasmania and a place of punishment for repeat offending convicts, its ruins are worth a visit. Unlike Port Arthur, entry here is free. For the Full blog of our trip here, click this link.
Bushwalking and hiking tracks range from under an hour to several days. We chose a five hour return walk to Cape Raoul because it provided temperate rainforest, coastal views and wildlife in the one walk. For the Full blog of our trip here, click this link.
Located in the south-western section of the Tasman Peninsula, the Cape Raoul Track has a large carpark and toilet facilities at the trailhead. There are no facilities on the track, so take all of the food water and spare clothing you will need. Weather in Tasmania changes quickly, so be prepared for cold windy conditions as well as rain and possibly sunshine.
The Track
A disinfecting boot wash at the trail head prevents invasive bacteria infecting the national park, so ensure you use it correctly. Rising gently, the track makes its way through tall eucalypt forest before reaching a junction to Ship Stern Bluff Lookout.
Boardwalk At the Start of the Track
Large Trees in the Open Forest
Chair not far From the Start of the Track
Ship Stern Bluff Lookout
At this point, you can either take a 30-minute return detour or continue on the main track. We chose the detour, knowing that we would be too tired to attempt it on our return. The views at the lookout are amazing, but not as spectacular as those along the main track.
Signpost to Shipstern Bluff
Shipstern Bluff Lookout
Cape Raoul Lookout
Only ten minutes past the intersection to Ship Stern Bluff, the first lookout provides a glimpse of the amazing views on offer. From here the coastline to Cape Raoul is visible, giving you an idea of how far you have to go.
View From Cape Raoul Lookout
View of Cape Raoul From the Lookout
Descending to the Plateau
Descending to the plateau takes you through dense forest. Although the grade from the top to bottom is very steep, the track uses switch backs to limit the grade. This is the steepest section of the track and the one we found hardest on the return walk. We had regular stops to catch our breath, we were surprised how quickly it was to get back to the top of this section.
Track Descending Through Dense Growth Trees
Steps Going Up on the Return Trip
Cape Raoul Plateau
Once of the plateau, the topography flattens out, making the walk much easier. On this windswept area, the vegetation is hardy coastal banksia around 2m high. The closer you get to the cape, the smaller the vegetation, until only ankle high bushes are growing.
The trail starts as a cleared path but is replaced by boardwalk as the vegetation becomes more prone to damage by hikers. This certainly makes walking easier.
Track Through Low Coastal Banksia Scrub
Boardwalk on the Plateau
Small Pond on the Plateau
Cape Raoul
On reaching Cape Raoul, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of sheer dolerite cliffs and crashing waves. At this point, we decided to have lunch while admiring the views before walking a little further to view the seals.
Dolerite at Cape Raoul
Crashing Waves and Dolerite Cliff Face
Dolerite Cliff Face
Seal Rock Lookout
Only a five-minute walk from the main lookout, the seal lookout not only gives even better views, but you also get to see seals. The signpost also conveniently tells you that it is a 3 hour walk back to the car park.
From this point, the dolerite forms a narrow but high spine running into the ocean which look amazing. Looking carefully at the base of the cliff, the white section is a seal colony, but without binoculars you may not see them. The photo below was taken using a 300mm zoom lens and you can only just see them.
Sign Post
Cape Raoul
Dolerite at Cape Raoul
Dolerite at Cape Raoul
Seal Colony on the Rocks at Cape Raoul
What Did We Think
This was an amazing walk, which took us over four and a half hours to walk the 14km return track. With the track recently upgraded and more sections undergoing repairs while we were there, it was fun to walk. Remember to take plenty of water, warm clothes, high energy snacks and be prepared for a weather change. Although the weather may be pleasant when you start it may change drastically while you walk.
