Minnamurra Rainforest: Ancient, beautiful and full of screaming children

It’s kind of ironic that the only reason we headed to Minnamurra Rainforest, was due to the loud calling from across the road of the local Superb Lyrebirds. We had originally planned to head to the botanic gardens at Mt Annan but the possibility of getting up nice and close to a Lyrebird, similar to that currently cycling through his repertoire of birdlife just beyond, was too big an incentive and our plans very quickly changed. I mean, as much as I love our local Lyrebirds, they are hard to spot and even harder to get close to and so we jumped in the car and headed the 40ish minutes south.

The Walks

Not going to lie, I wasn’t sad to see that the Falls Walk was currently closed due to a rockfall, saved my poor body from having to make the long trek and go full boob sweat 🤣 but don’t think the Loop Walk is a walk in the park. (Well, it kind of is… seeing as though it’s a walk in the Budderoo National Park). The paths are raised boardwalks so no falling over tree roots along with a couple of suspension bridges. However there are also a couple of STEEP sections, even in the Loop Walk, but there are also plenty of places where you can step aside, lean on a nearby railing and pretend that you’re totally taking in the view and not trying to desperately catch your breath!

Still, you’re surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful remnant rainforest, moss covered rocks, twisting vines climbing up and into the canopy and even if you don’t make it to the falls themselves, the sights and sound of the crystal clear water are all around you. Gorgeous!

The Facilities

The bridges are FUN, not going to lie. I was jumping on them, Matt jumped on them, parents jumped on them and their kids jumped on them. Look, if you’re heading to Minnamurra for the tranquility, just be aware that this is a popular rainforest and a GREAT place for kids to run around. The boardwalks make it super easy for little people to make their way around and there’s nothing like the great outdoors to let them release some pent up energy. We found that after lunch the families tended to thin out a bit but even before then, you could definitely find moments just for you and the bubbling, crystal clear river.

The centre is currently undergoing a bit of a refurb and so at time of writing (May 2021) there’s no operating cafe or kiosk. There’s chairs and tables so definitely pack a picnic – take a bit more time than my ridiculous effort of two mandarins, a strip of Mylanta and a bag of half eaten veggie chips though 🤪 There’s also a fairly large toilet block which is a godsend for those of us with the bladder of a toddler!

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The Wildlife

Those that know me, know that while I love a good nature walk for the good it does for the mind and the body, I’m all about the wildlife. And as mentioned the reason we headed out was specifically to see some Superb Lyrebirds. We heard one as soon as we hit the car park so that was a good sign but it wasn’t until we had almost completed the Loop Walk that we spotted our first. And then another. These ones weren’t calling and they can really blend into the dappled shadows of the rainforest so if you hear any scratching amongst the leaf litter, stop and have a quick look around as that is a bit of a give away – that’s where all the delicious stuff lives; the worms and bugs and spiders that the Lyrebirds find pretty irresistible.

We ended up spotting about 6 over a couple of hours and truly if you haven’t had any luck, spend sometime in the carpark before you leave as they are often there scratching around between the levels. We also saw a few different species of Thornbills, White-Browed Scrubwren, Eastern Yellow Robins, a Black-Faced Monarch and a couple of native Snails. All in all a great morning out.

Tips and Tricks

Being a National Park, there’s a $12 parking fee which you pay at machines in the car park. I have an annual pass on my car and that gives me year round access. If you’re going to visit a couple of National Parks or a couple of times, it’s well worth the cost!

For directions and to check for any alerts such as park or path closures prior to leaving here: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/visitor-centres/minnamurra-rainforest-centre

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And let me know below or over on Facebook if you’ve had a chance to visit. I’d love to know the animals you spotted!