Carrington Falls walking track

Budderoo National Park

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Overview

Discover fantastic waterfall views on the short Carrington Falls walking track, in Budderoo National Park, near Robertson. It’s a great day trip for families and nature lovers in the Southern Highlands.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
0.6km loop
Time suggested
30 - 45min
Grade
Grade 3
Entry fees

Park entry fees apply in the Minnamurra Rainforest area only

What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water, suitable clothing
Please note
  • There’s no access to the top of the waterfall.
  • For your safety, please respect signage, stay on tracks, and keep well back from cliff edges at all times.
  • Please don’t attempt to access the base of the falls. This requires advanced navigation and bush survival skills, including use of topographic maps, GPS and compass. Please tell family and friends of your plans.

This short, family-friendly walk starts from Carrington Falls picnic area, also known as Thomas’ Place picnic area. The track loops around the edge of the escarpment, passing several lookouts. You’ll have ever-changing views of Carrington Falls waterfall, which cascades 90m down to the Kangaroo River below.

Soak up the natural beauty from Falls View lookout, then make your way down a steep metal stairway into a shady rainforest gully for rock-framed views. The track then climbs back up the escarpment, passing Valley View lookout beside Carrington Falls for different views of the waterfall and valley, before returning to the picnic area.

In spring and summer, vibrant wildflowers including waratahs bloom along the track. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a lyrebird scratching in the undergrowth, or a shy swamp wallaby or long-nosed potoroo. Snakes are common in this area, so keep an eye out for red-bellied black snakes, copperheads and tiger snakes in summer.

Enjoy a snack at the picnic area. On the other side of the falls you’ll find Nellies Glen picnic area, where you can take a dip in the waterhole or stretch your legs on the longer Warris Chair or Missingham lookout tracks. Carrington Falls is an easy stop along the scenic Illawarra tourism route.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


Map


Map legend

Map legend

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/carrington-falls-walking-track/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Carrington Falls walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

0.6km loop

Time

30 - 45min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track

Getting there and parking

Carrington Falls walking track is in the Carrington Falls area of Budderoo National Park. To get there:

From Robertson:

  • Head east on the Illawarra Highway
  • Turn right onto Jamberoo Mountain Road at The Famous Robertson Pie Shop and continue for 5km
  • Turn right onto Carrington Falls Road and continue around 2.5km
  • Turn sharp right onto Thomas Place Road and continue to the end, where you’ll reach Carrington Falls picnic area, also known as Thomas’ Place picnic area.

From Kiama:

  • Head towards Jamberoo on Jamberoo Road around 8km
  • Continue through Jamberoo town and turn right onto Churchill Street then left onto Jamberoo Mountain Road
  • Follow around 18km then turn sharp left onto Carrington Falls Road towards Carrington Falls and continue around 2.5km
  • Turn sharp right onto Thomas Place Road and continue to the end, where you’ll reach Carrington Falls picnic area, also known as Thomas’ Place picnic area.

Park entry points

Parking is available at Carrington Falls picnic area, also known as Thomas’ Place picnic area, where the walking track begins.

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Facilities

Picnic tables, parking, and non-flush toilets are available at Carrington Falls picnic area, where the walking track begins.

You’ll need to bring your own supply of drinking water. There are no bins, so you’ll need to take all rubbish away with you.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

  • Please stay on tracks and be aware of your surroundings and footing.
  • Snakes are common in this area so keep an eye out for snakes bathing in the sun on the track.

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Waterfall safety

Waterfalls are beautiful destinations but please be safe when visiting these natural wonders. Read these waterfall safety tips before exploring waterfalls on your next walk.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Prohibited

Adventure activities including abseiling and rock climbing are not permitted.

Cycling

Fishing

Horses

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Visitor centre

Learn more

Carrington Falls walking track is in Budderoo National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A splash of relaxation

Rainforest loop walk, Budderoo National Park. Photo: Andrew Richards

Nurtured and conserved for over a century, the Minnamurra Rainforest is exceptionally precious. At this much-loved tourism destination, you can wander raised boardwalks and explore the rainforest that once blanketed much of the region. For the ultimate experience, combine the Lyrebird loop walk and Minnamurra Falls walk and discover exquisite plants and animals in breathtaking surroundings. If you’ve ever fallen asleep to the sounds of a relaxation CD, you’ll know the peaceful power of waterfalls. And with its own wonderful falls, Budderoo might just be one of the most relaxing places around. Walk to Minnamurra Falls, an amazing double-tiered waterfall, or Carrington Falls, with its fabulous 50m drop. Sit back, listen to the hypnotic sound of flowing water and let your cares drift away.

  • Carrington Falls picnic area Be wowed by Carrington Falls from one of three lookouts with great views. You’ll find picnic and barbecue facilities close by along with some short walking tracks.
  • Carrington Falls walking track Discover fantastic waterfall views on the short Carrington Falls walking track, in Budderoo National Park, near Robertson. It’s a great day trip for families and nature lovers in the Southern Highlands.
  • Friends of Minnamurra Rainforest You don’t have to be a weeding specialist to get involved in volunteer work at Minnamurra Rainforest. Join local experts and like-minded volunteers for bush regeneration in Budderoo National Park.
  • Jamberoo lookout Enjoy spectacular scenic views of Kiama and Lake Illawarra from Budderoo National Park’s Jamberoo lookout. On clear days, this lookout is fantastic for photography.
  • Minnamurra Rainforest Centre Visit Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park and chat to the friendly staff before exploring the rainforest along raised boardwalks.
  • Minnamurra Rainforest self-guided audio tours Immerse yourself in the sounds, plants, birdlife and history of Minnamurra Rainforest with this series of self-guided audio tours. Download and enjoy as you stroll along Lyrebird loop walk.
  • Protecting a rainforest environment: Minnamurra Join us as we explore the earth’s environment on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) geography excursion at Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park. Students will investigate the rainforest's climate, natural vegetation and native animals.
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Park life

Eastern water dragon (Physignathus lesueurii), Budderoo National Park. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

You're almost guaranteed to see wildlife in the park, particularly if you visit Minnamurra Rainforest Centre. Look for bowerbirds and king parrots, and visit between June and August for the spectacular image of a male lyrebird displaying his tail. You've a good chance of spotting a swamp wallaby at dawn or dusk, and keep an eye out for an eastern water dragon or perhaps even a diamond python soaking up the sunshine.

  • Birds of Minnamurra self-guided audio tour Take a self-guided audio tour along Lyrebird loop walk with fauna ecologist David Bain and discover some of the fascinating birds that live in Minnamurra Rainforest. See if you can spot the ones that David points out as you explore the incredible subtropical rainforest of Budderoo National Park.
  • Investigating the living world: Minnamurra Join us as we explore living things on this Stage 3 (Years 5 to 6) Science and technology excursion. Students will investigate and analyse the natural environment of Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park.
  • Junior ranger: Minnamurra Rainforest Become a ‘junior ranger’ these school holidays at Minnamurra Rainforest. You’ll learn hands-on bush survival and safety skills on this fun tour at Budderoo National Park.
  • Life in the rainforest: Minnamurra Rainforest Join us as we explore life in the rainforest on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Science and Technology excursion at Minnamurra Rainforest. Students will carry out investigations to explore the living world in this beautiful part of Budderoo National Park.
  • Living world: Minnamurra Rainforest Explore the Living World with us on this Stage 1 (Years 1-2) Science and Technology at Minnamurra Rainforest in the Budderoo National Park. Students will explore the rainforest environments and learn the importance of plant and animal habitat.
  • Lyrebird loop walk Ideal for walking with children, the beautiful Lyrebird loop walk takes an hour to complete. It’s located within Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park.
  • Minnamurra Falls walk Starting at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, enjoy spectacular rainforest, waterfall and canyon views from several viewing platforms along Minnamurra Falls walk.
  • Minnamurra Rainforest by torchlight Go on a family-friendly after-hours guided tour in Budderoo National Park these school holidays. See Minnamurra Rainforest by night on this unforgettable adventure, inland from Kiama on the South Coast.
  • Minnamurra Rainforest ranger-guided tour These school holidays, experience the rainforest like never before. Join this ranger-guided walk through Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park, west of Kiama on the NSW South Coast.
  • Plants of Minnamurra self-guided audio tour Take a self-guided audio tour along Lyrebird loop walk with botanist Jedda Lemmon and discover some of the plants that thrive in Minnamurra Rainforest. See if you can spot the ones that Jedda points out as you explore the incredible subtropical rainforest of Budderoo National Park.
  • Protecting a rainforest environment: Minnamurra Join us as we explore the earth’s environment on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) geography excursion at Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park. Students will investigate the rainforest's climate, natural vegetation and native animals.
  • Survival in the rainforest: Minnamurra Join us at beautiful Minnamurra Rainforest for this Stage 4 (Year 7-8) Science excursion. Students will conduct a variety of hands-on investigations using equipment to measure and record the abiotic and biotic factors of the rainforest ecosystem.
  • Sustainable biomes at Minnamurra Rainforest Students will experience the rainforest's beauty in this Stage 5 (Years 9 to 10) geography excursion at Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. They’ll examine the physical characteristics and distribution of rainforest biomes.
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Walk through history

Illawarra Tourist Drive, Budderoo National Park. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

A walk around the park reveals its many uses over the years. Spot remaining cedar trees, so prized by foresters in the 1800s. Head downstream from the Minnamurra Rainforest to see the 1853 Kelly's Cottage and its camellia tree, believed to be one of the southern hemisphere's oldest. The land's rich soil and water supply make it ideal for dairy farming, and you can still see the monument to Australia's first butter factory in nearby Jamberoo Valley.

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  • A spotted-tailed quoll walks across a moss-covered forest floor at night. Photo: Lachlan Hall © Lachlan Hall

    Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)

    The spotted-tailed quoll is the largest remaining carnivorous marsupial on the Australian mainland. It’s protected as a vulnerable species in NSW.

  • An eastern ground parrot bird's green and yellow colouring camouflages it amongst grassland. Photo: Lachlan Hall © Lachlan Hall

    Eastern ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus wallicus)

    The eastern ground parrot is a beautiful, ground-dwelling native bird that lives in low heathland habitat along the NSW North and South coasts and escarpments. It’s listed as a vulnerable species in NSW.

  • A juvenile platypus saved by National Parks and Wildlife staff. Photo: M Bannerman/OEH

    Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

    One of the most fascinating and unusual Australian animals, the duck-billed platypus, along with the echidna, are the only known monotremes, or egg-laying mammals, in existence. The platypus is generally found in permanent river systems and lakes in southern and eastern NSW and east and west of the Great Dividing Range.

  • Superb fairy wren. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    Superb fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus)

    The striking blue and black plumage of the adult male superb fairy wren makes for colourful bird watching across south-eastern Australia. The sociable superb fairy wrens, or blue wrens, are Australian birds living in groups consisting of a dominant male, mouse-brown female ‘jenny wrens’ and several tawny-brown juveniles.

Plants

  • Cabbage tree palm in Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

    Cabbage palm (Livistona australis)

    With glossy green leaves spanning 3-4m in length and a trunk reaching a height of up to 30m, the cabbage tree palm, or fan palm, is one of the tallest Australian native plants. Thriving in rainforest margins along the east coast of NSW, in summer this giant palm produces striking spikes of cream flowers which resemble cabbages.

  • Old man banksia, Moreton National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

    Old man banksia (Banksia serrata)

    Hardy Australian native plants, old man banksias can be found along the coast, and in the dry sclerophyll forests and sandstone mountain ranges of NSW. With roughened bark and gnarled limbs, they produce a distinctive cylindrical yellow-green banksia flower which blossoms from summer to early autumn.

  • Coachwood flower. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

    Coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum)

    Coachwood trees are Australian native plants that grow in warm temperate rainforests along coastal NSW. Also known as scented satinwood, the mottled grey bark of the coachwood has horizontal markings and a delicate fragrance.

Environments in this park

Education resources (1)

School excursions (14)