Carrington Falls, Budderoo National Park: Walk, lookout & getting there

Carrington Falls is one of several beautiful waterfalls in the Budderoo National Park, New South Wales. A short but steep walking trail gives multiple lookouts as the Kangaroo River plunges over the Illawarra Escarpment.

The Budderoo National Park in the Illawarra region of New South Wales host several spectacular waterfalls. Minnamurra Falls, Gerringong Falls and Carrington Falls compete to be the most spectacular.

Carrington Falls is arguably the most dramatic of the three, as the Kangaroo River plunges 50 metres over the Illawarra Escarpment into the gully below. It’s a pretty visual representation of where the Southern Highlands transform into the coastal section of the Illawarra.

How to get to Carrington Falls

Getting to Carrington Falls is reasonably easy. The nearest town is Robertson, a 12km drive to the north-west. If coming from the coast, it’s a delightful scenic drive along the Jamberoo Mountain Road.

Once inside the Budderoo National Park, park up at the Carrington Falls picnic area. This is often called Thomas Place, but let’s not get hung up on nomenclature. It’s where you park up for a picnic, or to tackle the Carrington Falls walk.

Carrington Falls walk

As walks go, the Carrington Falls walking track is not especially arduous. From the picnic area, it’s just a 0.6km loop, albeit a steep one in places. From the Falls View lookout, metal steps head down into the gully, where rocks frame the views. After the gully, the Carrington Falls walking track clambers up the escarpment. The Valley View lookout along the way is a good spot for photos.

Budderoo National Park wildlife near Carrington Falls

In spring, expect plenty of wildflowers. But also keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including lyrebirds, potoroos and swamp wallabies. On a less charming note, tiger snakes and red-bellied black snakes have also been seen here.

The other way to see Carrington Falls is on a helicopter flight from Shellharbour Airport.

If you’re thoroughly into your waterfalls, then you might want to tag on the neighbouring Morton National Park. That’s where you’ll find Fitzroy Falls and Belmore Falls.

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