If you can't beat them, join them. After yet another day lost to the rain (well, aside from some very wet gardening), I've decided to pull on my gumboots, adjust my attitude and embrace the wet.
Minnamurra Rainforest
I mean, it’s in the name isn’t it? Minnamurra Rainforest really is one of those places that just becomes more magical the wetter it gets. Think: glistening raindrops on leaves, the partial shelter from the dense canopy above, and the rushing of the creeks that grow into the roar of the waterfalls the closer you get. The superb lyrebirds really love the rain too – all the better to kick up the leaf litter and eat the worms! As with all National Parks, Minnamurra Rainforest can be closed for safety reasons during extreme weather, so check before heading out.
You can read more details about my last visit to Minnamurra here.
Kiama Blowhole
Okay, you might have to get out of your car to really appreciate the largest blowhole in the world, but don the raincoat because it's well worth it. Big seas and windy days may not be the stuff of tourist brochures but they are the most fun to witness the blowhole in action. South-easterly swells give you the best chance for a really spectacular show but any time spent in beautiful Kiama is well worth it. Afterwards, grab a coffee in one of the many cafes to warm up.
Click here for more details.
A driving tour of Fitzroy, Carrington and Belmore Falls
I asked Amanda Warriner for help with this story as she thrives on a wet weather adventure (she thrives on any adventure, really), and she threw lots of ideas my way but most of them came with a, "take salt, there'll be leeches" warning. So I thought I might keep those ideas for another day, but this one is an absolute cracker.
The great thing about a lot of rain is that it gives waterfalls a chance to shine, and with how much rain we've had lately, most of them are absolutely pumping! As with all mini adventures, do a quick check before heading out. These falls are all within easy distance from the car but National Parks do close roads and attractions from time to time. You can check here before you head out.
There are three lookouts over Carrington Falls, all a short and easy walk from the carpark. There are longer walks, which you can read about here, but best to leave them for a sunny day.
The lookout to Fitzroy Falls is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly and is only 150m from the Visitor Centre. Information, including how to get there and current alerts, can be found here.
Belmore Falls is a two-tiered waterfall and while you are looking at the falls from across the valley, it's still a spectacular sight. This lookout is not wheelchair-friendly as it involves a couple of staircases but is only a few minutes' walk from the carpark.
