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Minnie Ha Ha Falls and Flatrock Waterhole, Upper Kangaroo Valley

Minnie Ha Ha Falls and Flatrock Waterhole offer a wild and adventurous walk in Upper Kangaroo Valley, near Budderoo National Park on the NSW South Coast, near the Southern Highlands. This is not a polished tourist trail or a clearly marked bushwalk. Instead, it is a rough creekside adventure through a remote section of the valley, combining a beautiful swimming hole, rainforest, rock hopping and an off-track route to a secluded waterfall.

The walk begins near Flatrock Waterhole, a scenic swimming spot surrounded by flat rock shelves and clear water. It is a beautiful place to cool off before or after the walk, especially on a warm day. From here, the route towards Minnie Ha Ha Falls follows the creek upstream, with a mix of creek walking, rock hopping and rough sections through thick vegetation.

There is no formed walking track to Minnie Ha Ha Falls, so this walk is best suited to experienced and confident walkers. Navigation can be difficult, especially if water levels are high or the creekside vegetation is overgrown. Some sections may require light bush-bashing, scrambling over fallen trees and choosing your own path along the creek bank.

The route is usually described as taking around 1 hour each way from the creek area, although this can vary depending on conditions, water levels and how comfortable your group is with off-track walking. Allow extra time for route finding, swimming and moving carefully through uneven terrain.

Minnie Ha Ha Falls is hidden upstream in a rugged rainforest gully. After rain, the waterfall can be especially impressive, with water flowing strongly through the narrow valley. However, wet weather also makes the rocks slippery, raises creek levels and can make the route more difficult or unsafe. Avoid attempting this walk during heavy rain, storms or when the creek is flowing strongly.

Long pants are strongly recommended, as the rainforest understorey can be dense and may contain stinging plants, including giant stinging tree. Sturdy footwear, drinking water, a first aid kit, offline maps and a confident navigator are also important. Mobile reception may be unreliable, and this is not a walk to attempt alone or without preparation.

Access to the start of the walk can also be more complicated than many other Kangaroo Valley walks. Road conditions in Upper Kangaroo Valley may be rough, and a high-clearance vehicle may be needed depending on recent weather and maintenance. Do not drive through locked gates, enter private property or ignore signage. If access is restricted, choose another walk or return another day.

For experienced walkers looking for a more adventurous waterfall route near Kangaroo Valley, Minnie Ha Ha Falls and Flatrock Waterhole can be a rewarding outing. With a wild creek route, rainforest scenery and a beautiful swimming hole, it is one of the more adventurous hidden waterfall walks in the Upper Kangaroo Valley area.

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