A 15-metre by 15-metre landslip at the entrance to Minnamurra Rainforest. Photo: NPWS.
In news likely to disappoint parents keen to get their kids outside these school holidays, the Minnamurra Rainforest and Visitor Centre is closed until further notice, due to extensive flood damage.
The damage, sustained during last week’s heavy rainfall event, caused a landslip at the entry to the centre as well as significant damage to bridges, picnic areas and other infrastructure.
NPWS Acting Area Manager Nathan Cattell said he understood the closure was frustrating.
“We understand the disappointment this closure may cause to our visitors ahead of the autumn school holidays, but safety remains our utmost concern,” he said.
“The NPWS team is working hard to assess the damage and restore access to this popular spot as soon as we can.”
A NSW National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) spokesperson said the safety of visitors and staff is the top priority for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the closure is necessary to assess and address the damage caused by the flooding.
Water levels in the Minnamurra River exceeded three metres above normal levels during Saturday’s rainfall event.
“Two bridges on the popular Lyrebird Loop track sustained significant damage, and one bridge was completely destroyed,” the spokesperson said.
“A 15-metre by 15-metre landslip has occurred at the main entry to the rainforest, and picnic areas surrounding the Visitor Centre have suffered extreme erosion.
“A significant number of trees are also down across the site.
“Geotechnical experts have been contacted to assess suspected rockfall areas, and an engineer has been engaged to assess structural damage.”
NPWS have implemented road and track closures, and there is currently no visitor access to the site.
Work has commenced to reopen the area as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
For updates on the status of the Minnamurra Rainforest and Visitor Centre, please visit NPWS Alerts.
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