Construction started on the $2.17 million refurbishment of Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park on May 15.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward said over the past 30 years Minnamurra Rainforest Centre has been enjoyed by the community as the starting point for bushwalks that lead to impressive waterfalls along the Falls Walk.

The centre is visited by more than 100,000 South Coast locals and tourists each year.

The renovation is expected to take eight months.

"The refurbishment has been designed with the community in mind," Mr Ward said.

"The ceilings will be laser-etched with bronze alloy to resemble the form of the native cabbage-tree palm, the floor will have brown natural hues to mimic the colours of the rainforest floor, and the walls will be timber-clad to resemble the rainforest canopy.

"We thank the public for their patience while we refurbish the site."

The centre is a favourite for school excursions with 10,000 students visiting per year to learn about rare rainforest plants, wildlife and Aboriginal culture.

NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean said the investment will ensure more visitors can enjoy the new open-plan space which will include a new cafe, education and function areas, a new information counter and more toilets.

"Natural building materials like wood and stone will be used to help the new centre blend into its rainforest surroundings. The design incorporates sustainable materials including a recycled plastic product for the footpaths," Mr Kean said.

The construction work is due to finish early December 2019.

The refurbishment is funded under the $4.7 million Minnamurra Invigoration Project to be invested in the area over three years.

The completed upgrade of Minnamurra Falls walking track and viewing platforms was part of this project.

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