7 Magnificent Waterfalls Near Byron Bay

If you can’t get enough of nature’s magnificent waterfalls, Byron Bay is within reach of some pretty memorable ones.

The Northern Rivers region is home to an incredibly diverse range of stunning waterfalls, all within driving distance of Byron Bay on the Traditional Lands of the Bundjalung people. While some have swimming holes to enjoy, others are just about admiring the falls from afar. There are even a couple of waterfalls that are best experienced at night.

Add these amazing waterfalls to your next Byron Bay itinerary, but remember they are always best visited after a decent rainfall. Also make sure to leave no trace behind – respect the land and always take your rubbish with you.

NOTE: Please check the NSW National Parks website for safety updates and closures before you embark on visiting any of the below waterfalls.

1. Protestors Falls

Distance from Byron Bay: One-hour drive
Where: Nightcap National Park
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: A short, easy 1.4-kilometre return walk
Swimming: No

This would have to be our favourite one of all. Protestors Falls , nestled perfectly into the World Heritage rainforest of Nightcap National Park, takes its name from a protest that happened back in 1979 by a group of conservationists who were trying to stop the area from being logged. They were thankfully successful. To access the falls, make use of the car park (there’s plenty of space) and take a peaceful stroll along the lovely timber boardwalk to reach the falls.

Protesters Falls in Nightcap National Park, Byron Bay, NSW — The falls are nestled within Nightcap National Park. (Image: Brian McLachlan/DCCEEW)

This spectacular waterfall plunges 25 metres into a natural pool below. As tempting as it may seem, swimming is not allowed here, as it’s an important habitat area for a range of endangered frogs, including the threatened Fleay’s barred frog. In any case, it is the most stunning place to sit, listen to the birds and soak up the magical energy of this ancient land.

You can also enjoy a picnic at the nearby Teranian Creek picnic area. If you’re adventurous enough to come back at night, you’ll be treated to the most incredible light show by thousands of glow worms and bioluminescent mushrooms that light up the forest – it’s truly an astonishing sight to behold.

Couple at Protesters Falls, Nightcap National Park, Northern Rivers — Take the 1.5-kilometre return walk to Protester Falls. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)

2. Minyon Falls

Distance from Byron Bay: 45-minute drive
Where: Nightcap National Park
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: A short and easy stroll from the car park
Swimming: Yes

Minyon Falls is a 45-minute drive from Byron Bay and is one of the region’s most popular falls. Also in Nightcap National Park, Minyon Falls are set amidst the spectacular World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest. It’s just a short and easy stroll from the car park along a pretty walking track to the falls lookout.

Boardwalk within Nightcap National Park on the North Coast of NSW — Walk through the spectacular World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest to reach the falls. (Image: Destination NSW)

A plunging waterfall with an impressive 100-metre drop, the water cascades over huge rhyolite cliffs that were once part of the Tweed Volcano. You can choose to view this magnificent waterfall from above (at the lookout), or you can hike down to the base of the falls and view it from there (and jump in for a swim if you feel like it). If you’re in the mood for a longer walk, you can opt to take the nine-kilometre loop track that winds through the valley of the giants, with its huge Brush Box and Strangler Fig trees, and past Condong Falls as well.

Minyon Falls, Nightcap National Park — Marvel at the impressive 100-metre drop of Minyon Falls. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Goonengerry Falls

Distance from Byron Bay: 45-minute drive
Where: Goonengerry National Park
Parking: Yes, at the clearing on Garrong Road
Difficulty: A 10-minute walk from the car park
Swimming: Yes

The Goonengerry Waterfall can be found within Goonengerry National Park , it’s considered a bit of a hidden treasure. To reach the waterfall, it is an easy loop walk from the northern end of the car park. From there, you can choose to swim in the little rock pools at the top, enjoying the beautiful views over the mountains, forest and the waterfall itself.

Coopers Creek in the Northern Rivers region of NSW — The waterfalls plunge into the tranquil Coopers Creek. (Image: Dianne Brown/DCCEEW)

You can’t actually see the whole waterfall, but you can see enough, and the setting itself is dramatic and beautiful. There is also an option to walk the Goonengerry Waterfall loop track that passes by two beautiful waterfalls plunging into the valley below to join Coopers Creek. It’s a decent 10-kilometre round trip that can get a little challenging in parts, but definitely worth it if you have the stamina.

4. Killen Falls

Distance from Byron Bay: The closest of all the falls, just a 25-minute drive
Where: Tintenbar (between Byron Bay and Ballina)
Parking: There is a car park but spots are very limited
Difficulty: An easy 10-minute walk to the lookout, but a longer/harder trip to the falls
Swimming: Yes

Killen Falls can be found in Tintenbar, in the hinterland between Byron Bay and Ballina, and is one of the more accessible falls to visit. It’s also located in one of the last remaining areas of intact Big Scrub local rainforest in the region. A short and easy walk from the car park to the falls lookout, it’s then another 400 metres or so down a rocky nature path to reach the base of the falls (it can get a bit slippery when wet but there is a handrail to support you).

Killen Falls Tintenbar — Killen Falls is just a 25-minute drive from Byron Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

A beautiful 10-metre plunge waterfall that culminates in a deep green, rainforest water hole at Emigrant Creek with cave-like rocks as the backdrop – it’s an enchanting setting. You can choose to walk to the cave behind the cascade of water for a beautiful view back under the falls – and you won’t even get wet! Be sure to pack your swimmers, but note the pool has a shallow, rocky bottom and water levels can vary. Turtles can sometimes be spotted here as well!

5. Whian Whian Falls

Distance from Byron Bay: One-hour drive
Where: Whian Whian State Conservation Area
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: An easy five-minute walk
Swimming: Yes

Whian Whian Falls is another favourite in the Northern Rivers. It’s a beautiful place for a swim, located in the Whian Whian Falls Conservation Area near Nightcap National Park. To reach the falls from the car park, look out for a clearing and a little track on your left-hand side.

Whian Whian waterfall within Whian Whian State Conservation Area, NSW — Explore the gushing waters of Whian Whian Falls. (Image: John Spencer/DCCEEW)

From there, follow the fence until you arrive at the lookout, just a short five-minute walk. There are two different swimming holes to choose from. Getting down can be quite slippery and muddy if it has recently rained, but otherwise, it is generally fine. There is also a lovely picnic area to enjoy. Go early, it can get busy.

6. Marom Creek Falls

Distance from Byron Bay: 50-minute drive
Where: Rous Mill, seven kilometres from Alstonville
Parking: There is no car park (and no signage), just grab a park on the side of the road
Difficulty: A nice and easy walk to the top of the falls
Swimming: Yes

Marom Creek Falls is much more off-the-beaten-track but it’s definitely worth travelling for. A double waterfall that plunges into a large swimming hole, it’s a truly magical setting. The falls are located on private property (but the owner doesn’t mind you visiting) near Dalwood, so you will need to find a park on the side of the road, jump a fence and then cross the countryside.

After heading down several hills and a rock face, you’ll reach the base of the falls. It’s only a 5-10 minute walk. You will no doubt see people jumping into the water from the edge of the cliff (it’s a three-metre drop), but if that’s not for you, there’s always the option to swim in the little stream at the top.

7. Hanging Rock Falls

Distance from Byron Bay: 1.2-hour drive
Where: Near the town of Nimbin
Parking: Yes, for a small fee
Difficulty: On the harder side, with a bit of rock climbing involved
Swimming: Yes

Hanging Rock Falls offers an incredibly magical setting for a rainforest swim in a very beautiful and large swimming hole that is more than seven meters deep (in parts). The water is usually crystal clear and you will be surrounded by lush greenery and the cascading waterfall beside you. It is quite something.

High up on the cliffs, you will find a rope that is very fun for swinging on, and there’s also a fallen log that is perfect for jumping off (being careful of course). This one can get quite busy as well, so go early. There is parking too, but be prepared to pay a small fee. It’s definitely worth it though!

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

7 magnificent waterfalls to visit near Byron Bay