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!

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

7 magnificent waterfalls to visit near Byron Bay