8 Incredible Waterfalls Near Yamba - Australian Traveller

Far north NSW is filled with natural wonders beyond its famous beaches. Skip the sand and head inland to experience its spectacular waterfalls.

Veering off the Pacific Highway towards Yamba might feel like leaving reality behind and escaping to a pocket of beach-filled paradise, but if you’re in town for more than a few days it’s definitely worth hopping back in the car and venturing inland again to experience the serenity of the hinterlands and its many waterfalls.

1. Minyon Falls

Minyon Falls drops 100 metres from an escarpment into a crystal clear plunge pool that’s open for swimming, so you can float at your leisure near the roar of the waterfall. Located inside the heritage-listed Nightcap National Park, there are also picnic areas and walking tracks nearby (plus a lookout up top if you’re not keen on swimming), making Minyon Falls perfect for a day trip.

Time from Yamba: 2 hours

2. Boundary Falls

Boundary Falls can be found inside Gibraltar Range National Park. Although its a little further from Yamba than some, its definitely worth the trip. You can swim at the base of the falls, accessed by a 200-metre track and a small descent down some stairs. There’s a campground nearby if you want to make an overnighter of it, and it’s worth exploring the national park itself if you have time – there are some beautiful walks to enjoy.

Time from Yamba: 2 hours

3. Killen Falls

One of the smaller waterfalls near Yamba, Killen Falls is a popular swimming hole among locals and visitors alike. You can swim, of course, but it’s also worth heading up above to the lookout platform for spectacular views. Take the walking track behind the falls to get the best Instagram snaps as the water cascades behind you. There’s even a cave for avid explorers! Killen Falls is also just a 45-minute drive from Byron Bay.

Time from Yamba: 1 hour 20 minutes

Killen Falls, NSW — Killen Falls is a popular swim spot among locals. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Red Cedar Falls

The largest waterfall in Dorrigo National Park, Red Cedar Falls thunders from above amid red cedars and bangalow palms, leaving you coated in a fine mist. If that doesn’t cool you down, slip in for a swim at the base of the falls. The only issue is the lengthy walk to get there, around an 8.9-kilometre round trip from the Never Never picnic area. But for those willing to make the Grade 4 trek, you’ll likely have the breathtaking waterfall all to yourself.

Time from Yamba: 3 hours

Red Cedar Falls in Dorrigo National Park, NSW — Red Cedar is the largest waterfall in Dorrigo National Park. (Image: Robert Cleary/DCCEEW)

5. Crystal Shower Falls

This is one of those waterfalls where the name really says it all. A short walk from the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, make your way across the suspension bridge and you’ll arrive in a wide valley with excellent views of the falls. Take the side trail to check out the cave behind the waterfall, too. Although you can’t swim here (the pool isn’t very deep, so it’s not ideal for swimming anyway), the walk and views are worth the drive anyway. Dangar Falls isn’t too far off if you’re especially keen for a dip.

Crystal Shower Falls in Dorrigo National Park, NSW — Dip in for a swim at Crystal Shower Falls. (Image: Robert Cleary/DCCEEW)

Time from Yamba: 2.5 hours

6. Protesters Falls

When a logging protest back in 1979 successfully saw the area around Terania Creek protected from land clearing, a new waterfall was named. Welcome to Protesters Falls, also nestled in Nightcap National Park. You can’t swim here, but the walking track is a drawcard in itself. At one-and-a-half hours, the Grade 3 round trip is great for exploring with friends – you may even spot local pademelons and frogs!

Time from Yamba: 2 hours

Protesters Falls in NSW — Pop in to Protesters Falls in Nightcap National Park. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)

7. Whian Whian Falls

This lesser-known waterfall is a great spot for a summer swim. A wide, low waterfall sits above fresh, clear waters, usually filled with locals having a leisurely dip. Even if you visit and the waterfall isn’t flowing (it usually needs heavy rain to get going), it’s still a lovely place to spend the day. Whian Whian Falls is (again) found in Nightcap National Park, specifically in the Whian Whian State Conservation Area.

Time from Yamba: 1.5 hours

Whian Whian Falls in NSW — Find the falls in Whian Whian State Conservation Area. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Dangar Falls

Dangar Falls has one of the best swimming holes beneath it, where many locals and tourists while away their days, dipping in and out of the pool below the waterfall. You’ll find the waterfall in Dorrigo National Park via the Dangar Falls walking track. There’s also a viewing area at the top of the waterfall, perfect for those who don’t want to get wet.

Time from Yamba: 2.5 hours

Dangar Falls in NSW — Spend the day relaxing by the water at Dangar Falls. (Image: Destination NSW)

Please note, all waterfalls are subject to temporary closures due to flashing flooding and weather conditions.

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.

8 incredible waterfalls near Yamba worthy of a day trip

Far north NSW is filled with natural wonders beyond its famous beaches. Skip the sand and head inland to experience its spectacular waterfalls.

1. Minyon Falls

2. Boundary Falls

3. Killen Falls

4. Red Cedar Falls

5. Crystal Shower Falls

6. Protesters Falls

7. Whian Whian Falls

8. Dangar Falls

Please note, all waterfalls are subject to temporary closures due to flashing flooding and weather conditions.

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No time to hibernate: experience the best of winter in NSW

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.

The Tweed

Blue Mountains

Southern Highlands

Penrith