8 incredible waterfalls near Yamba worthy of a day trip

Melissa Mason Melissa Mason
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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

Minyon Falls
Take in the power of Minyon Falls from above. (Image: Destination NSW)

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)

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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)

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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.

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Melissa Mason
Melissa Mason is a freelance journalist who loves road tripping and car snacks. Previously holding Editor roles at ELLE, marie claire, Broadsheet and Pedestrian.TV, she now writes travel and lifestyle content for a wealth of Australian titles like SMH, Mamamia and Urban List, as well as copywriting for international brands. Outside of writing, she loves walks with her dog Ted, a great Sunday afternoon with friends, and op shopping. If she could be anywhere right now it would be lounging on a hammock at a tropical resort with a great romantic fantasy book.
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9 of the best Sydney hotel bars for a local adventure during Vivid

(Credit: Nikki To)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.

    If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.

    And with Vivid lighting up the sky this winter, there’s no better time to find the perfect cosy spot to enjoy the views or escape the crowds.

    1. El Vista, Circular Quay

    bar tender at El Vista, Circular Quay sydney hotel bars
    Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)

    This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.

    2. Bar Allora, CBD

    Bar Allora, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Settle in for a taste of Italy.

    Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.

    3. Percy, Pyrmont

    Percy Sydney hotel bars
    Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

    Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.

    4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD

    The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)

    Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage of Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.

    5. Mee So, Sydney Central

    Mee So sydney
    Enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks.

    For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.

    6. Bar Morris, Haymarket

    Bar Morris sydney
    Settle into old-world European glamour.

    Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.

    7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour

    Pumphouse sydney
    Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.

    When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.

    8. Wentworth Bar, CBD

    Wentworth Bar sydney hotel bars
    Drink where the celebrities once did.

    Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.

    9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington

    Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington sydney
    See the city skyline, drink in hand.

    Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place, it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.

    For more information on how to enjoy Sydney for a long weekend, visit ALL.com.