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!

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

7 magnificent waterfalls to visit near Byron Bay