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.
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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Where to eat, sleep and visit on Grand Pacific Drive, and beyond

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

    Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

    But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

    Shellharbour Marina
    Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.

    Where to eat

    What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

    Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

    Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

    Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

    Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

    Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

    bangalay dining shoalhaven
    Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

    Exploring nature

    Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

    Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

    The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
    Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

    Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

    Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

    Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

    For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

    kiama coast walk people with dog
    Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

    Unique experiences

    No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

    Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum .  Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

    If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

    Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

    Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine.  Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

    Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

    Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood.
    Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Where to stay

    Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

    Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

    Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

    Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

    For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

    Cicada Luxury Camping
    Unwind at Cicada Luxury Camping. (Image: DNSW)

    Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.