Best waterfalls near Byron Bay you need to see

Byron Bay is globally renowned for its beautiful beaches, boho vibes and celebrity residents, but it’s also home to breathtaking waterfalls hidden in lush hinterland rainforests.

Step away from the coastline and embark on a waterfall-chasing adventure to discover crystal-clear swimming pools and dramatic cascades in enchanting rainforest settings.

For a guide to the best waterfalls near Byron Bay, including local tips, accessibility advice and more, keep reading…

Protesters Falls: A Byron Bay hinterland waterfall

Just a 45-minute drive from Byron Bay, in the world-heritage listed, 100-million-year-old Nightcap National Park, is breathtakingly beautiful Protesters Falls.

Accessed by following an easy 1.4-kilometre walk from Terania Creek Picnic Area, the falls are named after the successful Terania Creek anti-logging protest that took place in 1979 to save the rainforest.

There’s a series of sculptures at the beginning of the track telling the story of the movement that helped protect this precious area for future generations.

The wooden boardwalk – including stairs with railings – make the walk suitable for all fitness levels including families with young and elderly members, and it’s surrounded by subtropical Bangalow palms, native tamarinds and majestic strangler figs.

The walk leads visitors to the base of the 25-metre cascades, with spectacular views right up to the top of the rocky ledge.

Swimming is not allowed at the falls, as the endangered Fleay’s barred frog calls this magical place home. And keep a good eye out for the super-cute resident red-necked pademelons.

If you walk the path at night, enjoy a spectacular light show from the glow worms and bioluminescent mushrooms that thrive in the area.

Minyon Falls: One of the best waterfalls near Byron Bay

Also located in Nightcap National Park, Minyon Falls is within the Minyon Falls Nature Reserve that covers an area of 112 hectares.

Minyon Falls boasts a dramatic 100-metre drop from striking rhyolite cliffs formed when an ancient volcano exploded 23 million years ago.

Locals recommend doing the 7.5km Minyon Falls loop in reverse order to avoid one of the steepest ascents, and depending on your level of fitness, it can take between three to five hours. For those after something shorter, there’s a four-kilometre walk that takes about two hours.

The cascade can be seen from Minyon Falls Lookout, accessible via a short stroll through the rainforest. From here, you can admire the falls and the valley beneath, with views all the way out to the coast on clear days. Note that there is no public access within 100 metres, when at the top of the waterfall.

The lookout is close to several popular bushwalks, including the Minyon Falls walking track, which takes visitors all the way to the base of the falls. This adventurous trail winds through the ancient Gondwana rainforest, leading all the way to a swimming hole which is perfect for a refreshing dip.

As well as being one of the top waterfalls near Byron Bay, Minyon Falls is also an important place for the local Aboriginal community, with the Widjabul people being the traditional owners of the land.

Goonengerry Falls: A hidden gem

If you’re looking for a lesser known, relaxed alternative to the more popular Byron Bay waterfalls, check out 10.5-kilometre loop walk to Goonengerry Falls in the 525-hectare Goonengerry National Park.

Also only a 45-minute drive from Byron Bay, you can walk this moderately challenging trail and be rewarded with a swim in the rock pools at the top, while taking in the jaw-dropping views over the valley.

The tranquil atmosphere of the park makes it a great spot to escape the everyday hustle and bustle, with plenty of places to enjoy a quiet swim or a stunning sunset.

Killen Falls: The closest Byron Bay waterfall

Killen Falls is the most accessible of the waterfalls near Byron Bay, only 25 minutes away by car. For a quick escape from town, you can make the journey to a special patch of rainforest known as the Big Scrub.

Once covering 75,000 hectares of Byron Bay’s hinterland, Big Scrub was cleared by European settlers in search of cedar, and today only 1 per cent of that rainforest remains.

From the car park, walk 330 metres through lush rainforest to the top of the falls, where you’ll be rewarded with views into the valley below.

For a more challenging hike, descend to the base and enjoy a dip in the refreshing waterfall pool. Keep an eye out for the turtles and birds known to frequent the area and walk into the cave behind the falls for another unique experience.

If you’re planning on visiting Killen Falls, arrive early as parking is limited, and the area gets packed quickly due to its popularity with photographers and tourists.

Marom Creek Falls: Byron Bay’s off-the-beaten-path waterfall

Adventurous spirits will love Marom Creek Falls, which is a 40-minute drive from Byron. It’s on private land, but the owner is on record saying that he doesn’t mind visitors, as long as they are respectful and take their rubbish with them.

As it’s on private land, there’s no designated carpark, so do as the locals do, and pull off on the side of the road, climb through the fence, and follow the track down to the water.

It’s a 500-metre, 8-minute-walk through a paddock to reach the top of the falls, and the path is well worn by those in the know. There’s a refreshing creek where you can take a dip, but to swim in waterfall’s pool, you need to jump off the top, or clamber down the slippery track.

Whether you do some waterfall jumping yourself or enjoy a picnic while watching others leaping off in joy, it will definitely be a fun day out in nature.

Whian Whian Falls: A Northern Rivers swimming spot

Located within Whian Whian State Conservation area, just an hour’s drive from Byron Bay and a short ride from Nightcap National Park, is a hidden gem with a peaceful atmosphere.

Whian Whian Falls are a short five-minute walk from the car park, where you can watch the rushing water plunge five metres into the deep pool below.

Once you’ve descended to the swimming hole, enjoy the cool waters, relax on the surrounding rocks while having a picnic, or explore the natural beauty of the area with its bike and hiking trails.

Tips for a waterfall-chaser to remember

The best time to visit Byron Bay waterfalls is after rainfall, when they are in full flow, and at their most spectacular.

In the dry months the cascades can become a small trickle in places, although the national parks they’re located in offer natural beauty all year round.

It’s important to pack all the essentials, including sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, a water bottle, snacks, and your camera/and or phone. If you’re planning on swimming, make sure to bring swimmers and a towel.

These Byron Bay waterfalls are all located in pristine natural locations that deserve respect. Make sure to take your rubbish with you and leave no trace except your footprints.

Finally, it's important to stick to marked trails and lookout platforms to avoid any accidents. Check the local conditions before swimming, and don’t enter the water if you aren’t comfortable.

You should always check the depth of any pool of water before jumping in.