The hinterland behind Byron Bay is full of waterfalls, and the best ones are under an hour’s drive from town. Here are five worth the trip, with drive times, walks and whether you can swim, from a local tour guide who visits them every week.
Quick answer: the closest waterfall to Byron Bay
Killen Falls near Tintenbar is the closest, about 25 to 30 minutes’ drive south-west of Byron Bay. It has a swimming hole and a cave you can walk into behind the falls.
1. Killen Falls, Tintenbar
- Drive from Byron Bay: about 25–30 minutes
- Walk: short bush track down to the creek
- Swimming: yes, in the pool at the base
- Best for: swimming and the cave behind the falls
Our favourite, and a stop on every one of our tours. Read the full Killen Falls guide.
2. Minyon Falls, Nightcap National Park
- Drive from Byron Bay: about 45 minutes
- Walk: lookout near the car park, or the longer Minyon Loop Walk (moderate)
- Swimming: yes, in the pool at the bottom (via the loop walk)
- Best for: the view. The water drops about 100 metres through World Heritage-listed rainforest
3. Protesters Falls, Nightcap National Park
- Drive from Byron Bay: about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Walk: an easy 1.4 km return through rainforest
- Swimming: no, swimming is not allowed here
- Best for: rainforest scenery, and glow worms along the track after dark
4. Goonengerry Falls, Goonengerry National Park
- Drive from Byron Bay: about 45 minutes
- Walk: a longer walk through quiet bushland
- Swimming: yes, in the rock pools
- Best for: avoiding the crowds
5. Whian Whian Falls
- Drive from Byron Bay: about 1 hour
- Walk: an easy five-minute walk
- Swimming: yes, but the rocks are slippery
- Best for: a quick, easy swim stop
Tips for visiting waterfalls near Byron Bay
- Go a day or two after rain. The falls flow hardest then, once the water has cleared.
- Check the NSW National Parks website for closures and alerts before you go.
- Never jump into water where you cannot see the bottom. Pools change after floods.
- Wear shoes with grip. Creek rocks are slippery.
- Take your rubbish with you and stay on the tracks.
Don’t have a car? Join our day tour
We pick you up from your Byron accommodation at 11am for a six-hour day with a small group: a swim at Killen Falls, paddleboarding on Lake Ainsworth, lunch in Lennox Head and a bush walk through Broken Head Nature Reserve to quiet beaches and the Three Sisters lookout. You’re back by 5pm at the latest.
Bring your swimmers and a camera. We’ll bring the paddleboards and the playlist.