Killen Falls is a waterfall in the Byron Bay hinterland near Tintenbar, with a swimming hole at its base and a cave you can walk into behind the falling water. Every Behind the Bay waterfall and nature tour includes a swim at Killen Falls.
Killen Falls at a glance
- Where: Killen Falls Drive, Tintenbar NSW, in the Ballina hinterland
- Drive from Byron Bay: about 30 minutes; about 15 minutes from Ballina
- The falls: Emigrant Creek drops about 15 metres over a rock overhang into a round swimming hole
- Walk: a short track to a viewing platform, then down to the base of the falls
- Swimming: yes, in the pool at the base, and you can walk into the cave behind the water
- Facilities: toilets are available. Bring water and take your rubbish home
- Parking: a small car park that fills quickly on warm days and weekends
Where is Killen Falls?
Killen Falls is on Emigrant Creek near Tintenbar, about a 30-minute drive south-west of Byron Bay and around 15 minutes from Ballina. The small car park is at the end of Killen Falls Drive, and spaces fill up quickly on warm days.
What to expect
A short bush walk leads down to a viewing platform above the falls, then along the creek to the swimming hole. You can swim at the base of the falls and step into the cave behind the curtain of water. The track and creek rocks can be uneven and slippery, so wear shoes with grip.
Can you swim at Killen Falls?
Yes, the pool at the base of the falls is a popular swimming hole. After heavy rain the water can turn brown and the flow gets much stronger, so check conditions and never jump in where you cannot see the bottom.
Best time to visit
Killen Falls is good year round. Summer is best for swimming, and mid-morning on a weekday is the quietest time. The falls are at their most impressive a day or two after rain, once the water has cleared.
Getting to Killen Falls without a car
The falls are out in the hinterland and there is no easy way to get there on foot from Byron Bay. Most visitors without a car either take a taxi or rideshare both ways, or join a guided tour. On our tour we pick you up from your accommodation, so you don’t have to worry about parking or finding the track.
Tour or drive yourself?
- Drive yourself if you have a car and want to spend as long as you like at the falls. Go early, as the car park is small.
- Join a tour if you don’t have a car, are travelling solo, or want to see more in a day. Our tour adds Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head and Broken Head, with paddleboards included.
Tips for your visit
- Wear shoes with good grip. The track and creek rocks can be slippery.
- Never jump or dive where you can’t see the bottom. Pools change after heavy rain.
- Bring water and snacks, and take all rubbish home.
- Go a day or two after rain for the strongest flow, once the water has cleared.
Nearby: Lake Ainsworth and Lennox Head
Lake Ainsworth, the tea tree lake at Lennox Head, is a short drive from the falls, which is why we combine them on the same day. For more swimming spots in the hinterland, see our guide to waterfalls near Byron Bay.
Visit Killen Falls on our day tour
Skip the parking and let a local guide take you. 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.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Killen Falls from Byron Bay?
It’s near Tintenbar, about a 30-minute drive south-west of Byron Bay and about 15 minutes from Ballina.
Can you walk behind Killen Falls?
Yes. There is a large rock overhang behind the waterfall that you can walk into from the base of the falls. The rocks are slippery, so take it slowly and wear shoes with good grip.
Can you get to Killen Falls without a car?
The easiest way is on a guided day tour with pick-up from your Byron Bay accommodation. Every Behind the Bay tour includes a swim at Killen Falls.
Are there toilets at Killen Falls?
Yes, there are toilets at Killen Falls. Bring water and snacks, and take your rubbish home with you.
Is there a Killen Falls tour from Byron Bay?
Yes. Behind the Bay runs a small-group day tour from Byron Bay that includes a swim at Killen Falls, swimming and paddleboarding on Lake Ainsworth, lunch in Lennox Head and a bush walk through Broken Head Nature Reserve. Pick-up from your Byron Bay accommodation is included.