📍11 Best Byron Bay Waterfalls To Discover 2024. (With Map.)

Nightcap National Park.

There are not all that many national parks within Byron Bay’s vicinity. And of the ones that there are, even fewer have waterfalls. But one that has two is the magical Nightcap National Park.

1. Minyon Falls. – Several Trails.

Minyon Falls is unquestionably the most beautiful and well-known waterfall near Byron Bay. Located in the eastern part of Nightcap National Park, these impressive falls plunge 100m off the sheer cliffs that were once part of the Tweed Volcano into a beautiful, heavily forested valley before heading out to the sea.

There are three different ways to see the waterfall, which are nicely suited to various types of visitors, from those who like easy-access viewing platforms to folks who like long hikes into the valley floor below.

Minyon Falls Lookout.

The easiest way to see this revered waterfall is from the Minyon Falls Lookout along the Minyon Platform Track. Located just off Minyon Road, this short, well-constructed, wheelchair-friendly trail goes through a beautiful picnic area, past picturesque rock pools to a large wooden and steel platform that overlooks the breathtaking natural landmark, the sheer cliffs it plunges over, and the spectacular Tweed Valley with rolling hills capping off the view in the distance.

It’s quite a sight, especially after a deluge forces more water to tumble over the magnificent bare-faced escarpment. Better yet, those rock pools mentioned earlier are great for enjoying rock hopping and a wild swim on hot days, while the picnic area is a great place to relax in the serenity of this picturesque habitat.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the picnic area on Minyon Falls Loop Road.
• Walking Trail: Short distance.
• Waterfall Height: 100m.
• Facilities: Picnic tables & toilets.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Rummery Park Campground.
• Driving Distance From Byron Bay: 38km, 50 mins.

Boggy Creek Walk.

If you would prefer incorporating a lovely forest walk to reach this stunning Byron Bay waterfall, try the Boggy Creek Walk. This is a lovely 4km grade 3, through trail that starts from Rummery Park Campground and features many natural pools where you can enjoy a refreshing swim before continuing along the track to the aforementioned Minyon Falls Lookout.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the Rummery Park campground and the picnic area on Minyon Falls Loop Road.
• Walking Trail: 4km return, Grade 3.
• Waterfall Height: 100m.
• Facilities: Picnic tables & toilets.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Rummery Park Campground.
• Driving Distance From Byron Bay: 38km, 50 mins.

Minyon Falls Walking Track.

The most immersive way to experience Minyon Falls is with the moderate 13km, grade 3 Minyon Falls walking track circuit which leads to the bottom of these majestic falls. It is a spectacular sight to see the water plummeting over the 100m cliff face into the picturesque plunge pool before you, especially if you are able to visit after a heavy downpour, where the thunderous flow makes you appreciate the raw power and intensity that the usually benign element of water is capable of having.

However, one thing to note is that the trail doesn’t start and finish in the same place. So, if you or your group only has one vehicle, you will need to walk back along the road to get back to your car, as one starting point is at the lookout, while the other is at the picturesque Minyon Grass Picnic Area.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the picnic area at the Monyon Falls Lookout & Minyon Grass Day Use Area
• Walking Trail: Minyon Falls Walking Track.
• Waterfall Height: 100m.
• Facilities: Picnic tables & toilets.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Rummery Park Campground.
• Driving Distance From Byron Bay: 38km, 50 mins.

2. Protestors Falls.

While Minyon Falls gets all of the attention, and rightfully so, Nightcap National Park has another waterfall that also impresses. Protestors Falls lies on the other side of the expansive park and is only a short 1.4km, grade 3 return track. But numerous picturesque rock pools leading up to the towering waterfall make the trail a beautiful walk from start to finish.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Terania Creek Picnic Area.
• Walking Trail: Protestors Falls Walking Track – 1.4km return, Grade 3.
• Waterfall Height: Tall horsetail.
• Facilities: Picnic tables & toilets.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Grey Gum Lodge.
• Driving distance from Byron Bay: 62km, 1 hr 34 min.

Border Ranges National Park.

Although it’s quite a bit further away, another fantastic national park reachable from Byron Bay with waterfalls is the Border Ranges National Park. Although it’s over a 2-hour drive to reach the stunning seaside town, there are several gorgeous waterfalls tucked inside this natural habitat you could easily spend a day just visiting these stunning landmarks. Or extend your trip by staying at the campgrounds to explore more of what this beautiful place has to offer.

7. Bottlebrush Falls.

Brushbox Falls is a picturesque fan waterfall close to Sheepstation Creek Campground, so if you want to get first dibs on seeing the beautiful spot before anyone else does that day, this is a convenient one to do so.

However, the distance to the fenced lookout is less than a kilometre along the historic Palm Forest walk, which follows an old logging route and has swimmable creeks when the water is higher and is therefore, easily doable for day-trippers.

Alternatively, it can be incorporated into two of the Border Ranges’ longer walks, the 6km Rosewood Loop which leads to some of the oldest trees in the park or the lengthy, 9km one-way Booyong Walk, which links Sheepstation Creek Campground to Forest Tops Campground and makes a fantastic overnight trek for the more intrepid.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Sheepstation Creek Campground.
• Walking Trail: Palm Forest – 2km return, Grade 3
  • Rosewood Loop – 6km return, Grade 3.
  • Booyong Walk – 9km one-way, Grade 3.
• Waterfall Height: 100m.
• Facilities: Picnic tables, BBQs & toilets.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Sheepstation Creek Campground.
• Driving Distance From Byron Bay: 120km, 2hr.

Brindle Creek Walking Track.

This gorgeous 6km through-track follows the picturesque Brindle Creek between the Brindle Creek and Antarctic Beech Picnic Areas and features two stunning waterfalls.

8. Evans Falls.

If starting from the Brindle Creek Picnic Area, Evans Falls is the first waterfall hikers will come across. It is a moderate 2km walk to the falls, but it is a gorgeous scenic trail that features two gorgeous creek crossings before arriving at the spectacular segmented waterfall.

The falls are especially beautiful after a heavy downpour, and swimming is permissible in the creek when the water is higher but not fast-flowing. Although NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service do advise people to avoid wearing sunscreen and insect repellent if planning on swimming to help protect the endangered frogs.

I found that last part getting down to the falls a little difficult as there were trees and vines in the way, and getting to this spot for this photo was precarious, so I advise caution getting down to water level, although I went not too long after a downpour.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Brindle Creek & Antarctic Beech Picnic Area.
• Walking Trail: Brindle Creek Walking Track. – 6km one way, grade 3.
  • 4km return from Brindle Creek Picnic Area.
• Facilities: None
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Forest Tops Campground.
• Driving Distance From Byron Bay: 128km, 2hr 10mins.

9. Selva Falls.

Further along the Brindle Creek walking track is Selva Falls. This lovely fan waterfall, located approximately 2.8km from the Brindle Creek Picnic Area and 2.4km from the Antarctic Beech Picnic Area, is framed by lush rainforest foliage and large boulders and is a beautiful addition to this picturesque trail.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Brindle Creek & Antarctic Beech Picnic Area.
• Walking Trail: Brindle Creek Walking Track. – 6km one way, grade 3.
  • 2.8km from Brindle Creek Picnic Area, 2.4 from Antarctic Beech.
• Facilities: None
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Forest Tops Campground.
• Driving Distance From Byron Bay: 128km, 2hr 10mins.

Springbrook National Park.

Springbrook National Park is southeast Queensland’s waterfall heaven.
Across its three sections, it has multiple walks leading to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls on the Gold Coast, but the two listed below are the closest to reach from Byron Bay.

10. Cougal Cascades.

Thirty kilometres inland from the Gold Coast city of Coolangatta and seventeen kilometres north of the New South Wales township of Murwillumbah lies the Cougal Cascades. An easy 1.6km return, grade 2 walk takes visitors alongside the gorgeous series of cascading and horsetail waterfalls.

At the end of the track lies the remains of an old sawmill accompanied by signage that tells of bygone days when the rainforest was only valued for its timber.

If you come out this way to see the stunning cascades, don’t forget to drop into the Currumbin Rock Pools, a picturesque wild swimming hole 10km northeast of the Cascades.      

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Cougal Cascades picnic area.
• Walking Trail: 1.6km return, grade 2 walk.
• Facilities: Picnic tables & toilets.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Currumbin Rainforest Treehouse.
• Driving distance from Byron Bay: 66km, 64 mins.

11. Natural Bridge. (Natural Bridge Section.)

On the other side of Springbrook National Park lies one of the Gold Coast’s best natural attractions. What makes the Natural Bridge one of the most unique waterfalls you’ll come across is that the creek doesn’t just flow over a cliff. It plunges through the collapsed roof of a cave.

It is quite a spectacular visual, but it is more than that. It’s also a fantastic sensory and auditory experience, as the viewing platform inside the cave means you can feel the raw power of the water as it thunders through its dark and almost entirely enclosed environment, which is simultaneously thrilling and unsettling.

The Natural Bridge may be a bit of a distance to reach, but it is 100% worth seeking out if chasing waterfalls in the Byron Bay area. 

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the picnic area off Nerang-Murwillumbah Road.
• Walking Trail: 1km circuit, grade 2.
• Facilities: Sheltered picnic tables & toilets.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Springbrook Mountain Chalets.
• Driving distance from Byron Bay: 83km, 75 mins.