6 Hidden Waterfalls Near Byron Bay That Will Take Your Breath Away — And the Dreamy Beach Stay That Gets You to All of Them

Byron Bay is often pictured as sun, surf, and smoothies—but venture just a little beyond the sand and you’ll uncover something wilder, quieter, and infinitely more soul-stirring: a network of hidden waterfalls buried deep within ancient rainforest and volcanic cliffs.

These aren’t your typical photo-op pit stops. They’re secret sanctuaries. Some require a short bush bash, others reward the curious with glow worms, caves, or cliff-jumping pools. And at the end of each adventure, there’s one place that lets you rest, recharge, and soak in the natural beauty around you: Broken Head Holiday Park, Byron’s best-kept accommodation secret.

Let’s map out your waterfall-chasing journey, step by step.

Why These Waterfalls Are Byron’s Best-Kept Secret

If you’ve done Byron’s main strip, chances are you’ve also done the traffic, queues, and pricey brunches. But less than an hour away, a different world begins—cooler air, denser forest, and the rush of water down ancient rocks.

Waterfall exploring is the ultimate Byron alternative:

• It’s peaceful and uncrowded.
• It’s active without feeling like exercise.
• It’s immersive, letting you feel nature, not just observe it.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s healing. These falls are on Arakwal and Bundjalung Country, and every drop of water holds a story. Exploring with respect gives you more than photos—it gives you connection.

The 6 Must-See Waterfalls You Won’t Find in Most Byron Guides

1. Killen Falls – Swim Behind a Curtain of Water

Drive time: 25 mins | Track: Steep & Short | Swim: Yes

This one feels like a movie scene. After a short but slippery trail, you’ll descend into a small basin where water pours over a cliff face into a natural pool. Behind it? A semi-hidden cave you can wade into.

Expect turtles, tree ferns, and if you go early enough—no one else around.

Local tip: Pack grippy shoes and avoid weekends. The cave makes a perfect shady photo spot around 11am when the sun hits the water just right.

2. Minyon Falls – Byron’s Tallest, Most Dramatic Drop

Drive time: 45 mins | Track: Moderate–Hard | Swim: Yes

Minyon plunges 100 metres off a volcanic escarpment and lands in a misty rainforest valley. You can view it from a lookout, or do the 7–9km round trip hike to the base. Either way, the experience is awe-inspiring.

Local tip: Don’t swim here after heavy rain—the pool can become dangerous. Instead, bring a thermos of tea and enjoy the view from the lookout platform.

3. Protestors Falls – A Sacred Walk Through Time

Drive time: 1 hr 10 mins | Track: Easy (boardwalk) | Swim: No

The falls are modest, but the journey is magical. Located in Nightcap National Park, the short boardwalk takes you through Gondwana rainforest—home to the endangered Fleay’s barred frog.

Swimming isn’t permitted, but if you stay past sunset, glow worms light up the forest like fairy lights.

Local tip: Bring a low-powered torch and walk quietly. Night walks are incredible—but be mindful of wildlife.

4. Goonengerry Falls – Your Own Private Plunge Pool

Drive time: 45 mins | Track: Easy | Swim: Yes

Want a waterfall all to yourself? This is your best bet. It’s lesser known, and the access is simple—a short walk to pools that overlook green valley views.

Local tip: Take a fold-out chair and a book. You’ll want to stay longer than you planned.

5. Whian Whian Falls – The Perfect Waterfall for Families

Drive time: 45 mins | Track: Easy | Swim: Yes

Flat walk, shaded areas, safe pools—Whian Whian is ideal for little ones or lazy afternoons. No intense hikes here—just a calming space to swim, picnic, and soak up the forest air.

Local tip: Bring lunch and a hat—there’s not much shade on the water, but the tree lines are perfect for setting up camp.

6. Hanging Rock Falls – Cliff Jumps, Dogs Welcome

Drive time: 1 hr 20 mins | Track: Easy | Swim: Yes

More remote than the others, Hanging Rock is a deeper plunge pool near Nimbin, popular for safe(ish) cliff jumps and its pet-friendly policy.

Local tip: Be respectful—part of the land is privately owned. Ask locals about access points and always take your rubbish with you.

The Best Basecamp for Your Waterfall Adventures: Broken Head Holiday Park

Just 10 minutes from Byron Bay’s centre, Broken Head Holiday Park is an eco-conscious beachfront haven that places you within an hour of every waterfall above.

It’s not your average campground—it’s Aboriginal-owned, deeply connected to the land, and designed for travellers who want authenticity, calm, and a bit of barefoot luxury.

Here’s why this is the place to stay:

• Unbeatable location between beach, bush, and hinterland
• Powered and unpowered campsites, deluxe cabins, and glamping options
• Eco-ethos with an emphasis on sustainability and cultural integration
• Direct beach access and rainforest trailheads from your cabin door
• Rich cultural storytelling being built into the updated website and onsite experiences

Stay here, and you’re not just close to the waterfalls—you’re immersed in the same natural and cultural energy that defines them.

Need-to-Know: When and How to Visit the Waterfalls

Best Seasons

• September to December: Best flow, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds.
• January to February: Hotter and wetter—good for swimming but leeches are more active.
• May to August: Quiet and peaceful, but some falls slow down and swimming is cold.

Waterfall Gear Checklist

• Sturdy hiking shoes or trail sandals
• Quick-dry towel and swimmers
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen + hat
• Light backpack with snacks and 2L water
• Reusable containers and rubbish bags
• Offline maps (download AllTrails or Google Maps areas in advance)

3-Day Itinerary: Chase the Falls, Then Chase the Sunset

Day 1 – Welcome to Waterfall Country

• Check in to Broken Head Holiday Park
• Drive to Killen Falls for a swim and turtle spotting
• Grab takeaway from Lennox Head or return for a BBQ at camp
• Evening beach walk and early night under the stars

Day 2 – Minyon + Protestors

• Pack an early breakfast and head to Minyon Falls
• Hike to the base or enjoy the lookout and picnic
• Drive to Protestors Falls for a rainforest wander and glow worm walk
• Return late, shower, sleep like a log

Day 3 – Your Choice: Chill or Cliff Jump

• For families: head to Whian Whian or Goonengerry
• For thrill-seekers: Hang Rock Falls for cliff jumps
• Wrap up your day with one last swim at Broken Head Beach and a sunset sit

Need a Bite? Best Hinterland Pit Stops

You’ll need fuel—both for the car and for your belly. Here are a few locals’ favourites:

• Harvest, Newrybar – fancy-but-worth-it brunch with a garden vibe
• The Farm, Ewingsdale – kid-friendly, big portions, and local produce
• Woods, Bangalow – tucked away café for coffee and baked goods
• Nimbin Bakery – colourful and quirky stop en route to Hanging Rock

Respect the Land: A Quick Word on Cultural Sensitivity

These waterfalls rest on land with thousands of years of Aboriginal history. The Arakwal people, Traditional Owners of Broken Head and Byron Bay, invite visitors to explore responsibly and respectfully.

Ways to show respect:

• Acknowledge Country as you enter—silently or aloud
• Stick to tracks and don’t disturb native wildlife
• Avoid swimming in sacred or restricted areas
• Learn the stories behind the land when possible

Final Thoughts: Waterfall Dreams and Wild Escapes

Byron Bay is beautiful—but the real beauty lies in what most people miss. Hidden plunge pools. Rainforest paths. Sunset hikes back to the car. Campfire chats at Broken Head. It’s all waiting.

So chase the waterfalls. Stay somewhere special. And take home more than photos—take home stories.

Book your stay at Broken Head Holiday Park now, and let your waterfall adventure begin.