There’s a bounty of beautiful waterfalls near Byron Bay, from tall towering cascades to small pristine swimming holes. With winter behind us and an abundance of recent rain, there’s no better time to get out there and see them roar.

Not sure where to start?

Here are the top five spots to go chasing waterfalls in the Byron hinterland.

Minyon Falls

Cascading 100 metres down cragged rhyolite cliffs, Minyon Falls impresses even the most avid waterfall connoisseur. Visitors can admire the natural spectacle from an easy-accessible viewing platform. Should you fancy a workout, a network of rainforest-shrouded hiking trails leads to the falls. Take the route from Minyon Grass if you’d like to gawk up in wonder from the base.

Like much of the Nightcap National Park, flood damage forced the closure of Minyon Falls. However, given its immense popularity, we expect the site to open again soon.

Protestor Falls

Another classic Nightcap National Park cascade, these small but scenic falls offer a great side trip from Nimbin. From the car park, a family-friendly 20-minute return trail crosses the tranquil Terrania creek before arriving at this magical spot.

While it’s not the most thunderous waterfall in the region, the lush rainforest setting makes the trip thoroughly worthwhile. Leave the togs at home. Swimming is not permitted to protect the endangered Fleay’s barred frog.

The falls owe their name to a passionate group of anti-logging protestors who set up a blockade in the late 70s to save the spectacular site.

Killen Falls

Just 25 minutes from the Byron townsite, this killer Big Scrub cascade offers a popular day trip for waterfall-chasing holidaymakers. Rock up early to snag one of the limited car parks in peak season as the place frequently packs out.

A short and sweet 660-metre return walk leads to the upper platform for an elevated view of the foliage-draped cascade. If you crave a refreshing dip, take the 1km-return route to the base instead.

Marom Creek Falls

Off-the-beaten-track adventures could pencil in a pit stop at Marom Falls, one of the hinterland’s true hidden gems. The pristine swimming hole resides on private property on Dalwood Road. But from all reports, the owners don’t mind visitors popping in for a dip. As always, leave no trace and respect the natural setting.

The falls themselves won’t blow you away, but the swimming hole is about as pretty as they come.

Natural Bridge

The cavernous Natural Bridge is the big-ticket attraction at Springbrook National Park. True to its name, the site features a remarkable rocky bridge formed by a waterfall plunging into the basalt cave. The most mesmerising views can be had from inside the cave when the sun’s golden rays penetrate the chamber.  

An accessible one-kilometre circuit winds through ancient Gondwana rainforest to get you there and away. Swimming isn’t permitted.

Exploring Waterfalls near Byron Bay

All that waterfall chasing would have worked up quite the appetite. Why not crush those hunger pangs on one of our satiating Byron and Tweed Hinterland foodie tours?

We visit the region’s finest farm-to-table restaurants and boutique booze producers in one decadent epicurean adventure.

Image Credit: Aloha Byron Bay via Instagram, This is Byron via Instagram, Katie Jones Images via Instagram, Balcony Byron Bay via Instagram & The Bower Estate via Instagram