From headland jaunts to waterfall forays, we’re covering the best Byron Bay hikes.
Lace up your boots and slather on sunscreen because these gorgeous bushwalks will reacquaint you with the glorious great outdoors. Whether you’re up for a quick townsite hike or a remote rural escapade, there’s an epic trail on this list for you.
Cape Byron Walking Track
Distance: 3.7 km loop
The crème de la crème of Byron Bay walks, this world-famous headland hike traverses cragged cliff tops and lushly forested landscapes.
Highlights include the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse and a lookout at the most easterly point of mainland Australia. Keep a keen eye out for turtles, dolphins, and migrating whales offshore.
Minyon Falls Loop
Distance: 6.8 km return
Winding through the thick rainforest-shrouded escarpments of Nightcap National Park, this rugged track terminates beneath Minyon Falls. Enjoy pristine vistas of old-growth brush box trees and fern-lined creeks along the way.
Not feeling that energetic? A viewpoint near the car park overlooks the thundering cascade. Alternatively (or additionally), check out the other Nightcap classic: Protestors Falls.
Jerusalem Creek Walk
Distance: 10.3km loop
Down in Bundjalung National Park, this scenic three-hour jaunt straddles the tranquil Jerusalem Creek. Craving company? Shorebirds like the pied oystercatcher and beach stone-curlew roost in these birdlife-rich wetlands. At over 10km, this is one of the longer hiking trails near Byron Bay. It’s not rated particularly difficult though, with National Parks NSW giving it a Grade 3 rating.
If you’ve got a kayak handy, give the Jerusalem Creek Paddle Trail a red hot go.
The Pinnacle Walk
Distance: 0.6 km return
The seldom-visited Border Ranges National Park affords epic views of both sides of the state line. And the best place to admire the striking scenes is at the Pinnacle Lookout, where you’ll see millennia-old crater escapements and the volcanic Mount Warning (Wollumbin).
Tackle the easy trail at sunrise to watch the ancient volcano receive Australia’s first rays of the day.
Three Sisters Walking Track (Broken Head)
Distance: 1.6 km
This gentle half-hour stretch meanders through the lush coastal shrubs of Broken Head Nature Reserve.
From dense rainforest to secluded rocky coves and indigenous Dreamtime stories, this short-but-sweet track has it all. Longer variations tempt energetic hikers with more time up their sleeves.
Killen Falls Walking Track
Distance: 1.2 km return
Killen Falls is a killer hinterland cascade that plunges into a refreshing swimming hole. A gentle trail leads to an elevated viewing platform if you just want to gander at the fast-flowing water. But to make the most of your adventure, traverse the rugged track towards the bottom for a swim.
Pro tip: Get in early before the place packs out with boom box-toting day trippers.
Arakwal National Park
Distance: 500-800 metres one way
Separating Byron from the booming surf breaks at Tallow Beach, this stunning protected parkland is steeped in indigenous history.
Easy-going bushwalks like the Milne and Pacific Vista Track slice through the verdant terrain. Head to the tea tree-lined Tallow Creek lagoon to spot colourful bird species like egrets and terns.
All that walking got you hungry?
All that gallivanting around in nature will work up an appetite. So why not treat your tastebuds to a Kiff & Culture gastronomy tour?
We offer a slew of food and drink adventures throughout Byron and Tweed. Featuring gourmet nibbles, tasty tipples, and epic hinterland scenes, they’re an unforgettable way to spend a day in the Northern Rivers region.
Image Credit: Nic Newland via Instagram, Mats Shots via Instagram, Alex McCann via Instagram, Dream Times via Instagram, Places we Swim via Instagram & Its Beautiful Here via Instagram
