Minyon Falls walk; Length, lookout, swimming and tours
The full Minyon Falls walk in Nightcap National Park, NSW, is 13km long. But you can just go half way to swim in the pool at the base of the falls, or stop at the Minyon Falls Lookout on a tour from Byron Bay.
Minyon Falls is one of the most spectacular – and most visited – waterfalls in the Northern Rivers region of northern New South Wales.
This Australian waterfall is inside Nightcap National Park near Byron Bay. It is formed by Repentance Creek plunging around 100 metres off a cliff.
The Minyon Falls walk is a good challenge for anyone wishing to swap the Byron Bay beaches for the rainforest.
How long is the Minyon Falls walk?
It’s not the hardest walk in the world, but the Minyon Falls walk stretches for 13km. You should budget around three to four hours to complete the walk, and check out the map provided by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Minyon Falls walking track links the Minyon Falls Picnic Area to the Minyon Grass Picnic Area. It passes through a whole lot of rainforest on the way, with short steep climbs and plenty of steps. The walk is regarded as Grade 3, which equates to moderately difficult. Most people with a reasonable fitness level should be able to complete it without too much difficulty.
Can you swim in the Minyon Falls pool?
The pool at the bottom of Minyon Falls is the main goal, and that comes about half way through the winding walk from either picnic area. It is very hard to resist a swim in the pool once there. Swimming at Minyon Falls is allowed but not encouraged. It is crocodile-free as the location is too high for the crocs to reach.
Minyon Falls Lookout
Of course, the highlight of this walk is arguably the Minyon Falls Lookout. And if all you want is a good view of one of Australia’s most beautiful waterfalls, it is pointless doing the entire 13km walk. Just rock up to the car park at the Minyon Falls picnic area and take the short walk to the lookout.
If you don’t have your own transport, the best way to get to Minyon Falls is on a Byron Bay hinterland tour. You can also get the best of both worlds, combining Minyon Falls with a Byron Bay surf lesson.
Other Nightcap National Park tours include after-dark walks using night vision goggles.
8 amazing Byron Bay experiences worth booking today
- Experience the region’s glorious natural landscapes from above – on a hot air balloon ride.
- Go kayaking with dolphins – and get much closer to them than on a boat tour 🐬.
- Learn to surf – on a half day surf lesson 🏄♀️.
- Discover the local secrets – let a guide show you the hidden beaches and waterfalls 🏖️.
- Go on a three habitat wildlife safari – spotting koalas, kangaroos and flying foxes 🐨🦘.
- See glowworms light up the World Heritage-listed rainforest.
- Explore the Byron Bay hinterland – including the rainforest walk to Minyon Falls.
- Taste craft beers and spirits – on a tour of Byron’s breweries and distilleries 🍻.
- Also try… Skydives | Sea-kayaking | Whale-watching.
Minyon Falls accommodation
Most people visiting Minyon Falls and Nightcap National Park stay in Byron Bay. But there are some closer accommodation options.
These include glamping at Luxury Tee Pee Byron Bay and Valleydale Cottage in Goonengerry.
Other waterfalls worth visiting in the Northern Rivers region include Killen Falls, which you can drop by on the drive from Ballina to Byron Bay.
More New South Wales travel
Go surfing at One Mile Beach in Forster.
How much does the Griffith to Sydney train cost?
Go whale-watching in Newcastle.
Detour to the Green Cape Lighthouse on the drive from Mallacoota to Eden.
Go kayaking and camping at Dunns Swamp near Mudgee.