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The Best Hikes Around Byron Bay for Epic Views & Waterfalls

3rd Nov 2025
Written by:
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
  • Bird's eye view of the Cape Byron walk

If you’ve spent more time horizontal on Wategos Beach than vertical on a trail, this is your sign to lace up and earn that post-hike smoothie. Byron’s not just about surf breaks and sunrise swims—it’s surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping trails in the country, where ocean cliffs, waterfalls and misty hinterland peaks all play nice within an hour’s drive.

We’ve done the legwork (literally) to find the best hikes around Byron Bay—these are Urban List's top picks. 

How we choose: Instagram worthy hikes that are short-but-rewarding, quad and hammy burners, and conveniently close to coffee.

The Best Byron Bay Hikes At A Glance

Jump to:

Coastal Classics With Ocean Views

Cape Byron Track

Byron

A group of surfers on The Pass along the Cape Byron Track
Image credit: Byron Bay NSW | Instagram

If you only have time for one Byron hike, make it this one. The 3.7km loop around Cape Byron is a local rite of passage—start from Clarkes Beach or Wategos to skip the $10/hr Lighthouse parking. The trail winds through lush rainforest, open grassland, and beachside cliffs, finishing at the iconic lighthouse—the most easterly point of mainland Australia.

You’ll pass bangalow palms, ancient burrawangs, and enough ocean lookouts to fill your camera roll. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles, and whales during migration season, and allow around two hours if you plan on stopping for photos—or just to catch your breath. It’s graded moderate, but the views make every step worth it.

Insider intel:
  • Hit the track early or at golden hour for cooler temps and lighter crowds. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and mozzie spray—the subtropics don’t mess around.
Post-Hike Reward:
  • Head straight to Beach Byron Bay for a coffee and pastry, or cool off with a dip at The Pass.

Broken Head Nature Reserve

Broken Head

Broken head nature reserve
Image credit: Broken Head Holiday Park | Instagram

If the Byron Lighthouse walk feels a little too seen, head a few minutes south to Broken Head Nature Reserve, where rainforest meets raw coastline and the crowds thin out. This low-key gem serves up lush rainforest trails, pristine beaches, and a living connection to Aboriginal culture—without the car park chaos.

The Three Sisters walking track is the main event here, leading you through shaded forest alive with bird calls before opening onto a jaw-dropping lookout over the headland and beach below. 

Insider intel:
  • Don't forget to bring swimmers and snacks—this spot is made for lazy picnics, fishing sessions, and whale watching from the headland (sea eagles often put on a show, too).
Post-Hike Reward:

Ballina Shire Coastal Recreation Path

Ballina

An oceanside walking path in BallinaImage credit: Discover Ballina | Instagram

For those who prefer their hikes with a side of salt spray, the Ballina Shire Coastal Recreation Path delivers 11.7km of pure seaside bliss. This point-to-point trail links Ballina to Lennox Head along seven stunning beaches, with around 134m of elevation gain and an easy-going 2.5–3-hour walking time depending on how often you stop for photos—or swims.

The highlight? The Aboriginal Cultural Ways section—a thoughtful, beautifully designed stretch featuring 22 interpretive panels that share stories, language, and history through vivid artwork and five key themes: Welcome and Significance of Place, Historical Events, Cultural Stories, Landscape Features, and Language. 

Insider intel:
  • Check surf conditions before heading out, as big swells can make certain beach sections tricky. 
Post-Hike Reward:
  • Finish strong with a swim at Seven Mile Beach and a smoothie or fish taco at The Lennox Hotel or Shelter—the perfect payoff after a few sandy kilometres.

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Waterfall & Rainforest Escapes

Minyon Falls Lookout Loop

Nightcap National Park

A cascading waterfall at Minyon Falls
Image credit: Paul Stephen | Instagram

If you want the drama of Minyon Falls without committing to the full 13km trek, the recently refurbished lookout loop is your go-to. This 4km circuit packs in rainforest magic, misty escarpment views, and a chance to cool off with swimming access at the base—all within a few easy hours.

Set in Nightcap National Park, the trail meanders through lush subtropical forest before revealing sweeping views of the 100m falls cascading over ancient rhyolite cliffs. The new lookout platform gives you a front-row seat to the spectacle (and a solid photo op), while the shaded picnic spots nearby make for the ideal post-hike recovery.

Insider intel:
  • The track reopens after rain but can be slippery, so check NSW National Parks alerts before heading out. 
Post-Hike Reward:

Protesters Falls

Nightcap National Park

A waterfall at Protesters Falls
Image credit: Visit NSW | Website

Tucked deep in Nightcap National Park, the Protesters Falls Walking Track is short, serene, and steeped in history. This 1.4km return walk takes around an hour, leading you through World Heritage-listed rainforest to a breathtaking waterfall surrounded by ancient trees, lush palms, and the sound of running water.

Named after the famous Terania Creek protests of the late 1970s (which saved this pristine patch of rainforest from logging) the trail is as much about conservation as it is about beauty. 

Elevated boardwalks and gentle gradients make it family-friendly, and the rainforest canopy keeps things cool even on warm days. Keep an eye out for rose-crowned fruit doves, pademelons, and the rare Fleay’s barred frog hiding among the creek beds (look, don’t touch).

Insider intel:
  • Avoid after heavy rain as the area can flood temporarily, and bring binoculars if you’re into birdwatching. Pair it with a picnic at Terania Creek picnic area just down the road.
Post-Hike Reward:

Goonengerry Waterfalls Loop

Goonengerry National Park

Goonengerry Waterfalls Loop
Image credit: Tweed Heads Photography | Instagram

Hidden just 40 minutes from Byron, this 10.5km circuit weaves through Goonengerry National Park, a lesser-known pocket of wilderness that rewards those willing to go a little off-grid. The trail takes about 2.5 hours to complete, mostly along fire trails, with 364m of elevation gain—so it’s a decent workout but nothing too wild. The park itself spans just over 500 hectares and sees very few visitors, meaning you’ll likely have it (and the soundtrack of birds and running water) all to yourself.

Starting from the Garrong Road car park, take the loop anti-clockwise along the North Boundary Trail—it’s the smarter move, getting the uphill sections out of the way early so you can coast into the waterfall zone later. The track rolls through dense native bush, opening occasionally to sweeping valley views before delivering the real payoff: two “infinity” waterfalls cascading dramatically into the forest below.

Insider intel:
  • The trail isn’t heavily marked, so keep an eye on your map and watch your footing—things get soggy during the wet season.
Post-Hike Reward:
  • Roll into Federal for a refuel at Moonshine Coffee, an espresso bar with a curated range of beans. 

Unicorn Falls Walking Track

Mount Jerusalem National Park

A waterfall and swimming hole along the Mount Jerusalem Trail
Image credit: NSW Parks | Website

Tucked away in the hinterland just an hour from Byron Bay, the Unicorn Falls Walking Track is one of Mount Jerusalem National Park’s most enchanting hidden pathways. This 4.2km return trail offers a serene bushwalk through a mix of tall eucalypt forest and lush subtropical rainforest.

The trail gently climbs and dips as it winds through the forest, crossing a few small creeks before leading you to Unicorn Falls—a peaceful waterfall tucked beneath the canopy. The falls are at their best in summer and after rain, when the water flows strongest. 

Insider intel:
  • The drive is an adventure in itself—expect winding hinterland roads, lush canopy tunnels, and zero phone signal.
Post-Hike Reward:
  • Roll into the charming village of Uki and visit Village & Co for a feed. Known for all-day breakfast and lunch, this café serves up fresh, locally-sourced fare with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

Hinterland Hidden Gems

Byan Yangala Loop

Whian Whian State Conservation Area

Green-blue pools at Byan Yangala Loop Walk
Image credit: NSW Parks | Website

Tucked within the lush Whian Whian State Conservation Area, just a short drive from Byron Bay, the Byan Yangala Loop (meaning “day walk”) is one of the region’s most underrated rainforest hikes. This 6.5km circuit takes around 2–3 hours and offers a peaceful escape through some of the most pristine sections of Gondwana rainforest, with a mix of wet and dry eucalypt forest, ferny gullies, and trickling creeks.

Starting from Rummery Park campground, follow the loop clockwise for a quieter experience and plenty of time to soak up the stillness. You’ll cross creeks echoing with Fleay’s barred frogs, look up to towering rainforest giants, and catch glimpses of the distant coastline and Snows Gully Nature Reserve. It’s an easy-to-love walk, ideal for birdwatchers, nature photographers, or anyone chasing Byron’s greener side.

Insider intel:
  • Creek crossings are handled via duckboards and stepping stones, which can get slippery when wet, and after heavy rain you might need to wade through shallow water. 
Post-Hike Reward:
  • Head to Nimbin (about 20 minutes away) for a laid-back lunch and stroll through the ecclectic town centre. 

Mount Jerusalem Trails

Mount Jerusalem National Park

Mt jerusalem from above
Image credit: NSW Parks | Website

For a true taste of the Byron hinterland (minus the crowds and kombucha queues) head inland to Mount Jerusalem National Park, about a 50-minute drive from town. Crisscrossed with trails that wind through tall eucalypt forest, subtropical rainforest, and along shady creek lines, Mount Jerusalem is a sanctuary for native wildlife and a dream for hikers and nature lovers alike.

After your walk, find a quiet creek or waterfall to cool off beside—many of the trails lead to refreshing natural pools that feel worlds away from the bustle of the coast. The park connects easily to nearby trails like Unicorn Falls, Hell Hole Falls, and Goonengerry National Park, making it perfect for a full day of exploring.

Insider intel:
  • Conditions can change fast, so check NSW National Parks alerts before setting out, and bring water, snacks and proper shoes—the terrain shifts from easy forest strolls to steep scrambles. 
Post-Hike Reward:
  • Make the short drive to Uki and refuel at Mavis Kitchen, a hinterland institution serving fresh, farm-to-plate meals with sweeping views of Mount Warning/Wollumbin. 

Boggy Creek Walk

Whian Whian State Conservation Area

Hikers walk through the Whian Whian State Conservation Area
Image credit: Visit NSW | Website

If you’re after a rainforest stroll with bonus swim stops, the Boggy Creek Walk in the Whian Whian State Conservation Area ticks every box. This 4km return track links Rummery Park campground with Minyon Falls, winding through a dreamy stretch of blackbutt forest, water gums, and brushbox before following the gentle flow of Boggy Creek itself.

It’s a Grade 3 trail that takes around 1–2 hours, perfect for families or anyone who wants a mellow wander without missing out on Byron’s lush hinterland beauty. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of shaded picnic spots and natural swimming holes—ideal for cooling off mid-hike.

Finish your walk with a detour to Minyon Falls lookout, where Repentance Creek plunges 100 metres over dramatic volcanic cliffs, or head back toward Rummery Park for a snack under the trees.

Insider intel:
  • After rain, the pools are at their best but the track can get muddy, so wear decent shoes.
Post-Hike Reward:
  • Stop by The Channon Tavern for a well-earned pub lunch and a cold drink on the deck—it’s the quintessential hinterland cool-down after a dip and a wander.

Main image credit: Byron Bay NSW | Instagram

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