There’s train spotting, storm chasing and then there’s waterfall chasing. Australia is home to some absolutely amazing waterfalls and the Northern Rivers region of Australia features some of the most impressive in the country.
I’m an outdoor gal and love nothing more that taking the family on a new adventure to explore the natural beauty of our great land. Luckily for me, we live on the outskirts of the NSW Hinterland and can go to any or all of these gorgeous waterfalls in the Northern Rivers anytime we like.
Let me share a few of my favourites with you.
MINYON FALLS LOOKOUT (NIGHTCAP NATIONAL PARK)
Minyon Falls is located on the outskirts of Nightcap National Park and is perfect for a day trip or quick visit to take in the sights. There are picnic areas, walking tracks and BBQ’s perfect for families and a lookout that embraces a simply stunning view of untouched rain forests as far as the eye can see.
ACCESS: Easy – accessible via car.
COST: Free.
Minyon Falls
PROTESTORS FALLS (NIGHTCAP NATIONAL PARK)
While you’re at Nightcap National Park, it’s worth jumping across to check out Protestors Falls. It’s a lovely opportunity to hop out of the car and go for a bit of a bush walk on a track that is considered fairly easy to navigate, so ideal for families looking for a bit of fun. The track is a pleasant 1.4km round trip which will take you through some serene forests leading to the falls.
ACCESS: Easy. Moderate fitness level is required for the walking track.
COST: Free
Protestor Falls
Protestor Falls Scenery
KILLEN FALLS (TINTENBAR NSW)
Located about 20 minutes from Ballina, Killen Falls are a must see if you are in the region. Surrounded by lush green foliage, you will feel like you have escaped to your own hidden little piece of paradise.
ACCESS: Easy – accessible via car. Parking is limited.
COST: Free
Killen Falls
CURTIS FALLS (TAMBORINE NATIONAL PARK)
Located in the Queensland region of Mt Tamborine is the Curtis Falls walking track which will take you to a picturesque waterfall and rock pools. Curtis Falls are very popular and a great family day out where a bit of adventure can be had. Kids can be on the look out for the resident lyrebirds, turtles and fish in the rock pools while you enjoy the peaceful walk in the mountain fresh air. Oh, and did we mention the region famous tea houses and cafes located at the start of the tracks to top off the trip?
ACCESS: Easy access via car. Moderate fitness level required as track bush walking is required to access the falls with some stepping stones over rock pools. Track is approximately 2km round trip.
COST: Free
Curtis Falls
Curtis Falls Walking Track
WHIAN WHIAN FALLS (DUNOON – WHIAN WHIAN CONSERVATION AREA)
If you’re looking for a secret hideaway that is perfect for cooling off on a warm summer’s day, then Whian Whian Falls are worth a look. Tucked away off Whian Whian Road you will find an oasis of rock pools and a waterfall that is perfect for swimming or relaxing with a good book.
ACCESS: Easy
COST: Free
LIP FALLS – DENHAM SCENIC RESERVE WATERFALLS (BEECHMONT)
If it’s another swimming spot that’s a little quieter and less known that you’re looking for then Denham Scenic Reserve is a good choice. The swimming hole is located along Back Creek and is around a 3km round trip walk. There are some tricky areas to navigate as you get down into the gully, but seclusion is almost guaranteed. It is a great spot for families, but young kids need to be supervised as some paths take you along the gorge itself.
ACCESS: Moderate – Some walking involved.
COST: Free
Lip Falls
HELL HOLE FALLS – MT JERUSALEM NATIONAL PARK
After a bit of a challenge? The Hell Hole Falls is for you, if you can find the track to get there! Located in Mt Jerusalem National Park just near the little town if Uki, Hell Hole Falls (ironically named) is an ancient wonder that gives new meaning to a secret swim. The walk is around 5km round trip through hilly terrain, so it’s not the easiest of walks, but the reward at the end is well worth it. Oh, and apparently the water is a super hair conditioner that last for weeks, so might just be worth the trek for that alone!
ACCESS: Moderate – not overly easy to find, this blogger gives a great description.
COST: Free
DALWOOD FALLS (ALSTONVILLE)
Another popular swimming hole with the locals, Dalwood Falls is spectacular in every sense of the word. The refreshing water of the cascading waterfall will every bit quench the summer heat. The easy 15 minute walk to get to the falls makes it family friendly as well. A little point to note, there is a ‘No Entry’ sign along the road leading to the walking track, this is for legal reasons as there have been accidents from people jumping into the hole. The falls are also located on private property.
ACCESS: Easy
Cost: Free
Dalwood Falls
OTHER NOTABLE MENTIONS IN AND AROUND ALSTONVILLE AND UKI
Tosha Falls: Popular with the locals and thanks to work put in by Ballina council, Tosha falls can be viewed and swum in. Just 5 mins from the Alstonville CBD and a short 5 minute walk and you’re at the waterhole and falls.
Marom Falls: This one is a bit different in that you walk through a paddock that is actually private property to access the falls. The walk will take you about 15 minutes, but the waterhole is perfect for swimming with the falls cascading down from the ledge. Marom Falls are located in the small town of Rous.
Elabana Falls: Located in Lamington National Park, Elabana Falls is popular with photographers with it’s multitude of falls all gathering in the one place. The walk is about 3.5km each way, and while it is lengthy, it’s not too difficult. But looking at that picture, it’s well worth the trek.
Do you have any waterfalls in the Northern Rivers Hinterland region that we’ve missed in our list? We’d love you to share them in the comments.
Happy exploring!
This post is so beautiful to look at – your photos are absolutely stunning. Waterfalls just bring me peace! <3 Love it!
OMW, those waterfalls are stunning. Both Curtis Falls and Protestor Falls looks like a fairy tale places. I could just get lost there
This post once again proves how amazingly beautiful Australia is. I HAVE to get there one day.
Wow! What a beautiful looking place 🙂 I’ve not been to Australia yet, but it’s definitely on the bucket list! When would you recommend as the best time of year to go? X
I can’t get enough of all the mind blowing scenery. wow!!! A must see for sure!
These waterfalls are beautiful! It looks like Australia is the perfect place to do some hiking! We love getting out and enjoying nature.
These are so beautiful! This is a great guide when visiting Australia.
Wow, those water falls spots are really beautiful. It only proves how beautiful this country is and how amazing the God works.
Im sure that Australia has a lot to offer in terms of Nature! Still it is not in my list but I wish I could travel there soon!
this place looks incredible! I need to visit Australia asap. There are too many spots for me to even decide how to narrow it down though!
I love waterfalls! Your post is absolutely amazing guide for waterfall visiting and your pictures rock!
These are so beautiful! Australia has some spectacular waterfalls! Roaring Meg Falls is another one in Northern Australia that’s definitely worth a visit!
I really admire this kind of place look stunning! I also love exploring in this beautiful scenery. Would love to visit there for a vacation.
So many things to love about Australia! It’s really beautiful out there.
This is such a great place to visit
This is a beautiful water fall. Wish I go there one day
How incredible! I’ve never seen on in person but what a incredible trip to take. Australia is beautiful!
these are beautiful waterfalls! i’m sure these pics dont do them justice in person
Oh how beautiful! I have never been to Australia but I would love to go, the views look incredible!!
These look absolutely stunning, I’d love to go to Australia, it’s on my wishlist x
These waterfalls look epic and worth a look when in these places. So picturesque too.
What a great guide! I’m so jealous of all these stunning waterfalls. I hope to visit soon!
These photos are just breathtaking. There’s something about rushing water in beautiful settings that we all love. I hate that I’ve never seen a waterfall in reality!
There is something about waterfalls that I find so relaxing, the ones in the UK are nothing compared to these
I love the sound and appearance of waterfalls. I would love to visit Australia someday!
Wow! those falls look really amazing and truly a must see. Would love to visit that place someday.
These falls are so beautiful and a must visit. Thanks for sharing this helpful guide.