Almost everyone visits Minyon Falls from Byron Bay. You can access the falls from two areas: the Minyon Falls Lookout is a modern platform by the top of the falls, while the quieter Minyon Grass picnic area sits near the base of the falls. The Minyon Falls Walking Track connects the two sites and continues into the rainforest. If you don’t fancy self-driving or prefer to hike with a guide, several Byron Bay hinterland tours visit the falls.
Minyon Falls is a great choice for photographers and nature lovers.
Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes if you plan on hiking the Minyon Falls Walking Track.
Bring drinking water and anything you’d like to eat.
There's no charge to visit the falls.
If you just want to admire the view and grab some shots, 15 minutes at Minyon Falls Lookout is enough. Hiking the Minyon Falls Walking Track loop takes around half a day.
Minyon Falls Lookout and Minyon Grass have accessible parking and picnicking, wheelchair-friendly bathrooms. Minyon Fall also has barrier-free access to the lookout itself.
Minyon Falls is in Nightcap National Park, about a 25-mile (40-kilometer) drive inland from Byron Bay, via the Coolamon Scenic Drive. You might want to budget time for some extra stops if driving—the road is as scenic as its name suggests. There’s no public transit, so you’ll need to self-drive or join a tour.
Weather is the key to experiencing Minyon Falls. At dry times of year (August and September) or when there hasn’t been rain for a while, the falls can slow to an underwhelming trickle; after heavy rain, the force of the water can be too much to approach the base of the falls.
Nightcap National Park is home to roaring waterfalls, glow-worm caves, and UNESCO World Heritage–listed rainforest—it’s one of about 50 different areas protected under the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia designation. But there’s more to Byron Bay’s hinterland than nature alone. Nimbin and Mullumbimby compete for the title of epicenter of Australia’s hippie movement; the village of Federal is home to the Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens; while historic small towns like Bangalow beckon travelers.
