Minyon Falls:

Located in the stunning Nightcap National Park, Minyon falls is, rightfully, Byron’s most famous waterfalls. They plunge more than 100 meters over jagged cliffs to the pools below.

*Please note, that if you are going to swim do not wear sunscreen or deodorants as this can harm the fragile wildlife that lives in these water holes.

Location: Minyon Drive, Nightcap National Park. 45 minutes drive from Bayview Apartments

Hiking options: There a 2 hiking options when visiting Minyon Falls;

1. Minyon Grass Picnic Area: a 2 hour return walk taking you to the base of the falls.
2. Minyon Loop Walking Track: 7.5km return, grade-4 hike winding through the dense rainforest and flowing creeks. Aprox. 4-5 hours.

Both walks include a relatively steep climb. If Hiking isn’t an option, the panoramic views from the lookout are still spectacular and worth a visit. The platform is a 15-minute return walk from the carpark.

Killen Falls:

Location: Killen Falls Drive, Tintenbar. 30 minutes drive from Bayview Apartments

Hiking Options: There are 2 options available for viewing the falls;

1. Viewing Platform: the viewing platform is an easy 700m return walk from the car park.
2. Base: The base of the falls is accessed via a Grade 3, 1km return walk. The track is quite steep in sections and bushwalking experience is recommended.

Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk

Cape Byron State Conservation Area 

Arakwal National Park

Distance: 3.7km

Difficulty: Grade 3 – Medium. The track can be accessed at numerous points to make it shorter and easier with limited paid parking available at certain stages. See map.

Time Suggested: 1-3hrs (full loop)

Cafes: There are 2 cafes that provide perfect rest stops along the way; The Pass Café-located at The Pass and Cape Byron Lighthouse Café-located at the lighthouse.

Lookouts: Offering unbeatable views, the lookouts on the way to the lighthouse are not to be missed. Be sure to stop at Captain Cook’s Lookout & Fisherman’s Lookout. (see map)

Picnic Spots: There are multiple picnic spots along the way- Captain’s Cook Lookout, The Pass, Wategos Beach and The Lighthouse. (See map)

Parking: There is 1-hour maximum parking at the lighthouse car park for $8.00. There is 1-hour maximum parking for $4.00 at the lower lighthouse car parks. There is 4hour parking at Wategos and The Pass for $4.00per hour. There is unlimited parking at Clarke’s Beach for $4.00per hour (capped at $20.00 for all day parking).

Other Information: As it is a National Park, the lighthouse is non-smoking and pets/domestic animals are not allowed (service animals excluded). There are toilets located at various stages along the track (see map). The Maritime Museum (former Lighthouse Keeper’s office) is open 10am-4pm daily.

Directions:

From Bayview Apartments, you can either follow the road or the beach towards the lighthouse.

If following the beach, walk along Main Beach, past Clarkes Beach, to The Pass. At The Pass walk off the beach and follow the track to the lighthouse- it will be well signed. You will pass Wategos’ Beach before climbing the stairs to the lighthouse.

If following the road, turn right out of Bayview and follow the path found across the road. Continue on this path, along Lighthouse road, following the signs to Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Arakwal National Park – long and short loop

Arakwal National Park is located approximately 2km south east of Byron Bay. It includes a stunning stretch of sandy beaches bordered by over 180 hectares of coastal heath- full of native wildlife. Just below Cape Byron Lighthouse, Arakwal National Park offers the perfect alternative to busy Byron.

1. Long Loop: The trails begins at Cosy Corner carpark and ends at Tallows Beach carpark. The 9.2km (around 2 hours) trail includes beach, road and bush tracks and offers stunning coastal views, beautiful beach and creekscapes. Follow Tallow beach before venturing inland at Tallow Creek and then through the rainforest.
2. Short Loop: The 2.6km loop begins and ends at the Arakwal National Park entrance on Pacific Vista Drive. It takes approx. 1 hour trekking through the rainforest and includes the beach, bush track and road and offers great vantage points along the way.

Protestors Falls:

Nightcap National Park

Named for the 1970s Terenia Creek protests which saved this part of the pristine rainforest, Protestors falls reside in the ranges of Nightcap National Park. The World Heritage Listed Walking Track weaves through the magnificent landscape before arriving at the waterfall and a beautiful picnic area.

Location: Terania Creek Road, Nightcap National Park, The Channon. 1hr 20mins drive from Bayview Apartments.

Hiking Options: The Protestors Falls walking track is 1.4km return and takes approx. 1.5hrs. The track is an easy grade 3, ideal for families.