Minyon Falls is an iconic landmark in the area. It’s one of those ‘things you can’t miss when in Byron Bay’.
There are a few ways to see the falls. You can drive to Minyon Falls picnic area and take the short walk to the viewing platform beside the falls, or alternatively drive to Minyon Grass which has a great vantage point of the falls from a distance, or both!
For those who like a bit of a challenge the walk to the base of the falls makes a great day hike. My favourite way to do this walk is as a loop starting from Minyon picnic area. It’s only 7.5km but takes 4-5 hours to complete as there is a lot of climbing and ascending along steep sections. You need to be relatively fit to do this walk and a good pair of sturdy shoes are essential. It will work you out but is well worth the effort. Just make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to finish as the rainforest can get very dark very quickly in the early evening.
The trail to the bottom
From Minyon Falls picnic area and car park walk downhill along the road you drove in and veer right to get to Minyon Grass. From the Minyon Grass Picnic Area head take the marked walking track which switches back on itself as it descends into the valley. The track levels out and reaches Repentence Creek (which flows from the falls plunge pool).
Just before the creek is a path to the right leading upstream to the plunge pool and the base of Minyon Falls. The path eventually peters out and the last section becomes a rock scramble to reach the pool. It is not marked and is easy to miss so ask other walkers for directions if you’re uncertain.
This is a lovely place to take a break, have some lunch and a dip in the pool if you’re brave enough. If you do intend to swim in the plunge pool try to avoid using insect repellent or sunscreen on the walk.
Completing the loop
Retrace your steps over the rocks and back along the creek path to the main walking track. Turn right to cross over the creek and follow the track as it climbs steadily and then steeply uphill through Minyon Falls Flora Reserve. The track zig-zags and at one point offers views of Quandong Falls to the west. When you reach a fork in the track, keep right along the top of the escarpment. This track climbs gradually over 1.5km through large old escarpment trees and offers some views of Minyon Falls. Ignore the left turn for Minyon Fire Break Trail and cross Repentence Creek using the permanent stepping-stones. Here you are crossing the section of creek that gushes over the falls and gathers in the plunge pool that you visited only a few hours earlier. After crossing the creek turn right at the next two forks and follow the path to the viewing platform where you can take in the expansive view and congratulate yourself on completing the trail.
Have fun! And as always if you do the walk be sure to send us some photos.
Photo credit: Sera Wright
