Killen Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls close to Byron Bay. The rainforest setting and deep green swimming hole make it easy to see why. If you want to enjoy a little peace and serenity you’ll want to come early in the morning. That’s when you’ll get that out in the wilds feeling.
Here’s everything you need to know about the walk, and the swimming hole.
The Walk to Killen Falls
The walking trail at Killen Falls takes you to a viewpoint over the top of the falls, as well as down to the base. The viewpoint is just 150m from the car park along a well maintained flat gravel path.
The lookout at the top is well worth checking out before you head down to the base. It gives you a good perspective of the whole waterfall as well as the pool below and it’s the best place to take in Killen Falls if you don’t fancy the rocky path to the bottom.
From the lookout to the base of the falls is 400m and the trail changes from a gravel path to a more natural trail.
The last part of the descent does have some tree roots and can get a little slippery if wet, but there’s a handrail so you don’t have to worry about slipping.
Once you’re at the bottom you have a short walk along small rocks to get to the falls.
As with the final part of the descent, the rocky section can also get slippery when wet, but it doesn’t take long to get there (just a few minutes).
You can walk right the way behind the falls, into the large overhang. It offers a great perspective of the falls, and again just watch the slick rocks!
Swimming at Killen Falls
The swimming hole at the falls is a really good size, but the majority of it is very shallow. You’ll need to get quite close to the falls before you won’t be able to touch the bottom and can have a proper swim.
Watch out for some of the larger rocks though, which crop up even as the pool gets steeper and can be a pain if you knock into them.
The rocks in the shallow section can be quite slick so just watch your step as you go. I entered the pool at the shallowest point, the first bit you come to from the walking track, and it took a while to get out to the deeper section. It’s probably better to walk around the pool to the deeper bit (closer to the falls) and get in there instead.
Shallow water aside it’s a gorgeous place for a dip, particularly if you’re visiting after a good dose of recent rain when the falls are incredibly powerful.
The water in summer is cool but not cold, much warmer than the sea! It was perfect even at 6am, when I had expected it to be freezing.
The best time to visit the falls
Killen Falls are incredibly popular and lots of groups turn up with drinks and boom boxes. If that’s not your scene you’ll want to visit very early in the morning if you’re planning a trip on a weekend or during the holidays.
We went at 6am and had it to ourselves until 7am when people started arriving - although we were visiting in the Christmas holidays. We’ve been before outside the holiday season though, and the situation was very similar. You might get away with visiting closer towards sunset, but sunrise is almost always a winner.
If you’re looking for other stunning falls to swim in close to Byron Bay, don’t miss the mighty Minyon Falls, which is over 100m high!
For other amazing things to do in Byron Bay, check out our detailed guide.
Killen Falls essentials
How to get to the falls
Killen Falls are 30km and less than a half an hour drive from Byron Bay, in the hinterland. It’s 14km and a 15 minute drive from Ballina.
The car park is free at the falls, and time is unlimited. It’s a fairly small car park but you can park further down the road if necessary.
Facilities at the falls
There are no facilities at all at Killen Falls, that includes rubbish bins and toilets, so plan accordingly!
Killen Falls tour
If you don’t have your own wheels or would just prefer to take a tour, this one offers a dip in Killen Falls as well as a few other great spots (we’ve been to the places the tour goes to and can vouch they are fab!).
Where to stay in Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a very pricy place to stay, if it is out of your budget we’d recommend staying in the Hinterland, or Ballina. Our preference would be the beautiful hinterland, although Ballina does have lovely beaches.
Byron Springs
Byron Springs has light and airy rooms and modern bathrooms. Brekkie is included and the grounds are really pretty with lots of plants and a swimming pool. It’s a 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive into Byron.
Check out the reviews and prices on:
Lily Pad at Byron Bay - self catering option
Lily Pad is a great option if you’re looking for more space and your own full kitchen. All the decor is modern and stylish and there’s a gorgeous shady deck with BBQ for outdoor dining. It’s a 5 minute drive from Main Beach and the town centre.
Check out the reviews and prices on:
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