Killen Falls on Emigrant Creek is a 15-minute drive from Ballina via Tintenbar, or a half-hour drive from Byron Bay via Bangalow and Newrybar. Once there, enjoy the swim.
The most famous waterfall in the Northern Rivers region near Byron Bay is Minyon Falls in the Nightcap National Park. But it is by no means the only waterfall worth seeing. Further south, nearer Ballina, the pool at the bottom of Killen Falls offers one of the most beautiful swimming holes in the Northern Rivers.
Surrounded by one of the few remaining patches of Big Scrub rainforest, Killen Falls is formed by Emigrant Creek plunging 10 metres over cave-like rocks.
Walk to Killen Falls
The walk to the Killen Falls lookout is an easy one. From the car park, a 660-metre return path leads straight to the lookout. However, if you’re coming here, chances are you want to get to the pool at the bottom of Killen Falls.
This is a bit trickier. The walk to the base of Killen Falls is rated as a grade 3 walk — it’s steep and tricky in parts. The walk is only 1km return, but you need to watch your footing.
Once there, however, you can get in the water. The pool at Killen Falls is pretty shallow, so you need to get fairly close to the falls themselves to be able to swim properly. The other option is to walk into the cave behind the falls, and watch Emigrant Creek pour over in front of your eyes.
8 great things to do in Byron Bay
- Experience the region’s glorious natural landscapes from above – on a hot air balloon ride.
- Go kayaking with dolphins – and get much closer to them than on a boat tour 🐬.
- Learn to surf – on a half day surf lesson 🏄♀️.
- Discover the local secrets – let a guide show you the hidden beaches and waterfalls 🏖️.
- Go on a three habitat wildlife safari – spotting koalas, kangaroos and flying foxes 🐨🦘.
- See glowworms light up the World Heritage-listed rainforest.
- Explore the Byron Bay hinterland – including the rainforest walk to Minyon Falls.
- Taste craft beers and spirits – on a tour of Byron’s breweries and distilleries 🍻.
- Also try… Skydives | Sea-kayaking | Whale-watching.
Driving to Killen Falls
Killen Falls is around half an hour’s drive from Byron Bay. Take the Bangalow Road, then turn south onto the Hinterland Way at the Pacific Motorway junction. Turn west onto Brooklet Road at Newrybar, then south down Friday Hut Road at Brooklet.
Friday Hut Road follows Emigrant Creek, but at the southern end, turn east onto Killen Falls Drive. The car park can be found here, but space is limited.
From Ballina, it’s a 15-minute drive to Killen Falls. Head to Tintenbar, then join the Friday Hut Road going north.
Killen Falls: key visitor information
Note that the managing authority (Ballina Shire Council) advises that swimming is not recommended due to variable water quality. Assess conditions on arrival before entering the water. The car park is very small — arrive early on weekends and holidays.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| What are the opening hours of Killen Falls? | Always open. Dawn to dusk access recommended. |
| How much does it cost to visit Killen Falls? | Free. Entry and parking are both free. |
| Where is Killen Falls? | 38 Killen Falls Drive, Tintenbar NSW 2478. Approximately 14km north-west of Ballina (around 20 minutes) and 30 minutes from Byron Bay. |
| Is there parking at Killen Falls? | Yes, but very limited. A small car park is available at the trailhead on Killen Falls Drive. Parking on the grass verge or road is strictly prohibited and is patrolled by rangers. Arrive early, especially on weekends and school holidays. |
| What facilities are at Killen Falls? | Toilets (including wheelchair-accessible facilities) and rubbish bins are at the car park. There are no facilities at the falls themselves. A viewing platform is located at the falls. |
| Is the walk to Killen Falls suitable for families? | The walk to the lookout (660m return, flat path) is suitable for families with children. The walk to the base of the falls (1km return, grade 3) is steep and requires sturdy footwear and careful footing — not recommended for young children. |
| Is Killen Falls wheelchair accessible? | The car park has wheelchair-accessible toilets and priority parking. There is no wheelchair access to the falls or the base of the gorge. |
| Is it safe to swim at Killen Falls? | Swimming is possible but not recommended by Ballina Shire Council due to variable water quality. If swimming, note that the pool is shallow (1–2 metres maximum depth), and footing is unsteady on the rocks. |
| When is the best time to visit Killen Falls? | Visit in the morning, as the falls are in shadow by mid to late afternoon. The falls flow year-round, fed by Emigrant Creek Dam, with flows typically higher from November to February. |
| Are dogs allowed at Killen Falls? | Check with Ballina Shire Council for current rules on dogs in the reserve. |
Things to do near Killen Falls, Tintenbar
Minyon Falls, Nightcap National Park – The most famous waterfall in the Northern Rivers, around 45 minutes from Killen Falls. A 200-metre plunge waterfall surrounded by subtropical rainforest, with a challenging but spectacular walk to the base.
Bangalow – A charming hinterland village around 20 minutes from Killen Falls, with boutique shops, cafés and a popular Sunday market making it a good stop on the drive from Byron Bay.
Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head – Around 15km east of Killen Falls, this freshwater tea-tree lake is one of only a handful in the world. The natural tannins give the water its distinctive amber colour and make it naturally antibacterial — an excellent safe-swimming alternative to Killen Falls.
Byron Bay – Around 30 minutes from Killen Falls, Byron Bay offers ocean beaches, the Cape Byron headland walk and a wide range of cafés and restaurants for a post-waterfall meal.
Lennox Head – A small coastal town around 20 minutes east of Killen Falls, known for its long surf beach, a resident pod of dolphins and a generally quieter, more laid-back atmosphere than Byron Bay.
More New South Wales travel
Other New South Wales travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Why Ballina is more than just a gateway town for Byron Bay.
- Byron Bay beach guides: Wategos Beach, Tallow Beach, Broken Head Beach and Whites Beach.
- Cape Byron Lighthouse visitor guide: Including crucial parking information and the Cape Byron Walking Track.
- Crystal Castle near Byron Bay: Practical visitor guide.
- Planning a visit to the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour.
