There are many beautiful waterfalls to swim and explore in Northern NSW, and one of the best should be on any wild-swimming enthusiast’s bucket list: Whian Whian Falls, located near Nightcap National Park.

If driving through effortlessly beautiful country landscapes to a waterfall sounds like your idea of a fun day out, then keep reading for a quick overview of how to get to the Whian Whian Falls Conservation Area.

The drive from Byron Bay will take about an hour and is clearly marked (to those responsible for this, a sincere thank you from a girl who is geographically challenged at times).

whian whian falls

If you have Google Maps on your smartphone, simply type in the name of the waterfall and it will direct you to the location, along with clear signage on the country roads. If you prefer, you can follow my directions from the nearest town, Dunoon, by driving along the main road out of town known as Dunoon Road and turning onto Whian Whian Road in the direction of Rocky Creek Dam. You will drive over Simes Bridge, which has Rocky Creek running beneath it, and the carpark will be on your left just after the bridge.

When you arrive at the carpark, look for a clearing and a track on your left; follow the fence around until you reach the lookout over the falls. Unless there has been heavy rain in the area, getting down to the swimming hole itself is fairly easy; however, take your descent steadily so that you do not slip over and bruise your backside.

Pack a picnic and plenty of fluids to keep you going so you can enjoy a refreshing swim in these beautiful pools. Remember to take your trash with you, as there are no garbage cans at Whian Whian Falls, so that others can enjoy these beautiful spots as much as you do.

MAP LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS

  1. Head east on Jonson St toward Lawson St
  2. Turn right onto Lawson St
  3. Turn left onto Bay St
  4. Continue straight onto the Pacific Hwy/State Route 1
  5. Turn left onto Dunoon Rd
  6. Turn right onto Whian Whian Rd
  7. Drive over Simes Bridge and the carpark will be on your left just after the bridge.

Alternatively, you can use a GPS navigation system or map app to get to the falls. Simply enter the address or name of the falls and it will provide you with turn-by-turn directions.

The total drive time from Byron Bay to the falls is approximately one hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Suggested day trip itinerary for visiting Whian Whian Falls

9:00 AM: Start your day by grabbing breakfast at a local café in Byron Bay. Some popular options include The Top Shop, Byron Bay Coffee Company, and The Farm Byron Bay.

10:00 AM: After breakfast, head out on the road to Whian Whian Falls. The drive from Byron Bay to the falls takes about one hour.

11:00 AM: Arrive at the falls and spend some time swimming, picnicking, and exploring the area. Don’t forget to bring a picnic and plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated.

1:00 PM: After enjoying the falls, drive back towards Byron Bay and stop for lunch at a local restaurant or café. Some options include The Roadhouse, The Rails, and The Treehouse on Belongil.

2:30 PM: After lunch, continue your drive back to Byron Bay and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the area at your leisure. Consider visiting some of the local beaches or parks, or just spend some time relaxing at your accommodation.

6:00 PM: In the evening, grab dinner at a local restaurant or grab some takeout from a nearby café or bakery. Some options include The Balcony, The Italian, and The Byron Bay Pizza Co.

This is just a suggestion, and you can adjust the itinerary to fit your own interests and schedule. There are many other things to see and do in the area, so be sure to do some research and plan your day accordingly.

Tips for visiting Whian Whian Falls

  1. Pack a picnic and plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated during your visit.
  2. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for swimming and exploring the area.
  3. Be aware that the water can be cold, so you may want to bring a wetsuit or other protective gear if you plan to swim.
  4. Follow all rules and regulations regarding horse riding in the area if you plan to bring your horse.
  5. Take your trash with you when you leave, as there are no garbage cans at the falls.
  6. Stay on designated trails and respect the natural surroundings.
  7. Use caution when swimming and be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty.
  8. Consider bringing insect repellent if you are visiting during peak mosquito season.
  9. Take lots of pictures to capture your memories of this beautiful natural area!

FAQ for visiting Whian Whian Falls

Where is Whian Whian Falls located?
Whian Whian Falls is located near Nightcap National Park and the Byron Bay vision in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia.

How do I get to the falls?
The falls are easily accessible by car. From Dunoon, follow Dunoon Road and turn onto Whian Whian Road in the direction of Rocky Creek Dam. You will drive over Simes Bridge and the carpark will be on your left just after the bridge. If you prefer, you can also use Google Maps to find the location of the falls.

Is there an admission fee to visit the falls?
There is no admission fee to visit Whian Whian Falls.

Are there any facilities at the falls?
There are no facilities at the falls, so be sure to bring everything you need for your visit, including a picnic and plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated. There are also no garbage cans at the falls, so be sure to take your trash with you to help keep the area clean.

Is swimming allowed at the falls?
Yes, swimming is allowed at the falls. However, be aware that the water can be cold and there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk.

Can I bring my horse to the falls?
Yes, the Whian Whian State Conservation Area is a great place for horse riding and there are many trails throughout the region. Just be sure to follow all rules and regulations regarding horse riding in the area.

Is there a designated lookout point at the falls?
Yes, there is a lookout point at the falls where you can get a great view of the falls and the surrounding area. To get to the lookout point, follow the fence around from the carpark until you reach the lookout.

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