The best walks & hikes in Byron Bay
People enjoying a visit to Cape Byron Lighthouse in Byron Bay, North Coast
You’ll find many easy walks along the amazing coastline around Byron Bay. For something more challenging, head west into the Byron Hinterland and its rich range of national parks waiting to be explored.
Sep 2023 -
4
min readThere's no place on the NSW coast exactly like Byron Bay. A longtime favourite escape for Australians from all over the country, Byron Bay is more than a location; it's a state of mind. The local lifestyle places a firm focus on improving physical and mental health, and the many retreats, spas and health food stores are matched by the incredible beauty of the area and an impressive collection of hikes and walks. Check out the best walks and hikes in Byron Bay and find a rewarding route that will help you get the most out of your time up north.
Cape Byron Walking Track
- Distance: 3.7km
- Suggested duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
When you're talking about the best Byron Bay hikes and walks, no list is going to be complete without this signature stroll. The Cape Byron Walking Track has a little bit of everything. And while you can complete the 3.7km loop in a couple hours, why would you ever want to? As with most things in this part of the world, it's better to just leave the watch at home and take your time.
Spend the whole afternoon working your way slowly through the different sections of this walk. You'll have access to wonderful beaches and views of the ocean, walk on cliff tops and through beautiful rain forest, and get a chance to visit the storied Cape Byron Lighthouse. Tackle smaller sections of it with the kids, especially if you want to stop off at a couple of beaches, or break the journey with an organic juice at one of the cafes dotted along the route.
Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay
Minyon Falls Loop
- Distance: 13km
- Suggested duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
About 45 minutes west of Byron Bay, in the lush Byron Hinterland, is a walk that leads to one of NSW's best waterfalls. Minyon Falls plunges 100m through the World Heritage-listed rainforest of Nightcap National Park. It's a Grade 3 track, so there are challenging sections, but you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous greenery at every turn. Pack picnic gear for a refuel at Minyon Grass picnic area or the scenic Minyon Falls lookout. Make sure to pack your swimmers, as you can jump into the clear pool at the foot of the falls.
Nightcap National Park, Whian Whian
Lennox Head Boardwalk
- Distance: 1.4km
- Suggested duration: 30 minutes one way
- Difficulty: Easy
Sometimes less is more. Lennox Head is just 15 minutes south of Byron Bay and its waterfront boardwalk is an excellent short walk, especially for those with limited fitness or who have some youngsters with them. As with most walks in this region, you'll be treated to expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. But what makes this option so nice is that these views are paired with a finished, family-friendly boardwalk route and a welcoming town full of cafes, restaurants and all-important bathroom facilities. Grab a coffee as you head out or reward the kids at the end with a tasty treat.
Park at the end of Rutherford Street and start the walk there. You'll head south, with the ocean on your left, until you reach Pat Morton Lookout atop Lennox Point. As Lennox Head is a favourite surfing spot for locals, you'll have plenty of entertainment as you watch people paddle, ride and wipe out from your perch on ‘The Point'.
Lennox Head, Northern Rivers
Victoria Park Boardwalk
- Distance: 400m
- Suggested duration: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Another of the region's quick walks that’s perfect for families, the Victoria Park Boardwalk is in a quiet nature reserve between Ballina and Lismore. Victoria Park Nature Reserve represents some of the area’s pre-colonial rainforest known as the Big Scrub which once covered 45,000 hectares. You'll find plenty of information dotting the walk about native bushland and the area's indigenous population. There are barbecues and picnic tables for public use if you want to recharge. There's also a car park at the reserve, and you shouldn't have to hunt for a space.
Victoria Park Boardwalk, Ballina - Credit: Discover Ballina
Jerusalem Creek Walk
- Distance: 10.3km
- Suggested duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
If you're going to Byron, you're probably keen to spend some time in the water. The Jerusalem Creek Walk gives you a chance to do exactly that, but not in the way you might think. This trail, located about an 80-minute drive south of Byron Bay in Bundjalung National Park, takes you through lush bushland before emptying you out where the titular creek meets the ocean.
This is a great option for birdwatching aficionados, with a range of shorebirds calling the area home. And if you've got the right gear, you can even paddle in the creek or have a swim. This hike is flat and well-maintained, so despite the length, it’s not too difficult. If you want to complete the entire 10.3km loop, plan to spend the whole day away from Byron. The trail starts at the northern end of the Black Rocks campground – it’s signposted, so you can't miss it.
Jerusalem creek, Bundjalung National Park - Photo Credit: Rob Cleary
Pinnacle Walk
- Distance: 600m
- Suggested duration: 30-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
For years, hikers on the North Coast flocked to the challenging 9km Wollumbin (Mount Warning) Summit Track. However, in 2015 the Bundjalung People asked visitors to respect this sacred native place and refrain from climbing it. The Pinnacle Walk is the perfect alternative, allowing you to respect their wishes while still getting a fantastic look of Border Ranges National Park. Just 600m return, the Pinnacle Walk to the Pinnacle Lookout will treat you to amazing views of Wollumbin while you gaze out over dense rainforest and the Tweed Valley. There's a car park at the start of the walk, making access simple.
If you decide to make the two-hour trek from Byron, you can check out other short hikes in Border Ranges National Park to make the most of your time, including the Border Loop Walk, Palm Forest Walk, Bar Mountain Circuit and more.
Pinnacle lookout, Coolah Tops National Park
Three Sisters Walking Track
- Distance: 1.6km
- Suggested duration: 30-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Just a 20-minute drive south of Byron Bay sits the delightful Broken Head Nature Reserve. The Three Sisters Walking Track is an easy, yet satisfying, way to explore this area. You'll walk among the trees in a pleasant rainforest setting before culminating with yet another fantastic view of the NSW coastline at the captivating Kings Beach. This is another walk that hits many of the spaces on any Byron hike BINGO card: lush bushland, bright flowers, information about native people and wildlife, huge views of the coastline and easy beach access.
While not a paved or boardwalked track, there's nothing too difficult here, making it another great option for walkers of just about all ages and abilities. Finding the trailhead is also quite easy, as you can take off straight from the Broken Head Nature Reserve car park.
Broken Head Beach, Byron Bay
