FALLING IN LOVE WITH IT
LOOKING for something completely different this weekend?
What about journeying through primeval forests, hiking down the face of an ancient volcano and bathing in the pool of a waterfall that plunges 100m over huge rhyolite cliffs?
If you’re not yet tempted by the lure of Minyon Falls, what about the fact that it doubles as a natural spa?
Simply lie out on the hot rocks surrounding the crystal clear pool to rejuvenate your muscles as you prepare for the hike back up to the top in this 13km round-trip journey.
The Minyon Falls loop takes three-to-four hours and requires a moderate level of fitness but is suitable for kids.
Nestled in Nightcap National Park in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, the falls are about 90 minutes drive from the Gold Coast.
But the view is worth it — the plunge waterfall descends as much as 104m (no one has ever accurately measured it) over cliffs which were once part of the Tweed Volcano.
Leading through dense rainforest, the track eventually levels out and reaches Repentance 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 last section is a bit of a rock scramble that can be easy to miss, so ask other walkers for directions if you’re uncertain.
This is the perfect place to take a break, have lunch — and a dip in the pool if you’re brave enough. Then have a lie down in the sun … and start back up again.