Watery Wonders in Byron Bay

By Dana Burrows

With some of the most beautiful beaches and waterfalls in Australia at our doorstep, we are spoiled for choice here in the Byron Bay Shire when it comes to communing with our natural water assets. 

I’ve always been drawn to water – in good times and not so good. The feeling of floating and being held by invisible forces has always been a calming salve for me. The beach has been my confidant many times when I’ve felt my world falling apart. The sand has soaked up countless Dana tears and silently held space for me as I purged and finally found strength to stand again and face life. 

What is it about the ocean, waterfalls and lakes that helps us feel better? Beauty must play a part. On a good beach day, the ocean can be breathtakingly stunning. When the sun hits the blue and sparkles like magic; when the ocean is so clear you can see schools of fish in the swell; when the sand is clean and dotted with shells like gems along the shoreline. It’s hard to stay in a funk surrounded by that kind of effortless, natural splendour. 

The unrelenting power of waves crashing or a waterfall in full flight also helps with my state of mind. Sitting in observation of this continuous force of energy somehow diminishes the power of my own problems. It’s these times I am reminded that like water, life continues to flow no matter what I’m caught up in. 

Being in nature helps me disconnect from the things that typically cause stress for me and reconnect with what’s real rather than the pressures I create for myself. I’m able to decompress, relax and breathe fully. 

Ironically, at the time of writing this article I have been trapped in my home thanks to a merciless deluge. It got me thinking, what is nature telling us when she turns on us like this? She can be such a powerful healer, but what’s with turning roads into raging torrents, fields into lakes and homes into mouldy, musty prisons? Perhaps it’s her way of reminding us that life is not meant to be all sunny days and crystal clear waters. One important lesson nature can teach us is to welcome and weather the storms, and trust that blue skies will eventually return. I hear you, Mother Nature, and while I appreciate the teaching, I’ll take that sunshine now please. 

Some of my favourite wonderful, watery, inspirational spots in the Byron Bay Shire:

Killen Falls

So this may not be one of the most spectacular of waterfalls (if you’re into that, check out Purling Brook Falls just up the road in Springbrook National Park), but it’s a little hidden gem and often deserted mid-week. Located at Killen Falls Drive, Tintenbar. For more info see Discover Ballina.

Killen Falls. Photo by @jmpeel61

Broken Head headland (Three Sisters Walking Track)

Ditch the crowded fitness cohort that treks daily up to the Byron lighthouse and be treated to a much quieter (and easier) walk with just as beautiful views out to the infinite blue. Located next to the Broken Head Holiday Park. For more info see Three Sisters Walking Track.

Three Sisters Walking Track. Photo by @byronbaytravelco

Lake Ainsworth (aka Tea Tree Lake), Lennox Head

Why sip a cup of tea when you can swim in one? This fresh water lake is always cool and refreshing, and the waters (stained by surrounding tea trees) is said to rejuvenate skin and hair. Located at the end of Pacific Parade, Lennox Head. Best to check on status of algae before visiting here.

Lake Ainsworth. Photo by Ben Aboody Photography, @benaboodyphotography