Twin Falls

Plunging 50 metres into a deep, emerald pool, Twin Falls is one of the Northern Rivers' most spectacular swimming holes. Tucked within the ancient Gondwana rainforest of the Border Ranges National Park, this double-drop waterfall rewards those who make the short but steep descent with a cool, crisp dip in water that's pure mountain runoff. The sound of the cascade fills the air, and the surrounding subtropical vegetation – palms, tree ferns and towering brush box – creates a scene of prehistoric serenity. It's a place where you feel the raw power of nature while floating on your back, staring up at the canopy.

Highlights & What to See

• The plunge pool: The main attraction – a deep, cold pool ideal for swimming. The water is refreshingly clear and surrounded by rock platforms perfect for sunbaking.
• The lookout: Before descending, take the short walk to the lookout for a bird's-eye view of the twin cascades and the valley beyond. It's a stunning photo opportunity, especially after rain.
• Rainforest walk: The walk to the falls is part of the experience – a 1.4 km return track through lush, subtropical rainforest with plenty of birdlife, including whipbirds and king parrots.
• Picnic areas: There are several picnic tables and barbecue facilities near the car park, making it easy to turn the visit into a full day out.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for pademelons, goannas and, if you're lucky, the elusive Albert's lyrebird scratching in the leaf litter.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1.5–2 hours at Twin Falls, which includes the walk down, a swim, and time to soak up the atmosphere. If you want to picnic and linger, allow half a day. The walk is steep in sections, so factor in time to rest on the way back up. Combine it with other short walks in the Border Ranges for a full day of rainforest exploration.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Border Ranges National Park: The park itself offers numerous other walks, lookouts and picnic spots, such as the Antarctic Beech loop and Pinnacle Lookout.
• Lamington National Park (QLD): Just across the border, this World Heritage-listed park has epic waterfalls, ancient trees and a network of walking tracks.
• Nimbin: The iconic alternative-lifestyle village is about an hour's drive away, famous for its colourful characters, markets and counter-culture history.
• Kyogle: A charming country town with a heritage main street, great cafés and the Kyogle Farmers Market (Saturdays).
• Murwillumbah: A lively town on the Tweed River, with art galleries, a Sunday market and easy access to the Tweed Valley.

Please check official sources for current details.