Wet weather: best hinterland escapes when Byron gets wet

Good waves and wet weather often show up at the same time in Byron. If you're stuck with a grey sky day or just want a break from the beach, the hinterland is genuinely your best bet this time of year.

We're talking about the ranges inland from Byron—Minyon Falls, Nightcap National Park, Nimbin, that kind of thing. The thing about heading up there in the rain is it's actually better than you'd think. The waterfalls are proper flowing, the rainforest feels alive, and there's fewer tourists around because most backpackers just sit in the hostel.

Minyon Falls is the obvious one. It's about an hour and a half inland, and after rain like this week's forecast, the falls will be running hard. You'll need your own transport or a tour operator—Grasshoppers Nimbin Tour does day trips that include the falls (weather permitting). Happy Coach is not taking bookings at the moment. The walk's not hard, and it's worth it just to see how much water's moving through there.

Nightcap National Park, which Minyon Falls is part of, is brilliant for a wet-weather day. The rainforest canopy keeps you fairly dry, the tracks are well-maintained, and there's a heap of lookouts. Protesters Falls is a good one if you want waterfalls without the long drive. You can do it solo if you've got a car, or arrange a tour through most hostels.

Nimbin itself is worth a half-day. Yeah, it's touristy and a bit of a circus, but it's genuinely interesting if you take it seriously. The Main Street's got character, the cafes aren't bad, and it's the kind of place that makes sense on a rainy day when you're not fussed about sun. Grab a coffee, walk around, soak it in. Grasshoppers will get you there.

One thing to remember: autumn rain in the hinterland means muddy tracks and occasional track closures. Check with the local visitor centres or your hostel before you head up—they'll know if anything's been shut down that morning. And bring proper shoes, not thongs.

If you're not keen on leaving Byron itself, the rainy days are actually good for other stuff. Hit a brewery like Stone and Wood, sort out any work-visa paperwork you've been putting off, or finally try that learn-to-surf lesson you've been thinking about. Smaller waves, fewer people in the water.

Rain's only annoying if you fight it. Work around it, and it's actually part of what makes Byron good this time of year.