Boonoo Boonoo Falls: A Guide to Swimming in These Northern NSW Rock Pools

Boonoo Boonoo Falls is the perfect spot to post up for the day and wild swim in the secluded cascading rock pools of Northern NSW.

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Bundjalung people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Located on Bundjalung Country, the Boonoo Boonoo Rock Pools are an oasis at the heart of Boonoo Boonoo National Park, located just 30 minutes from Tenterfield in Northern NSW.

This swim spot is just 200 metres from the car park, with ample room for you to swim, explore, and find your own spot to post up for the day.

About Boonoo Boonoo Falls

The Boonoo Boonoo River (pronounced bunna-boonoo) opens up into an expanse of cascading falls and granite swimming holes, before the impressive 210 metre drop into the gorge below.

Boonoo Boonoo Falls History

The history of Boonoo Boonoo Falls lies in the Aboriginal name meaning ‘poor country with no animals to provide food’. Today the area is far from this description, with platypus found throughout the area, and Glossy black cocktatoos and wallabies in the surrounding woodlands.

It’s rumoured that the Australian poet Banjo Paterson proposed to his wife to be, Alice, at the falls lookout. So be careful if you go with your partner, this place has some serious romantic energy!

Boonoo Boonoo also had its own gold rush in the late 19th century. Relics of the gold mining era can still be found at Morgans Gully and Ropers Gully.

How to Get to Boonoo Boonoo Falls

To reach Boonoo Boonoo National Park by car from Tenterfield, take Mount Lindesay Road south. National Park signs clearly mark the turn off to Boonoo Boonoo National Park which is around 20km and 20 minutes along Mount Lindesay Road.

Follow Boonoo Boonoo Falls Road to the very end where you’ll find lots of parking at the picnic area. You won’t need a 4WD for this location, though the road is partly unsealed.

Driving to Boonoo Boonoo from Brisbane or Byron Bay will take approximately three hours.

Getting to Boonoo Boonoo by public transport isn’t possible.

Boonoo Boonoo Falls Route

The Boonoo Boonoo Falls route starts from the picnic area and splits off to the right to continue to the Falls Lookout over the 210m drop into the impressive gorge.

On your way back, head down the Rockpool Ramble track to take a dip in the refreshing pools.  The entire route is 1km return and suitable for families.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

Places to Stay in Boonoo Boonoo National Park

If you want to camp, the best place to stay in Boonoo Boonoo National Park is Cyprus Pine Campground. With drop toilets and picnic tables, this campsite by the river is the perfect basecamp to see the park. There’s a 13km return walk that meanders along the River Track all the way to Boonoo Boonoo Falls. 

NSW National Parks Robinsons Cabin also sits perched on the other side of the river, providing a cosy option for winter. 

Tenterfield is only 30 minutes away with loads of affordable motels options, caravan parks, and farmstays. 

Things to do at Boonoo Boonoo Falls

Swimming

Swimming is the best activity at Boonoo Boonoo Falls of course. Make sure to bring your togs and plan to visit in the warmer months for the best experience.

Bird Watching

The threatened Glossy black cockatoo can be seen in this area, we saw one on the path to the waterfall lookout. Keep an eye out for black cockatoos with red tails.

Hiking

Other activities to do nearby Boonoo Boonoo Falls include hiking within the surrounding Granite Belt area, most famously the Bald Rock summit track which scales the largest granite rock in Australia.

The magnificent monolith lies on the other side of the highway in Bald Rock National Park.

Skill Level

The hike to Boonoo Boonoo Falls is suitable for beginners and families, however due to some stairs and rock hopping it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Distance / Duration / Elevation Gain

1km return to see Boonoo Boonoo Falls lookout and do the Rockpool Ramble walk. If you want to see the sights and get in and out this should take you no more than 20 minutes.

Essential Gear

• Hat
• Sunscreen (look for an eco brand to protect the ecosystems in the river)
• Water
• Snacks
• Swimmers and towel

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

What it’s Like to Visit Boonoo Boonoo Falls

I’ve visited Boonoo Boonoo Falls a few different times over the years and it continues to be one of my favourite swimming holes in NSW.

On a warm summer’s day you’ll find groups lounging by the edge of the water, laying on the smooth warm granite, exploring the many levels of the falls and finding the best jump rocks.

Even on a busy day, it doesn’t FEEL busy as there are so many different secluded pools to slink away to if you wish.

My experience swimming at Boonoo Boonoo Falls in summer has always been magical and somewhat reminiscent of what I imagine Japanese hot springs to be like (except the water definitely isn’t warm, it’s freezing even in the middle of summer).

Make sure to bring a good book and thick towel to make lying on the rocks a bit more of a luxe experience!

Tips For Visiting Boonoo Boonoo Falls

The water is incredibly cold in the cooler months. So cold in fact that there’s a warning sign, something you don’t see too often! Definitely dip your toes in first to test the waters. I wouldn’t recommend visiting in winter if you’re hoping to swim.

Visit in spring to see the wildflowers in the surrounding national park – paper daisies everywhere!
And watch out for brown snakes! I’ve seen them on the path on the walk down in summer.

Boonoo Boonoo Falls FAQs

Where is Boonoo Boonoo Falls located?

Boonoo Boonoo Falls is located in Boonoo Boonoo National Park, just half an hour from Tenterfield.

Can you swim at Boonoo Boonoo Falls?

Yes absolutely! You can swim anywhere along the rock pools at Boonoo Boonoo. For a more accessible option (a ladder into the water), head to Platypus Hole for a dip, you’ll pass Platypus Hole on your way to Boonoo Boonoo Falls.

Are there crocodiles at Boonoo Boonoo Falls?

No, there are no crocodiles at Boonoo Boonoo Falls as it’s located in NSW.

Do you need a 4WD to get to Boonoo Boonoo Falls?

No, the road is unsealed but most 2WD vehicles will manage the drive fine.

What facilities are at Boonoo Boonoo Falls?

The Boonoo Boonoo Falls picnic area has composting toilets and tank water which should be treated before drinking.