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Killen FallsTintenbar, New South Wales
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This circular waterfall pool is shallower than most, so if you like being able to stand up and frolic in the water, directly in front of a waterfall, then this
could be the swim for you.
Above: The pool from the shade of the overhang at Killen Falls
(Order this image)
At the water's edge, it is a little tricky getting in because of the loose rocks under foot (make sure you have some swimming shoes), but once you are about waist deep, the water helps to keep your balance and enjoy the water.
The pool is in a sunken landscape, with bare, curved walls on three sides and lush vegetation clinging to the rim of the cavern. It is deep enough to swim in the middle
of the pool, where you can take in this walled panorama or stare directly at the white waterfall curtain, feeling the spray drifting into your face. The pool is around
25 metres in diameter, with the swimmable portion (as opposed to wading or sitting in the water) around 15 metres across.
Above: Water plunging into the pool at Killen Falls
(Order this image)
This swim is popular on hot days, not only because of the cool water, but also because of the shade from the overhead vegetation and the cool, dark, but also sometimes moist and noisy area in under the waterfall overhang. If walking under the overhang, watch out for the crumbling rocks, with one literally exploding under the weight of my foot.
The steep and uneven track down to the creek and back up along the bank to reach the pool may deter some, but once you see anyone else in the pool from the viewing
platform overhead, it is hard to resist the urge to go down and join them in the water.
Above: Poolside at Killen Falls
(Order this image)
It is a roughly 500 metre walk from the car park to the pool, with no picnic facilities at the pool itself. Travel light and enjoy the swim, and I would suggest planning to have your picnic somewhere else in the region, with only a small lawn area here, well away from the falls, back up at the car park.
Here is a video that I took late in the day at the falls.
View Larger Map
Above: The pool from the shade of the overhang at Killen Falls
(Order this image)
At the water's edge, it is a little tricky getting in because of the loose rocks under foot (make sure you have some swimming shoes), but once you are about waist deep, the water helps to keep your balance and enjoy the water.
Above: Water plunging into the pool at Killen Falls
(Order this image)
This swim is popular on hot days, not only because of the cool water, but also because of the shade from the overhead vegetation and the cool, dark, but also sometimes moist and noisy area in under the waterfall overhang. If walking under the overhang, watch out for the crumbling rocks, with one literally exploding under the weight of my foot.
Above: Poolside at Killen Falls
(Order this image)
It is a roughly 500 metre walk from the car park to the pool, with no picnic facilities at the pool itself. Travel light and enjoy the swim, and I would suggest planning to have your picnic somewhere else in the region, with only a small lawn area here, well away from the falls, back up at the car park.
Here is a video that I took late in the day at the falls.
Other Information Before You Go:
Location: Killen Falls Public Reserve, Killen Falls Drive, Tintenbar, 14 km (approx. 20 min drive) north of Ballina and 750 km (approx. 8 hr drive) north of the Sydney CBD.
Latitude:-28.770040 Longitude:153.520643
Getting there: From the Pacific Highway (M1) exit at Tamarind Drive to Tintenbar. From Tintenbar head north along Friday Hut Road for 3 km to Killen Falls Drive, then follow the signs to Killen Falls, 450 metres to the east at the end of Killen Falls Drive. If you are coming from Ballina, just take Tamarind Drive to Tintenbar, without going on the Pacific Highway. From the car park it is a fairly easy 330 metre walk to the viewing platform and a 500 metre walk to the base of the waterfall, with the last 100 metres over steep or uneven ground.
Facilities: Viewing platform at the falls, but no other facilities at the falls. At the car park there is a public toilet, rubbish bins, benches, a walking trail to Emigrant Creek Dam, and a small patch of grass.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Cloudy
Under foot: Rock
Maximum water depth: 1-2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Experienced swimmers recommended due to the unsteady footing. Inexperienced swimmers can wade in the shallows.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No unauthorised vehicles, no camping or staying overnight, no rubbish dumping, no fires, no dogs, no motorcycles (outside of the car park), no litter, no golf, no shooting, no alcohol from 10pm to 7am, do not enter the slippery cliff edge, do not dive, do not jump.
Sun shade: Shade available at the car park area and along the walk. The viewing platform is in direct sunlight. There is some shade at the base of the falls, with shade increasing in the late afternoon.
Opening times: Always open
Accommodation Options: See my accommodation suggestions close to Killen Falls.
Wheelchair access: None to the falls. The toilets at the car park are wheelchair accessible, and there is priority parking in the car park for wheelchairs
Managing authority: Ballina Shire Council
Nearby attractions: Lake Ainsworth, 15 km by road to the east.
Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.
Specific to this waterfall, the managing authority advises of shallow water, submerged rocks, variable water quality - swimming not recommended, strong flowing water, cliffs,
deep water, uneven ground, slippery ground, falling branches, falling trees, trip hazards, and falling objects over waterfall.
Latitude:-28.770040 Longitude:153.520643
Getting there: From the Pacific Highway (M1) exit at Tamarind Drive to Tintenbar. From Tintenbar head north along Friday Hut Road for 3 km to Killen Falls Drive, then follow the signs to Killen Falls, 450 metres to the east at the end of Killen Falls Drive. If you are coming from Ballina, just take Tamarind Drive to Tintenbar, without going on the Pacific Highway. From the car park it is a fairly easy 330 metre walk to the viewing platform and a 500 metre walk to the base of the waterfall, with the last 100 metres over steep or uneven ground.
Facilities: Viewing platform at the falls, but no other facilities at the falls. At the car park there is a public toilet, rubbish bins, benches, a walking trail to Emigrant Creek Dam, and a small patch of grass.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Cloudy
Under foot: Rock
Maximum water depth: 1-2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Experienced swimmers recommended due to the unsteady footing. Inexperienced swimmers can wade in the shallows.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No unauthorised vehicles, no camping or staying overnight, no rubbish dumping, no fires, no dogs, no motorcycles (outside of the car park), no litter, no golf, no shooting, no alcohol from 10pm to 7am, do not enter the slippery cliff edge, do not dive, do not jump.
Sun shade: Shade available at the car park area and along the walk. The viewing platform is in direct sunlight. There is some shade at the base of the falls, with shade increasing in the late afternoon.
Opening times: Always open
Accommodation Options: See my accommodation suggestions close to Killen Falls.
Wheelchair access: None to the falls. The toilets at the car park are wheelchair accessible, and there is priority parking in the car park for wheelchairs
Managing authority: Ballina Shire Council
Nearby attractions: Lake Ainsworth, 15 km by road to the east.
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the approximate location of the car park at the falls. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map
Comments:
If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming spot, please fill in the comment box below.
I am particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc.
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