Chasing Unicorns!
When I first heard about a waterfall called Unicorn Falls, hidden away in Mount Jerusalem National Park near Uki in Northern NSW, I knew I had to find it. Uki is pronounced yook-eye.
When I originally visited, Unicorn Falls really did feel like one of the Tweed Valley’s best-kept secrets. There wasn’t much information available, directions weren’t particularly clear and finding the falls was part of the adventure.
A lot has changed since then. Unicorn Falls is now much better known and, importantly, access to the waterfall has changed since my original visit. There is now an official walking track and designated trailhead, so I’ve updated this guide to include the current information you’ll need before setting off.
Unicorn Falls near Uki NSW
Unicorn Falls is tucked inside Mount Jerusalem National Park, part of the lush hinterland between the Tweed Valley and Byron Shire. The national park protects tall eucalypt forest, subtropical and warm temperate rainforest, creeks and waterfalls, making the journey to the falls almost as enjoyable as the destination itself.
The waterfall cascades into a peaceful forest setting and is particularly lovely after good rainfall. NSW National Parks suggests summer as a good time to visit because the falls generally flow best during the warmer, wetter months. In winter, there may be considerably less water and the rainforest can be cool and dark.
Finding Unicorn Falls Today
If you’ve found an older blog or social media post describing a short walk from a four-wheel-drive track, be aware that this information may now be outdated.
Today, the official Unicorn Falls walking track is a 4.2 km return Grade 3 walk, taking approximately one to two hours. It starts from the trailhead at Manns Road and passes through eucalypt forest and rainforest, with creek crossings along the way. The track is clearly signposted, although there are many steps and some obstacles.
From Uki, NSW National Parks advises following Rowlands Creek Road for 6.4 km, turning left onto Manns Road and continuing for approximately 3.5 km to the Unicorn Falls carpark.
Progressive Traveller Tip: Don’t rely on my original directions or older directions you may find online. Access has changed since my first visit, so check the latest conditions and alerts with NSW National Parks – Unicorn Falls walking track before you leave. Mobile reception is also limited within the park.
Driving Directions to Unicorn Falls NSW
Access to Unicorn Falls has changed since I first visited, so don’t follow my original driving directions or older directions you may find online.
Today, the official Unicorn Falls walking track begins at the Manns Road carpark in Mount Jerusalem National Park.
From Uki:
- Follow Rowlands Creek Road for approximately 6.4 km.
- Turn left onto Manns Road.
- Continue for approximately 3.5 km.
- The Unicorn Falls carpark will be on your left.
- From here, follow the signposted Unicorn Falls walking track to the waterfall.
The road includes unsealed sections. NSW National Parks advises that most roads are suitable for 2WD vehicles in normal conditions, but a 4WD is required in wet weather.
There are non-flush toilets at the Manns Road carpark, but no bins, so take all rubbish with you. Mobile reception within Mount Jerusalem National Park is also limited.
Walking to Unicorn Falls
The official Unicorn Falls walking track is 4.2 km return and takes around 1–2 hours. It’s rated Grade 3 and follows a formed, clearly signposted track through eucalypt forest and subtropical and temperate rainforest, with creek crossings, many steps and some obstacles along the way.
Progressive Traveller Tip: Check the latest park alerts and weather conditions before leaving Uki, particularly after heavy rain. Downloading the walking track map before you leave is also a good idea because mobile reception can be unreliable.
Check current conditions and the official Unicorn Falls walking track map
This Way To Unicorn Falls
View to Unicorn Falls
Is Unicorn Falls Worth Visiting?
When I first visited Unicorn Falls, getting there was half the adventure. The old access involved slow going along unsealed roads in my 2WD Skoda, and at times I wondered whether finding this little waterfall was going to be worth the effort.
Today, the experience is different, with an official walking track providing access to the falls.
Don’t arrive expecting something on the scale of Minyon Falls. Unicorn Falls is a much smaller and more intimate waterfall, cascading over a rocky ledge into a natural pool surrounded by forest.
For me, finding Unicorn Falls was always more exciting than the size of the waterfall itself. It’s the walk through Mount Jerusalem National Park, the rainforest setting and the feeling of discovering somewhere tucked away in the Tweed hinterland that make the experience worthwhile.
What to Take to Unicorn Falls
Come prepared for a proper bushwalk, with sturdy walking shoes, drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent. I’d also carry a small first-aid kit and download the walking track map before leaving, as mobile reception can be limited within Mount Jerusalem National Park.
Conditions can change after heavy rain, storms or maintenance work, so always check the latest NSW National Parks alerts before setting out.
Progressive Traveller Tip: Unicorn Falls generally looks its best after decent rainfall, but wet weather can also affect roads, creek crossings and track conditions. Check conditions before you leave rather than assuming the track will be accessible.
Looking for Accommodation near Unicorn Falls?
If you’re planning to spend a few days exploring Unicorn Falls, Uki and the surrounding Tweed Valley, there are plenty of accommodation options throughout Northern NSW, from country cottages and farm stays to apartments and hotels.
Search accommodation on Booking.com to compare properties, prices, locations and guest reviews before you book.
1. Views from Mount Jerusalem National Park
2. Unicorn Falls Mount Jerusalem National Park
Visit Husk Farm Distillery
If you have more time, Husk Farm Distillery at North Tumbulgum is another worthwhile stop while exploring the Tweed Valley.
Husk may be famous for its colour-changing Ink Gin, but today the distillery produces a much broader range of spirits. Rum has become a major focus, with Husk making small-batch Australian rum from freshly crushed sugar cane grown on the farm — a true farm-to-bottle operation.
The range now includes several styles of Husk Rum, different Ink Gins and limited releases, so there’s much more to discover than the original blue gin that first put Husk on the map.
If you’d like to learn more, I’ve written about Husk and nearby Tumbulgum:
Continue Exploring the Tweed Valley
If you’re spending more time in the region, these nearby Progressive Traveller guides will help you explore more of the Tweed Valley:
- Discover Murwillumbah NSW – explore the town, cafés, shops and Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre.
- Burringbar NSW: Things to Do, Rail Trail, Food & More – discover the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Burringbar Range Tunnel, local food and this tiny Tweed Valley village.
- Condong Sugar Mill – learn about the working sugar mill that has been part of the Tweed Valley landscape since 1880.
- Things to Do in Tumbulgum – explore this small historic village on the banks of the Tweed River.
- Husk Distillers, Tumbulgum – discover this well-known Tweed Valley distillery near Tumbulgum.
