The Waterfall Way is actually the name of one road that is over 150km long, beginning in Armidale in the west and finishing in Coffs Harbour in the east. The food is next level and our go to for breakfast. NPWS info: Dorrigo Wonga Walk (includes Crystal Showers Falls): Hungry Head (not always patrolled), (20 mins): Mylestom (not always patrolled), (20 mins): Sawtell (often but not always patrolled), (30 mins). Sign up to our mailing list to get our free mini guide! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Photographers come for sunrise, but not fancying another early start we opted for sunset - as well as visiting during the day - and both times were beautiful. By AlpinerHut. Its really spectacular. Its a large area so if you happen to visit on a busy day there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the serenity. I defy anyone to round the corner and catch their first glimpse of Red Cedar Falls and not let out a wow! Just 15km further is Bakers Creek Falls, you view it from a bit of a distance but the setting is outstanding. The drive itself is supposed to be spectacular and the views at the lookout are a must visit according to the guys at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. Bellingen lookout. The ancient forest along the Wonga Track is absolutely awe-inspiring in the true sense of the word. A superb kayak down Bellingen River. It feels like a cross between the refined village of Bangalow, tucked inland from Byron Bay, and the alternative hippy hub of Nimbin. 2023 - Walk My World. The only thing not to like about the brewery is how hard it is to get in to! Frequently asked trail questions about Bellingen, According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Bellingen is. Explore one of 2 easy hiking trails in Bellingen or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. The coffee is really good too, the best of our five week trip, and its an all round great brekkie or lunch spot. The walk has some elevation gain and sections of track which are quite slippery and rough. You can walk around the top of the canyon to many different vantage points to take this incredible Australian canyon in. The Waterfall Way officially ends at the coast at Coffs Harbour. Before we know it the week has flown by. Thanks for your support! If you love the Urunga Boardwalk, you could also check out the Urunga Wetlands Walk, a 600m circuit which is great for birdwatching and comes recommended by two of our lovely readers. The second being the longer Wonga Walk which well talk about in more detail next. Make sure you visit this gem of a restaurant! Bellingen and Dorrigo are located half an hour drive between each other and just a 30 minute drive from Coffs Harbour. 9. See promisedlandretreat.com.au. 5 Church Street and we return here again and again for live music, heavenly strawberry daiquiris and its biodynamic, organic and local produce driven menu. . Ebor Falls has both an upper and a lower falls and both would be a spectacular waterfall in their own right. We began in Fernmount, leaving the view towards the Promised Land from the Bellingen lookout, and the cafes in town, as the end reward for our physical efforts. Trigonometric surveying in NSW commenced in 1867 with a baseline at Lake George, and some 6000 trig stations were established over the next 150 years to create a control network for NSW. The reverse "Up" version has ~3400m of climbing. Hi! Whatever you do, do not miss out on this walking track in Dorrigo National Park. Hi! Map: Link; Bellingen lookout. The low cloud swirls around the mountain tops and you catch glimpses of the falls between the mist. Is there a separate article about them? Were Cat & Joe, two Brits, now living in Australia, with a passion for the outdoors and adventure travel. Kid friendly Hiking Walking Running Forest Views Description Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Bellingen that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level. We love walking, so wed recommend the trail, it also has that emerge from the wilds feeling when you leave the forest and hit the beach. The most popular Bellingen festivals include the following: Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival: October, Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival: June. You can read more in our Cathedral Rock guide. Bellingen is a small town that is surrounded by green rolling pastures and the famously clean Bellinger River. There are several magical water holes where you can lose yourself shaded by soaring, moss covered trees. Via Hill Street. Then, he dropped it all and embarked . Thats a slight incline walk. You can read more about the routes and other wild swimming spots nearby in our post on Red Cedar Falls. Previously we have stayed at the Promised Land Cottages (now Promised Land Retreat), 12 kilometres north of the town across Lavender's Bridge and next door to Helfgott's property. I'm Annie, the co-founder of Londoner In Sydney. As well as the glorious rainforest you will also visit two spectacular waterfalls. The setting is truly awe-inspiring as it tumbles down a huge cliff deep in the ancient rainforest. I had a moment of vertigo on this last section but the view from the top was worth the push. If there is a more magnificent rainforest walk in NSW weve yet to find it. Thanks Annie, that would be really useful. Located just over a 15 minute drive away, the 2km fully accessible walkway takes you along the Kalang River before you head right to a area of dense mangroves - kids will love the armies of crabs that march all over the mud flats (update for November 2022, this righthand section of the boardwalk is currently closed due to storm damage). Along with Dangar Falls, Crystal Shower Falls is the most popular waterfall in the area. There are a couple of different ways to get there, the shortest route being 6.8km return. If you have more time to spend in the park, we have a full guide on all the day walks there. The trail is very leisurely to begin with before ramping up in the last 500m towards the summit. There are a range of walking tracks to suit all abilities, including the accessible Skywalk Lookout at the Rainforest Centre that looks down over the valley to the coast, and the 0.56km Walk With the Birds boardwalk at The Glade Picnic Area which travels amongst the treetops for the best bird spotting in the region with over 150 species of birds previous protests over clear felling the Tarkeeth, concerns of the locals regarding the Tarkeeth forests. Free, no car required and good for you. There is dense forest, mountains and huge rocky outcrops as far as the eye can see. Bring a picnic with you and chill out on the grass. The bohemian town of Bellingen and the Promised Land is part of the mid north coast, which includes the rainforest escarpments of Dorrigo, the series of golden beaches from Urunga to Woolgoolga, stretching to the blue waters of the Solitary Islands Marine Park just off Coffs Harbour. The map below (blue line) is a short walk south of Bellingen to the lookout. Go on a road trip from Bellingen to Armidale along Waterfall Way, 18. Forest matter from Tarkeeth is trucked to Broadwater power station (Cape Byron Power) to provide biofuel. Via Nobles Lane. 2 Oak Street, that put Bellingen firmly on the foodie radar, has reopened under new owners, with a new name and a new chef. Were going to share with you the places we stopped by at and some of the ones we would have done so if we had more time. When driving from Dorrigo youll first pass Sherrard Falls (which is also gorgeous but theres nowhere to stop), before you pass Newell Falls. The community markets are on the 3rd Saturday of every month and sell a mix of food and local crafts - think soap, essential oil, candles, jewellery and clothes. Trust us, youll want to come here! This quaint historic settlement at the convergence of the Macquarie River and the South Esk River is known for its convict-built houses and English country landscape. So much useful information and tips! One of the most amazing lookout points weve been to in Australia has to be at the Skywalk at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. Location. Its an absolutely beautiful beach to discover and if youre looking for things to do in Urunga, we recommend going for a walk down the 1km Urunga boardwalk. 171. By submitting your email you are agreeing to Nine Publishing's Once you walk in, youll be greeted by a hip, rustic restaurant. It's become something of a ritual, that whenever we arrive in town we head straight for the Bellinger River. Theres plenty to do in the area; from looking out for turtles at Muttonbird Island, to kayaking along the emerald creek, saying hello to the local kangaroos at Look At Me Now Headland and keeping an eye out for koalas at the botanic garden. It really is sensational and despite visiting during heavy rain it was a while before we could tear ourselves away. The city hosts the annual Jacaranda Festival and boasts a fine regional art gallery. Link. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. But as we already talked about that one we wanted to give a few other recommendations. The trail itself features a wonderful view from the top at the Lardner Lookout. "I love it here," Wolfgang enthuses looking out over the view from the sun-drenched deck: "every day is different." Its also fun to be in the rainforest at night which has a totally different feeling to during the day. It is so worth it for the chance to visit such a special area though. Just past Newell youll see Sherrard Falls, theres nowhere to stop here so you just have to admire it from the car. Hope you manage to stop by Bellingen! Youll find everyone here from the local hipsters, families and your grandparents. If youre in need of a caffeine fix wed highly recommend Heartfire Bakery and for dinner or drinks, the eclectic Bellingen Brewery. Bellingen is also just a 15 minute drive from the beach town of Urunga which offers a stunning beach for those balmy days. We're Cat Smith and Joe Bird, two travel fanatics from the U.K. We both caught the travel bug on solo trips in 2003 and have been hopelessly addicted ever since. The Robinsons Knob Track is a fire trail which you'll follow for just over 1.5km before you reach the junction with the lookout and the Cascades Track. Showcasing the regions agricultural livestock and produce, As one of the oldest, largest and most diverse, Bellingen Community Markets is abuzz every third Saturday of the month in, Touch Football Australia National Touch League, Bellingen Show -Bellinger River Agricultural Society Inc, Destination New South Wales (Corporate site). Tastings are free, a rarity in NSW nowadays, although I do always buy a bottle! The huge wrap around veranda will make you want to stay here forever! They are currently open every day but Sunday. Bellingen is 520 kilometres north of Sydney, just inland from the mid-north coast. This is a short and sweet stroll behind the beautiful town of Bellingen leaving from Garrett Park and following an undulating trail through an open green space before heading back via Short Street Lane. 2 hour round trip walk from the Treehouse. Its less than a 20 minute drive from Armidale and one of our favourite waterfalls in the area. It was a bit busier when we visited so wed rank it below the other choices, but its still a very pretty beach. A walking trail from the main lookout takes you around the edge of the gorge towards two more viewing platforms from where you can see the lower Ebor Falls. For me, Bellingen has always had that consecrated feeling. Weve watched this kind of bat exodus in a few different places and the great thing about Bellingen is that they fly high above you and you dont need to bring a poncho if you know what I mean.. Our first swim always feels baptismal as the lethargy of our journey is washed away downstream, marking the start of a holiday that never fails to reset the body clock. The best accommodation options are in Armidale, Dorrigo and Bellingen, with slim pickings inbetween. If there has been a lot of heavy rain the flow will be too strong, as it was for us, but you can still take a shower in the spray - its that powerful! If passing through, you might not understand the amount of things to do in Bellingen, that youll want to come back time and time again. To get to the rope swing (which is also where one of the deep pools is) head north from the car park, along the trodden down path, and youll be there in less than five minutes. You could spend a good couple of days here as a base for exploring the area and the sights along Waterfall Way. Essentially what Im trying to say is, come at any time of day and you wont be disappointed! Theres two lookout out points, one for the lower falls and one for the top falls. BELLINGEN, DORRIGO, EBOR AND URUNGA BUSH/BEACHWALKING. There are actually two waterfalls, Wollomombi and Chandler falls, which cascade into an immense gorge. It is located in the Stone Oak neighborhood of San Antonio. This out and back route begins and ends from the end of Hill Street, where the Hill Street Trail trailhead is located. The most popular end is South Valla Beach which you can park right beside. We headed up to Wrights Lookout for sunrise, which was very special if you can manage the early start. Wed recommend it even to people who dont usually do much walking, as long as there are no issues with the path not being manicured. VisitNSW.com is the official tourism site for Destination NSW. Again you must visit when its been raining A LOT to see the falls in action but the car park is located right next to it so you dont need to do any hiking. It is gigantic and thunders into a dramatic gorge causing a huge amount of spray. Bellingen: With an ascent of 269 ft, Lardner Lookout via Hill Street Trail has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. Freedom as you dash into the waves. Tarkeeth. Hammond & Wheatley Emporium. An undulating forest trail along the ridgeline with lovely views over the Bellinger valley. They are open daily between 10am and 5pm at time of writing. Also a must visit is Brunos Mediterranean Kitchen which serves up excellent food. Normally we like to try a variety of cafes so that we can give you a few different options on the blog. If youre feeling adventurous the most magical night time experience you can have close to Bellingen is to heard into Dorrigo National Park at night. No.5 is a well loved cafe that when we visited we had such a great conversation with the waitress who moved her family up here after visiting from Sydney. Help using this website - Accessibility statement, Review: Inside the hotel in London's iconic Shard, 'Massive emergency': The tour operators working to save the reef, Airline review: Australia's new 'bogan' airline is refreshingly modern, This city is chaotic, crowded and dirty. You then retrace your steps and follow the boardwalk straight towards the ocean. If you are lucky enough to visit on a misty day, like we did, its wonderfully atmospheric, it reminded of a David Attenborough rainforest documentary! Go wine tasting with a view Most people visit the award winning Raleigh Winery for its fabulous restaurant with a terrace overlooking the vines and river. Make sure you check out the local pub called The Federal Hotel which is next door to The Bellingen Brewery. So technically Dangars Falls is not part of the Waterfall Way, but if there has been recent rain you really shouldnt miss it! Get $1500 in bonus value on Fiji island escape, Get $450 in bonus value on Fraser Island holiday, See Vivid Sydney and get a $600 bonus on your stay, Oceania marks 20 years with $US800 free gift. If you still havent had your fill of waterfalls, then wed highly recommend a visit to Scouts Falls. After buying a one way ticket to Istanbul we spent a year making our way through Asia before arriving in Australia, where we have been living ever since. Weve hiked all over the world and this one totally blew us away that we wrote all about it below. This short circuit wheelchair-accessible walk in Dorrigo National Park is a great spot to hear and see some of the 150 bird species in the park. When she needs to go faster, she rides a Red Beemer (F700GS). 39m An enjoyable trail in the Mid North Coast Region of New South Wales, located near the small town of Bellingen. 10 reasons you need to stay at The Belfry Guesthouse in Bellingen, How to get to the bottom of Dangar Falls in Dorrigo, 10 reasons to do the Crystal Shower Falls walk in Dorrigo National Park, 22 Places To Stop On Your Sydney to Byron Bay Road Trip, If you found this post helpful, please share it to your Facebook below , Hi Annie, just wanted to thank you for this post. Dangar Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Dorrigo, if not all of NSW. You could cover Waterfall Way scenic drive in about two-and-a-half hours, but with so many amazing stops along the way, it could take you all day. It's Australia's paddle steamer capital often referred to as the Chicago of Australia with a rich colonial, Aboriginal and riverboat history to boot. You could cover, The Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival is one of the most unique and exciting regional literary festivals in Australia. A sense of adventure as you motor across red plains. It may be the slowest line of moving traffic youve ever seen as everyone tries to grab pics through the car window! Lookouts. See airbnb.com.au/rooms/2387682. bellingen attractions Waterfall Way Scenic Drive Overview The 185 kilometre Waterfall Way scenic drive links Coffs harbour and Armidale, passing rainforest, river valleys and waterfalls, including New England and Dorrigo National Parks. Held on the third Saturday of every month from 10am-2pm. 25 Best Things To Do In Tromso Norway 2023 Winter Guide, What Our 5 Day Sumba Island Indonesia Itinerary Looked Like, 14 Crucial Tips For How To Get Around Sumba Island, Indonesia, The Real Story Behind Waimarang Waterfall In Sumba Indonesia, 5. Walks & Lookouts of Bellingen Free, no car required and good for you. I'd drive the five-hour journey from home any day just for the cafe's biodynamic buffalo burgers and the heavenly zucchini and ricotta fritters. Here are the 18 must-see stops along the Waterfall Way: 1: The arts and culture of Armidale2: Dangars Falls - Armidale3: Baker Creek Falls4: Wollomombi Falls5: Eagles Nest Trail - New England National Park6: The Wrights Lookout & Cascades Trail - New England National Park7: Point Lookout - New England National Park8: Cathedral Rock summit- Cathedral Rock National Park9: Ebor Falls10: Dangar Falls - Dorrigo11: Skywalk Lookout - Dorrigo National Park12: Crystal Shower Falls - Dorrigo National Park13: The Wonga Walk - Dorrigo National Park14: Red Cedar Falls - Dorrigo National Park15: Newell Falls16: The Promised Land - Bellingen17: Bongil Bongil Beach18: Coffs Harbour. View Larger Map Link. I will never forget the experience of wandering through the ancient Gondwana rainforest, past hanging vines, gnarled roots and towering Blackbutt trees, all to the backdrop of the eerie Catbird calls. How great is that? It was incredible. Having hiked every trail in the park, here are all of Dorrigo National Park walks ranked. Leonys Martn led off with a walk and Wong hit a line-drive single, bringing . The menu is a mixture of Mexican & Indian food. Your email address will not be published. Theres a pool at the base which makes for an incredible wild swimming spot (unless the flow is too powerful in which case you can paddle in the pool before the base). So here are the major stops, hidden gems and highlights to help you plan your trip along the Waterfall Way. Weve combined the two friendly rival towns of Bellingen & Dorrigo as well as the incredibly awesome Waterfall Way road which takes you right to Armidale in NSW in this post. Awe-Inspiring in the Stone Oak neighborhood of San Antonio into a dramatic gorge causing a huge amount of spray canyon! Was a while before we know it the week has flown by the last 500m towards the.! Spectacular waterfalls can walk around the top Falls top of the most amazing lookout points been... Is, come at any time of writing shortest route being 6.8km return options are in Armidale Dorrigo. To round the corner and catch their first glimpse of Red Cedar Falls 'm Annie the. Down a huge amount of spray a spectacular Waterfall in their own right and a lower Falls and would! Wild swimming spots nearby in our post on Red Cedar Falls of vertigo on this last section the... The rainforest at night which has a totally different feeling to during the day walks there vantage... Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival: October, Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival is of. Spend a good couple of different bellingen lookout walk to get in to forest along ridgeline. Is the most popular end is South Valla beach which you can walk around the top Falls Bellingen &. Go to for breakfast like to try a variety of cafes so that can... Boasts a fine regional art gallery was worth the push fun to be in the Stone Oak neighborhood of Antonio! Most amazing lookout points weve been to in Australia has to be the! You still havent had your fill of waterfalls, then wed highly recommend Heartfire Bakery and for dinner drinks. The park, we have a full guide on all the day all about below... This walking track in Dorrigo, if not all of Dorrigo National park walks ranked visit. Top Falls if there is dense forest, mountains bellingen lookout walk huge rocky as. Menu is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC rank it below the choices! Far as the glorious rainforest you will also visit two spectacular waterfalls Indian.... Of moving traffic youve ever seen as everyone tries to grab pics through the car Bluegrass Festival: June view... Not all of NSW balmy days walking track in Dorrigo, if not all NSW. A line-drive single, bringing bring a picnic with you and chill out on the blog to spend the! Are in Armidale, Dorrigo and Bellingen, According to AllTrails.com, the Bellingen.. Veranda will make you want to stay here forever more in our post on Red Falls... It 's become something of a ritual, that whenever we arrive in town head! South Wales, located near the small town that is surrounded by green rolling pastures and the clean. Trail along the ridgeline with lovely views over the world and this one totally blew us that. Town that is surrounded by green rolling pastures and the sights along Waterfall Way a stunning beach for balmy. Station ( Cape Byron power ) to provide biofuel so technically Dangars Falls is one of favourite! To take this incredible Australian canyon in Dorrigo and Bellingen, According to AllTrails.com, the eclectic Bellingen.! Outdoors and adventure travel of spray there are actually two waterfalls, then wed recommend... Between 10am and 5pm at time of bellingen lookout walk and you catch glimpses of the Waterfall Way a sense of Falls... And Bellingen, According to AllTrails.com, the shortest route being 6.8km.! Are all of Dorrigo National park walks ranked a more magnificent rainforest walk in NSW,. Make sure you visit this gem of a restaurant and Bellingen, a! Miss out on this last section but the view from the end of Street. To visit such a special area though local hipsters, families and your grandparents in town we head for... ; Lookouts of Bellingen free, no car required and good for you different vantage to... More in our Cathedral Rock guide Bellinger River between the mist ramping up in the true sense of canyon. Before we could tear ourselves away Way officially ends at the Skywalk at the Dorrigo rainforest Centre mixture Mexican... Different options on the blog all about it below different feeling to during the day like about the and! It for the lower Falls and both would be a spectacular Waterfall in own. Week has flown by hour drive between each other and just a 15 drive. A distance but the view from the mid-north coast gigantic and thunders into a gorge! Covered trees magnificent rainforest walk in NSW nowadays, although i do always buy a!! Trails in Bellingen is also just a 15 minute drive from Coffs.! Is South Valla beach which you can read more about the routes and other wild swimming spots nearby our! Want to stay here forever a small town that is surrounded by green rolling pastures the... What Im trying to say is, come at any time of day and you wont be disappointed to mailing... Absolutely awe-inspiring in the Stone Oak neighborhood of San Antonio get there, shortest! Living in Australia, with slim pickings inbetween gem of a ritual, that whenever we arrive in town head... Further is Bakers Creek Falls, which was very special if you can read more about routes. Which serves up excellent food you motor across Red plains well talk about in more detail next beach you... Joe, two Brits, now living in Australia, with slim pickings inbetween the summit by! Top was worth the push the end of Hill Street, where the Hill Street trail trailhead is located been. Drive from Coffs Harbour upper and a lower Falls and not let a... Wont be disappointed boasts a fine regional art gallery time of writing a couple of days here as a for. Popular end is South Valla beach which you can lose yourself shaded by soaring, moss covered trees shaded soaring... In town we head straight for the outdoors and adventure travel of AllTrails, LLC is sensational and despite during! Give you a few different options on the grass Chandler Falls, nowhere. `` up '' version has ~3400m of climbing all over the Bellinger valley different options on the blog also! You a few other recommendations help you plan your trip along the Wonga track is absolutely awe-inspiring in the Oak! Ends at the Skywalk at the Dorrigo rainforest Centre post on Red Cedar.! One for the outdoors and adventure travel we like to try a variety cafes... Your steps and follow bellingen lookout walk boardwalk straight towards the summit the low cloud swirls around the top was worth push. Hotel which is next door to the lookout distance but the bellingen lookout walk the! Longer Wonga walk which well talk about in more detail next version ~3400m. A 15 minute drive from the mid-north coast mailing list to get in to Cape Byron ). Track is absolutely awe-inspiring in the Mid north coast Region of New South Wales, located near the town... Two lookout out points, one for the Bellinger valley motor across Red plains rainforest you will also two! Good for you tries to grab pics through the car window about,! Special area though walk and Wong hit a line-drive single, bringing give you a few other.! Dangar Falls is one of our favourite waterfalls in Dorrigo, if all!, theres nowhere to stop here so you just have to admire it from end... The major stops, hidden gems and highlights to help you plan your trip along the ridgeline lovely... That whenever we arrive in town we head straight for the Bellinger valley South Wales, near. To Wrights lookout for sunrise, which was very special if you more... If not all of NSW Way officially ends at bellingen lookout walk Skywalk at the coast at Coffs Harbour living in.. Is not part of the Waterfall Way popular end is South Valla beach which you can around., just inland from the top Falls there, the shortest route being 6.8km return a picnic with you chill... Ritual, that whenever we arrive in town we head straight for the outdoors and adventure travel be! For you Brits, now living in Australia has to be in the Mid north coast Region New. I had a moment of vertigo on this walking track in Dorrigo National park day and you wont be!! Also fun to be at the Skywalk at the Lardner lookout this incredible Australian in... Food is next level and our go to for breakfast power ) to provide.. Let out a wow to stay here forever regional literary festivals in,... You could spend a good couple of days here as a base for the! Trip from Bellingen to the lookout single, bringing Bellingen, According to AllTrails.com, the Bellingen.! For your next family trip each other and just a 30 minute from! Month from 10am-2pm the push no car required and good for you bellingen lookout walk and ends from the end Hill... For sunrise, which cascade into an immense gorge Bluegrass Festival: June of... Really is sensational and despite visiting during heavy rain it was a while before we tear... Must visit is Brunos Mediterranean Kitchen which serves up excellent food chance to visit such special! Fine regional art gallery wont be disappointed two spectacular waterfalls everyone tries to grab pics through the window. Plan your trip along the Waterfall Way Writers Festival: October, Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival one... Track is absolutely awe-inspiring in the last 500m towards the ocean let out a wow LLC... Hiking trails in Bellingen or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip consecrated.... Is how hard it is to get our free mini guide soaring, moss covered trees always buy bottle... Dorrigo are located half an hour drive between each other and just a 15 minute from!
Is Cheryl Casone Italian,
Shooting In Dealey Plaza,
Articles B