Outdoor adventures 

Discover the rich ecosystems, and wildlife such as koalas, eagles and dolphins as you paddle a canoe or kayak along the Bellinger River with Bellingen Canoe Adventures. As well as offering canoe hire, they also do guided day trips, including whitewater rafting for adrenaline junkies. 

Just half an hour from Bellingen, Dorrigo National Park offers stunning scenery with cascading falls, ancient Gondwana rainforest and elevated views from Dorrigo Rainforest Centre’s canopy skywalk. Tackle one of the park's beautiful hikes, such as the Crystal Shower Falls Walk, Red Cedar Falls Walking Track or Rosewood Creek Walking Track.

Dorrigo Skywalk, Dorrigo National Park

Events and markets

Bellingen is famed for its cultural festivals. The annual Readers and Writers Festival focuses exclusively on Australian writers; while the Bellingen Memorial Hall hosts a myriad of events from music and comedy to theatre and film. The monthly Bellingen Community Markets is also a popular event, focusing on community, diversity, local crafts and producers; while the weekly Bellingen Farmers Market showcases regional specialties and produce straight from the farm. 

Local markets in Bellingen

Eating and drinking 

For a small town, there’s certainly plenty of choice when it comes to dining, from pub fare in the historic Federal Hotel to cool cafes with a hippy vibe. The leafy Church Street is home to a number of venues, including the buzzing Bellingen Brewing Company, serving up woodfired pizzas and craft beers, and 5 Church Street, a cafe and restaurant by day and live music venue by night. On Hyde Street, Za’atar serves Israeli street food for lunch and dinner, and Fiume is a neighbourhood gem with a European bistro vibe. It's hard to go past a great coffee in a historic setting at the Old Butter Factory Cafe. 

Fiume Bellingen, Bellingen - Credit: Fiume Bellingen

Stylish stays

You’ll find places to stay dotted along the riverbank and in the verdant countryside and bushland, from bed and breakfasts and farm stays to luxury cabins and retreats. Get back to nature at a secluded tiny house at Bellingen Hideaway, nestled in the beautiful Kalang Valley, or Tiny Nancy, which is a hop, skip and jump away from riverways, waterfalls and rainforest aplenty. If you want to stay within walking distance of the town centre, The Belfry Guesthouse is particularly lovely, enjoying verandah views over the Bellingen River.

Into The Wild Escapes - Tiny Nancy, Bellingen - Credit: Into The Wild Escapes

Getting there

Halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, Bellingen is a 5.5-hour drive north of Sydney and a 30-minute drive southwest of Coffs Harbour. You can also catch the train from Sydney, the journey taking around nine hours. Direct flights operate from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Coffs Harbour Airport. The airport is 4km from Coffs Harbour’s town centre. Use the shuttle bus and taxi services at the front of the terminal or riding-sharing Uber, to make the short trip into the city. Alternatively, rent a car from the hire services available at the airport and explore the region at your own pace.