Dorrigo

Dorrigo is the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park, and home to ancient rainforest, dramatic waterfalls and beautiful heritage. Explore the area, walk above the rainforest canopy, discover charming Coffs Coast hinterland towns and enjoy delicious local produce.

Dorrigo National Park

Dorrigo National Park, which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, is a short drive from the town. Just north of Dorrigo amid the rolling farmland is Dangar Falls, a lovely waterfall with a drop of 30 metres with a viewing platform and a walking trail to the bottom of the falls.

Begin your rainforest adventure at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. There are exhibitions on the flora and the many intriguing animals, including the lyrebird, a native bird with the ability to imitate almost any sound. Walking trails also depart from the centre, including a trail to the spectacular elevated Skywalk lookout.

Bushwalking in Dorrigo

The Lyrebird Link track winds past the fluted trunks of giant stinging trees and birds nest ferns. The easy 800 metre-return trail connects to the Wonga Walk, a 6.6km loop that includes the gorgeous Crystal Shower Falls. Other beautiful walks include:

• The Walk with the Birds boardwalk, an elevated path to hundreds of bird species.
• The Satinbird Stroll, a birdwatcher’s delight in rainforest near The Glade picnic area
• The Rosewood Creek walking track to Coachwood Falls from Never Never picnic area
• The Red Cedar Falls walking track, to the largest waterfall in the national park.

Dorrigo events

In the town, an annual highlight is the Dorrigo Show, held each April in the showgrounds with animal exhibits, food stalls and rides for the kids. The popular three-day Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival in October is another great family event. Families can camp in the showground by the camp fire.

Getting there and where to stay

The small rural town is an hour’s drive inland from Coffs Harbour on the Waterfall Way, a scenic driving route that winds past five stunning national parks. Direct flights operate from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Coffs Harbour airport. You can also catch the train from Sydney and the journey takes around nine hours.

You'll find accommodation options to suit various budgets, including retreats, a bed and breakfast federation home, cottages and the 1925-built Heritage Hotel Motel, which has a bistro. Nearby is the delicious Food Angel Cafe.