Outdoor adventures

Discover the rich hinterland 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 canoe hire, they also run guided day trips, including whitewater rafting for adrenaline junkies, plus sunset and full moon canoe tours for a more mellow paddle. You may even come across a herd of cows cooling off in the water.

Bellingen Canoe Adventures, Bellingen

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, or explore the many cascades along The Waterfall Way, the scenic drive that winds up from the coast into the ranges.

Waterfall Way Scenic Drive, Dorrigo National Park

Exciting events

Bellingen is famed for its cultural festivals. The annual Readers and Writers Festival held over the June long weekend focuses exclusively on Australian writers, while Bellingen Memorial Hall hosts a myriad of events from music and comedy to theatre and film, including regular screenings from Bellingen Film Lovers. During the high-energy Beyond Jazz Weekender in August, live jazz meets DJ sets and dancing into the night. Each January, Camp Creative takes over town with five days of workshops spanning art, music, dance, craft and more, capped off with a street party and live performances.

Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival, Bellingen - Credit: Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival Incorporated

Shopping & markets

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. You can embrace the town’s boho hippie vibe by picking up some one-of-a-kind or vintage pieces at independent clothing stores and second-hand shops.

Local markets, Bellingen

Eating & drinking

For a small town, there's certainly plenty of choice when it comes to dining in Bellingen, 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 Brewery, 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, It's hard to go past a great coffee in the heritage surrounds of the Old Butter Factory Cafe.

Bellingen Brewing Co., Bellingen

For something special, Three Blue Ducks brings its paddock-to-plate philosophy to a 16-acre property with views to Dorrigo National Park, while Bruno's Mediterranean Kitchen serves up locally-sourced Mediterranean fare on Oak Street. Dumpling fans should head to The Thirsty Dumpling for hand-crafted dumplings and cocktails, and it's worth the drive out to Thora for a gourmet smash burger and thick shake at Pitstop Hamburgers.

Bruno's Mediterranean Kitchen, 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. For a working farm experience, pitch a tent or bed down in a bell tent at Levenvale Farm, a certified organic cattle property with its own farm shop just minutes from town.

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

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Copyright: Into The Wild Escapes

If you want to stay within walking distance of the town centre, The Belfry Guesthouse is particularly lovely, enjoying verandah views over the Bellinger River, or settle into the Tuscan-inspired charm of CasaBelle Country Guest House, with its spa baths, log fires and views over the Bellinger River Valley. For something more indulgent, The Lodge Bellingen offers luxury rooms, a heated mineral pool and resident alpacas on 16 acres just two minutes from town.

The Belfry Guesthouse, Bellingen

Getting there

Halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, Bellingen is a 5.5-hour drive north of Sydney and just 30 minutes southwest of Coffs Harbour. Or take things slow and make this a memorable stop on the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip, as you explore the spectacular NSW North Coast. Train travel from Sydney takes around nine hours. Direct flights operate from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Coffs Harbour Airport. If you don’t drive here, hiring a car is the best way to explore the Coffs Coast region and its many scenic drives, including the Waterfall Way.