Dorrigo

Get back to nature 

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.

Dangar Falls, Dorrigo

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.

Dorrigo Skywalk, Dorrigo 

Bushwalking in Dorrigo

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

Crystal Shower Falls, Dorrigo

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; and the Red Cedar Falls Walking Track, to the largest waterfall in the national park.

Explore the town

Start the day with a sweet treat from Peaches Patisserie, where everything is made from scratch on site. Visit The Dorrigo Deli to stock up on supplied for your bushwalks, like delicious sandwiches, cheese, salami and fresh bread. Meet more local makers at the Dorrigo Handmade Markets, held three times a year around Christmas, Easter and in October. Pick up a vintage treasure at The Oppy or a unique steampunk inspired sculpture from artist Mark Walker at The Edge of Time.

The Dorrigo Deli, Dorrigo - Credit: The Dorrigo Deli

Events & festivals

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 campfire.

Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Dorrigo Showgrounds - Credit: Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival Incorporated

Where to stay

Dangar Falls Lodge Camp and Caravan offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from pet-friendly camping and caravan sites to the lodge that can sleep up to 13. It’s only a few minutes' walk from Dangar Falls. Cod Hole Campground is a secluded spot in the wilderness of the Nymboi-Binderay National Park, ideal for swimming, kayaking and white water rafting in the river.

Dangar Falls Lodge Camp and Caravan, Dorrigo - Credit: Richard Nielsen

Unwind with a peaceful, off-grid escape surrounded by rolling countryside, like Dorrigo Rainforest Retreat or Hudsons Hideaway. Further inland towards Armidale, Hernani Wilderness Hut is constructed from recycled timber, powered by solar and has a slow-combustion fireplace, with 360-degree views of the Australian bush. For a budget-friendly stay in the center of town, book in to The Frontier Motel.

Hernani Wilderness Hut, Hernani - Credit: Hernani Wilderness Hut

Getting there

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 and the charming town of Bellingen. It’s just under six hour’s drive from Sydney or you can take things slow and follow the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip over a week. 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. 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.