It’s a spectacular drive from Bellingen up to the quiet mountain town of Dorrigo. The road climbs 1000m through dense rainforest, with occasional breaks in the canopy offering great views down the Bellinger Valley to the coast. Dorrigo was one of the last places to be settled in the eastward push across the New England tablelands. It’s a pleasant base for visiting the area’s outstanding national parks. Island Continent runs ecotours to Dorrigo or will organise tours to suit your interests. The tour guide also works for the NPWS and has a good knowledge of the local area.
Dangar Falls
A few kilometres north of town, on the road to Leigh, is the picturesque Dangar Falls. The main attraction though is the magnificent subtropical rainforest of Dorrigo National Park, 2km east of town. It is the most accessible of Australia’s World Heritage rainforests and well worth a visit. The Rainforest Centre, at the entrance, has information about the park’s many walks. Camping is now allowed in the park. The turn-off to the park is clearly signposted on the Dorrigo-Bellingen road.
Place to Stay:
Dorrigo Mountain Resort, a caravan park with some substantial wooden cabins, is just out of town on the road to Bellingen. There are on-site vans as well as self-contained cabins. The historic Commercial Hotel/Motel has motel units.
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