Dorrigo National Park is just an hour's drive from Coffs Harbour and a quick 30-minute trip from the trendy town of Bellingen on the Mid-North Coast of NSW. It's a great day trip option if you're looking for something different from the beach.
The road to Dorrigo National Park is known as Waterfall Way for a good reason—Dorrigo is filled with amazing waterfalls that draw lots of native birds and wildlife. Situated in UNESCO-listed forests, there are numerous trails and hikes leading to waterfalls, making it tough to decide which ones to explore!
<h3>Best time to visit</h3>
Dorrigo National Park is ideal to visit in spring when the weather is cooler, avoiding the heavy summer rainfall that's great for waterfalls but not so good for capturing clear photos.
We went in May (autumn), and although it was a bit chilly, we enjoyed sunny days that warmed up nicely during our waterfall hikes.
We've crafted a perfect day itinerary for you, highlighting the best places to visit and showcasing some breathtaking waterfall views.
<h3>Morning</h3>
Begin your day at Components Café, the only café open from 6am, making it a haven for early risers. Step inside and you'll feel like you've been transported to a charming café in England, thanks to its English and Aussie co-owners.
The warm fireplace in the corner adds a perfect touch on chilly mornings. Given Dorrigo's reputation as one of the wettest towns in NSW due to its highland subtropical climate, a cozy spot by the fire is always a welcome sight! Expect to spend between A$20 to A$40 per person.
Once you've had your coffee fix, make your way to the Rainforest Centre, an excellent starting point for exploring the National Park. They offer valuable tips on walks, hikes, and trails.
We suggest visiting the Skywalk lookout, conveniently located next to the Rainforest Centre. While the Rainforest Centre itself is open from 9am to 4:30 pm, you can access the Skywalk anytime through another entrance. The view from the Skywalk is absolutely stunning, offering a panoramic perspective of the expansive surrounding area.
<h3> Things to do </h3>
<b>To visit Crystal Shower Falls, you have two options:</b>
<b>Option 1:</b>
Park your car at the Rainforest Centre and take the Dorrigo National Park Loop trail, which is about 6 kilometers long. You can also continue on to Tristania Falls to add another waterfall to your list. Plan for a couple of hours for this hike.
<b>Option 2:</b>
Take a short drive from the Rainforest Centre to reach the Crystal Shower Falls car park. It's a relatively small parking area with around 10 spaces. The walk starts from the Glade Picnic Area and takes about 30 minutes each way, plus extra time for taking photos at the falls.
No matter which option you choose, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of lush rainforest and the chance to walk behind the waterfall. The path is easy and paved throughout, with a gentle incline for most of the return journey.
<h3> Afternoon </h3>
By now, you're probably ready for lunch. There are plenty of BBQ stations, shelters, and picnic tables available if you prefer to bring your own lunch, which we highly recommend. Otherwise, it's convenient to head back into Dorrigo town.
<b>Dangar Falls:</b>
Dangar Falls is truly impressive, with a powerful cascade and an epic view right from the car park. You can easily walk down to the base of the falls on a well-paved path suitable for all fitness levels. It's just a short 10-15 minute walk to reach the bottom.
Lykkers, come experience the beauty of Dorrigo National Park's stunning waterfalls! Share your adventure with us and let Dorrigo's natural wonders leave you inspired!
