Dorrigo National Park

Fast facts

• Dorrigo National Park in the rainforest-rich North Coast region of New South Wales is part of the World Heritage CERRA.
• About 450 km north of Sydney (halfway between Sydney and Brisbane). From Coffs Harbour, take the Pacific Highway south and turn right at the Bellingen/Armidale turnoff, up the beautiful Waterfall Way.

Why go there

Dorrigo’s rainforests, on the edge of the Great Escarpment, are among Australia’s most accessible. Dorrigo National Park’s renowned boardwalks (on forest floor and at treetop level) make the going easy for visitors.

Additionally, Dorrigo Rainforest Centre is a major CERRA interpretation centre.

One of its interactive displays, The Rainforest Revealed – Secrets of an Ancient World, explains how the rainforest evolved and gives insights into the animal species that live there, where they find their food and the dangers they face.

Dorrigo plateau rises to 1586 metres on its western boundary with the Snowy Ranges. It centres on the extinct Ebor Volcano, which helped create the region’s topography about 18 million years ago.

Walks in the area range from short strolls under the rainforest canopy to longer and more challenging endeavours like the trek (just under 5 kilometres) to the top of Casuarina Falls. It proceeds from the Never Never picnic area along Sassafras Creek, heading through cool rainforest and eucalypt stands and passing Aboriginal historic sites. Views of McGrath’s Hump and the Great Escarpment are truly breathtaking.

There is excellent accommodation available at guesthouses and B&Bs on the beautiful Dorrigo plateau.

Don’t miss

• Gazing down on the rainforest canopy from the stunning Skywalk boardwalk, 70 metres high. 
• Taking the Rainforest Walk or the Satinbird Stroll along the rainforest floor through the domain of the satin bowerbird. 
• Picnicking with the brush turkeys at The Glade.
• Visiting the nearby village of Bellingen and following the Heritage Walk, past early 19th-century buildings – some transformed into cosmopolitan cafés and award-winning restaurants.