If you’re looking for a corker of a weekend getaway out of Sydney with some beautiful scenic driving, great campsites, ancient landscapes, loads of waterfalls and generally thin crowds, a trip to the Waterfall Way has all based covered.
The route is located on the NSW mid north coast and plies a route inland from the Pacific Highway through the coastal hinterland to Armidale.
The drive will take you through seven different national parks, several of which link up to form the UNESCO-recognised Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Site.
Some of the country out here looks like a set for Jurassic Park, and you really owe it to yourself to get out here and check it out one day.
Keep in mind that it’s a pretty gentle touring route and less than half a day’s drive out of Sydney, so a great option for a family bush bash.
STUFF TO DO
4WDING is gentle along the main route and the roads are even sealed for the most part, but keep in mind that this region receives very high rainfall and as such any unsealed side tracks you venture down will more often than not be slick with mud. Plan accordingly.
DORRIGO NATIONAL PARK is perhaps the most famous park along the route, and home to the waterfalls that lend it its name. The park is located 580km north of Sydney and 5km west of the town of Dorrigo.
BELLINGEN is a little town in the Dorrigo region that’s bursting with character. It’s attracted it’s share of new age types over the years, and quite a few of them stuck around and set up shop on the banks of the gorgeous Bellinger River. A perfect spot for a lunch break or overnight stopover.
IMPORTANT INFO
LOCATION: The start point for the route is at Raleigh on the Pacific Highway, mid way between Coffs Harbour and Urunga, approximately 520km north of Sydney.
CAMPING is available at Thungutti Campground, which is equipped with toilets and showers, running water and a cooking shelter with gas barbeques.
FUEL and supplies is available at either end of the route in the cities of Coffs Harbour and Armidale, as well as in the towns of Bellingin and Dorrigo.
MORE INFO is available at www.environment.nsw.gov.au
