Waterfall Way

Waterfall Way is a spectacular scenic drive that winds through the lush, forested landscapes of the New South Wales mid-north coast, linking the coastal city of Coffs Harbour with the New England Tableland. This 185-kilometre route is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a series of stunning waterfalls, ancient rainforests, and charming country towns. The drive is particularly rewarding after rain, when the waterfalls are at their most powerful, and the greenery is at its most vibrant. Waterfall Way is not just a road; it's an immersion into the raw beauty of Australia's subtropical wilderness.

Highlights & What to See

• Dorrigo National Park – A World Heritage-listed rainforest with the dramatic Dorrigo Falls and the Skywalk, a cantilevered platform offering panoramic views over the canopy.
• Ebor Falls – A two-tiered waterfall on the Guy Fawkes River, plunging over 100 metres into a deep gorge. The upper and lower lookouts provide excellent photo opportunities.
• Dangar Falls – A picturesque waterfall near the town of Dorrigo, easily accessible and perfect for a short walk or a picnic.
• New England National Park – Home to the stunning Wollomombi Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Australia, and the Wrights Lookout with views over the vast gorge.
• Promised Land – A quirky, historic village near Dorrigo with a charming general store and the famous Promised Land Waterfall.
• Bellingen – A vibrant artsy town on the Bellinger River, known for its artisan bakeries, galleries, and the annual Bellingen Jazz Festival.

Suggested Time to Spend

To fully appreciate Waterfall Way, allow at least two to three days. This gives you time to explore the major waterfalls, take short walks into the rainforest, and linger in the towns of Dorrigo and Bellingen. If you're short on time, a full day from Coffs Harbour can cover the highlights, but you'll be rushing. For a more relaxed pace, consider an overnight stay in Dorrigo or Bellingen, where you can enjoy local produce and the laid-back atmosphere.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour – The starting point of Waterfall Way, with beautiful beaches, the Big Banana, and the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve.
• Dorrigo – The gateway to Dorrigo National Park, with a historic railway precinct and the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.
• Bellingen – A creative hub with a thriving café culture, the Never Never River, and the Bellingen Showground Markets.
• Guy Fawkes River National Park – A rugged wilderness area with deep gorges, wild rivers, and excellent bushwalking opportunities.
• Armidale – A university city on the New England Tableland, known for its historic architecture, museums, and nearby national parks like Oxley Wild Rivers.

Please check official sources for current details.