Photo: Dangar_Falls_Dorrigo.JPG : Siantar derivative work: kaʁstn Disk / Cat / CC BY-SA 3.0
Plunging 30 metres into a deep, emerald pool, Dangar Falls is one of the Mid North Coast's most photogenic natural attractions. Set just a few kilometres from Dorrigo township, this curtain-style waterfall is at its thunderous best after rain, when the surrounding lush rainforest amplifies the roar. A short, easy walk leads to a viewing platform that offers a postcard-perfect vantage, while the pool below is a popular spot for a refreshing dip on warm days. For travellers on a self-drive itinerary between Coffs Harbour and the New England region, Dangar Falls makes an ideal leg-stretcher and a powerful taste of the region's wild beauty.
Highlights & What to See
- The waterfall lookout – A wheelchair-accessible platform delivers you right to the brink of the falls, where you can feel the mist and watch rainbows form in the spray.
- Swimming in the plunge pool – On a hot afternoon, brave the cool water for a swim beneath the falls. The pool is deep and clear, with a rocky ledge perfect for sunbaking.
- Picnic areas – Several shaded tables and grassy spots near the carpark invite you to linger over lunch while listening to the cascade.
- Dorrigo National Park – Just a 10-minute drive away, this Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage site offers spectacular walks, including the Skywalk that takes you above the canopy.
- Dorrigo township – A charming country town with heritage pubs, local galleries, and the famous Dorrigo Pie Shop – ideal for a post-falls treat.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour at the falls themselves – enough time to admire the view, take photos, and maybe dip your toes. If you plan to swim, allow an extra 30 minutes. For a fuller day trip, combine Dangar Falls with a walk in Dorrigo National Park (allow 2–3 hours) and lunch in town. The falls are accessible year-round, but they are most impressive after rainfall.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Dorrigo National Park – Home to the Skywalk, ancient Antarctic beech trees, and the Wonga Walk that passes several waterfalls.
- Dorrigo – This historic timber town has a relaxed vibe, boutique shops, and the Dorrigo Railway Museum.
- Coffs Harbour – About 1 hour east, offering beaches, the Big Banana, and the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
- Bellingen – A creative community 30 minutes south, known for its arts scene, Sunday markets, and the Bellinger River.
- Nymboida River – Popular for canoeing and kayaking trips through stunning gorges, about 40 minutes west.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Dorrigo National Park — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Dorrigo — Acp / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Coffs Harbour — Paul Lakin / CC BY 3.0
- Bellingen — Wikistellar01 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Nymboida River — luvjnx from Palm City, United States / CC BY 2.0
- Port Macquarie — Inas / CC0