Waterfall Way

Waterfall Way is a stunning 185-kilometre scenic drive that winds through the lush hinterland of New South Wales, connecting the coastal town of Coffs Harbour to the New England Tablelands. This route is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a series of spectacular waterfalls, ancient rainforests, and dramatic gorges. As you drive, the air fills with the scent of eucalyptus and the roar of cascading water, making it one of Australia's most memorable self-drive adventures.

Highlights & What to See

• Dorrigo National Park – Home to the famous Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and the Skywalk, a cantilevered platform offering panoramic views over the Bellinger Valley. Don't miss the short walk to Crystal Shower Falls, where you can walk behind the waterfall.
• Dangar Falls – A powerful, wide cascade just outside Dorrigo town, easily accessible and perfect for a picnic with a view.
• Ebor Falls – A two-tiered waterfall plunging into a deep gorge, with well-maintained viewing platforms and walking tracks. The contrast of the white water against the dark basalt cliffs is breathtaking.
• Wollomombi Falls – One of the highest waterfalls in Australia, with a drop of over 220 metres. The lookout provides a vertiginous view of the gorge and the distant escarpment.
• New England National Park – Offers dramatic lookouts like the Point Lookout, which on a clear day reveals a patchwork of rainforest, eucalypt forest, and the distant coast.
• Bellingen – A charming arts-and-crafts town with a vibrant café culture, perfect for a lunch stop. Try the local produce at the Bellingen Growers Market (Saturdays).

Suggested Time to Spend

To fully appreciate Waterfall Way, plan for a full day (8–10 hours) of driving with stops, or better yet, break it into a two-day journey with an overnight stay in Dorrigo or Armidale. Start early from Coffs Harbour, spend the morning exploring Dorrigo National Park, then continue west, stopping at each major waterfall. If you're short on time, focus on the section between Dorrigo and Ebor – it packs the most dramatic scenery into a half-day drive.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour – The eastern terminus of Waterfall Way, with beautiful beaches and the iconic Big Banana.
• Armidale – A historic university city at the western end, with fine museums, galleries, and the nearby Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
• Bellingen – A detour off the main route, known for its alternative lifestyle, river swimming, and the Bellingen Jazz Festival.
• Dorrigo – A small town with a historic railway precinct and access to the national park.
• Guy Fawkes River National Park – Offers rugged wilderness, wild horses, and the remote Chaelundi Falls.
• Nymboida – A tiny settlement with a popular canoeing and kayaking spot on the Nymboida River.

Please check official sources for current details.