Waterfalls and hidden gems
Bellingen Shire in NSW is best known for the 185 km Waterfall Way scenic drive. Use this guide to plan a swim-and-waterfalls itinerary—from coastal rivers and tidal pools to cool forest cascades and World Heritage-listed rainforest.
Dorrigo National Park
World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest, waterfall walks and canopy views.
Step into Dorrigo National Park for a world-class Waterfall Way experience: lush rainforest tracks, waterfall lookouts and picnic spots in a cooler, green setting. If you’re short on time, anchor your visit around the Rainforest Centre and Skywalk lookout, then choose a waterfall walk to match your pace.
Highlights in Dorrigo National Park:
• Crystal Shower Falls
• Red Cedar Falls
• Casuarina Falls
• Skywalk Lookout – Rainforest Visitor Centre
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Crystal Shower Falls - Dorrigo National Park
Red Cedar Falls - Dorrigo National Park
Casuarina Falls - Dorrigo National Park
Skywalk Lookout – Rainforest Visitor Centre - Dorrigo National Park
Dangar Falls
A signature waterfall experience just 2km drive, cycle or walk from Dorrigo town. Dangar Falls is an easy add-on to any Dorrigo day. The 30-metre waterfall is viewed from an accessible platform that’s ideal for photos. Take a short walk to the base of the falls where you will get to see the waterfall up close.
Dangar Falls - Dorrigo
Bellinger River
Right in Bellingen, Lavender’s Bridge Park and The Point are local favourites for a simple river day. Pack a picnic, launch a kayak, or take a leisurely swim with a lush riverside backdrop.
Bellinger River - Bellingen
Mylestom Foreshore and Tidal Pool
For both beach and river access, head to Mylestom. The foreshore and tidal pool make it an easy place to unwind, with river views and the beach just up the road. The North Beach General Store and café is open every day, serving great coffee, cakes and their famous fish and chips wrapped in paper, the old-school way.
Mylestom Foreshore
Urunga Lido
A local favourite in Urunga, the Lido is an idyllic, family-friendly swimming area with shallow waters and great facilities, including picnic tables and playgrounds. Stroll the iconic Urunga Boardwalk for spectacular views of the estuary and coastline—a hidden gem that captures the natural charm of our coast.
Lido Urunga Foreshore area
Further afield
If you’re looking for more adventure, Moonpar Forest Drive is a scenic forest drive with plenty of reasons to stop—hikes, swims, camping, fishing and river rapids. Mobong Creek in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest is one of the natural highlights along the way.
Mobong Creek - Wild Cattle State Forest
Make this a Waterfall Way weekend—use the Plan your trip guide to choose your base town.
