National Parks and Nature
54% of the Bellingen Shire is classified as National Park or State Forest, providing rich biodiversity and a sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors alike.
Dorrigo National Park
The emerald jewel of our region. Visit this World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest for spectacular waterfall walks, picnic spots and excellent birdwatching. There are detailed trail maps and hiking guides as well as tips on wildlife spotting and photography on the National Parks website. The park is 60km west of Coffs Harbour and a 40-minute drive from Bellingen.
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Bongil Bongil National Park
This National Park is popular with locals for a spot of fishing, mountain bike adventures, beach and rainforest walking. Situated between Coffs Harbour and the Bellingen Shire with the towns of Urunga of Mylestom only a ten-minute drive away.
Guided tours are available during school holidays and holiday accommodation is available at Tuckers Rocks Cottage.
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New England National Park
Home to World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest, the New England National Park boasts magnificent views, fantastic walking and various accommodation options. Approximately one-hour drive West of Dorrigo and situated halfway between Dorrigo and Armidale.
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Cascade National Park
Rainforest, walking tracks, car touring, picturesque waterholes and excellent cycling opportunities await. The Cascade National Park offers challenging hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, allowing hikers to marvel at the sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape, less than 30-minute drive from Dorrigo or just over an hour from Bellingen or Coffs Harbour.
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Wild Cattle Creek State Forest
Mobong Creek picnic area offers a great place to enjoy lunch. Facilities include toilets, picnic tables, fire pits and a short footbridge out to a gorgeous spot overlooking a waterhole. A waterfall and pool offers a great place to relax an cool off in warmer weather.
Mobong Track is also nearby for those feeling adventurous. The track follows a historic tramway from the small settlement of Cascade, used when the area was originally harvested for timber, through Cascade National Park and into Wild Cattle Creek State Forest, finishing at Mobong Creek.
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Urunga Wetlands
A rare freshwater coastal oasis for multiple bird varieties. There's a 150 metre boardwalk allowing you to walk over the wetland and a 450 metre walking track surrounding the park. Some of the birds you can expect to see include the Purple Swamp Hen, Black-necked Stork and Black Swans. Only 5 minutes drive from Urunga town centre or 25 minutes from Coffs Harbour.