The 185km Waterfall Way scenic drive links Coffs harbour and Armidale, passing rainforest, river valleys and waterfalls, including New England and Dorrigo national parks.
You could cover Waterfall Way scenic drive in about 2.5 hours, but with so many amazing stops along the way, it could take you all day. Starting at Coffs Harbour, the scenic drive traverses 5 national parks and winds through lush rainforest, waterfalls, open woodlands and farmland as you approach Armidale.
Ebor Falls should not be missed - two grandiose waterfalls and an amazing scenic walk along the escarpment edge. All this is just a few minutes walk from Ebor Falls carpark. The road winds steeply through the lush rainforest of Dorrigo National Park to a height of 750m at Dorrigo Mountain.
Other highlights of the drive include the granite tors in Cathedral Rock National Park, Point lookout in New England National Park, and the Wollomombi Gorge and Falls picnic area, near Armidale, which has one of the state’s highest drops.
"341 Harbour Drive"
We going to depart at 06H30, be ready for early morning of sightseeing and walking.
"Bellingen "
"Dorringo Skywalk Lookout"
Directly connected to Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Skywalk lookout offers a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape. Perched right on the edge of the escarpment, the views take in Bellinger Valley to the coast with deep valleys and gorges, blanketed in a rich rainforest. If birdwatching is of interest, look for regent bowerbirds, topknot pigeons and grey goshawks.
Skywalk lookout is a 70m boardwalk that soars over the edge of the escarpment some 21m above the rainforest. Easily accessible, anyone can enjoy the panoramic views of the Rosewood rainforest basin.
"Walk with the Birds Boardwalk Dorringo "
Get high among the rainforest trees along the elevated Walk with the Birds boardwalk, in Dorrigo National Park. This fully-accessible walkway, elevated above the forest floor, offers unique forest views and close-up birdwatching opportunities, near Bellingen on the NSW North Coast.
Far below, you might see brush turkeys raking litter for their nests or a lyrebird searching for insects. Among the branches, you could spot the stunning paradise riflebird with its glossy black and iridescent blue plumage, as well as fruit doves and green catbirds. Look for the information panels to learn more about the rainforest locals. Distance 0.5km
"The Glade Picnic Area"
Located 1km from the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, The Glade picnic area is a great spot for barbecues and picnics. It’s set in a peaceful clearing, surrounded by amazing rainforest.
The area has great facilities and offers stunning views from its elevated lookout. After a picnic lunch there are lots of walking tracks to explore, like the Crystal Shower Falls walk that starts nearby.
Besides its natural beauty, The Glade picnic area has free barbecues, as well as undercover and outdoor picnic tables. And don’t be surprised if a brush turkey or a wallaby sneaks up to join your barbecue. The Glade picnic area is also home to the park's field study centre.
"Satinbird Stroll Trail"
Visitors looking for an easy introduction to Dorrigo’s wonderful rainforest systems can’t go past Satinbird stroll, near the popular The Glade picnic area. The rainforest’s abundance of plant species, vines, epiphytes and buttressed roots are easily visible from the 600m sealed trail, which can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers with a little assistance.
The stroll is named after the satin bowerbird renowned for its remarkable courtship ritual. Birdwatching is superb, so don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars. You might be lucky enough to spot the stroll’s namesake or perhaps a migrating black-faced monarch between September and March. Distance... 0.6km loop Time suggested... 15 - 30min
"Crystal Shower Falls Walk"
The walk to Crystal Shower Falls might be one of the shortest waterfall walks, but it is also one of the most intriguing because you can go behind the waterfall itself. Lush rainforest towers above you on the walk to the falls and you might hear the call of rainforest birds like fruit doves.
Once you reach the falls, a suspension bridge leads to a short side track that will take you behind the waterfall into a rocky cavern.
To get to Crystal Shower Falls you’ll need to take the first part of the Satinbird stroll and then join the Wonga walk, leaving from The Glade picnic area. Distance 3.5km return. 1 Hour 30 min
"Crystal shower Falls"
"Dangar Falls"
Two kilometres north of Dorrigo town centre is Dangar Falls, a beautiful 30-metre waterfall set amidst scenic agricultural and dairy farmland. There's a car park, a viewing platform, picnic tables and a walking trail that leads you to the river at the bottom of the waterfall. The viewing platform offers a great vantage point and excellent photo opportunity of the falls. Dangar Falls is signposted from Dorrigo town.
The start of this well-maintained track is not too far away from the car park and the lookout. While it does have some steep and slippery parts, it’s perfectly suitable for small children. The total return trip is less than 1.5km and can be completed within 45 minutes.
Bring your swimmers on a warm day as the huge lagoon at the base of the falls is a popular swimming hole during the summer months. The temptation to jump in is as big as the natural pool itself.
"Ebor falls"
Watch the Guy Fawkes River plunging 100m over two waterfalls at Ebor Falls. Three lookout platforms along the edge of the gorge – upper falls, lower falls and valley view — give spectacular views out into the rugged gorge country.
A walking track links the upper falls and lower falls lookout platforms via the escarpment edge and is an easy walk that’s suitable for children. You can start out at either end and return via the road.
Golden everlasting daisies bloom around the upper falls in the warmer months and rare ground orchids flower in the late spring and summer. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a wedge-tailed eagle soaring above you as you picnic in the grassy woodlands area next to the falls.
From the car park, head to the 'Lower Falls Lookout' and walk through to the edge of the smaller falls with breathtaking views over the valley. From here, head along the boardwalk to the 'Valley Lookout' over the main falls.
Most visitors go no further, however the walking track continues along the river into Ebor, where you might wish to cross the bridge for something to eat and a cool beer at the Ebor Falls Hotel before returning the way you came. Distance of walk 2km
"Point Lookout , New England National Park, NSW"
Point lookout is the must-see destination for visitors to New England National Park. Perched on the edge of the Great Escarpment, it offers panoramic views across World Heritage rainforest to the ocean in the distance.
At sunrise, the mist in the valley turns from orange to pink as the sun erupts above the distant horizon. It’s no wonder this is one of the most photographed sunrises on the NSW North Coast.
Accessible to all, Point lookout is a 200m walk from the carpark on a wheelchair-friendly track. Pack a picnic, have a barbeque and spend a few hours relaxing and admiring the view. Read about the wonders of the Gondwana rainforest, Aboriginal cultural heritage and the history of this impressive location in the picnic shelter.
While you’re there, why not venture off to discover the rainforest below on the many walking tracks that start here
"Eagles Nest Walking Track "
Eagles Nest walking track takes you on a journey though World Heritage rainforest and snow gum forest, with outstanding views along the way.
Climb down into the ageless world of Gondwana rainforest. Marvel at the huge mossy Antarctic beech trees covered in fungus and dotted with beech orchids. You’ll see water trickling from the rocks, often freezing and forming chandeliers of ice that glisten in the winter light.
Climb back up to the escarpment near Banksia Point and return to Point lookout through the snow gum woodland. Look out for the brilliantly coloured crimson rosellas as you wander through the forest. In spring, you’ll be treated to the beauty of snow gum woodland carpeted with snowgrass tussocks and colourful wildflowers.
Finish with the breathtaking views from Point lookout, knowing what incredible natural wonders lie in the wilderness below. 1 Hour walk, 2km
"South West Rocks "
South West Rocks is a perfect escape for a seaside holiday, with beautiful sandy beaches and splendid national parks. You’ll discover intriguing colonial heritage too - the 1886 Trial Bay Gaol and the 1891 Smoky Cape Lighthouse
"Trial Bay Gaol "
Step back in time on a guided tour of Trial Bay Gaol, soaking up the history and the amazing coastal views that surround it.
The gaol opened in 1886, after 13 years of construction. It must have been a strange feeling building a prison in such a beautiful setting. The prison labourers were there to construct a breakwater to make Trial Bay a safe harbour between Sydney and Brisbane. Unfortunately the scheme failed, however you’ll still be able to see the remains of the breakwater from the guard tower lookout. During World War I the gaol became an internment camp for people of German descent who were feared to be enemy sympathisers.
Today, this picturesque historic ruin stands as a testament to those who lived and died here, with a museum and memorial for visitors to get a better idea of life in those days. Feeling energetic? Try the nearby Powder Magazine walking track or Monument Hill walking track.
"Hat Head"
Hat Head is a small, unspoilt town which lies on a narrow bar of sand between the Pacific Ocean and the Korogoro Creek. It is nestled in behind the Hat Head National Park. It has become a retreat for people wanting to get away from the tourist centres and is known for its bushwalking, its excellent surf beaches, its reliable beach, deep sea and rock fishing and, most of all, it is known as a place of great peacefulness and beauty.
"Crescent Head Resort and Conference Centre "
Set on 2 acres, Crescent Head Resort & Conference Centre offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, just 5 minutes' walk from Killick Beach. Guests enjoy a sauna, a swimming pool and a children's playground. All rooms boast a patio and a kitchenette.
The seaside Crescent Head Resort is 7 minutes' walk from Crescent Head's town centre. It is 5 minutes' drive from Goolawah Beach. It is 45 minutes' drive from Hat Head National Park.
All rooms include a sofa, a flat-screen TV and a DVD player. Each has a private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer. Some rooms feature a spa bath.
Other facilities offered at the property include meeting facilities, a guest laundry and a BBQ area. There is free parking provided on-site.
"Killick Creek, Crescent Head "
Killick Creek Estuary Killick Creek Killick Creek is a small estuary on the mid north coast of NSW connected to the ocean adjacent to the township of Crescent Head. Killick Creek is the principal natural waterway through the township and consequently is used by residents for a variety of recreational activities. Located immediately adjacent to the southern foreshore of Killick Creek is the Crescent Head Caravan Park.
During the holiday season (early October to late April), the caravan park and other holiday accommodation within the town attracts a large number of tourists to Crescent Head, who also utilise Killick Creek, especially swimming within the entrance channel.