Dorrigo National Park Overview

It’s best to begin your exploration of Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage “Gondwana Rainforests,” at the Rainforest Centre, 2km east of Dorrigo. The centre has a cafe and educational displays. Watch for red-necked pademelons and brush turkeys in the lawns around the Center picnic area. (☎02 6657 2309. Open daily 9am-4pm.) Dorrigo is pure rainforest, with sections of multi-layered canopy and wet eucalyptus forest. When the rain makes things sloppy (not usually a problem on fully sealed trails), the leeches have a field day. Pick them off, or buy some insect repellent from the center. Behind the Rainforest Center is the spectacular 75m-long Skywalk that extends out and over the tree canopy, 21m above the forest floor. The Lyrebird Link Track is an easy 400m stroll that links the Rainforest Center to the 5.8km (2½hr., easy-medium) Wonga Walk loop that connects the Crystal Shower Falls and Tristania Falls. The Glade Picnic Area 1km further up Dome Rd is accessible by car.

From the park, follow Waterfall Way through the town of Dorrigo to visit the spectacular Dangar Falls lookout. A sealed pathway leads all the way from the viewpoint to the base of the falls, a swell swimming spot. Numerous picnic areas, walks, and attractions make this a pleasant day excursion. If you do decide to stay the night—and you’ll have to if you take the bus— Gracemere Grange , 325 Dome Rd., just 2km from the park, offers beautiful, B&B-style accommodations with continental breakfast included. (☎02 6657 2630; www.dorrigo.com/gracemere. Singles $35; doubles $70-80.)

Dorrigo is just 29km west of Bellingen and 64km west of Coffs Harbour. It’s easiest to visit by car, but Keans also offers bus service from a number of local towns, including Armidale, Bellingen, and Coffs Harbour. (☎1800 043 339; www.keans.com.au. 1hr. Leaves for Dorrigo M, Th and returns Tu, F. $28.)