Holiday houses in Dorrigo

Dorrigo is a sleepy town on the Northern Tablelands with big country charm. This is the gateway to some of the state’s most legendary expanses of World Heritage-listed forest – it’s the kind of place that’s at once humbling and inspiring, and offers plenty of moments for quiet contemplation. Come here to explore gorge-studded rainforests, picturesque waterfalls, verdant valleys, and all the outdoor activities these stunning settings invite. That’s not to discount Dorrigo’s swagger in culinary and creative offerings, with restaurants, cafes, and boutiques showcasing the very best the region has to offer.

As many of Dorrigo’s attractions are outdoors and weather dependent, adventure enthusiasts typically choose to come here during the cooler, dryer months to hike and cycle through national parks. These seasons also herald the arrival of events like the annual Dorrigo Show in April, replete with food stalls and family-friendly attractions. And then there’s the three-day Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival every October, with live music and events for all ages. If you’re chasing waterfalls, as many people are in this part of the state, the wet season lasts from October through May, delivering thunderous cascades.

Dorrigo National Park

This World Heritage-listed national park is enormous. The best place to gain perspective is the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, where you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view over the Gondwana rainforest-clad gorges and valleys from the Skywalk Lookout, cantilevered above the forest floor. Back inside the centre, rangers will advise on the perfect walk, including the one-hour Lyrebird Link track and the three-hour Wonga Walk to Crystal Falls.

Dangar Falls

Just north of Dorrigo amid rolling farmland you’ll discover Dangar Falls, where crystal-clear water drops 30 metres into the forest below, covering hikers with a cool mist from the viewing platform or walking trail at the base of the waterfall. It’s particularly attractive after rain, and the adjoining picnic spot offers postcard-worthy views of the water.

Bellingen

The nearby town of Bellingen is known for many things — its bohemian lifestyle, eclectic cafes, and independent boutiques among them. But its namesake river steals the show, the waterway snaking across numerous national parks and through emerald valleys. Come here to kayak and spot snapping turtles, then linger in waterside farm-to-table cafes.