Known as Australias hippest small town, youll love it if hanging around super friendly people combined with eating awesome food and having loads of incredible hikes, lookout points, wild swimming and waterfalls on tap is your thing. The huge wrap around veranda will make you want to stay here forever! When she needs to go faster, she rides a Red Beemer (F700GS). Weve never had such a reward for a failed koala hunt! Directly on route between Bellingen and Coffs Harbour, but slightly off the Waterfall Way, you'll . Tarkeeth. The thick canopy keeps out most of the light and creates a mysterious atmosphere which feels like walking through the pages of a novel. The signpost says its difficult and recommends two hours for the walk, but this was double the time it took us and we stopped many times just to appreciate the scenery, as well as to take photos and videos. The colourful monthly markets are also well worth a visit. Despite being in the area a couple of weeks it didnt match up for us, but we think it would be a good one as Bellingen is such a creative place. If you only have time for one walk in the glorious New England National Park then make it this one. Its a fabulous, easy walk with great views and the chance to take a dip in the river by the start of the boardwalk. All the details on each route are in our Red Cedar Falls guide. This helps towards the costs of running our website. This historic port town, located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, is where the Murray River meets the sea. They also do full moon & champagne canoe tours too! Note that Google Maps/GPS is not very accurate in directing you to the Promised Land, its located near the Angel Gabriel Capararo Reserve. , Annual Agricultural Show operating since 1881 The food is next level and our go to for breakfast. If you still havent had your fill of waterfalls, then wed highly recommend a visit to Scouts Falls. Link. #3 - Bellingen River Paddle via Hammond Street. Unfortunately its a six hour road trip from Sydney which would be better for a brilliant long weekend getaway. Theres two lookout out points, one for the lower falls and one for the top falls. Our next pick is Valla Beach, which is another beauty, just 25 minutes from Bellingen. Built in 1900 it still has the original brass shop front framings in tact and was restored in 1989. Were planning a waterfall trip at the end of February so Im using your travel tips a lot. Its a friendly, relaxed tasting and I really enjoyed everything I tried. We visited on a cold Autumn day so swimming was out of the question for us. Ebor Falls has both an upper and a lower falls and both would be a spectacular waterfall in their own right. Its also very special on misty days when the cloud swirls to reveal different parts of the view. Point Lookout - Bellingen (NSW, Australia). Theres even a rope swing if this all sounds too sedate. Although there are more amazing falls like Dangars and Apsley beyond Armidale, it would be too far on a day trip from Bellingen. But first, the path climbs to a small communications tower, servicing the insatiable need for mobile connectivity, and then to a disused trig point with healthy tree cover blocking out a view. What more could you ask for? When names like "The Promised Land" and "Never . With its abundance of leafy trees and parks, Grafton is one of Australia's most beautiful provincial cities, renowned for its jacaranda trees, graceful old buildings, and its location on the banks of the majestic Clarence River. Perched over the top of the 1 million year old Gondwana Rainforest, wed be surprised if you went here and didnt enjoy the view. If youre feeling adventurous the most magical night time experience you can have close to Bellingen is to heard into Dorrigo National Park at night. I defy anyone to round the corner and catch their first glimpse of Red Cedar Falls and not let out a wow! Map: Link; Bellingen lookout. 2023 - Walk My World. The first thing to know is when you get to Dorrigo, the temperature drops as its 746m above sea level. Now we dont like to speak ill of anywhere but we stayed in several places in Dorrigo and lets just say we arent including them here. If you get a completely clear sky you will be able to see all the way to the coast. Put this on your list for things to do in Armidale because weve never seen a more prettier church! After Dorrigo youll then come to the famous Ebor Falls (40 minutes away) whose upper and lower falls are well worth a visit. When we visited there was no water in sight even though it had been raining. Bellingen is located along the Waterfall Way, 520km from Sydney and around a 5 hour 15 minute drive. It is a town which historically serviced the surrounding dairy farmers and timber cutters. Afterwards we stroll the "Walk with the Birds" and from the lookout see two eagles soaring on the thermals high above the Bellinger Valley with the Pacific Ocean sparkling invitingly in the distance. Most people visit the award winning Raleigh Winery for its fabulous restaurant with a terrace overlooking the vines and river. This is THE spot to see the Green River flowing through the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. Yvonne has been a keen hiker since her dad took her up the Drakensberg as a child. Red Cedar Falls is the tallest waterfall in Dorrigo and an absolutely jaw dropping sight, particularly if you are visiting after recent rain. Start at the intersection of Crown St and Nobles Lane. Looking to read more about Bellingen and nearby towns on the East Coast? The heart of the town is the mighty Murray River, which divides Echuca and the NSW river border town of Moama. Despite being a net downhill, there is still ~2100m of climbing. Again you must visit when its been raining A LOT to see the falls in action but the car park is located right next to it so you dont need to do any hiking. Bellingen, New South Wales, Australia Length: 1.3 mi Est. Kid friendly Hiking Walking Running Forest Views Description The upper falls is the more famous of the two, and the one you will have seen in many photographs. The Waterfall Way is actually the name of one road that is over 150km long, beginning in Armidale in the west and finishing in Coffs Harbour in the east. That ended Allen's day, but the Mariners offense wasn't any kinder to replacement Aaron Pinto in the third inning. If in summer, take water, a hat and sun Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, 45 Best Sydney Tourist Attractions With Hidden Gems 2023 Guide, How To Spend A Unique New Years Eve In Sydney 2022/2023, 15 Different Things To Do On Christmas Day In Sydney In 2022, Free International Money Transfers For Life, 26 Best Things To Do In Newcastle NSW Youll Love 2023 Guide, 18 Best Bondi Restaurants For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 2023 Guide. 2,100 m The "Down" version starts at the Point Lookout Carpark this routes makes its way down Robinsons knob trail before heading onto Horseshoe Rd and eventually Hospital range road into Bellingen. All Rights Reserved. Tripologist: Can we explore the Bordeaux region by train? Thanks for your support! Bellingen River Paddle via Hammond Street. Then back down the hill and you're done, literally and figuratively :), Keelan Birch These forests remain culturally important to the Gumbaynggirr as a store of bush tucker and bush medicines, to find resources to make tools, and containing sacred sites. If you are lucky enough to visit on a misty day, like we did, its wonderfully atmospheric, it reminded of a David Attenborough rainforest documentary! but you know, Heartfire. Its a spellbinding view and always a difficult spot to leave. Known for having one of the largest populations of koalas in NSW, (we sadly didnt spot one though) this park also has a phenomenal 7km long golden sand beach. Unfortunately the viewing platform for the lower falls burnt down in the fires of 2020 so you cant get a completely unobstructed look at the whole waterfall. The hotel is just an 11-minute walk of Bellingen Court House Courthouse. If you are lucky enough to go on a misty day it might just become your favourite walk in the whole state. 2.45 roundtrip walk from the Treehouse. CountryLink trains run three times a day from Sydney to nearby Urunga and Coffs Harbour (about eight hours). It's obvious, given the name the early pioneers gave the Promised Land, a scenic 10 minute-drive from Bellingen's township itself. Showcasing the regions agricultural livestock and produce, As one of the oldest, largest and most diverse, Bellingen Community Markets is abuzz every third Saturday of the month in, Touch Football Australia National Touch League, Bellingen Show -Bellinger River Agricultural Society Inc, Destination New South Wales (Corporate site). When we saw the above photo, we actually couldnt believe a sight like this exists in Australia. It's Australia's paddle steamer capital often referred to as the Chicago of Australia with a rich colonial, Aboriginal and riverboat history to boot. You then need to immediately pull over just after the falls, beside the picnic benches, to get a proper look. Bellingen Lookout. It really is sensational and despite visiting during heavy rain it was a while before we could tear ourselves away. Check out the reviews and prices on: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. Whilst we didnt get lucky with the koalas we couldnt believe our eyes when we saw the beach! 2 hour round trip walk from the Treehouse. All the unmissable stops along the Waterfall Way, Tasman Lake: the absolute best views for amazing photos, Mount Solitary: A rewarding adventure in the Blue Mountains, Killen Falls: what to expect and how to avoid the crowds, 25 things to do in Byron Bay including secret spots no one else will tell you, The 8 most spectacular Waterfalls in Byron Bay, The best route to the bottom of Minyon Falls & how to beat the crowds, Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk - one of NSW's best coastal walks, Protesters Falls - the secrets of one of the best waterfalls near Byron Bay, How to find the secret glow worm tunnel near Byron Bay, The Kindness of Strangers: 10 travel moments that restored my faith in humanity, What it's like to give it all up to travel in your 30's. The adjoining studio is $140 a night. Bellingen and Dorrigo are located half an hour drive between each other and just a 30 minute drive from Coffs Harbour. Make sure you bring clothes for all seasons when visiting Bellingen and Dorrigo. 2 hour round trip walk from the Treehouse. If there is a more magnificent rainforest walk in NSW weve yet to find it. There are several different deep swimming holes if you want to have a proper swim, as well as plenty of other spots along the river which are shallower, but good for a paddle. Eat pizza and watch some awesome bands at The Bellingen Brewery, 7. Without a 4WD, it's easiest to access the beach from the Urunga Boardwalk (see below). Did you know you can go white water rafting on the Nymboida River which is just 1h20m north of Dorrigo? Another 30 minute drive south of Armidale will bring you to the beautiful Gostwyck Church in Uralla. We think its even better than Byron because theres nowhere else in Australia that we can think of that has mind blowing National Parks in a world heritage rainforest with beautiful beaches on its doorstep, combined with local artists in a gorgeous little bohemian town. Its wide and powerful and makes a beautiful shape as it flows over the rock. Having hiked every trail in the park, here are all of Dorrigo National Park walks ranked. Definitely must make the effort to visit. The relief of rejuvenation as you wade into an alpine stream. Here are the 18 must-see stops along the Waterfall Way: 1: The arts and culture of Armidale2: Dangars Falls - Armidale3: Baker Creek Falls4: Wollomombi Falls5: Eagles Nest Trail - New England National Park6: The Wrights Lookout & Cascades Trail - New England National Park7: Point Lookout - New England National Park8: Cathedral Rock summit- Cathedral Rock National Park9: Ebor Falls10: Dangar Falls - Dorrigo11: Skywalk Lookout - Dorrigo National Park12: Crystal Shower Falls - Dorrigo National Park13: The Wonga Walk - Dorrigo National Park14: Red Cedar Falls - Dorrigo National Park15: Newell Falls16: The Promised Land - Bellingen17: Bongil Bongil Beach18: Coffs Harbour. By ELKW. Connection as you taste native, fragrant leaves. Here, the Canopy Cafe, run by Wolfgang Zichy and his wife Catherine McDonald, is yet another foodie find, serving up an interesting menu that includes all day breakfast and weekly specials concocted from the Bellofoodbox, a community initiative which distributes local, seasonal produce within 160 kilometres of Bellingen. Its big, its deep and its very easy to access. Further south, the beaches are looked after by Bellingen Shire Council. There are many other viewpoints located along two walking tracks. Bring a picnic with you and chill out on the grass. Thank you for subscribing! Promised Land Retreat offers three luxury self-contained chalets from $250 a couple per night. Go wine tasting with a view Most people visit the award winning Raleigh Winery for its fabulous restaurant with a terrace overlooking the vines and river. It was incredible. Its an affordable option run by the beautiful Amanda. previous protests over clear felling the Tarkeeth, concerns of the locals regarding the Tarkeeth forests. Thank you for subscribing! We visited multiple times because it looks so different depending on the conditions. We hadnt been anywhere in Australia that has a silence like here. You can read more details on the track in our Eagles Nest guide. Tarkeeth State Forest contains both plantations, recovering forests and old growth, and provides habitat for koalas, birds, reptiles, marsupials and more. Stop at the Glade Picnic area for a picnic and enjoy the day out. By AlpinerHut. You will have a pretty big hill to climb up afterwards, but trust us, its worth it! You then retrace your steps and follow the boardwalk straight towards the ocean. On Wednesdays they usually hold specials. 27 Best Things To Do In Bellingen and Dorrigo, 10 Reasons To Stay At The Belfry Guesthouse In Bellingen, NSW, 1 Day Nymboida River Rafting (https://youtu.be/f9gWjKQwZW0), 10 Things To Know About Crystal Shower Falls Walk In Dorrigo National Park, How To Get To The Bottom Of Dangar Falls In Dorrigo NSW, 10 Things To Know About Ellenborough Falls NSW Hike, 19 Things To Do In Blueys Beach (Pacific Palms, Forster NSW). The community markets are on the 3rd Saturday of every month and sell a mix of food and local crafts - think soap, essential oil, candles, jewellery and clothes. Its the kind of place thats really hip but without any kind of pretentiousness. Its honestly one of the top attractions in Dorrigo National Park. Not to mention the friendly staff. We tried the lemon and mascarpone and rocher (chocolate nut) flavours and both were fab. Starting at Coffs Harbour, the scenic drive traverses five national parks and winds through lush rainforest, waterfalls, open woodlands and farmland as you approach Armidale. If you want a more guilt free treat they also have sorbet. 9. We have all the details on the best things to do in Armidale in this post. It is simply sensational and so powerful that sitting and staring for a while is pretty much mandatory. Walk My World provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems. There is also a well reviewed cafe we had been planning to check out. We wont mention Dorrigo much as weve already talked about it in this post, except to say its well worth stopping at Dangar Falls, 2km from town. Another time we stayed at North Farm, a small hobby farm owned by one of George Negus' former producers and offering fabulous views of Bindarri National Park to the north. There are many accessible boardwalks and walking paths, along with more challenging bushwalks. But in Bellingen, things only get better. General management professional, environmentalist and technologist, BELLINGEN, DORRIGO, EBOR AND URUNGA BUSH/BEACHWALKING, http://www.sawtellsurfclub.com.au/surf-cafe/, https://www.facebook.com/hearthfiresawtell/, https://www.facebook.com/Winkxxnightspot/. More details can be found in our Wonga Walk guide. Rooms are comfy and cosy and after reading the reviews I wanted to go for the brekkie alone. The trail is very leisurely to begin with before ramping up in the last 500m towards the summit. As we sit on the deck, the cool sounds of jazz float across from Lodge 241 opposite and we muse that this is surely as good as it gets. If you only have time for a lookout rather than a walk in New England National Park, then opt for Point Lookout. Pop into Hyde for a coffee, we love this cool cafe! 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