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Waterfall Way scenic drive

Dorrigo National Park

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Overview

The 185km Waterfall Way scenic drive links Coffs harbour and Armidale, passing rainforest, river valleys and waterfalls, including New England and Dorrigo national parks.

Where
Dorrigo National Park
Accessibility
Easy
Distance
185km one-way
Time suggested
2hrs 30min
Grade
Easy
Price
Free
Please note
  • Some national parks along Waterfall Way scenic drive have been damaged by bushfires in 2019. They will reopen when it is safe for visitors. 
  • There may be no mobile reception at different areas along this drive.

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.

The road winds steeply through the lush rainforest of Dorrigo National Park to a height of 750m at Dorrigo Mountain. Wollomombi Gorge and Falls picnic area, near Armidale, has one of the state’s highest drops and should not be missed.

Other highlights of the drive include Point lookout in New England National Park, the granite tors in Cathedral Rock National Park, and Ebor Falls.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

  • in Dorrigo National Park in the North Coast region

  • Dorrigo National Park is open daily (except Christmas Day) 9am to 4.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

See more visitor info

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Things to do (23)

Tours (1)

Volunteering (1)

School excursions (9)

Waterwall Way scenic drive, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Barbara Webster