Waterfall Way scenic drive
North Coast
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.
- Accessibility
- Easy
- Distance
- 185km one-way
- Time suggested
- 2hrs 30min
- Grade
- Easy
- Please note
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.
Subscribe to Naturescapes
Subscribe to our Naturescapes e-newsletter which is packed with the latest information, experiences and events in NSW national parks. Your next park adventure starts here.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Dorrigo Rainforest Centre
- May to August 9am to 4pm daily. September to April 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6657 5913
- dorrigo.rainforestcentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 142 Dome Road Dorrigo Mountain NSW 2453
Park info
- in Dorrigo National Park in the North Coast region
Dorrigo National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- in Bellinger River National Park in the North Coast region
What's nearby:
Things to do (161)
- 4WD touring (4)
- Aboriginal culture (3)
- Adventure sports (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (58)
- Cafes and kiosks (3)
- Canoeing/paddling (6)
- Cultural heritage (3)
- Cycling (5)
- Environmental appreciation/study (1)
- Fishing (8)
- Geotourism (4)
- Historic heritage (16)
- Photography (3)
- Picnics and barbecues (42)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (7)
- Sailing, boating and cruises (1)
- Sightseeing (108)
- Snorkelling and scuba (1)
- Surfing (2)
- Swimming (12)
- Visitor centres (1)
- Walking (73)
- Waterfalls (56)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (12)