Dorrigo National Park

Garry and I have spent the first week of the new year making our way home after a much-needed Summer vacation in Ballina.  Our return journey has been broken into three separate scenic stops.  Our first stop takes us inland to Dorrigo National Park. This tranquil location sits on the popular Waterfall Way, a scenic highway that winds its way over the Great Dividing Range between Coffs Harbour and Armidale.

We based ourselves for two nights at the Lost Mountain Resort a few kilometres east of Dorrigo township.  This proved to be a superb venue.  The resort's cafe served an awesome breakfast. The surrounding mountain views and local birdlife were equally sublime. However, the region is best known for its spectacular waterfalls.

During our stay, we visited the impressive Dangar Falls, walked the Wonga Track to the equally impressive Crystal Shower Falls and stopped to admire two smaller falls that cascade down the slopes and pass directly under the local highway. 

The Wonga Walk proved to be a real highlight.  We saw plenty of birdlife along the way including a male Bush Turkey building an enormous nesting mount, King Parrots and some adorable finches.  The Crystal Shower Falls were well worth the 3km round trip hike. 

The approach to the falls is marked by a suspension bridge that carries walkers across the valley in front of the falls.  From here a short side track takes you behind the falls where you can look through the cascading veil of water.

The National Park's Rainforest Centre also featured an impressive Skywalk. This cantilevered gangway stretches out over the canopy rewarding visitors with an uninterrupted view across the National Park's scenic valleys.