The Waterfall Way is a 185 km scenic drive between Coffs Harbour and Armidale, passing through New England and Dorrigo national parks and featuring numerous waterfalls along the way.
With so many sights to see, it’s no surprise that the Waterfall Way is a popular weekend destination in northern New South Wales.
In this guide, we’ll share tips for making the most of your trip, including a suggested two-day itinerary and a shorter one-day option.
Two-Day Itinerary
This itinerary can be completed in two days, starting at 9 am and finishing well before sunset. It follows the Waterfall Way from east to west, beginning at the visitor centre in Bellingen.
If you only have one day to explore the Waterfall Way, you’ll find a recommended shorter itinerary later in this article.
Waterfall Way highlights (east to west):
- Waterfall Way Visitor Centre
- Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk Lookout
- Wonga Walk and Crystal Shower Falls
- Dangar Falls
- Ebor Falls
- Cathedral Rock Track
- Point Lookout
- Wollomombi Falls
Find these highlights in this interactive map.
1. Waterfall Way Visitor Centre
The small visitor centre in Bellingen sits right at the start of the Waterfall Way, making it a convenient first stop.
Here, you can pick up maps and brochures and chat with the friendly volunteers who can answer any questions you have. If you haven’t had breakfast yet, Bellingen is a great little town with plenty of cafés and shops to fuel up before you start your journey.
The visitor centre’s address is 29–31 Hyde Street in Bellingen.
2. Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk Lookout
About a half-hour drive from the visitor centre, the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre is the first official stop along the Waterfall Way.
While the centre provides useful information about Dorrigo National Park and its walking tracks, most visitors come to experience the Skywalk Lookout.
This spectacular 70-metre boardwalk extends along the edge of the escarpment, standing more than 20 metres above the rainforest floor. On a clear day, the panoramic views can stretch as far as Coffs Harbour.
The rainforest centre is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm and has a café and shop offering a range of books, gifts, and souvenirs.
3. Wonga Walk and Crystal Shower Falls
Now it’s time to visit the first waterfall.
To reach the scenic Crystal Shower Falls, you’ll first have to do the Wonga Walk, a paved 6-kilometre rainforest loop that starts and ends at the Rainforest Centre.
A suspension bridge brings you close to the top of the waterfall, and a short side track leads to the base, where you can walk behind the falling water.
You can return to the Rainforest Centre the same way, or continue along the loop to also see the impressive Tristania Falls, a beautiful cascade waterfall.
If you have the time, the full loop is well worth it, as the second half of the Wonga Walk is often considered more enjoyable than the first.
4. Dangar Falls
Only a short drive from the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Dangar Falls is an impressive 30-metre-high waterfall set in an unexpected agricultural landscape.
A viewing platform offers fantastic views of the waterfall, and a short walking trail leads to the base, offering even better views and excellent photo opportunities.
On warm days, bring your swimmers, as the large lagoon beneath the falls is a popular summer swimming spot.
5. Ebor Falls
One of the most popular stops along the Waterfall Way, Ebor Falls is a cascade waterfall on the Guy Fawkes River.
From the main car park, head to the large viewing platform to see Ebor Falls plunge about 100 metres in front of you.
A walking trail from the main lookout follows the edge of the gorge to two more platforms with views of the lower Ebor Falls.
6. Cathedral Rock Track
The Cathedral Rock Track is a scenic 6-kilometre loop, located not far from Ebor Falls.
This challenging grade 5 walk in Cathedral Rock National Park is known for its rugged landscape, dotted with large boulders and distinctive rock formations.
Starting from the Barokee rest area, follow the track clockwise to see the throne-shaped Cathedral Rock and Round Mountain, the highest point in the New England Tablelands.
The walk takes around 2.5 hours to complete, so tackle it only if you’re well prepared and have enough time to visit the other sights along the Waterfall Way.
7. Point Lookout
Point Lookout offers sweeping views of the peaks and valleys of New England National Park. For an unforgettable experience, visit before dawn to watch the sunrise.
From Waterfall Way, follow the unsealed road for about half an hour to reach the car park (be prepared for your car to get dusty).
An easy 10-minute, wheelchair-accessible walk from the car park leads to the lookout, with the option to return via a loop track.
8. Wollomombi Falls
At more than 200 metres high, Wollomombi Falls was once considered the tallest waterfall in Australia.
Its neighbour, Chandler Falls, is slightly smaller but just as striking, especially after heavy rain when water thunders into the gorge.
Several lookout points offer impressive views of both waterfalls and the vast Wollomombi Gorge they plunge into. Two walking tracks take you around the gorge and closer to the top of the falls, while the main lookout is wheelchair-accessible and only a short walk from the car park.
To reach Wollomombi Falls, turn onto Wollomombi Falls Road about 40 kilometres east of Armidale and continue until you reach a fork, then turn left.
One-Day Itinerary
If you only have one day, you can still see many of the top highlights.
Recommended one-day itinerary:
- Waterfall Way Visitor Centre:
Pick up a map from the visitor centre before setting off. - Crystal Shower Falls:
From the visitor centre, drive to the Glade Picnic Area and follow the short walking track to Crystal Shower Falls. - Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk Lookout:
Explore the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and take in the views from the Skywalk Lookout. - Dangar Falls:
From the rainforest centre, it’s a short drive to Dangar Falls. Park at the top and follow the short track to the base of the waterfall. - Ebor Falls:
Head to Ebor Falls and enjoy the views from the main platform. Follow the walking track west to see the lower falls. - Wollomombi Falls:
Wollomombi Falls features several lookouts with panoramic views of the gorge. Both Wollomombi and Chandler Falls are especially impressive after heavy rain.
Practical Tips
The Waterfall Way is an ideal weekend getaway, with plenty to see and do. Even during long weekends, it generally doesn’t get as busy as many tourist spots in and around Sydney.
Hopefully, this guide helps you plan your trip to the beautiful New England region in northern New South Wales.
Tips for visiting the Waterfall Way:
- Try to finish your drive before sunset, as travelling at speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour on dark, two-way country roads can be challenging.
- Have your car serviced before you go, and check that the brakes and tyres are in good condition. While the Waterfall Way is well maintained, some sections branch off onto unsealed roads. Unless you have a 4WD, it’s best to avoid these in wet weather.
- Pack enough snacks and drinks, as there are limited cafés and shops along the way. Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Dorrigo, and Armidale are the best towns to stock up on food.
- Bring a first-aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, and hats, especially if you plan to do the walking tracks.
Enjoy your time exploring the Waterfall Way.
Hello, where would be a good 1 night stop if I wanted to do this trip over 2 days, starting from Bellingen and then moving to accommodation on the coast? Thanks, Anna.
Hi Anna,
It’s probably best to stay in the Bellingen area for those two days, return to your accommodation at the end of the first day, and drive out again the next day. It’s a bit more driving, but there isn’t much accommodation available along the Waterfall Way.
Otherwise, you can also stay in Armidale for one night, and do the Waterfall Way in reverse the second day, stopping at the sights you missed on the first day, if that makes sense.
What’s Ebor Motel like to stay for one night? Would it be a good halfway point if heading to Armidale?
Hi Kerrie,
We haven’t stayed at Ebor Falls H/Motel, but looking at the map, that would certainly be a good spot to choose as a halfway point to stay overnight and rest up.
However, if you’re heading to Armidale on the second day, you might also want to consider staying somewhere in the Dorrigo area (if there is anything suitable available) and leave the driving to Ebor and Wollomombi for the next day.
Looking at doing the waterfall way after Easter. I have plenty of time to do this in a motorhome. Can we just camp along the way? Is there camp areas with amenities? Which is the best direction to head? We will be travelling from south coast so east west/west east is not problem as will tweak out trip itinerary after I hear recommendations. TIA.
Hi Liz, I’m not sure of it’s okay to park a motorhome for an overnight stay, it’s best to ask NSW National Parks. There is a campground at Wollomombi which seems to cater for larger vehicles, so that might be perfect for you. Bookings are required though.
Hope you’ll have a great time, the Waterfall Way is a great drive.
Hi, I am Roshana, I am planning to visit Sydney at the end of December and visit those areas within one day before going to Sydney, and I am coming from Tweed Heads. What is the best place for accommodation for us?
Hi Roshana, if you’re coming from Tweed Heads, staying overnight in a motel in Coffs Harbour is probably best. Then do the Waterfall Way the next day (early morning start), and continue to Sydney straight after.