This heritage-listed national park in NSW will take you on a journey back in time
What are the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia?
The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, which include Dorrigo National Park, are a living link to that prehistoric world. Spanning more than 40 protected areas from Queensland to NSW, these forests are known for their unique biodiversity and evolutionary history. Dorrigo National Park was added to the World Heritage List in 1986 for a number of reasons, including its ancient origins connecting it to the ancient Gondwana Rainforests.
Where is Dorrigo National Park?
Dorrigo National Park is one hour from Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast.
How do I get to Dorrigo National Park?
To get there from Sydney, travel north along the Pacific Hwy/A1. It should take you just under six hours for this 550-kilometre road trip. Don't want to drive? You can also take the North Coast train that departs four times a day from Central Station and get off at Urunga Station. You will then need a taxi to drive inland for another hour. This journey should take around nine hours.
Start your adventure at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre to get visitor information, book a guided tour, find out which walking tracks will best suit you, or go to the Skywalk Lookout for stunning views out to Coffs Harbour.
What can I see at Dorrigo National Park?
We've got three words for you: walks, waterfalls, wildlife. And they're all wonderful.
Walks: Trails range from short and easy to long and challenging. The Lyrebird Link Track is ideal for birdwatchers and beginners, while the Casuarina Falls Circuit offers sweeping views of Dorrigo Mountain.
Waterfalls: The park has many spectacular waterfalls. For instance, Crystal Shower Falls lets you walk behind the cascade.
Wildlife: Dorrigo National Park is home to many different animals, including 30 types of mammals, more than 128 kinds of birds and 44 species of amphibians and reptiles. Keep your eyes open for red-necked pademelons or wompoo fruit-doves fluttering through the canopy. If you're lucky (and very quiet), you might spot the elusive southern angle-headed dragon clinging to a tree trunk.
When is the best time to visit Dorrigo National Park?
Dorrigo National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to bad weather or fire danger, so check before you go. Spring is ideal if you love birdsong – a good time for spotting lyrebirds on the Lyrebird Link Track. Given that the area is a rainforest, summer is a welcome respite from the heat, with the tree canopy and cool mist from the waterfalls.
Three must-see, must-do activities at Dorrigo National Park
Lyrebird Link Track: Less than a kilometre, it's a great spot for birdwatching, plus, there are picnic and barbecue areas nearby.
Casuarina Falls Circuit: This 6.6km loop should take under two hours and rewards you with cascading falls, rainforest valleys and moss-covered trees.
Aboriginal Cultural Tours: Held on Wednesdays (book in advance), a Gumbaynggirr Ranger will share their Indigenous language and culture as they guide you through the rainforest.
Tips for visiting Dorrigo National Park
Download the NSW National Parks app before you leave – it's free and works offline for maps and guides. Get it in the App Store or on Google Play.
Bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching – you'll want a closer look at those bowerbirds and fruit-doves.
There are picnic tables, barbecues and toilet facilities throughout the park.
Mobile reception is limited, but there's Wi-Fi at the Rainforest Centre.
Layer up as it can get chilly, take a rain jacket, and wear comfy walking shoes.
Details
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre 142 Dome Road, Dorrigo Mountain, NSW 2453 Open 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
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