The Dorrigo National Park makes up part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. This World Heritage Area “represents outstanding examples of major stages of the Earth’s evolutionary history, ongoing geological and biological processes, and exceptional biological diversity” [UNESCO].
On a recent stay in Coffs Harbour, I read an article about the Dorrigo Forest. Apparently, I could walk amongst subtropical rainforest and 600-year-old trees. Wow, I’d just love to see these trees! We hired a car for three days intending to get off the boat (which we were taking to Sydney) and visiting the nearby mountains and this ancient forest.
By the time we picked up the car on the first day, it was midday, and it was raining. Owing to this, we only visited Two Tails Winery, where we had wine tasting and lunch before retiring to our accommodation for the night. The next day the weather was worse. Cold, windy and wet. We took the opportunity to drive to different areas along the coast for a look and stopped for lunch at V-Wall Tavern at Nambucca Heads.
The third and last day with the car, we drove up to Dorrigo National Park. Yes, it was still raining, but I wasn’t going to miss my opportunity to see this gorgeous forest. We arrived early in the morning and visited the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. The Dorrigo Rainforest Centre is packed full of lovely gifts and souvenirs, including arts and crafts by Aboriginal artists. Furthermore, there is an educational interpretation centre with interactive displays and a film about the park’s ecosystems.
The Wonga Walk was on my list of must-dos. I had seen some photos of the waterfalls and forest. It looked beautiful, and I wanted to walk it. Nothing was going to stop me. The rain had eased a little and, donning our raincoats and borrowing an umbrella from the Rainforest Centre, we stepped out to walk the loop.
Skywalk
Our first stop was the Skywalk, a 75m platform that protrudes out above the rainforest, providing gorgeous views over the valley… or so I am told. It was raining, and the clouds were filling the valley, and the view we had was minimal. Never-mind, we walked on, along the Lyrebird Link track (400m) which takes you to the start of the Wonga Walk loop.
The 6.6km Wonga Walk track is bitumen to prevent erosion. Therefore most of the trail is of an even walking surface, although there are undulating steep inclines and declines. It continued to rain for the first hour. However, the stunning rainforest canopy protected us a little, and we didn’t get very wet at all. We had the trail to ourselves and were walking through the clouds. It was surreal!
Tristania Falls
The trail meanders through the lush green forest, visiting two waterfalls, and the ‘Walk with the Birds Boardwalk’. We followed the track in a clockwise direction and therefore reached Tristania Falls first. As mentioned earlier, it rained the past couple of days; hence there was a lot of water cascading down the falls.
Crystal Shower Falls
Secondly, we came to Crystal Shower Falls. You can view the falls from the suspension bridge, what’s more, you can walk down behind the falls. So we did both. It is charming and well worth a visit.
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. [NSWNP&WS]
Walk with the Birds
We continued through massive tallowwood trees, coachwood, red cedar, strangler figs and Bangalow palms. The rain had all but stopped, and the birds where flittering amongst the leaf litter. Bird calls now punctuated the silence. It was the perfect time to visit ‘Walk with the Birds Boardwalk’. This partially covered walkway takes you up through the forest canopy and includes interpretive signage about the park’s winged inhabitants.
Wonga Walk is said to be one of the most popular walks, not only in Dorrigo National Park but also in Australia. The forest is breathtaking, so I was not surprised that the trail became busier as the day progressed. I was glad we had started our walk early (about 0900) and avoided the crowds. Furthermore, I was glad I didn’t let the crappy weather stop me from enjoying this walk. In my opinion, this forest is well worth a visit.
More Information
Dorrigo National Park
Location – About one hour from Coffs Harbour
Cost – Dorrigo Rainforest Centre – $2 donation
Open hours – 0900 to 1630
Facilities – Rainforest Centre, Canopy Cafe, toilets, picnic tables, barbecues and wifi.
Things to do – Wonga Walk, Lyrebird Link, picnic at Never Never or Glade picnic areas, Skywalk and bird watching.
Contact info
Website – Dorrigo National Park
Phone – 1300 072 757 or 02 6652 0900
Email – parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
The Canopy Cafe is open 0900 to 1600, seven days a week and offers lunches, cakes and coffee.
Wonga Walk
Length – 6.6km
Track – Well maintained and easy to follow.
Grade 2 – no bushwalking experience required. (Click here to learn more about Australian walking track grading system.)
Time – 2 to 3 hours.
Accommodation
We typically book our accommodation through booking.com. Indeed we like the convenience of booking online, and we are usually able to pay for our accommodation on arrival at the hotel/resort or room. Additionally, booking.com advertise many different accommodation styles in NSW, so you are sure to find the perfect place.
We stayed at All About Me B & B at Nana Glen. All About Me, a gorgeous B & B, is only 18km from Coffs Harbour. However, it is well entrenched in the countryside and situated on a lush green rural property. We had a small apartment for ourselves. It consists of a bedroom, bathroom with bath, kitchen with dining table, TV and sofa. There are a patio and barbecue.
Cost – $160/night
Pros – Private, nicely furnished, wifi, BBQ, comfortable bed, and a bath! The breakfast (included in the price) was delicious!
Cons – Nothing really.
Our Verdict – The hosts, Dave and Annette are welcoming hosts. The property is lovely, we would stay again. Dave and Annette have thought of lots of little extras such as the shortbread treats, well stock kitchen, playing cards and lovely crystal wine glasses for our wine!
Coffs Harbour International Marina
We also stayed at the Star Marina in Coffs Harbour. At the time we were sailing a 56-foot schooner. The marina was busy and we were not able to get a berth. However, the very helpful staff let us stay on the wharf at the front of the office for a week. Friendly staff, good clean facilities – toilets, showers, washing machines and driers. Close to cafes, restaurants, bars, ice-creamery, hairdresser, chandlery, seafood store, a Spar supermarket, butcher, bottle shop and so much more.
Phone: (02) 6651 4222
Email: admin.coffs@starmarinas.com.au
Radio: VHF 16 call “Coffs Harbour Marina”
iVisa
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References
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/368/
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/dorrigo-national-park
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