Best trails in Dorrigo National Park
Dorrigo National Park, which sits on Minang land, is considered both a World Heritage Site Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and Australian National Heritage because of the unique rainforests, habitats and biodiversity it protects. It is home to 30 types of mammals, more than 128 kinds of birds and 44 species of amphibians and reptiles. It sits on a plateau and therefore features several, parts of the park are more mountainous, more towards the north is more mountainous and the south is flatter.
Top trails
- (727)·Moderate·3.7 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrThis is a great intermediate hike for all types of trekkers through the beautiful rainforest in Dorrigo National Park. Highlights of the walk include Lush Rainforest, Crystal Shower Falls, Tristania Falls, and Hardwood Lookout. The trail departs from the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. You'll find excellent views and beautiful waterfalls as it winds through the lush rainforest walkways. The trail is mainly paved, which makes it more accessible. It should still be difficult enough to get your...
- (102)·Moderate·4.5 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrGet ready for one of the most magical experiences in Dorrigo National Park. This walk takes you through ancient rainforest to the beautiful Crystal Shower Falls, where a suspension bridge gives you a perfect view. The best part is following the track behind the waterfall, letting you look out through the curtain of water. You'll walk through the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a World Heritage area representing major stages of the Earth's evolutionary history. The walk begins near the...
- (166)·Moderate·1.8 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrImmersing you in a world of ancient Gondwana greenery, the journey to Crystal Shower Falls is a highlight of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. As you descend from The Glade Picnic Area, you are enveloped by a lush canopy of giant tallowwoods and strangler figs. The trail is remarkably well-engineered, consisting mostly of a sealed, paved surface that remains stable even during the region's frequent misty rain. The true magic of this walk lies at the turnaround point: a...
- (264)·Moderate·5 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrThis is a beautiful scenic trail with gorgeous flora all around. The track is well-signposted, including informative signs describing the surrounding vegetation. Admire giant 1000-year-old trees, and observe the abundance of fauna, including birds and frogs. There are swimming holes along the way, but the main attraction is Red Cedar Falls. The trailhead has a picnic area and public restrooms at the Dorrigo National Park Info Centre. Watch out for leeches! Long songs and bug spray will...
- (73)·Easy·1.7 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrWaterfalls, ancient trees, and the call of native birds define this immersive journey into the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. This route offers a condensed experience of the park's wonders, making it perfect for those short on time but eager to see the highlights. The adventure begins at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, where you should take a moment to step out onto the Skywalk for a sweeping vista over the canopy and out to the coast. The initial section, known as the Lyrebird...
- (48)·Hard·3.7 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrGet ready for a challenging but highly rewarding bushwalk to the tallest waterfall in Dorrigo National Park. This strenuous track starts from the Never Never picnic area and takes you deep into the rainforest. The final 1.2km section is a steep descent, with switchbacks and rocky steps leading you down to the spectacular 58-metre Red Cedar Falls. The powerful roar of the water and the fine mist at the base make for a breathtaking experience. It's a tough climb back up, but well worth the...
- (47)·Moderate·8.5 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hrAn enjoyable trail through Dorrigo National Park in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, located not too far from the town of Dorrigo. This out and back route begins and ends from the parking area on Dome Road, on the edge of the park. The trail features some lovely waterfalls and swimming holes and nice views over the escarpment.
- (27)·Moderate·3 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrGet ready for a beautiful walk through the lush rainforest of Dorrigo National Park. This track follows the Blackbutt trail along Sassafras Creek from Never Never Picnic Area. The trail leads you through a stunning landscape of ferns and towering trees to the top of the magnificent Casuarina Falls. The walk includes some steep climbs that will get your heart rate up, but the spectacular views from the escarpment over the Dorrigo plateau make it a truly rewarding adventure.
- (26)·Moderate·8.3 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrA nice scenic trail through the Dorrigo National Park in north eastern New South Wales, located not too far west from the town of Dorrigo. This out and back trail begins and ends from the end of Slingsbys Road where parking is available. From here you'll follow Slingsbys Trail all the way out to Lanes Lookout and back again. The trail itself is nice and wide and features some stunning views along the way.
- (15)·Hard·8.8 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrSlingsbys trail is a walk along the top of the Dorrigo plateau that meets up with the Syndicate Ridge Track which then follows the route of the pine line tramway built in the early part of the 20th century down to the floor of the Bellingen Valley. The initial part of the Slingsbys trail is a wide somewhat easy walk down very clear tracks that leads to Lanes Lookout, The decent down to the valley floor is very steep and a much narrower path but still easy to follow. For more information...