Coffs Harbour Hinterland Guide: Bellingen, Dorrigo & Scenic Drives
- Apr 16
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 19
Coffs Harbour is best known for its beaches and coastal attractions, but just inland is a completely different experience. The Coffs Harbour hinterland offers rainforest walks, winding scenic drives, waterfalls and small villages that feel a world away from the coast.
Coffs Harbour Hinterland
This guide covers the best of the Coffs Harbour Hinterland including Upper Orara, Bellingen and Dorrigo National Park, along with practical tips to help you plan your trip.
Sealy Lookout & Forest Sky Pier
Forest Sky Pier, Sealy Lookout is in the proximity of the Big Banana, that famous icon of the region. The drive up to the lookout is pleasant passing many banana plantations which lead on to a winding uphill road through rainforest. Before reaching the lookout, a fun place to stop is Tree Tops Coffs Harbour.
On arrival at the carpark at Sealy Lookout you will discover a spectacular view of Coffs Harbour and other North Coast NSW Beaches. The skywalk is the perfect opportunity to grab that Instagram photo! To make the most of your trip up to Sealy Lookout, take the rainforest trek that goes in a loop and enjoy the birds and flora. It's not a difficult trek (not suitable for wheelchairs).
Amenities: Picnic tables and toilets
Best visited early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
Upper Orara & Eastern Dorrigo Way
Upper Orara is a quiet rural pocket just outside Coffs Harbour. While there aren’t major attractions here, the drive itself is the reason to visit becuase of rolling green countryside, winding roads and scenery that feels more like rural England than coastal NSW.
For those exploring further, the Eastern Dorrigo Way offers a scenic route into the hinterland. However, it’s worth noting that sections of the road turn to gravel for around 35 km. If you’re not in a suitable vehicle, it’s best to turn back and take the sealed Waterfall Way instead.
Along the way, you’ll pass through dense state forest and small villages like Ulong, making the drive worthwhile even if you don’t complete the full route.
Where to Stay in the Coffs Harbour Hinterland
There are plenty of great places to stay in Bellingen, from boutique cottages to treehouse-style accommodation surrounded by nature.
For a quiet, nature-based stay, Bellingen Treehouse is a good option. Set amongst lush greenery with birdlife and wildlife around, it offers a peaceful setting while still being within walking distance to town. It’s particularly suited to travellers looking for a simple, comfortable base in a natural environment.
Bellingen is the most popular base for exploring the hinterland, offering a mix of boutique stays, cabins and farm stays surrounded by nature.
Cosy private room with kitchenette set surrounded by a lush garden.
All 9 accommodations boast fireplaces, and offer free WiFi and kitchens
Bellingen
Bellingen has a lot to offer, with excellent shopping, places to eat and coffee! The village is charming with various shops.
The Bellinger and Never Never River are popular spots for clean river water and nature reserves. Another popular swim hole is Promised Lands offering crystal clear waters for swimming with rope swings along the river.
Bellingen Village
Bellingen is the heart of the hinterland and a great place to stop for food, coffee and boutique shopping.
Dorrigo National Park & Rainforest Walks
The road leading in and out of Dorrigo is an adventure in itself. With a long winding uphill climb getting there it can be a tedious process especially if there is significant traffic. On the descending road take note you have to give way to vehicles ascending in various marked parts of the road.
The scenery on the way up is spectacular. On the way into the village the Dorrigo National Park, forming part of the Gondwana Rainforests is on the right . This was the highlight of my Coffs Hinterland adventure.
Connected to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Skywalk lookout offers a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape including the Bellinger Valley to the coast with deep valleys and gorges, cloaked in luscious rainforest. Skywalk is a 70 m boardwalk 21 m above the rainforest. It is accessible to everyone.
Take a virtual tour of Skywalk lookout captured with Google Street View Trekker.
There are a variety tracks in the National Park for different fitness levels, so if hiking in North Coast NSW is on your agenda then put this park on your list! You will not be disappointed.
The walking tracks are well frequented, making it suitable for solo travellers. I opted to take the long trek which took around 2 hours after stopping for photos and chatting to other nature lovers.
Wildlife is common in the area, including birds, brush turkeys and occasionally snakes, so it’s important to stay aware on the trails, particularly in warmer months.
As you meander through the rainforest you will come across many birds. You will definitely notice Brush Turkeys (I even spotted some chicks) and of course as mentioned before, maybe a snake! This is an extraordinary path with waterfalls and exciting bridges to cross.
The Crystal Waters Falls offers an opportunity for you to stand behind the water and experience the magic of nature.
Dorrigo Village
The village itself is relaxed, with a handful of cafés and local shops. It has a quiet, unhurried feel, making it a good place to stop and slow down after exploring the rainforest and surrounding walks.
Dangar Falls
Dangar Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the region, just outside Dorrigo. While access can occasionally be restricted due to maintenance, it’s worth checking conditions before visiting as the falls are considered one of the highlights of the area.
Thora General Store and Petrol Station.
This quirky place is home of a fantastic wine selection, local produce and grocery items. And a place to fill up the car.
More to Explore Near Coffs Harbour
Go Diving at Solitary Islands Marine Park
Solitary Islands Marine Park is where the warm waters of the East Australian Current converge with cooler southern waters, creating a unique blend of tropical, subtropical, and temperate marine life. Many species found here are at the northern or southern edge of their range. The marine park features Pimpernel Rock, a submerged pinnacle that rises to just a few metres below the surface. Endangered grey nurse sharks gather in this area, making it a favoured spot for divers. Book a diving session.
Climb The Tree Tops
Located just minutes away from Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest, the park resides in the beautiful Coffs Harbour region, renowned for its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, providing the perfect setting for this adventure. Featuring over 90 aerial challenges, including 14 exciting ziplines reaching heights of up to 25 metres. Children adventures also available. Book a session.
Take a Sky Dive
Discover the ultimate beach skydive experience in Australia. Plunge from heights of up to 15,000 feet, enjoying up to 70 seconds of freefall. Embark on a tandem skydive with a skilled instructor and marvel at the breathtaking views of Coffs Harbour. Book a Sky Dive.
Notes
Best time to visit Coffs Harbour Hinterland
The Coffs Harbour hinterland can be visited year-round, but the cooler months from April to October are ideal for exploring. Temperatures are more comfortable for walking tracks in places like Dorrigo National Park, and the waterfalls are often flowing well after periods of rain. Summer can be warm and humid, but it’s still a good time to visit if you plan to combine the hinterland with time at the coast.
How to get to Dorrigo from Coffs Harbour
Dorrigo is located around 45 minutes to an hour’s drive inland from Coffs Harbour. The most direct and reliable route is via Waterfall Way, a fully sealed road that winds up through the escarpment. While the Eastern Dorrigo Way also connects to the region, sections are unsealed and can be unsuitable for standard vehicles, so Waterfall Way is the better option for most travellers.
Is the Coffs Harbour hinterland worth visiting?
Yes — the hinterland offers a completely different experience to the coast and is well worth adding to your itinerary. With rainforest walks, waterfalls, scenic drives and villages like Bellingen and Dorrigo, it provides a slower, more nature-focused side of the region. It’s an easy day trip from Coffs Harbour or can be explored over a few days for a more relaxed experience.