If you come to Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo National Park is a destination that you won't want to miss. There is a quote that seems really describes this place: "The rainforest has a timeless quality, giving the impression that little has changed for thousands of years." Another good thing about this place is that it's only one hour away from Coffs Harbour.
There are two track sections in this National Park, the Never Never Picnic Area and the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. Dorrigo Rainforest Centre is at the end of Dome Road just off the Waterfall Way, it is easily accessible by any type of vehicle and the walking tracks are fully paved and regularly maintained. The Never Never Picnic Area is tucked away further in the forest, to access this area, you will need to drive through about 10km of unsealed road. However, with less traffic, you will enjoy the privacy and a less disturbed pristine forest.
You've probably heard more about the tracks at the rainforest centre, for example, the Crystal Shower Fall. It is a part of the Wonga Walk Circuit, which starts to the right of the centre. There are several small loops that you can do if you don't want to complete the entire track, especially you have kids with you. I would recommend to complete the full circuit anti-clockwise for an easier grading. This way, you will also reach Crystal Shower Fall first right after the suspension bridge. There is a one-way track that leads to the underside of this beautiful waterfall, you can also walk down the slippery rocks to reach the bottom pool. It feels like worlds apart even though you are only an hour away from the bustling Coffs Harbour, as only the rhythmic bird calls, the rushing water within this ancient forest you can hear. After coming back to the main track from Crystal Shower Fall, if you continue on the track, you will soon reach Tristania Fall, I personally find it more impressive compared to the famous Crystal Shower Fall, though probably less photogenic. From here on, the track mostly heads downhill until it returns to the rainforest centre.
Once you return to the centre, be sure to take a walk on the Skywalk at the back which takes you to the lookout where you can experience the sweeping views of this ever-changing landscape all the way out to the Pacific Ocean, please make sure you give a donation to the centre to help with the maintenance of this treasured land (as a good will). There is a cafe for you to grab a bite and a cinema, which at the time when I was there, was showing the evolution and co-existence of the forest and human presence. It's quite an interesting short firm to watch with family and friends.
If you are visiting the area during summer, bring your swimming togs along to have a dip at the nearby Dangar Falls. On your way back to Coffs Harbour, dont't forget to stop and enjoy the views at the Griffith Lookout, keep an eye out as the road branching off the Waterfall Way is really not obvious and so ever easily missed if overlooked.
Access to Dangar Falls is relatively easy as it starts off with the paved road, and then the broadwalk and uneven rocky dirt walking track towards the end. Make sure to keep an eye on the kids at the downhill part of the track as the groundcan be loose sometimes. It is a small, but very worthy price to pay to get to enjoy the rumbling falls. If you can, swim across the huge rock pool and sit directly underneath rushing water, a great way to finish a beautiful summer day. Just be aware that the area can get really busy.
The dry and hot climate in Australia favours the more fire resilient plants, such as eucalypt, which means the protection of these remaining rainforests extremely important in terms of ecosystem balance. The formation of the national parks, state reserves as well as our exploration of these places, bring us closer to have an better understanding and offer protection of these timeless treasures for future generations.
Enjoy the outdoors with friends and family, discover the importance of nature to you.
