Dorrigo National Park

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
23/08/2025
Explore a tranquil waterfall hidden within a lush rainforest canopy.
Petra Nesti, Pexels

Dorrigo National Park, a World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, offers a tranquil escape with lush rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can walk above the rainforest canopy on the Skywalk lookout, discover diverse walking trails including the Wonga Walk, and experience the unique Crystal Shower Falls by walking behind its curtain of water.

While Dorrigo National Park does not have specific areas for lively socialising like bars, it provides shared experiences through its picnic and barbecue spots, and the Canopy Cafe at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, where visitors can casually interact. The park's guided walks and nature-based excursions also foster social connection among participants.

Top 3 Things to do in Dorrigo National Park

Visitors can experience elevated rainforest views, discover diverse walking trails leading to majestic waterfalls, and engage with the park's natural and cultural heritage at the visitor centre.

1. Explore the Skywalk Lookout

Rising 21 meters above the rainforest canopy, the Skywalk Lookout provides breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Bellinger Valley to the distant coast. It is a short, accessible boardwalk that offers superb photographic opportunities and a chance to spot various bird species. The lookout can be visited at any time, even outside the Rainforest Centre's operating hours.

Cost: Access to the Skywalk Lookout is free. A gold coin donation is welcomed at the attached Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.

Transport: The Skywalk Lookout is directly connected to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, which is located on Dome Road, approximately 2km past Dorrigo town when driving from Armidale, or 1.6km from Waterfall Way when driving from Coffs Harbour. From Dorrigo town, a public bus service operates once daily to Dorrigo National Park, Lyrebird Lane, taking about 7 minutes and costing $1–4. Taxis from Dorrigo town to the Rainforest Centre take approximately 3 minutes and cost $13–16.

2. Hike the Wonga Walk to Crystal Shower Falls

Embark on the Wonga Walk, a renowned 6 to 6.6-kilometer loop trail that journeys through World Heritage-listed subtropical rainforest. This well-maintained path, featuring some bitumen sections and gentle inclines, leads to two impressive waterfalls: Tristania Falls and the iconic Crystal Shower Falls. The highlight of the walk is the unique opportunity to venture behind Crystal Shower Falls, experiencing the curtain of water from a rocky cavern. The complete loop typically takes 2 to 3 hours, offering abundant opportunities for birdwatching and observing ancient trees.

Cost: Entry to Dorrigo National Park and its walking trails is free.

Transport: The Wonga Walk commences directly behind the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. For those with less time, a shorter route to Crystal Shower Falls (approximately 3.5km return, 1.5 hours) can be taken by starting at The Glade picnic area, which is a short drive from the Rainforest Centre, and joining the Satinbird stroll onto the Wonga Walk. Refer to transport options for the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.

3. Visit the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Canopy Cafe

The Dorrigo Rainforest Centre serves as the primary gateway to the park, offering valuable visitor information, interactive displays, and a film showcasing the park's diverse ecosystems and rich Gumbaynggirr culture. It is an ideal starting point for planning your exploration, with maps and expert advice available. The centre also houses a shop featuring local gifts and souvenirs, and the award-winning Canopy Cafe, providing delicious lunches, gourmet cakes, and coffee amid the rainforest setting. Free electric barbecue and picnic facilities are also available.

Cost: A $2 donation is suggested for entry to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. Food and drink at the Canopy Cafe are priced separately. Guided tours, such as Aboriginal cultural tours or ranger-guided walks, can be booked through the centre with varying costs.

Transport: The Dorrigo Rainforest Centre is located at 142 Dome Road, Dorrigo Mountain. It is accessible by car via Waterfall Way and Dome Road. A public bus runs once daily from Dorrigo town to Dorrigo National Park, Lyrebird Lane, taking approximately 7 minutes and costing $1–4. Taxis from Dorrigo town take about 3 minutes and cost $13–16.

Check out our other pages on Dorrigo National Park

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in Australia

New South Wales
Northern Queensland
Northern Territory
South Australia
Southern Queensland
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia