Exploring Waterfall Way: NSW’s Most Beautiful Drive
If you’re a fan of scenic drives, jaw-dropping landscapes, and charming small towns, then Waterfall Way in New South Wales is calling your name. This stunning route, stretching approximately 185 kilometres from Coffs Harbour on the coast to Armidale on the Northern Tablelands, offers a little something for everyone. So buckle up and let’s explore this breathtaking drive that’s often touted as one of Australia’s most scenic routes.
Where to Start Your Waterfall Way Journey
You can start your adventure either in Coffs Harbour or from Armidale, as Waterfall Way stretches between these two points.
Dangar Falls (2 minutes outside of the township of Dorrigo). A bucket list experience. This is a MUST do!
Each direction offers unique perspectives, so it really depends on where you’re coming from and what you want to experience first. For this blog, we’ll begin our journey in Coffs Harbour and work our way inland.
Starting Point: Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour, known for its iconic Big Banana and pristine beaches, is a bustling coastal town and an ideal place to start your journey. We began our mini-road trip from Brisbane, weaving down the Northern NSW Coast spending a couple of nights in Kingscliff first (separate blog:)and then and headed towards Coffs Harbour. Travelling during peak season (Boxing day to New Year) without fixed plans or pre-booked accommodation gave us the freedom to explore spontaneously, adding an element of adventure.
Overlooking the Marina at Coffs Harbour.
While in Coffs Harbour, we took the time to enjoy its relaxed vibe. The Yacht Club and esplanade restaurants offered waterfront dining with a laid-back charm. Don’t miss the gelato shop along the esplanade at the Pier—it’s the perfect treat before you hit the road.
Bellingen: A Bohemian Haven
Heading inland, the scenery transforms dramatically. Lush greenery and coastal breezes give way to rolling hills and dense forests. Our first major stop was Bellingen (for breakky), a picturesque town brimming with character. Known for its vibrant arts scene, Bellingen boasts a mix of historic architecture, boutique shops, and a welcoming community vibe.
We strolled along the bustling main street, soaking in the café culture that’s renowned for serving organic, locally sourced fare. If you’re lucky enough to visit on the third Saturday of the month, the Bellingen Markets are a must-see. These markets offer everything from handmade crafts to fresh produce—a great spot to stock up on picnic supplies for the journey ahead.
Dorrigo National Park: A World Heritage Treasure
As the road climbs into the mountains, the landscape becomes even more dramatic. Dorrigo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, is home to ancient rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife. The Skywalk is a must-do experience, offering panoramic views over the rainforest canopy. Photos simply are not able to capture its beauty. The elevated boardwalk is accessible directly from the visitor centre and provides an unforgettable vantage point.
For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, the Wonga Walk is highly recommended. This 6.6-kilometre loop (less than a 2 hour walk) takes you past two stunning waterfalls—Crystal Shower Falls and Tristania Falls.
Walking behind the cascading water at Crystal Shower Falls is an awe-inspiring experience, and the trail is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. You are not able to swim at these falls and may even catch a glimpse of the red-belly black snake that frequents to bask in the sun there.
Dorrigo National Park also offers excellent picnic spots. Whether you bring your own picnic basket or opt for the café at the Visitor Centre, it is such an idyllic spot.
Dangar Falls: A Bucket List Moment
Just a short 2km drive from the town of Dorrigo, Dangar Falls is a spectacular 30-metre waterfall plunging into a natural pool. We were initially unsure about visiting, imagining a small, unremarkable waterhole. However, upon arrival, we were blown away by its grandeur. (This is not listed in the National Park, so you won’t find it on the signs). The visitor centre suggested if we wanted to swim, this is the place to go.
Being able to swim to the falls and feel it up close was breathtaking. There is a ledge at the back of the falls and you can sit there and simply take in the exhilarating experience. Check out the swimmers to see the size of the falls.
The walk down to the falls takes about 10 minutes (although signed as 20 mins) along a well-pathed trail. Many visitors bring pool noodles, boogie boards or swim rings to float easily in the water, making it simple to approach the base of the falls. Swimming beneath the cascading water was an exhilarating experience—a true bucket-list moment. Floating on our backs, gazing at the blue sky, we felt a profound sense of connection to nature. Yes, the water is a little cool (even in the summer), feels refreshing after you fully submerge for 30 seconds! It’s important to exercise caution here, as the force of the falls can be powerful and diving or swimming under water is not recommended. (for the obvious reasons!)
There is a ledge behind the falls, perfect for sitting, looking up at the enormous amount of water falling across the cliff face.
As we were ‘winging this trip’ we headed back to Coffs Harbour via Urunga ready to head to Armidale the next day and begin the leg of Waterfall Way from the other direction.
Urunga: A Coastal Gem
On our way back to Coffs Harbour, we made a quick stop to Urunga as the sun was setting. Urunga is located just 25 kilometres south of Coffs. Known as the "Mouth of Two Rivers," It is a charming coastal town with plenty to offer. We decided to return the next morning to explore further.
The Urunga Lagoons and boardwalk is absolutely blissful! The Lagoons stretch a long way out and a perfect place to swim.
Setting up our e-bikes at the Golf Club, we headed off on a scenic ride along the coastal bike path. The route took us past the Urunga Lagoons, past the wetlands, and all the way to Hungry Head Beach, to the surf club. A real highlight and glad we included Urunga into our trip.
We set up our Cool Cabana at Urunga Lagoons and explored the wetlands, beach and waters for most of the day before heading off to Armidale. Felt absolutely blissful!
Armidale: History and Heritage
From Coffs Harbour, it’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Armidale, the other endpoint of Waterfall Way. Armidale is a city rich in history and culture, known for its heritage-listed buildings, vibrant arts scene, and stunning autumn foliage. We stayed at Tattersalls, a beautifully restored art deco hotel in the heart of the city, blending old-world charm with modern luxury. We used this as our base to return back into Waterfall Way.
Ebor Falls: Nature’s Masterpiece
One of our first stops near Armidale was Ebor Falls in Guy Fawkes River National Park. This multi-tiered waterfall is a photographer’s dream, with dramatic basalt rock formations and wildflowers adorning the landscape (in season during December). You shall see fields and fields of wildflowers - is quite stunning.
Viewing platforms at both the upper and lower falls provide different perspectives, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts. (you can walk between the two parts of the falls or if short on time, drive between). Says a 40 min walk, but really don’t think it would take 40 mins.
Ebor Falls - stunning falls within an easy drive just outside of Armidale.
New England National Park: Point Lookout
Not far from Ebor Falls, New England National Park offers some of the most breathtaking vistas along Waterfall Way. Point Lookout, accessible via an unsealed road (15km), is the crown jewel of the park. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The cool climate and enchanting moss-lined paths make it feel like you are stepping into an enchanted garden. Well worth stopping here. It was cool, even for summer.
Photos simply cannot do it justice. The view is spectacular. A sea of blue and green - our ‘ancient earth’!
Point Lookout is at a significant altitude above sea level (1563m). We could smell a fireplace burning on arrival. The park ranger must have lit the fire in the early hours for arriving tourists (in very late December – the height of summer!!) Can you imagine in the winter!
Metz Gorge: Hidden Gem
Metz Gorge, though lesser-known, is worth the detour (though don’t miss the signs like we did!). Way off target! The lookout offers sweeping views of a once-thriving gold mining village. The unsealed road leading to the gorge adds an element of adventure, and the rugged beauty of the landscape is unique. There are no toilets at this location. There were many signs up along the Waterfall Way stretch – ‘Go before you go!’ There’s my tip :)
Gara Gorge and Blue Hole
Back approaching Armidale, located just 18 kilometres from the city centre, Gara Gorge is part of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Known for its dramatic scenery and historical significance, this area was home to Australia’s first hydroelectric scheme. The Blue Hole is a popular swimming spot with the locals and the loop trail around the gorge offers breathtaking views. This area is completely different than any part of Waterfall Way we had seen and quite spectacular.
Practical Tips for Driving Waterfall Way
Plan Ahead: Allocate enough time for each stop to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. We really didn’t get to see all we had wanted to simply as we didn’t have the luxury of time – e.g. Bakers Falls, Wollomombi falls (highest falls in Australia! – that was a miss!), Hillgrove, Cathedral Rocks and the many hiking trails.
Pack Supplies: Bring snacks, water, and a first-aid kit, as some areas are remote.
Check Conditions: Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
Drive Safely: Take your time on winding roads, particularly after rain. Some of the unsealed roads are recommended to have 4WD’s. We didn’t have a 4WD, however we experienced perfect weather conditions, so just keep that in mind.
Stay Overnight: To truly enjoy Waterfall Way, consider staying overnight at key locations like Dorrigo or Armidale. As we were winging this trip in the absolute height of peak season, we just went with the flow of what was available. In total we spent 4 nights to see as much as we did through this stretch.
Mobile Phone Connection – It is remote in parts of Waterfall Way and you may not have phone reception. Factor this into your planning and download maps before you go. (use Maps Me). Hopefully when Elon has things set up with StarLink across Australia - will solve this issue for the future!
The Magic of Waterfall Way
Waterfall Way is more than just a road; it’s a journey through some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes in New South Wales. From the coastal charm of Coffs Harbour to the historic allure of Armidale, every stop along the way adds a unique layer to the experience. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or road trip enthusiast, this route offers something unforgettable.
We left Waterfall Way with a sense of wonder and a promise to return. It’s a destination that stays with you, calling you back to explore even further. A trip that absolutely filled my heart.
The burning question?
Did it break the bank to travel in the peak of the peak season? (Boxing Day to New Year). Here’s the thing. This road trip was completely spontaneous, we had no clue if we would find anywhere for accomodation. Could have been one short trip! Boxing Day proved pretty expensive (as it usually does), however the rest of the time was quite do-able. We simply seized the moment. We got lucky on the weather. Spending the couple of nights in Armidale made it a bit more budget friendly than perhaps staying on the Coast. We spent New Year’s Eve in Armidale. We paid a little more to stay at Tattersall’s (and so glad we did). It was such luxury to end our trip with. The hotel was so beautifully restored and well worth the stay. No doubt would have been cheaper all round had we stayed in the one spot for 7 nights. However that wasn’t what we wanted to do.
Weaving our way back to Brisbane, we made some time to go to Tenterfield. Another place for the bucket list :)
Ready to hit the road? Waterfall Way awaits! Hope you enjoy as much as we did.
Stunning view of Upper Ebor Falls (just outside of Armidale)
Thinking of going here? Leave a Comment :)
