The rolling hills of The Dorrigo Plateau in NSW’s New England region hide many rural delights, but for our money, the best treat has to be the abundance of waterfalls in the region. Swollen by the regular rains, these waterfalls are a mighty sight to see – and in the case of Dangar Falls, you can even take a dip in the swimming hole that’s fed by the cascading waters of the Bielsdown River. Here’s all you need to know to visit!
Found just outside of Dorrigo, NSW, to reach the falls from Sydney requires a bit more than a day trip. Still, it’s a journey well worth making, as the secluded pool is a cooling spot for a summer swim, and the 30-metre cascade waterfall is a spectacular sight, especially once you’re up close to the spray of the falling water. A word of warning, though: the falls are too high to jump from, and people have died attempting it, so do stay safe and sound when you visit – especially if there’s been a lot of rain in the days and weeks before your excursion.
To reach Dangar Falls is refreshingly easy, and helped immensely by the fact there’s a car park nearby; the walk is about a 1km round trip to the lookout above the falls. Swimmers will want to head down a path from the viewing platform (there’s an easy step-by-step guide here), and whilst you likely won’t have the place to yourself, there are spots for sunbathing and stretching out on the rocks to dry off. Entry to the pool itself is easy enough in the shallows, though you won’t be able to touch the bottom as you get further out.
Personally, I’d suggest sticking around the area and embarking on a waterfall tour along the region’s ‘Waterfall Way‘. For instance, not far from Dangar Falls is the equally spectacular Crystal Shower Falls, which you can actually walk behind. Combine them both on a visit, and you’ve got a mini-break worth falling for…