NSW has no shortage of spectacular road trips, from winding coastal routes to scenic drives through the countryside. But if waterfalls, ancient rainforests and wild swimming spots are more your speed, there’s one drive in particular worth adding to your list. Waterfall Way is a 185-kilometre route in northern NSW, connecting the coast with the New England highlands and passing through some of the state’s most impressive natural landscapes. Along the way, you’ll find towering waterfalls, ancient rainforest trails, picturesque country towns and plenty of places to stop and explore. The drive itself takes around three hours, but with so much to see along the way, there’s good reason to take your time. Here’s what to see and do along Waterfall Way.
Waterfall Way: Rainforest trails, spectacular waterfalls and country towns
Starting near the Coffs Coast, the drive heads inland towards Bellingen, a lovely riverside town known for its boho-chic cafés, boutique shops and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great place to stop for breakfast, browse the local stores or spend some time by the Bellinger River. On warmer days, the surrounding area also offers some beautiful freshwater swimming spots.
Leaving Bellingen behind, the road begins its winding ascent towards Dorrigo, with the scenery changing from open countryside to dense rainforest. This stretch is particularly scenic, with views across the Bellinger Valley as you climb higher into the mountains. At Dorrigo National Park, the Skywalk lookout offers sweeping views over the treetops, while a network of walking tracks leads to some of the area’s most beautiful waterfalls, including Crystal Shower Falls, where you can walk behind the cascading water.
Dangar Falls is another stop worth adding to your list. The waterfall drops around 30 metres into a large swimming hole below, with a lookout offering an excellent view from above. A walking track also leads down towards the base of the falls, where you can admire the cascade up close. Continuing west, Ebor Falls is one of the route’s most dramatic sights, with two waterfalls plunging into a deep gorge surrounded by rugged cliffs.
There are several viewing platforms, so you can see the falls from different angles without committing to a long hike. Further along, Wollomombi Falls is equally impressive, with water dropping into one of Australia’s deepest gorges.
The road trip finishes in Armidale, a historic country town with leafy streets, heritage architecture and a good selection of cafés and pubs. It’s a scenic spot for a meal after the drive, with plenty of local shops and galleries to explore if you have time.
Key details
- What: Waterfall Way scenic drive
- Where: Northern NSW, between the Coffs Coast and Armidale
- Distance: Approximately 185km
- Driving time: Around 3 hours without stops
- Highlights: Dorrigo National Park, Crystal Shower Falls, Dangar Falls, Ebor Falls and Wollomombi Falls
- Road conditions: Sealed roads, with some winding and steep sections
- Cost: Free to drive, with national park fees potentially applying at some locations
- Best time to visit: Year-round, with summer particularly appealing for rainforest walks and swimming spots
Read more about Waterfall Way on NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Getting there
From Sydney, it’s approximately a 6-hour drive north along the Pacific Highway to Coffs Harbour, where you can begin the Waterfall Way road trip. Alternatively, you can start from Armidale, around a six-hour drive northwest of Sydney via the New England Highway, and follow the route towards the coast. Allow a full day for the drive if you plan to stop at the waterfalls, lookouts and towns along the way. Check for ongoing roadworks on Live Traffic NSW.
