One of the most spectacular drives in NSW is lined with epic views and magical forests. But in summer, the effect is magnified with cascades you can swim beneath and rainforest trails made for exploring. Running 185 kilometres from the coast to the highlands, the Waterfall Way is the perfect summer road trip that packs in a lot of variety — linking the beaches and banana farms of Coffs Harbour to the leafy streets and elegant cafes of Armidale. As its name suggests, the route is lined with waterfalls of every kind, from emerald cascades tucked deep in the rainforest to dramatic drops you can hear long before you see them. Here’s how to make the most of one of the state’s most scenic and overlooked drives this summer.
Things to do along Waterfall Way
You could complete the entire drive in just a few hours, but it deserves a slower pace, so give yourself some time to pull over and linger for a while. The journey kicks off on the Coffs Coast, an excellent spot to fuel up for the journey ahead. Grab a coffee from a local roaster, stop by the Big Banana, and get ready for the scenic drive. About half an hour inland, you’ll reach Bellingen — a smaller, quieter alternative to Byron Bay nestled in lush greenery and legendary swimming holes. It’s worth pulling over here and strolling the markets, browsing the retro stores, and grabbing a wholesome meal at one of the local cafes before you’re back on your way.
From here, the road winds upward toward Dorrigo National Park, where the fun starts. It’s a waterfall dream come to life with cascades scattered throughout the park, enveloped by ancient rainforest, even more untamed in summer. Dangar Falls is one of the state’s most photogenic, with a swimming hole you can enjoy a refreshing dip in, while Red Cedar Falls plunges dramatically through dense forest, reachable by a longer but rewarding hike. Crystal Shower Falls is a favourite for good reason, with a short trail that takes you right behind the curtain of water.
And that’s not all. Past Dorrigo is the incredible Wollomombi Falls, in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park — one of Australia’s tallest and most spectacular. The lookout here offers a sweeping view of the gorge and the lush waterfall below. From there, it’s an easy run into Armidale, a picturesque university town with heritage buildings, old-world streetscapes, and a few great pubs and cafes to wrap up the drive.
Key features
Where: Waterfall Way, linking Coffs Harbour and Armidale
Distance: 185 kilometres (around 3 hours without stops)
Road type: Fully sealed and suitable for all vehicles
Best for: Scenic drives, waterfall walks, photography and weekend getaways Accessibility: Most lookouts and walking tracks are easy to reach, though some waterfall trails involve stairs or uneven ground
Entry fee: Free to drive; national park entry fees may apply at some sites
Best time to visit: Summer for swimming and rainforest walks
Planning your road trip
The Waterfall Way is located in northern New South Wales and remains a hidden gem. If you’re coming from Sydney, it’s about a 6-hour drive to reach Coffs Harbour, the ideal starting point. You can also do the route in reverse from Armidale, which is around a 90-minute flight or a seven-hour drive from Sydney. Give yourself at least a full day to do the drive comfortably, though a weekend makes it far more enjoyable. Happy road tripping!