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Explore the Beautiful Bellingen Valley 

 

The Bellingen Valley stretches between rainforest, river and the sea, with a landscape shaped by water, escarpments and a strong sense of connection & country. The township of Bellingen sits at its heart, between the mountains and the coast, with Urunga to the east, Dorrigo to the west, Coffs Harbour to the north and Nambucca to the south. 

Set on Gumbaynggirr Country, the Bellingen Valley has a gentle, calming richness that you notice in the changing light, the shifting landscapes and the way nature sets the pace each day. This guide invites you to explore the valley, to wonder, swim, taste and pause, as you discover what makes the Bellingen Valley and the Coffs Coast so memorable, for guests of all ages. 

Our Dorrigo waterfalls feed the rivers below, which wind through green farmland, rainforest and freshwater swimming holes in Bellingen, before finally reaching Urunga where the Kalang and Bellinger rivers meet the sea.

The Bellingen Shire is an Eco Certified tourism destination. As you explore our beautiful homeland, please tread lightly, leave only footprints, and take nothing but memories (and photos). For more information on how to enjoy the valley sustainably, the Bellingen Shire website.

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Explore Bellingen 

 

 

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Promise Land

Bellingen is surrounded by rich farmland, rolling countryside and the natural beauty of the valley. As you explore the town and its surrounds, you will discover Bellingen’s unique character, from its welcoming main street to its many local shops, each offering something a little different.

 Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre - The Waterfall Way Visitor Centre is your gateway to exploring the breathtaking beauty and rich heritage of the Bellingen Shire. 

The Bellinger Valley Historical Society - is a community-based non-profit organisation run by volunteers. They are dedicated to preserving and displaying the Aboriginal and European history of the Bellinger Valley and surrounding areas on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales. 

Bellingen Community Markets - held 3rd Saturday of every month. A must see when visiting Bellingen.

Bellingen Growers Market - Every Saturday morning.

Bellingen Farmers Market - Every Wednesday afternoon. 

The Promised Lands Gleniffer - It's a beautiful natural area just outside Bellingen, known for: Crystal-clear swimming holes along the NEVER NEVER RIVER, Lush subtropical rainforest, Picnic spots and rope swings, Scenic drives through the Bellingen hinterland, Easy access from The Lodge around 20 minute drive.

Bellingen Canoe Adventures - Based on the Mid-North Coast near Coffs Harbour, NSW, Bellingen Canoe Adventures offers canoe trips to all ages, from beginners to the more advanced! 

The Loyal Bellingen Golf club - Proudly situated at the gateway to Bellingen, The Loyal is a picturesque boutique 10-hole course that hugs the Bellinger River. All are welcome! 

Readers & Writers Festival Join us annually on the June Long Weekend, Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival is not just about books, it showcases the magical fusion of nature, history and culture that makes Bellingen truly special.     

Taranta Festival - Immerse yourself in this annual 3 day festival is filled with Music, Art and community. A festival where mediterranean and global culture come alive through music, movement, colour and shared stories.

River Sounds Music Festival - A dynamic community music festival often held at the Bellingen showgrounds.

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Explore the Urunga Coast

 

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Urunga is a beautiful coastal town within our Bellingen Shire, where the rivers meet the sea and the landscape opens out to wide water views, fresh ocean air and a slower pace. As you explore the town and its surrounds, you will discover Urunga’s easy charm, from its peaceful waterways and natural beauty to its accessible boardwalk, where a gentle stroll offers elevated views across the river and surrounding landscape. 

Urunga Boardwalk - A 1-kilometre fully accessible boardwalk stretches across the tidal lagoon all the way to the mouth of the river, offering a beautiful way to take in Urunga’s peaceful natural surrounds. Recently refurbished in 2026, it is a must-see while exploring the Bellingen Valley. 

Urunga Wetland - A peaceful natural sanctuary, the Urunga Wetland invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the coast. With its accessible walking trails, boardwalk and quiet surrounds, it is a lovely place for birdwatching, gentle strolls and taking in the calm of this special part of the Bellingen Shire. 

The Honey place - The sweetest spot on the North coast NSW

Urunga Museum - The Urunga Museum collection is varied with displays of objects, photos, paintings and models that depict early settlement including the maritime history of Urunga formerly Bellinger Heads). 

The Art Space - Your friendly community art gallery on the NSW Mid North Coast

Raleigh Winery - located 10 minutes from Urunga, As Australia’s most easterly vineyard, this hidden gem sits gracefully alongside the tranquil Bellinger River. 

Urunga Riverside Markets - Every Second Sunday of each month

C.ex Urunga Golf & Sports club In close vicinity to the town centre of Urunga. Featuring a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, croquet green.

Sail Urunga - Our main Sailurunga “Discover Sailing Adventure” is open to people of most abilities and is approximately a three hour sailing adventure from Urunga To Mylestom Village and back

Urunga Summer music fest An action-packed afternoon of free live music, local vibes, food trucks, and family-friendly activities at the Morgo Street Reserve (Riverstage)

Urunga Spring fiesta - An exciting new event is coming to Bellingen shire, born out of UMBL Music's passion for celebrating local creativity and the community getting together

Bongil Bongil National Park - the ideal spot for bird watching with over 100 species of native birds, and marvel at the wildlife, then return to a hearty meal at the nearby club. 

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Explore Dorrigo/Ebor

 

 

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A scenic drive west along Waterfall Way from The Lodge leads you to Dorrigo, a beautiful part of the Bellingen Shire, where ancient rainforest, sweeping mountain views and some of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls await. If you choose to venture further, Ebor offers even more to explore, from dramatic falls to peaceful country landscapes, making this journey through the region especially memorable.

Waterfall Way Scenic Drive - The 185km Waterfall Way is 185km scenic drive links the Coffs Coast with the rainforest, river valleys and waterfalls of the Dorrigo Plateau and New England national parks. 

Dorrigo National Park - this park features the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. It is famous for its elevated Skywalk Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the Bellinger Valley 

Wonga walk - A spectacular 6 km rainforest track within the National Park that takes you behind the cascading Crystal Shower Falls and Tristania Falls 

Dangar falls - Located just 2 km north of town, this easily accessible 30-meter waterfall features a viewing platform and a swimming hole at the bottom 

Griffith lookout - On Maynards road You'll enjoy breath-taking wilderness views of the Great Dividing Range unfolding before you looking south. To the east, you'll see the Pacific Ocean and, on clear days, right down to Kempsey some 100 kilometres away. 

Dorrigo Show Agriculture show - is a longstanding event, it's an ode to our beautiful town’s rich history of agriculture, community, and nature  

Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival - embraces the diverse origins of folk, bluegrass, old-time and old-time country music and we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to the well-being and continued growth of these genres and the Festival. 

Dorrigo Golf Club - Dorrigo Golf club was established on 1st August 1924 and is arguably one of the most beauitful golf course on the mid- north coast of NSW 

Ebor falls - A breathtaking is a tiered waterfall on the Guy Fawkes River.

Ebor Dutton Trout Hatchery - Dutton Trout Hatchery is located on 10 acres along the beautiful Serpentine River, a 50 minute drive from Dorrigo. The hatchery is one of two NSW Government facilities for breeding and rearing premier cold water sport

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Explore the Coffs Coast

 

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A 25-minute drive north from The Lodge brings you to Coffs Harbour, where beautiful beaches, vibrant shopping and relaxed coastal charm come together. As you explore the town and its surrounds, you will discover a little of everything, from retail therapy and local finds to the much-loved Jetty Foreshore, where ocean views, walking paths and fresh sea air make it a lovely place to slow down and take it all in.

 Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) - in Orara East State Forest was Coffs Harbour's first eco-certified tourism attraction. Just 15 minutes north of Coffs, Niigi Niigi is home to the famous Forest Sky Pier 

Tree Tops Adventure - Experience Coffs Harbour’s most scenic adventure at Treetops Adventure, just minutes from Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest 

Big banana Fun Park - Experience Australia's original and most iconic Big Thing at The Big Banana Fun Park! 

Mutton Bird Island - Mutton bird Island is the jewel in the crown of Coffs Harbour. Surrounded by ocean sparkling in shades of blue, the island affords views of the Coffs Coast and hinterland from a unique, off-shore perspective. 

Solitary Islands Marine Park - Stretching across 100 kilometres of coastline from the entrance to the Sandon River south to Mutton bird Island at Coffs Harbour, the Solitary Islands Marine Park covers more than 70,000 hectares.

 Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours - Is a 100% Aboriginal owned, award winning eco-tourism business offering culturally significan experience on the Coffs Coast

Botanical Gardens - Explore the green oasis at the heart of Coffs Harbour. The botanic garden blends a unique range of discovery walks amongst natural forests. 

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary - Experience an extraordinary adventure at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can interact with a beautiful Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin.  

Coffs Harbour Butterfly House - One ticket - Five magical worlds, Indoor tropical setting for hundreds of Australian butterflies, plus a maze & a dinosaur show. 

Boambee creek reserve - One of the most popular spots for families, where you can kayak, paddleboard, swim and paddle in the shallow waters. There's also a great playground, BBQs, undercover area on the reserve and its dog friendly.  

Sawtell memorial Rock pool - Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool is located at the north end of Bonville Beach in the northern NSW town of Sawtell 

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