Things to do in the area

Local Events

Bellingen Winter Music Festival

Following a similar format to its much loved summer sister festival, The Mullum Music Festival, the Bello Winter Music takes place throughout the many venues of Bellingen, including the Memorial Hall, Diggers Tavern, Federal Hotel, No 5 Church St, Little Red Kitchen, Bellingen Golf Club, the original Bellingen Anglican Church, St Margaret’s Church Hall, spilling out into the streets and cafes for a family-friendly, affordable weekend of music, celebration and community.
As well as the music, Bello Winter Music has street theatre, workshops, free events and walking tours. Mullum Music Festival’s hugely popular psychedelic Magic Bus made the trip down especially for the 2015 inaugural event to ferry festival-goers around the town.

A festival dedicated to programming new and emerging artists – local, national and international.

Camp Creative

Camp Creative is a summer camp for families and individuals, a fun learning event where you mix with people of widely differing interests and ages in a relaxing and creative atmosphere. It’s all about imagination, innovation and enjoyment!
It gives everyone the opportunity to find new creative expression within. Camp Creative will open your eyes to new ways of looking at things and at yourself.
The tutors, who are leaders in their fields, support this vision by giving generously of their time and expertise to provide you with the means to pursue or find a new passion.

Bellingen Writers Festival

June Long Weekend
The Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival has become a popular annual cultural event showcasing leading authors and celebrating all things literary. With workshops, talks, forums, book launches, competitions, entertainment and school programs, its a diverse and inspiring weekend with something for everyone.

Bellingen Jazz and Blues Festival

Annual show featuring top Jazz and Blues acts. The Festival’s “boutique” feel has given the music an immediacy that is so important to create a link between the performers and the audience. Bellingen Jazz Festival is run by dedicated volunteers and enjoys widespread community support and strong local business sponsorship.

Local Activities

For anyone wanting an active holiday or getaway, there’s plenty to keep you occupied…

  • Swim, surf, go fishing or just walk on any one of a dozen nearby, unspoiled beaches (just 15 mins from BV Lodge)
  • Bush walk in one of the 7 nearby National Parks
  • Drive the beautiful Waterfall Way through to Armidale
  • Visit the Butter Factory Arts and Craft Collective just on the edge of Bellingen township
  • Go canoeing down the beautiful Bellinger River
  • Dine at Hilltop@TheLodge or one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area
  • Relax with a healing massage at Alchemy Day Spa or Skin Bliss Bellingen
  • Play golf at Bellingen, Urunga or Bonville
  • Try out the Go-Karts at Raleigh International Raceway
  • Stop in at Dolphin Marine Magic, Coffs Harbour where you can swim with the dolphins
  • Peruse all the fine art galleries and stores that Bellingen and Dorrigo have to offer
  • Spend the day shopping at the diverse range of retail outlets in and around town

Bellingen Valley Lodge offers a kid-safe pool area with plenty of recliners, a sun-protected pool and full BBQ facilities. Put your feet up and relax by the pool. Check out other options and things to do on bellingen.com

Bellingen Valley Lodge is close to seven National Parks. A short 30 minute drive west takes you to the Skywalk at Dorrigo National Park. Another 30 minutes past Dorrigo will take you to Cathedral Rocks where you will be in awe of the intriguing stacks of granite boulders and the spectacular views of Point Look Out in the New England National Park.

Nearby Glenreagh in the Coffs Harbour hinterland is home to the Glenreagh Mountain Railway. The Railway is a live display with about 800 meters of track restored and much more planned for the near future.