Our world heritage environment on your doorstep
With world-famous natural attractions in our region’s backyard, when was the last time you visited Dorrigo?
Dorrigo Steam Railway & Museum
The Dorrigo Steam Railway and Museum acts as home to the largest collection of preserved railway vehicles and memorabilia from the various railways of New South Wales. It is one of the most comprehensive railway collections in the world, with exhibits ranging from 1855 to the present day!
Bellingen's Community Markets
Started in 1980 with approximately 30 stalls, Bellingen's Community Markets are now one of the largest regional markets in Australia, boasting 250 exciting diverse stalls.
Live entertainment can be found at the sound shell. Coffee and cake are available from 2 or 3 open-air cafes.
Made in Dorrigo Day
‘Made in Dorrigo’ was established to provide a showcase for the wealth of creative talent that’s found throughout the Dorrigo plateau. The market is totally unique because everything is locally handcrafted, designed or produced by artists, craftspeople, growers, gardeners and makers who call Dorrigo home. Made in Dorrigo is held on the 2nd Saturday of July, December and March.
Dorrigo Markets
This local community event features producers and artisans from the Dorrigo Plateau and Bellingen Shire. Dorrigo Community Markets are held on the first Saturday of every month on Hickory Street.
Get back to the wonders of nature
With world-famous natural attractions in our region’s backyard, when was the last time you visited Dorrigo?
Travel up the beautiful Waterfall Way, hailed as one of the world’s most scenic drives, and marvel at World Heritage listed natural wonders.
You’ll see majestic views over the tree tops and down the Bellingen Valley from the Sky Walk and Griffith look-out. Stop for a while at the Dorrigo Rain Forest Centre and learn about nature’s secrets.
Choose short or longer tracks and walk through rainforest cathedrals supported by towering trees intertwined with vines and adorned with tree ferns, stag horns and bush orchards.
Experience the thrill of many spectacular waterfalls including Dangar Falls where Bielsdown River thunders 30 metres to the swimming hole below. Walk behind gentle Crystal Falls or view it from the new observation suspended bridge.
Keep quiet along Lyrebird Link and spot the abundant birdlife. Pay homage to the mighty 600-year-old Tallowood trees just a short stroll into the Norman Jolly Reserve. Meander the round forest drive via the picturesque Platypus Flat picnic area and Cascade.
But don’t forget the friendly country charm attractions of the town of Dorrigo itself. Walk the retail centre and discover the distillery, an old-fashioned sweet shop, a heritage bakery, antiques and bric-a-brac shops.
Children love exploring the line of yesteryear steam locomotives dating from 1878. The Dorrigo Railway Museum contains the world’s largest collection of small and large railway items, including two locomotives that supplied the Western Front in World War One.
Dorrigo is also a regional arts and crafts hub and its wares are showcased in numerous shops throughout the town’s retail centre, attracting arts and crafts enthusiasts from around the country. Explore them at your leisure and begin planning to coincide your next visit to Dorrigo during one of the region’s annual arts and crafts events.
Nearby National Parks
Ideas for a day out in Dorrigo
Picnic at Platypus Flat by the banks of the Nymboida River amongst the tall trees of the Nymboi-Binderay National Park. A swimming hole is available.
Trout fish in local streams.
Play tennis or bowls.
Play golf at Dorrigo (golf clubs for hire), Bellingen, Urunga or Bonville International Golf Course.
Take the kids to the skateboard park or community swimming pool.
Visit Dangar Falls, just 1 kilometre from town.
Drive the beautiful Waterfall Way to Ebor, and visit the falls and trout hatchery.
Go canoeing on the Bellinger River or white water rafting on the Nymboida River.
Visit a number of local art galleries and craft shops.
Enjoy some go-karting at Raleigh International Raceway.
4-wheel driving through the myriad of state forests.
Meet the giants of the forest at Norman Jolly Reserve.
Read a book in the sun on the hotel verandah.
Take art classes with Jenny Macnaughton.
View and photograph classic steam trains that date back to 1877 (with exhibits ranging from 1855) at the Dorrigo Steam Railway and Museum.