Dorrigo National Park Park

Address: Waterfall Way, Dorrigo NSW 2453, Australia

Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parks/dorrigo-national-park

Hours: Park open daily; Dorrigo Rainforest Centre (visitor centre) typically daily 9am-5pm (seasonal)

Admission: Free entry to the park; fees apply for camping/booked facilities

Dorrigo National Park is a protected rainforest area on the Dorrigo Plateau in northern New South Wales, Australia, conserving stands of temperate rainforest and associated gullies. It is included in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area for its remnant rainforest ecosystems.

Rainforest boardwalks, lookout platforms and waterfall tracks that provide close views of ancient canopy and moist gullies. The park’s listed sites and shorter walks are designed for day visitors and are concentrated around the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and nearby car parks.

European settlement and subsequent timber harvesting affected parts of the plateau, but large tracts of rainforest were retained and later protected through national park status and World Heritage listing. Management focuses on habitat protection and visitor access via established tracks.

The park lies inland on the Great Dividing Range near the township of Dorrigo in New South Wales, within driving distance of coastal centres on the Coffs Harbour region and other northern NSW towns.

• World Heritage status: Part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, the park protects remnants of ancient rainforest and offers short, accessible boardwalks suitable for most visitors.
• Best viewpoint: The Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk are focal points for visitors and provide the most reliable rainforest viewing and photographic opportunities.

What to See#

• Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk: A visitor centre with boardwalks and interpretive displays that provides access to rainforest trails and the Skywalk-a lookout platform over the canopy.
• Waterfall walking tracks: A series of short rainforest trails leading to waterfalls and gullies, including tracks that descend to Crystal Shower Falls and other cascades.

Dorrigo National Park is accessed by road via Waterfall Way (B78). From Coffs Harbour follow Waterfall Way west toward Dorrigo - the drive is typically about 1-1.5 hours (roughly 70 km) depending on exact start point; Waterfall Way also connects Dorrigo with Armidale to the west.

Park at the Dorrigo Visitor Centre or nearby designated car parks; the park’s lookouts and boardwalks (including the Skywalk and rainforest trails) start within a short walk from the visitor centre.

• Start at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre (on Waterfall Way) - it provides the easiest access, interpretive displays and the elevated Skywalk that gives great views with minimal walking.
• Plan an early‑morning visit for misty rainforest light and active birdlife; trails and lookouts are far quieter before midday and before tour buses arrive.
• Combine the Skywalk visit with a short roadside stop at Dangar Falls (just outside Dorrigo) for a quick waterfall view if you don't have time for longer hikes-many visitors miss this easy, scenic diversion.