| Dorrigo | |
Location: | 569km north of Sydney |
Shire: | Bellingen |
Population: | 1135 |
Postcode: | 2453 |
Magnificent river, mountain and forest scenery surround this north coast timber town 40km west of Coffs Harbour. Richard Craig was the first European into the area, pushing a trail through from Guy Fawkes (Ebor) to 'The Settlement' (South Grafton) that allowed timbercutters to follow him. A Major Parke was the first settler in the area that is now renowned for beef cattle, dairying and mixed farming.
Dorrigo is surrounded by national parks, rainforest and numerous waterfalls. Dorrigo National Park is a World Heritage rainforest park on the edge of the escarpment. The focal point for visitors is the Rainforest Centre located at the park's entrance. The centre provides information, a shop, exhibition and cafe and one of its most dramatic features is the Skywalk walkway and lookout platform over the escarpment edge for a closeup view of the rainforest canopy.
Beautiful Dangar Falls just 2km from Dorrigo are not part of the park but well worth a visit. Further afield are New England National Park to the southwest and Guy Fawkes River National Park to the northwest.
A planned railway museum for Dorrigo has yet to come to fruition. The collection of rolling stock awaiting restoration can be seen from the road.