by Meg Forbes (
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Meg Forbes is a mum, freelance writer, and photographer living in the Redlands, South of Brisbane.
https://www.instagram.com/megforbesphotography/
In Dorrigo Rainforest, along the Waterfall Way between Coffs Harbour and Armidale, lies beautiful Dangar Falls. This ideal location makes it less than a day's trip from either Brisbane or Sydney and anywhere in between. The falls themselves border on a campground and lodge for those who would like to spend more than a day in the area.
From the M1, turn inland towards Bellingen just south of Coffs Harbour onto the B78, also known as the "Waterfall Way". This delightful drive will take you through the historic town of Bellingen, and on up a mountain pass to Dorrigo National Park. Once in Dorrigo Village, turn right at the war memorial roundabout into Hickory St. Follow it for a short distance as it becomes Vine St, and then Coramba Rd. Dorrigo Falls are well signposted at the top of a hill, and facilities include shade, a playground and toilets.
Dangar Falls in Dorrgo National Park
Once here, you can admire the view from a platform at the top of the falls before following the well-marked path and boardwalk down to the pool at the bottom. This pool is ideal for swimming in, starting off shallow with a little creek flowing out from it, and gradually becoming deeper on the swim across to the falls. This swim should only be undertaken by competent swimmers, never alone, and children should be under adult supervision with life jackets.
There are rocks to sit on beneath the falls themselves, and it is possible to swim behind the falling water. The roar is tremendous! Various skinks and water dragons are often visible on the rocks surrounding the pool.
The boardwalk and track were well designed so that it never seems to steep on the way back up. The bathrooms are conveniently located near to the carpark for changing and Dorrigo Village has several eateries for a post-swim lunch.
