Waterfalls around Dorrigo and the Mid North Coast

Dorrigo and the surrounding area has some of the most spectacular waterfalls in NSW – which is not surprising, when the road between Coffs Harbour and Armidale is known as the Waterfall Way. Although many of the waterfalls are popular tourist attractions and easily reached by car, some are located along bushwalking tracks and require a bit more effort to see. 

The area around Dorrigo gets fairly high rainfall, so all the waterfalls flow year-round. They are most spectacular after rain, with the highest rainfall generally occuring from January to March. 

Below are some of the most impressive waterfalls around the Mid North Coast and New England area. 

Chandler Falls

Chandler Falls – a tall but distant waterfall

  • You’ll see Chandler Falls if you’re doing the Wollomombi Walking Track (4.2km return) – but although it’s a tall waterfall, it’s hard to get a good view. This waterfall is far more impressive after significant rain.
  • Alternate waterfalls nearby: Also along the Wollomombi Walking Track is the more impressive Wollomombi  Falls.
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Coachwood Falls – a small Dorrigo NP waterfall with a swimming hole

  • One of the more challenging waterfalls to reach in the Dorrigo area, this small but powerful waterfall is along the Rosewood Creek Track in Dorrigo National Park. Theres’s a shallow pool at the top of Coachwood Falls, and a deep swimning hole at the bottom which is reached by a steep, informal walking track.
  • Alternate waterfalls nearby: If you’re doing the Rosewood Creek Track, you’ll also pass the Upper Coachwood Falls. It’s definitely worth taking the very steep track down to Red Cedar Falls.
Crystal Shower Falls

Crystal Shower Falls – a waterfall you can walk behind on the Wonga Walk

  • Located along the popular Wonga Walk in Dorrigo National Park, Crystal Shower Falls is a very photogenic waterfall. The track goes past the falls on a suspension bridge, and you can also walk behind the waterfall.
  • Alternate waterfalls nearby: Also along the Wonga Walk is Tristania Falls – it’s not as spectacular as Crystal Shower Falls, but still a nice waterfall.
Dangar Falls (Dorrigo)

Dangar Falls (Dorrigo) – swim beneath an enormous waterfall

  • Just outside the town of Dorrigo, Dangar Falls is a popular and busy spot in summer. A viewing platform near the carpark provides a view over the top of the waterfall, while a short, paved walking path goes to a deep pool at the base of Dangar Falls where you can swim.
  • Type of waterfall: Block or Ledge
  • Total drop: 30m
  • Distance to waterfall: 1.1km
  • How to get there: Parking area off Coramba Road, Dorrigo
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Ebor Falls – the most spectacular falls along the Waterfall Way

  • A popular destinaton along the Waterfall Way, Ebor Falls is a spectacular waterfall. The Guy Fawkes River cascades ofer two tiers, with a short walking track along the top of the escarpment edge links two cararks, both of which have a viewing platform. There are toilets and picnic tables here.
Mobong Creek Cascade

Mobong Creek Cascade – a small waterfall and secluded waterhole

  • You probably wouldn’t go out of your way to visit the Mobong Creek Cascade – but if you’re near Cascade National Park, you’ll find this small waterfall and swmimming hole along the Mobong Walking Track.
  • Alternate waterfalls nearby: For beautiful swimming hole you can visit without a walk, check out the Mobong Creek Waterhole, which is right next to Moses Rock Road.
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Newell Falls – a road-side cascade along the Waterfall Way

  • Newell Falls is most spectacular after heavy rain, as it cascades next to and under the Waterfall Way road. A nearby car parking area makes it easy to stop and photograph this picturesque waterfall.
  • Alternate waterfalls nearby: Sherrard Falls is also along the Waterfall Way – but its harder to stop near this one.
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Red Cedar Falls – the tallest waterfall in Dorrigo National Park

  • Despite the very steep track to reach this spectacular waterfall, it’s a relatively popular spot. Red Cedar Falls is the tallest accessible waterfall in Dorrigo National Park, and is a spectacular sight – especially after rain. Swimming may be possible at the base of the falls, if it hasn’t rained for a while.
  • Alternate waterfalls nearby: Add the Rosewood Creek Circuit to see the Coachwood Falls and Upper Coachwood Falls – neither are quite as impressive, but still worth a visit (and they will be a lot less busy).
Tristania Falls

Sherrard Falls – a tall cascade along the Waterfall Way

  • You’ll see Sherrard Falls as you drive up the Waterfall Way from Coffs Harbour.. it’s most impressive after heavy rain, and hard to photograph as there is nowhere nearby to safely stop and park.
  • Alternate waterfalls nearby: It’s much easier to stop and admire Newell Falls, which is also along this section of road.
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Tristania Falls – a tall cascade along the Wonga Walk

  • While overshadowed by the more photogenic Crystal Shower Falls (which is also long the Wonga Walk), the Tristania Falls is still an impressive sight. The water cascades down over a tall cliff, before flowing under a bridge and down the steep valley.
  • Alternate waterfalls nearby: If you’re doing the Wonga Walk, you’ll pass the Crystal Shower Falls.
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Upper Coachwood Falls – an unofficial waterfall on the Rosewood Creek Track

  • Not officially recognised as a waterfall, the Upper Coachwood Falls is along the Rosewood Creek Track in Dorrigo National Park. It’s a very small waterfall in height, but an impressive sight as the creek tumbles off a wide ledge and is forced through a deep chute in the rock.
  • Alternate waterfalls nearby: The more “official” waterfall along Rosewood Creek Track is Coachwood Falls, which is fairly close.
Wollomombi Falls

Wollomombi Falls – the (almost) highest waterfall in NSW

  • Once considered the highest waterfall in NSW, Wollomombi Falls is 228m in height. You can see the falls from the carpark, but it’s worth doing the Wollomombi Walking Track to get a better view not just of the falls, but the steep gorges carved by the Wollomombi River.

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