Dorrigo National Park

Dorrigo National Park is located in New South Wales, Australia, about 580 kilometers north of Sydney and 100 kilometers inland from Coffs Harbour. The park is situated near the small town of Dorrigo and is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, making it renowned for its ancient rainforests and biodiversity. Established in 1967, Dorrigo National Park protects some of the most pristine examples of subtropical and warm temperate rainforests in Australia. Its history is deeply connected to the conservation movement, preserving one of the few remaining rainforests on the eastern seaboard. Parking facilities are available at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, the main access point to the park. There is ample parking space, but no entry fees for general access. Visitors should park only in designated areas to preserve the natural environment, especially in more ecologically sensitive spots near walking tracks. Dorrigo National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the red-legged pademelon, eastern water dragon, and a variety of birds such as the endangered rufous scrub-bird and the regent bowerbird. The park’s rainforests are also a habitat for many threatened species. The park’s flora is dominated by lush rainforests filled with ancient tree species like the Antarctic beech and bangalow palms. Epiphytes, such as orchids and ferns, add to the thick undergrowth, contributing to the park's vibrant ecosystem. Notable features of Dorrigo National Park include Crystal Shower Falls, the Skywalk Lookout offering sweeping views of the rainforest canopy, and the Wonga Walk, which leads visitors through spectacular scenery. Public transport to Dorrigo National Park is limited. Visitors can take a bus to Dorrigo from nearby cities like Coffs Harbour, but access to the park itself typically requires a car or guided tour.