RoadAtlas
Waterfall Way — Australia — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

Waterfall Way

Australia

Point-to-point
Coffs Harbour Armidale

In short: Waterfall Way is a 185 km scenic road trip in Australia, typically driven over 1 long day or 2 days, best in spring-autumn. Highlights: Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Dorrigo National Park.

Distance
185 km
Duration
1 long day or 2 days
Best Season
spring-autumn
NotableEasyScenicEV-friendly

Waterfall Way is one of northern New South Wales’ most rewarding short road trips, climbing from the coastal plains at Coffs Harbour into the cool New England tablelands near Armidale. The drive strings together rainforest, escarpment lookouts, and a run of dramatic waterfalls in national parks along a well-sealed, easy route.

Practical notes
Check Live Traffic NSW (https://www.livetraffic.com/) and NPWS alerts (https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list) for Dorrigo and New England parks immediately before departure, especially after storms, fire or landslips; replace any closed walk. Expect fog and wet bends. Use signed viewpoints and make the driver zero-alcohol; brewery drinks require a tour, taxi or overnight.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Coffs Harbour to Armidale via Bellingen, Dorrigo and Ebor

Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk · Dangar Falls · Hyde Bellingen

Stops along the route

Coffs Harbour — Departure — Waterfall Way — Australia
Departure
Coffs Harbour
Begin the classic inland climb.
Bellingen — City — Waterfall Way — Australia
City
Bellingen
The route town replaces the off-route Mylestom stop.
Armidale — Arrival — Waterfall Way — Australia
Arrival
Armidale
Finish on the New England Tablelands.

Things to Do

Dorrigo National Park — Nature — Waterfall Way — Australia
Nature
Dorrigo National Park
The rainforest and Skywalk are the main anchor.
Dangar Falls — Nature — Waterfall Way — Australia
Nature
Dangar Falls
Use the signed public viewpoint.
Ebor Falls — Nature — Waterfall Way — Australia
Nature
Ebor Falls
Add the official tableland waterfall lookouts if open.
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk — Rainforest and viewpoint — Waterfall Way — Australia
Rainforest and viewpoint
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk
Check NPWS opening and spend the main walk block here.
Dangar Falls — Waterfall viewpoint — Waterfall Way — Australia
Waterfall viewpoint
Dangar Falls
Use the signed Dorrigo lookout as a short stop.
Ebor Falls — Waterfall viewpoints — Waterfall Way — Australia
Waterfall viewpoints
Ebor Falls
Add the official lookouts if open; Mylestom is off the classic Waterfall Way line.

Where to Eat

Hyde Bellingen — Cafe — Waterfall Way — Australia
Cafe
Hyde Bellingen
Use this Bellingen breakfast or lunch without adding a brewery stop for the driver.
Azka Restaurant Wine and Tapas Bar — Modern Australian — Waterfall Way — Australia
Modern Australian
Azka Restaurant Wine and Tapas Bar
A correctly placed Armidale dinner after parking for the night.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Waterfall Way drive?

The Waterfall Way covers 185 km from start to finish.

How long does the Waterfall Way take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 long day or 2 days on the Waterfall Way, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Waterfall Way?

The recommended season for the Waterfall Way is spring-autumn.

Where does the Waterfall Way start and end?

The Waterfall Way runs from Coffs Harbour to Armidale.

What are the main stops on the Waterfall Way?

The Waterfall Way passes through Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Dorrigo National Park.

How difficult is the Waterfall Way to drive?

The Waterfall Way is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Waterfall Way in a regular car?

Yes — the Waterfall Way is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Waterfall Way EV friendly?

Yes — the Waterfall Way has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Waterfall Way safe to drive?

Check Live Traffic NSW (https://www.livetraffic.com/) and NPWS alerts (https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list) for Dorrigo and New England parks immediately before departure, especially after storms, fire or landslips; replace any closed walk. Expect fog and wet bends. Use signed viewpoints and make the driver zero-alcohol; brewery drinks require a tour, taxi or overnight.

What scenic tier is the Waterfall Way?

The Waterfall Way is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.