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Waterfall Way

On the Waterfall Way, which connects the coast of New South Wales with the hinterland, one fantastic waterfall follows the next! Australia’s third most crucial tourist road has it all! It is home to the second-highest waterfall in the country and one national park after another.

In Dorrigo National Park, for example, you can immerse yourself deep in the rainforests of New South Wales – picturesque waterfalls included, of course. Or marvel at the breathtaking gorge with Wollomombi Falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. The main B78 road stretches 165 kilometres from the Pacific Highway near the coast to the town of Armidale inland.

The absolute highlights that you will find in this article cover 130 kilometres of this route.

The Waterfall Way is an absolute top attraction in Australia and an accurate insider tip on the route from Sydney to Brisbane. It offers you a multitude of spectacular views. Goodbye, boredom! Every waterfall is unique, and every national park on the route awaits you as a new must-see.

Entrance fee for all national parks on the Waterfall Way

  • free of charge

Opening hours of all national parks on the Waterfall Way

  • all year round

Time planning

  • only for the highlights: 1 day
  • with more time: at least two days

Table of Contents

Top sights & highlights on the Waterfall Way

Dorrigo National Park - Sky Walk Lookout

Sky Walk Lookout

Dorrigo National Park is the first gem on the Waterfall Way you reach when you arrive from the coast. Directly behind the Rainforest Centre (tourist information), you will get the Sky Walk Lookout, the first highlight of Dorrigo National Park. From here, you have a sensational view of the jungle-green, rolling hills of the New South Wales hinterland.

Don’t miss the unique view from the wooden walkway above the rainforest rooftops! It’s well worth it!

Tip: The National Park will be delighted if you leave a small donation of $2 per person.

Dorrigo National Park - Wonga Walk

What an idyllic rainforest walk! The Wonga Walk is one of Australia’s most beautiful and is, therefore, an absolute must-do on the Waterfall Way. The well-maintained hiking trail awaits you with many beautiful rainforest trees – such as the giant spiny tree – and lots of exciting information signs.

Not forgetting, of course, picturesque waterfalls! I look forward to the Tristania and Crystal Shower Falls!

Guy Fawkes River National Park - Ebor Falls

Ebor Falls

A bit further inland is the Guy Fawkes River National Park with the beautiful, picturesque Ebor Falls. The waterfalls – divided into the Upper and Lower Falls – combine to form a natural wonder without equal and should not be missed when travelling along the Waterfall Way!

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About 50 kilometres from Dorrigo National Park and 25 kilometres from New England National Park, you are waiting to discover them. At three different viewpoints (Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Valley View Lookout) – connected by a short path – you have an impressive view of the picturesque Ebor Falls amid peaceful nature. A fabulous must-see on the Waterfall Way and one of the top sights in Australia!

New England National Park - Point Lookout

New England National Park is a little out of the ordinary. It doesn’t have any waterfalls waiting for you. However, one of the many magnificent views of the Waterfall Way awaits you at Point Lookout. A short circular trail takes you from the car park to the viewing platforms at Point Lookout. These are quite something! The dark green hills covered in rainforest run through the landscape to the horizon.

Deep valleys alternate with high elevations, creating an extraordinary, picturesque landscape. With bright blue skies and sunshine, you may even spot the azure Pacific Ocean in the distance. 

New England National Park - Weeping Rock Walking Track

Weeping Rock Walking Track

For those who want to stretch their legs a little after the Point Lookout, I have the following suggestion: the Weeping Rock walking track takes you into the green-speckled nature of the rainforest. It manoeuvres you down over the earthy forest floor to Weeping Rock, which hides on a brown-grey rock face in New England National Park. Its tears trickle down the cold stone surface.

The rock—covered in forest green moss—is surrounded by the peaceful rainforest. It’s an idyllic place! 

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park - Wollomombi Gorge: Falls Lookout

Wollomombi Falls

The last top attraction of the Waterfall Way awaits you in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Here, you will come across the second-highest waterfall in Australia. What a sight! Simply amazing! The unique Wollomombi Falls plunges from an impressive height of up to 220 metres. Nestled between the rounded hilltops of Wollomombi Gorge in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, they offer an incredibly spectacular natural spectacle, with more or less water depending on the season.

From November to February, the water masses rush down the rocks in a thick jet in the wettest months. Even Chandler Falls, another waterfall, can be seen in the background. These remain hidden in the driest months (June – September). From the “Falls Lookout” viewing platform, which can be reached after a short walk from the car park, you have a fantastic view of Wollomombi Falls.

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