Covering 185km of some of NSW’s most picturesque scenery, including tumbling waterfalls luscious rainforests, rolling fields, secluded coastal spots and extensive wilderness areas in multiple national parks, Waterfall Way takes you on a road trip like none other!
Stretching from Armidale to Urunga (about 20 minutes south of Coffs Harbour) the drive is sometimes winding but always incredible (especially if you’re on Maxxis tyres of course!) with country towns, picnic spots, walking tracks and stunning lookouts all part of the ride.
Where to start… One of the great things about this road trip is that you won’t be disappointed whichever end you start. For this one we’re suggesting you get your wheels rolling from Armidale which will give you the chance to explore what is a super-awesome, leafy town, perched 1,000 metres above sea level. Packed with heritage-listed buildings and art along with green spaces and loads of places to eat and stay – you could easily spend a day or two here before getting your Waterfall adventure on its way!
Best tyres for the ride… With over 65 sizes available in the Maxxis HP5 tyre range and more than 50 sizes in the VS5 tyre range, the Maxxis Car and SUV range has been carefully developed to cover most of the vehicle fitments available in the Australian market. Plus, the recent launch of the VS-EV (a quiet, efficient and highly durable touring/sport tyre exclusively developed for electric vehicles) is an exciting new addition into the range. Backed by the industry leading Maxcoverage warranty, driving on Maxxis tyres means you’ll have all bases covered* wherever you are on Waterfall Way!
Where to stop:
There are literally hundreds of great places to stop and soak up the waterfalls and everything else this great road trip has to offer! Here are just a few of the many highlights we’ve selected to get your journey started:
Wollomombi Falls… Just 38km from Armidale, these are some of Australia’s highest falls, cascading a hugely impressive 220m into the gorge below, with an extra huge ‘wow factor’ after recent rains. There’s a viewing platform, picnic area and bush campgrounds where you can kick back and truly enjoy the experience. From the picnic area, follow the Chandler Walking Track for more great views and the best of birdwatching!
Dangars Falls…Another spectacular waterfall sight in this Heritage listed area. It’s a slight detour off Waterfall Way that’s more than well worth a look complete with picnic area, walking track and peaceful bush campground.
Cathedral Rock Walking Track and lookout… With a balancing rock masterpiece at its summit, this offers yet another amazing opportunity to enjoy some simply stunning Waterfall Way flora, fauna, and views for miles around. The track is fairly steep and challenging, so make sure you go well prepared with water, sun protection and the right walking gear.
Point Lookout…A must see “top of the world” experience (with picnic and BBQ facilities) on the edge of the Great Escarpment, in the New England National Park. Perfectly positioned at an altitude of 1,563m, it has panoramic views across the rainforest to the ocean beyond.
Bundageree Rainforest Walk… Combining the best of rainforest vegetation, sandy dunes, heaps of birdlife, rockpool wonders and more amazing views in one awesome 6km loop!
Crystal Shower Falls and Walk…Set in a rainforest in the Dorrigo National Park (about half an hour from Bellingen), the Crystal Shower Falls Walk stretches from the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre (an information centre with rainforest café) to the back of the falls themselves. Pouring into a sparkling pool below, the falls are highlighted against a backdrop of leafy-green rainforest and teeming birdlife.
Stay a while…If you’re up for some real down-to-earth bush camping, along with brilliant sunrises and sunsets, all surrounded by some of the most picture-perfect scenery, kangaroos and other native animals, Waterfall Way and its neighbouring countryside is one amazing place to be! It has a great choice of bush camping spots including names such as Halls Peak, Barokee, Native Dog, Cod Hole, and The Junction just for starters. Powered camping site accommodation is also available at a number of locations such as the Bellingen Showground (except when events are being held there), with more luxurious glamping opportunities additionally on offer! Dorrigo Mountain Holiday Park also provides powered tent sites.
Please note: While some of the camping grounds are accessible by 2WD vehicles, others are only accessible by 4WD (and some require bookings). So, if you’re planning to set up camp on this trip it’s always best to check out your options and book ahead!
Before you go… With so many simply stunning sights to see along Waterfall Way, the hardest part can be knowing what to leave out! On this note, the renowned Ebor Falls (a popular attraction with Waterfall Way road-trippers) is currently closed while facilities are being upgraded – so be sure to check in with the relevant website for progress and reopening dates. And, don’t forget the Maxxis Dealer Locator if you’re needing to find a friendly, local Maxxis dealer to help you with tyre balancing, fitting and anything else to ensure the safety of your tyres before setting off on your trip!
*Your Maxxis tyres must be registered and terms and conditions apply.
