The best things to see and do in the Bellingen area generally involve immersing yourselves in nature. After you’ve whet your appetite watching birds from the cabin balcony, and exploring Lilypad’s garden and valley views, take a visit to some of our favourite places.
When the temperatures soar and the humidity kicks in, taking a dip in a natural swimming hole is the best way to cool down. Bellingen is blessed with a myriad of wild swimming spots in the many rivers and creeks that meander through the valley. Pack a picnic and join the locals on the banks of the Bellingen River at Lavenders Bridge, or find your own spot on the pristine Never Never in the Promised Land. You’re welcome to enjoy these special places, but please remember they are important habitat for threatened wildlife, and highly revered by the local Community and Gumbaynggirr people. There are no facilities, so if you do wish to enjoy them, please respect our natural environment and be sure to practice leave no trace principles at all times.
Almost everyone staying in our accommodation comes to the area to spend some time in Dorrigo National Park. We get it, as we think it is one of the best National Parks in the State. Immerse yourself in ancient, primordial rainforest and you will feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Listen to the trickle of water, and the call of lyrebirds as you walk around the buttress roots of 600 year old trees. Feel your breath catch when you get your first glimpse of the magical Crystal Shower Falls or brave the wilder walk to the thundering Red Cedar Falls. Don’t worry if it’s not a blue sky day, the Park is even more special when you catch it on a misty day. If you are limited on time, you could simply head to the visitors centre, take in the views from the Skywalk and do a short walk along the boardwalk. But if you really want to experience the beauty of Dorrigo National Park, take your time, put your boots on, and get in amongst it. The best bit… the big bath tub waiting for you back in Lilypad to soothe your tired feet at the end of a long day.
Many people choose to find accommodation in Bellingen due to its location on Waterfall Way which is ranked the third most popular scenic road in Australia. This is for good reason as its stunning mix of river vallies, rainforest, rolling hills and granite outcrops make it a memorable journey. But it’s the many and varied waterfalls interspersed along the way that really stick with you. As you wind your way up towards Dorrigo Plateau you’ll pass Newell and Sherrard Falls on the roadside, but when you get into Dorrigo town, be sure to take the short detour out to the 30m high Dangar Falls. With a fabulous new viewing platform you can get a clear view over the falls to the beautiful plunge pool below. Take the short walk down to the pool and, if you’re game, have a swim in the chilly water, we hear it’s good for the soul! Continue through some of the most beautiful scenery along Waterfall Way to get to the small town of Ebor, with its far from sleepy double drop waterfall. Here a short but worthwhile loop walk takes you from the carpark along a cantilevered scenic lookout before returning you to the picnic area with BBQ facilities. All easily done as a day trip from Lilypad, it’s a great way to experience some of the area’s best offerings.
If it’s the sound and smell of the ocean that does it for you, you’ll find you’re spoilt for choice. Just 20 mins from your accommodation at Lilypad you’ll find Urunga, a lovely, sleepy little village reminiscent of an old school coastal town. Situated on the confluence of the Kalang and Bellinger Rivers, it is best known for its spectacular elevated boardwalk. The boardwalk takes you over 1 km of aqua coloured waterways and natural lidos, out to the point overlooking the wild and windy Hungry Head Beach. If you visit between May and November you may be lucky enough to see Humpback whales breaching offshore.
Not far away on the edge of town, consider another brief stop at Urunga Wetlands Boardwalk, a shorter but equally beautiful boardwalk that crosses waterlily filled ponds surrounded by stunning paperbark swamp.
Treat yourself to a stay that’s genuinely relaxing with nothing but the sound of birds, trees, and the occasional cow in the distance.
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