Renowned for fantastic climate, beautiful beaches and winding rivers, Bellingen Shire boasts world heritage rainforest, National Parks, Waterfall Way and a lively festival culture.

Dangar Falls, Dorrigo

Bellingen Shire

ECO Certified Destination (Ecotourism) since 2024.

With three distinct geographical areas Bellingen Shire offers you a multitude of experiences from the ocean in the east, to the beautiful valley and rivers of Bellingen, to the heights of the Dorrigo Plateau. Each is a vibrant and rich community with its own characteristics.

Visitors to the Bellingen seaboard have the opportunity to walk the 1.2km Urunga Boardwalk. Sections are upgraded with eco-friendly recycled decking that sits above the aquatic life of the lagoon.

The Urunga Wetlands is a bird-lovers paradise. Rehabilitated from an old antimony site, the area is now home to numerous bird and plant life.

A short 15 minute drive away is the eclectic town of Bellingen. Its bohemian vibe is filled with artisans, heritage listed buildings, cafes and restaurants where you’ll find an abundance of local produce on offer.

Another 40 minute drive sees you meandering along Waterfall Way. It’s not called Waterfall Way for nothing. You pass by two waterfalls on your way to Dorrigo with its traditional rural charm. And there’s many more waterfalls to explore not far from the main road.

Add the Rainforest Centre at Dorrigo National Park to your ‘must do’ list. Venture out on the skywalk or take a guided tour through the walking tracks beneath the canopy of the world heritage listed Gondwana rainforest. And Dangar Falls just outside Dorrigo is also spectacular.

From World Heritage Rainforest to stretches of untouched beaches and quaint villages, Bellingen Shire lets you explore nature at its best. Engage with the eclectic local community and move at your own pace, all with a café and restaurant scene to rival bigger towns.

Our community

Bellingen Shire forms part of the Gumbaynggirr Nation. With a rich culture, the homeland covers some 6000 sq kms, from Nambucca River in the South to the Clarence River in the North. The land was so rich with food and resources that the Gumbaynggirr people were known as the ‘sharing people’.

Gumbaynggirr language and culture is a vital part of the Bellingen Shire. With a strong and authentic will among residents to capture the Gumbaynggirr spirit, our First Nation’s people’s and their connection to country is the foundation to preserving our unique, diverse community and culture.

Sustainability Commitment

With a rich tapestry of natural assets and a passionate community, Bellingen Shire has long been a “green” destination. But we’re now starting our journey to make it official. We’re Eco Destination certified, so the footprints left on our beautiful lands are regenerative and sustainable for the long term.

The Bellingen Shire is fortunate to have some leaders in their field already operating quality “ecofriendly” tourism experiences.

Ozgreen (running Bellingen Shire Bushwalks)
Waves to Wilderness
Dorrigo National Park and Rainforest Centre
Great Koala National Park
Bellingen Canoe Adventures
Oz Foiling
Levenvale Farm

More sustainable travel information

Eco travel tips

Check out our local markets

Our market culture is strong. From the famous Bellingen Markets to Dorrigo Street Markets, Urunga Riverside Markets and other local produce markets. You’ll find fresh local produce, artisan and hand-made goods, and delicious market food.

Support our cafes and restaurants

Our cafes, restaurants and other services are doing what they can to lighten their footprint on the planet. We encourage you to do the same. Bring your keep cup and refillable bottle. And search out local organic products where you can.

Stick to the paths

When heading to our National Parks and natural attractions, stick to the paths, take everything you brought back with you, and generally be considerate of your surroundings. Better still, take a guided tour. Not only will your experience be enriched, you’ll learn some awesome insights about our beautiful part of the world.