The
fist city on the way
to Dorigo is called Bellingen and it is a
must to stop and visit. This small village is a
dream of people interested in decoration, antiques
and home ware. The atmosphere of the cafes in
Victorian style and a vibrant commerce invite you
for browsing the retail shops. The city is full of
arts and crafts, gift shops, Indian and
international home artifacts offering variety and
good prices difficult to imagine in such small
city. Stopping in Bellingen is also time to check
the petrol and fill the tank. From there, going up
in a very steep road to Dorigo, the next sopt will
be on the top of the mountain. Even heavy vehicles
are not permitted to drive in this narrow and
winding road with no where to stop.
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When
you reach the top you
will be on the Dorigo National Park. The
city will be some km ahead and close to the park
way there is a nice Camping & Caravan park.
The access to the park is free and there is at the
entrance a small museum with tourist information
about the park and the animals. Maps of the area
and walking tracks are available. They also have a
lunch bar and a good lookout going like a
trampoline inside the rainforest, where you can
see fantastic views (photos on the top and side
page). The vegetation is dense, sub tropical, and
extremely humid, making difficult to the light
reach the lower level of threes and plants. Many
birds, marsupials and reptiles live over there but
because the low lighting is sometimes difficult to
spot.
Bushwalking
and all
kinds of tracking is possible even for disable
people (most of the way it is very flat but may be
some help will be good for steep parts) and you
can choose a variety of ways difficulties degrees
and how long you wish to walk. The trees are
labeled for species and easy recognition. There is
a very big focus on environment education. Over
there exist a beautiful and big Tamarind tree, one
of the biggest in the world. The longest trail is
about 6 km, passing by many waterfalls. Another
one is the Skywalk trail (photo) where an
aerial bridge crosses the top of the trees and you
can easy observe birds and nests without
binoculars. All the Skywalk way is marked showing
where you could see some species of birds and the
nest location.
How
to get there: From
New South Wales, is located on the way between
Sydney and Gold Coast, close to Coffs Harbour. The
road going to Dorigo starts from the sea side road
on the Highway n.1, close to Urunga city (Between
Coffs Harbour & Nambuca Heads). The road signs
showing the entrance is well marked and after
that, you just go up and up. At least 2 days
visiting Dorigo Park and Bellingen must be part of
any tour in that region.
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