Dorrigo National Park

Located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, this spectacular park gives visitors an excellent glimpse into life in Australian rainforests.  Once used primarily for logging, the land was set aside in 1927 as a wildlife and flora reserve, and was later rolled into Australia’s chain of Rainforest Parks in 1986.  It became a true tourist attraction in 1991 with the opening of the Rainforest Center.

One of the park’s best features is its accessibility.  There are several easy trails taken over boardwalks that allow visitors to explore the subtropical rainforest, and most of these are also wheelchair accessible.  Walk with the Birds is an elevated boardwalk that brings visitors up into the trees to experience the forest as the birds do, and the Skywalk leads to a platform with fantastic views.  Other walks showcase the floor of the rainforest.  More challenging hikes are also available to visitors who are so inclined.  If a car tour is more your speed, consider taking the ten kilometer scenic drive and end with a picnic in the Never Never day use area.   Picnics can also be enjoyed at The Glade, where brush turkeys are frequent visitors, and also at the Rainforest Center.  The Rainforest Center is a destination in itself with its interactive displays and simulated rainforest environments.  There is also a shop onsite where you can take home rainforest related souvenirs.

There are no accommodations inside the park, but the nearby town of Dorrigo contains many nice hotels and bed and breakfasts, and is worthy of a visit in its own right.  Sitting right in the heart of rainforest country, Dorrigo is a great home base when exploring the region’s scenic drives and national parks.  The best time to visit the park is in the spring when the climate is mild and dry.  Be prepared for higher periods of rainfall in the summer months, and cooler temperatures in the winter.