Rainforests & the Waterfall Way, Lamington, Dorrigo & beyond
General Information Where in Australia can you find World Heritage rainforests, spectacular gorges, stunning waterfalls, dramatic escarpment country and picturesque coastline all in the one region? The answer is about half-way up the east coast of Australia, where coastal resort towns like Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour attract huge numbers of visitors, but very few people journey inland to see the natural wonders waiting there. "Rainforests & the Waterfall Way" covers them all.
This holiday has plenty of variety. On the first day we’ll head inland from Brisbane to the Tenterfield area, and take you up a fabulous little peak in Girraween National Park called Castle Rock. The summit requires a final short rock scramble, but you'll be rewarded with a stunning 360 degree view over the New England plateau. The area lies on the Queensland/NSW border.
Next we'll explore the wonders of the Waterfall Way as it meanders through dramatic escarpment country to a jewel amongst NSW National Parks - Dorrigo. The walking tracks lead through a diverse range of environments from short walks to spectacular lookouts to remote hikes in World Heritage wilderness country.
Down to the picturesque coast at Byron Bay. Today's walk includes stunning beaches, rocky headlands, rare littoral rainforest and the Byron Bay Lighthouse.
Our rainforest walking holiday then heads back up into the rainforests of Lamington National Park. With over 300 different species of trees, 160 species of sub tropical birds and abundant native wildlife this park offers a wealth of experiences. We'll climb the strangler fig tower, marvel at the upper levels of the forest on the Tree Top Walk and walk right across the plateau along the scenic Lamington Traverse. Plus you’ll be pampered at O’Reillys & Binna Burra lodges. Location This holiday starts and finishes in Brisbane.
Travel Air conditioned mini bus. Total travel distance 1250km.
Grading 40% easy, 45% moderate, 15% more strenuous with options available. 6-22km (2-7 hours) walking each day. Full day walks generally involve 4-7 hours on the track at a moderate pace. However, this trip operates with two guides. On some days, one guide will offer a faster, longer walk while the other takes a slower, easier option. On other days this allows us to do one way walks instead of retracing our steps. Sometimes you can even shorten a walk with a ride on the bus! Anyone who enjoys some harder walks won’t be disappointed: the Lamington Traverse is 22km and the harder option at Dorrigo will test your skills!
Accommodation We have made an effort to find interesting and varied accommodation for you. On the first night we'll stay in a comfortable motel in Glen Innes, home of the Celtic Standing Stones. This place features a very atmospheric Scottish bar and restaurant. The next night will be another motel just out of Dorrigo, with fabulous views over the rolling countryside, large rooms and a spa pool. After descending from the mountains we'll enjoy some warmth and sunshine at a Coffs Harbour resort, set in tropical gardens. The following night will be at a conveniently located motel in Byron Bay. Now for some real luxury with a night at the award winning O'Reillys Guesthouse, situated in the rainforests of Lamington National Park. Fine dining, great views, lots of wildlife, pool, sauna and hot tub to limber you up for more walking! The final two nights will be spent at Binna Burra, a more secluded and rustic lodge on the other end of the Lamington plateau. It’s a delightful place to celebrate a successful Lamington Traverse walk over dinner. We are sure you’ll enjoy spending two nights here, in your own rustic log cabin. All bedrooms on this holiday have ensuite or private bathroom facilities.
Quality dining is an important aspect of all our walking holidays. Meals will vary a lot, but they will be plentiful, nutritious and wholesome. Each day starts with a hearty cooked breakfast. On some days you will need to carry lunch on a walk. It will be packed in an insulated carrier bag, which we supply, to keep it fresh and cool. Dinner is included most nights. When meals are not included there will be restaurants and other convenient eateries nearby.
Regional food & wine highlights The coast is noted for its fine seafood and shellfish. Lamington is noted for hearty mountain fare, washed down with wines from Canungra Vineyards at the foot of the Lamington Plateau. Included Guiding, all transport from Brisbane airport, 7 nights accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, National Park fees, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, maps. NOTE: This trip includes two guides so we are able to offer a range of easier and harder walks on most days.
Not included Alcohol, additional meals.
Itinerary Day 1: 9am start in Brisbane. Drive through the Stanthorpe winery region to Girraween National Park. Afternoon walk to the rocky summit of Castle Rock for stunning views of the surrounding plateau. Overnight at a motel in Glen Innes.
Day 2: Today we travel along the famous Waterfall Way, visiting the spectacular waterfalls of Wollomombi Gorge (2nd highest in Australia), Ebor and Dangar. At New England National Park we climb to Wrights Lookout, for extensive views over this dramatic escarpment country and all the way down to the Pacific Ocean. Overnight at Dorrigo.
Day 3: A full day of walks through the magnificent lush rainforests of Dorrigo National Park, one of 16 northern NSW rainforest national parks. Skywalk is an aerial walkway providing a birds-eye view of the forest. The Walk with the Birds provides a close-up encounter with the rich bird life in the park. The afternoon walks head into the remoter and more rugged regions of Dorrigo. Late in the afternoon we leave the mountains, driving towards the coast at Coffs Harbour. Overnight at Coffs Harbour.
Day 4: Travel north to Byron Bay. The Byron Bay Lighthouse, expansive beaches, rare littoral rainforest and rugged rocky promontories feature during today's walk. Overnight at Byron Bay.
Day 5: Leave the coast for Lamington National Park. Afternoon walk in sub tropical rainforest, including the exhilarating Tree Top boardwalk, a climb up a rainforest tower and spectacular Moran Falls. Overnight at O'Reillys Day 6: We’ll tackle the well known Lamington Traverse from O'Reillys to Binna Burra, a full day walk passing through the largest protected sub tropical rainforest in Australia. Strangler figs, ancient Antarctic Beech, buttressed Booyongs and massive Red Cedars are examples of the luxuriant and diverse vegetation of this World Heritage Area. Naturally, an alternative shorter walk is also available. If you’ve got any energy left, you can also join us on a nocturnal wildlife spotlighting walk. Overnight at Binna Burra Lodge.
Day 7: The day starts with an early morning bird watching walk, followed by breakfast. We'll do a circuit walk around Binna Burra visiting the largest waterfall in the National Park, and the Caves Walk with a delightful swimming hole and many superb lookouts. Overnight at Binna Burra Lodge.
Day 8: Travel to Brisbane, arriving at the airport at about 1pm.
Departure Dates This itinerary is only available for private groups - ask for a quote.
