Bellingen

Bellingen is a pretty town of 13,000 people (2021) in a green valley on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales. Bellingen is slightly alternative lifestyle, with more than its share of arts, crafts and markets. It caters well for travellers.

Understand
Although it has a typically mild and tropical climate, it can really rain when it chooses to which it does almost every day in the wet season, and the low level bridge across the Bellinger river in central Bellingen is subject to flooding.

By car
Bellingen is located on Waterfall Way, which links the M1 Pacific Motorway with the A15 New England Highway at Armidale in the New England region.

By plane
The closest airport with scheduled flights is located in Coffs Harbour ; which is a half an hour drive by car.

Get around
The easiest way to get around is to walk. The town isn't big, but you do need an umbrella for the afternoon daily storm.

See

 * Historic buildings

Do

 * A beautiful area to take a swim in the Bellingen river can be found along "Glenifer road". Take the first left after the Glenifer hall and find a park when you reach the first bridge after this turn off. Walk upstream along the river from the bridge about 300 m and you will find a wonderful deep swimming hole.
 * Tours to Dorrigo National Park. The tours can be arranged in the Bellingen YHA, but only on 3 days a week (Mondays, Wednesday and Friday). Cost: $35 per person. (May need updating?)
 * Dorrigo day trip. Transport only. Spend the day in the mountains at Dorrigo. Stops in town and at the Rainforest Centre. Walking path to Dangar Falls. (Tuesday, Friday, Sunday). Cost $27 per person with Dorrigo Transit. Bookings Essential.
 * See a live performance.

Stay safe
Be aware going in rainy season. It usually rains in Bellingen every day, and rainy season only makes Bello More wet, and difficult to visit.

Go next

 * Take a drive or ride along Waterfall Way to visit the World Heritage listed Dorrigo National Park and Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
 * The coastal centre of Coffs Harbour is half an hour's drive to the east.
 * Be sure to take a trip up the waterfall way to take in the beautiful scenery and country atmosphere of Dorrigo
 * Continue on Waterfall Way to Armidale, Australia's highest city.