More waterfalls, rivers and surf’s up again

The Waterfall Way suffered significant damage in the March 500 mm rain event and the road was closed in several sections between Dorrigo and Bellingen due to landslides but happily it is now traversable again, albeit with some single lane sections still under repair. According to the Moho forums it is suitable for motorhomers but I was VERY happy we only tackled it in the Jimny.

We planned to do the Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout, Coffs Harbour on the way but of course the road was closed for the day 😒 so we headed toward Bellingen. Bellingen is a bohemian little town with lovely architecture and interesting looking shops but unfortunately we had no time to stop, we planned to check it out on the way back but this never happened….

Our first stop was Dorrigo National Park and after perusing their excellent interpretive display and gift shop we set off on the Wonga Walk loop that included Crystal Shower Falls and Tristania Falls.

The walk took us through the spectacular Gondwana Rainforest with 600 year old trees, strangler figs, many and varied ferns, fungi and apparently a 5 foot python that we (fortunately) just missed on the path ahead.

We had lunch in the picnic area with some hopeful brush turkeys before moving on, our next stop the Dangar Falls (pictured at the top of the page) situated just on the outskirt of Dorrigo. We then debated whether to stop and visit Dorrigo itself or continue on another 40 kms or so to Ebor Falls. The falls got the nod and we drove through picturesque and vivid green scenery arriving quite late in the day to where the Guy Fawkes River tumbles over black rock in two separate falls. Work is under way to build a new viewing platform and the view was not ideal but still worth the drive, it will be better next time.

Ebor Falls

It was a long drive back to Coffs and once again we reflected on how much more flexibility having the Jimny affords us for these little side trips. 

Later that night we relaxed with a game of Scrabble – well it was relaxing for some – whilst we planned our next move.

The seaside town of Yamba was on our radar but in the interests of reducing our caravan park costs we decided to check out the nearby and slightly inland Maclean Showgrounds sitting on the bank of the Clarence River. This whole area was also flooded back in March and some sites are still undergoing recovery so only 10 rigs are allowed at a time.  There is no power but water and toilets are available for a maximum 3 night stay for the princely sum of $10 a night! Throw in the lovely little town of Maclean itself, with a Bowls Club, and we were both very happy.  We arrived at about 11am and were glad we were no later as there were only two vacant sites and we were lucky enough to grab one of the best, nice and level and with a lovely view of the nearby bridge.

Maclean Showgrounds, Clarence River

We had some lovely neighbours and had a shared BBQ and campfire one night and sampled the excellent Chinese takeaway from the Bowls Club another night after Russell’s team’s triumphant win (he even bought the Club shirt 🤣)

Yamba was only 20 mins drive and we visited on a beautiful sunny day, bought a coffee at the Surf Life Saving Club on the beach and soon realised we were watching a search and rescue exercise involving many local emergency services. A mannequin had been dropped into the water and we were talking to the drone operators up on the headland a little later when the mannequin was ‘recovered.’ Loads of photo opportunities here and after a wander in the main street we settled on the gourmet toasties from the bakery which turned out to be a good choice.

We had been told about the Blue and Green Pools just south of Yamba at Angourie and what a little gem Angourie turned out to be! Angourie Point is well known in surfing circles and overlooking the aptly named “Life or Death” rock shelf was a great place to view the action.  The pounding surf juxtaposed next to the still water of the old quarry site, flooded by a natural spring, was quite unusual and I imagine would be packed in summer with an option for everyone.

We wandered out to the grassy Angourie Point headland and watched the action for quite some time. I think this is definitely a spot to allocate more time on our next trip, we have seen some stunning coastline so far but for me this ranked right up in the top three.

Our last night in Maclean produced a technicolour sunset as we readied ourselves for a ‘moving’ day tomorrow. We are going to Byron Bay – I know, we’re not the right demographic – but Russell hasn’t been before and I think the most easterly point in Australia has to be ticked off the bucket list 😉

MacFarlane Bridge, Maclean

One thought on “More waterfalls, rivers and surf’s up again

  1. Gee. Every spot is a picture. To look at these wondrous natural beauties you couldn’t imagine there is anything polluted or overcrowded in the world. What an experience to gladden the heart and soul. Love you scrabble hand! Haha.

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