Where does Waterfall Way start and finish?
Australia, oceania
169.8 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Waterfall Way in Northern NSW is an absolute stunner of a drive! Think rainforests, river valleys, and, of course, waterfalls galore! You'll cruise right through the incredible New England and Dorrigo National Parks.
This 170km (106mi) stretch of road kicks off from the New England Highway near Armidale and winds its way to the Pacific Highway close to Urunga (just a quick 20-minute jaunt south of Coffs Harbour).
The road's fully sealed, but be warned: it can get pretty narrow and twisty, especially with a steep, winding 14km section west of Thora. Some spots are carved right into the mountainside, while others are built up with stonework – so keep your eyes peeled! Overtaking can be tricky, especially on the Dorrigo Range. And watch out for wildlife!
While undeniably gorgeous, this route has seen its fair share of accidents in the past. Take it slow, stay focused, and you'll be golden.
Plan for about 2.5 to 3 hours of driving time, but honestly, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Waterfall Way is a detour that's more than worth it, with everything from pristine coastal beaches to lush rainforest and wide-open plains.
Keep an eye out for heavy trucks and slow-moving caravans. And if you're driving at night near Ebor, you might even spot a spotted-tail quoll – if you don't hit a kangaroo first!
Don't forget your insect repellent, and be aware that mobile reception can be spotty along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 169.8 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
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