Bellinger Valley, NSW, Australia Travel Information

The setting for Peter Carey's famous novel "Oscar and Lucinda", the Bellinger Valley with its rich green alluvial flats, clear wide river and the charming heritage town of Bellingen must be one of the prettiest places on earth.

First discovered by Europeans in the 1840s, Bellingen was once known as Boat Harbour. So named because of its use as a shipping centre, precious red cedar felled in the surrounding forests was shipped from the town to the mouth of the Bellinger River in low draft sailing vessels. By the 1860s, the area was opened to settlement with dairy and maize growing popular enterprises – the temperate climate of sub-tropical summers and mild, dry winters ideal for promoting the lush pastureland the area is now renowned for.

These days, tourism and a thriving arts and crafts industry are as much a part of the local economy as grazing and farming. Sitting on the Waterfall Way, Bellingen is an ideal base to explore the surrounding national parks and spectacular waterfalls. With the unspoilt coastline of Urunga just down the road, tourists can enjoy the riverside activities of fishing, water-skiing and canoeing while being in easy reach of surf beaches.

Link to accommodation, cottages & bed and breakfasts on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales

The following are just a few of the region's highlights:

World Heritage-Listed Dorrigo National Park

The jewel in the crown of the numerous national and state parks in the region, the Dorrigo National Park gained world heritage status in 1986. Recognised as an area of exceptional beauty with significant habitats important to science and conservation, the park has been cleverly developed to minimise human intrusion, yet remains one of Australia's most accessible rainforests. A good example of this approach is the Skywalk Boardwalk – the perfect vantage point to enjoy spectacular views over the rainforest canopy but without a foot touching the ground!

In addition, there are clearly defined walks of varying degrees of difficulty that will take you past many of the sights within the park. Starting at the Rainforest Centre (which has a theatrette, cafe and shop), you can take the 400-metre Lyrebird Link Track that is a pleasant walk through sub-tropical flora and fauna. For those wanting to go on, this track connects with the Wonga Walk – a 5.8 kilometre circuit walk through magni-ficent rainforest via the Glade, Crystal Shower Falls and Tristania Falls.

Drive the Waterfall Way

Passing some of Australia's most impressive waterfalls and rainforests, this stretch of road runs from the coast near Urunga through the townships of Bellingen, Dorrigo, Ebor, Wollomombii to Armidale. More an experience than a drive, the Waterfall Way – as the name suggests – cuts through steep terrain where water cascades down the mountains and rushes under the roadway. At certain points in the drive, you can almost reach out and touch the crystal clear waterfalls.

Work commenced on the route more than 150 years ago and took over 50 years to complete. The well-sealed road now starts at the coast before cutting its way through Bellingen and then up the 1000-metre climb through the Bellinger River and Dorrigo National Parks. From here it stretches west, along the way passing a gold mining ghost town, many excellent fishing spots and bushwalking tracks.

'Must-dos' are the Wollomombii Gorge, Australia's second highest waterfall; the dramatic Ebor Falls and with exceptional viewing platforms, the Dangar Falls and Griffiths Lookout.

A Centre for Arts & Crafts

Arguably the capital of the arts and crafts community on the North Coast, Bellingen and its surrounds is home to a diverse and cosmopolitan population. Drawn by the beauty of the region, many people have moved here from Sydney to develop their art and find a more balanced way of life. Numerous galleries line the town's streets such as the Yellow Shed that houses an exquisite range of works from more than 200 Australian artists and crafts people. Covering quality paintings, pottery, sculpture, jewellery, woodwork and Aboriginal artefacts, it not only has an extensive collection of contemporary art but also a wonderful garden centre with rare rainforest plants.

A little further out of town, but well worth the drive, is the Old Butter Factory. Once an important part of the local dairy industry, this disused factory has been transformed into a haven for artisans. Within its walls are housed The Doepel Gallery; Bellingen Country Craft; Awl Leather; Bellingen Art and Glassworks and a fine cafe. With its impressive array of arts and crafts, the Old Butter Factory has once again become a focal point for the local region.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting Bellingen in August, there is a fantastic Jazz Festival staged over three days on the third weekend of the month. Featuring top Australian and international performers, the event coincides with comm-unity markets and is regarded as the premier jazz festival on the Holiday Coast. It's worth keeping an eye out year round, however, for upcoming performances as live jazz sessions are regularly held at venues around town.