Eastern Dorrigo Way climbs up the escarpment from Coramba in a series tight curves through subtropical rainforest, palms and fern trees.
Eastern Dorrigo Way is bitumen from Coramba, but beyond Ulong the surface changes to narrow dirt or gravel, then back to bitumen as you approach Dorrigo. The road is sometimes closed after heavy rainstorms due to fallen trees or landslides. Originally called “old Coramba road” and built in the late 1880s, locals would love this road to be upgraded and fully sealed.
Sights along Eastern Dorrigo Way
Need a rest? You can grab a coffee from one of the cafes at Lowanna, Ulong or Dorrigo.
A sign on the road points to a “Giant Tallowood”. We stopped and scrambled up the roadside bank to attempt a tree hug, but with a girth of over 10m, this tree is just too large to wrap your arms around. Lichen covers the sign which tells us the tree is a memorial to Jack Feeney. Other tallowood (Eucalyptus microcorys) memorial trees in the area include the Arthur McQuilty tree, which we visited on our Timmsvale ride, and the Ken Corfe memorial tree which is off a side track near Eve Creek.
As you reach Megan, the road passes under an old rail bridge that was part of the Glenreagh to Dorrigo line, closed in the 1970s. Look out for further evidence of the old railway line near the road, and a large collection of decaying old trains outside Dorrigo.
If you like waterfalls, consider a detour on Corfes Road (near Ulong) to Bindarri National Park for the short walk to Bangalore Falls. Or if walking in your bike gear is not your thing, stop at Dangar Falls as you enter Dorrigo, where the Falls viewpoint is right at the carpark and a convenient coffee cart.
Waterfall Way
For more twisty corners and to make this a loop ride, continue on Waterfall Way east towards Bellingen and Coffs. Stop at Griffiths Lookout or the Skywalk at Dorrigo for views from the escarpment toward the sea. Swoop past Newell and Sherrard falls on Waterfall Way. Stop for refreshments at one of the many Bellingen cafes.
