Bellingen

Bellingen is slightly alternative lifestyle, with more than its share of arts, crafts and markets. It caters well for travellers. Although it has a typically mild climate, it can really rain when it chooses to, 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 Pacific Highway with the New England Highway at Armidale in the New England region.

By air

The closest airport with scheduled flights is located in Coffs Harbour.

• Historic buildings

• 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 300m 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.
• See a live performance.

• The Old Butter Factory

  address: 1 Doepel Street
  Arrays of arts, crafts and lifestyle gift ware, with much of the work produced on site.

• The Yellow Shed

  address: 2 Hyde Street
  Displays of crafts, artworks, jewellery, perfume, gifts for all ages and over 3,000 selected book titles.

• The Mysterious Bee

  address: 6 Valleyview Drive Bellingen
  An award winning nature documentary filmed in Bellingen

• Federal Hotel

  address: 77 Hyde Street
  AHA award winner: Best Bistro Brasserie in Australia, 2007.

• Federal Hotel

  address: 77 Hyde Street
  This hotel has a great range of draught beers on tap, a good wine list and bottled beers from around the world.

• Bellingen YHA Backpackers

  phone: +61 2-6655-1116
  address: 2 Short Street

• Bellinger Valley Motor Inn

  address: 1381 Waterfall Way
  The Bellinger Valley Motor Inn offers 27 large, comfortable rooms. All rooms have air-conditioning and are at ground level. Outdoor facilities include a pool, recliners, BBQ area and heated spa.

• 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 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