Bellingen

As you drive along the beautiful driving route (and beautifully named!) Waterfall Way, you will come across the quaint and special township of Bellingen. Bellingen is picturesque and lush green year round, with adorable B&Bs and guest accommodations along the banks of the tranquil Bellinger River.

Produce farms thrive on the extremely rich soil in and around the town. Local produce is almost always organic, and grows at such an incredible rate with the idyllic weather conditions of frequent brief rain, and lots of sun. The Bellingen Growers Market sells some of the local produce two Saturdays a month. The Market is a fun place to visit and pick up some wonderful fresh local produce. Kombu Wholefoods also sells local farmers’ organice produce.

About half-way between Sydney and Brisbane on the East Coast of Australia, (about 30 minutes’ drive from the larger town of Coffs Harbour), Bellingen is a special pocket of idyllic conditions. It’s ideal for a very relaxing and classic country getaway. And you can still enjoy creature comforts and gourmet dishes! The town is an excellent place to stay when you want to explore all the surrounding natural attractions, such as the rivers (Bellinger, Kalang and Never Never) and the nearby Dorrigo National Park, which is World Heritage listed with incredible history.

A perfect way to discover the native wildlife of the Bellingen area and along the Bellinger River, is to go canoeing down the waterway with Bellingen Canoe Adventures. They also offer exciting whitewater experiences, riding down the rapids. For more serene, yet no less energetic rainforest and waterfall walking tours, try Million Star Hotel Outdoor Arts and Adventures They arrange tours that depart from Bellingen, and amble throughout different locations in the blossoming and lush Bellinger Valley.

When planning a visit to or stay in Bellingen, accommodations are available to suit various budgets. From luxurious, five star (Hermitage Estate, a private retreat in Gleniffer), to romantic retreats (Lombok or Aniseed) and elegant guesthouses (Guesthouse on Hyde) to a youth hostel (Belfry Guesthouse) and riverside camping! (With permission.) Organic farms often offer farm stays too, for something more hands-on. Savor some of the locally grown and organic seasonal produce at some of the quality cafes and restaurants in the area. As mentioned above, you can even visit the growers market and prepare your own dishes if you prefer.

With a vibrant community of artisans and artists, Bellingen celebrates its creativity with the monthly Bellingen Community Markets and several festivals such as Bellingen Music Festival, a classical music event. ‘Bello’ Winter Music Festival and Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival are popular, too.

The lovely local Neighbourhood Centre also provides support for local families and elderly in need. Donations are always welcome, as government funding is rarely forthcoming for small communities.