To continue our road trip we set off from Thora up Waterfall Way and arrived at Dorrigo, went for a hike at Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and eventually settled into our campsite at Dangar Falls.
Back on Waterfall Way
In the morning we jumped in the van and drove up and up past waterfall after waterfall until we arrived at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. We took the longest paved walk which was 7km return.
Warm light dappling through the leaves to the forest floor. Outlines of ferns littering the path. A cool breeze running through the rainforest. I love a forest walk. Again we walked past waterfall after waterfall, the spray making rainbows in the light. With all the recent rain the waterfalls had volumes to pour down, cascading through the rocks.
Dorrigo
After our invigours walk, we treated ourselves with lunch at the cafe. Bellies full and a tropical kombucha in my hand, we went to explore the nearby town, Dorrigo. Not much significant here, but as we were admiring a mural, old Henry came up to us for a chat about his beloved town.
Henry told us Dorrigo used to be thriving in the 80s when he had arrived. He told us about the jobs he held throughout his life, about snakes, and the mural. Henry liked to chat. Ben and I made our getaway and drove the rest of the way to our campsite.
Dangar Falls
The campsite we stayed in was called Dangar Falls Lodge. It was right next to Dangar Falls, a 30 metre waterfall. The recent rain made the waterfall more epic, but more dangerous, with a strong current so we didn’t swim but we did have a nice perch at 6:30am to see if we could spot some local Platypuses.
We hadn’t seen any but we did spot some spectacular looking mushrooms on the boardwalk. I hadn’t expected signs of autumn here in Australia, but still the trees are turning and the leaves are falling with a slight chill in the evenings. Autumn is my favourite month but it’s getting me in the mood for jumpers and hot chocolates when I still want to be chasing the sunshine and warm weather!
Dangar Falls Lodge
The campsite was right next to a cow farm, and in the morning we’d have some cows right outside our doorstep. The night sky was bright and clear and we saw some either very large bats or owls flying around in the sky.
Ben joined me in the arts and drew what he could see in pencil, while I took up the watercolours inspired by Kerrie Wilson and the golden rolling hills before me. I finished my book and started a new one. Ben cooked spaghetti meatballs, and I cooked shakshuka. We drank wine, warmed by the fire and watched the stars.
Back north (again)
With our holiday from our holiday ending, we planned to head back up north, rejuvenated and refreshed by the hills. We now have a list of things we want to do in and around Byron Bay but we’re committed to not going back on ourselves, at least in the meantime.
