
Drives New South Wales, Australia Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and New England
Waterfall Way: Armidale to Dorrigo
Waterfall Way, Grafton Road, B78 · Armidale → Dorrigo
The drive
Waterfall Way crosses the New England tablelands from Armidale to Dorrigo: 123 km (76 mi) of long, sweeping bends, with a high point near 4,500 feet. The road is signed Tourist Route 17 between Armidale and Ebor, and it runs through a string of national parks, including Cathedral Rock and the Oxley Wild Rivers World Heritage area.
The first big stop is Wollomombi Falls, about 1 km from the road in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park; the NSW National Parks site says it has one of the state's highest drops. Farther east the highway passes Cathedral Rock National Park and its granite tors, then reaches Ebor, where Ebor Falls is about 100 m high and its lookouts are a few minutes' walk from the car park.
From Ebor the road drops toward Dorrigo, where rainforest takes over from the open tableland. The road is sealed and the curves are mostly long and sweeping, so the draw is the waterfalls and the change in scenery.
Along the way
- Armidale (Waterfall Way)
- Ebor
- Dorrigo (Waterfall Way)
Good to know
- This drive ends at Dorrigo. The steep section from Dorrigo down to Bellingen has been closed or restricted by landslips before, so check Live Traffic NSW before continuing east.
- Mobile reception may be unavailable in some areas along Waterfall Way.
- Dorrigo National Park is always open but may close in poor weather or fire danger.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Live Traffic NSW.
Questions about this drive
How long does Waterfall Way from Armidale to Dorrigo take?
Waterfall Way from Armidale to Dorrigo is 123 km (76 mi) and takes about 1 hr 55 min without stops, though most people stop at the waterfalls.
What waterfalls are on Waterfall Way between Armidale and Dorrigo?
Wollomombi Falls, about 1 km from the road near Armidale, and Ebor Falls, near Ebor, are the main ones. Both have lookouts and short walks.
Does Waterfall Way close between Dorrigo and Bellingen?
Landslips on the steep descent east of Dorrigo have closed or restricted the road before. Check Live Traffic NSW for the current status before driving east of Dorrigo.
Is Waterfall Way a twisty road?
Waterfall Way between Armidale and Dorrigo is mostly gentle, long curves rather than tight bends. The tight, steep part of the road is the descent east of Dorrigo toward Bellingen.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
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Wollombi Road: Cessnock to BrokeSweeping · Wollombi Road, Paynes Crossing Road · 36 mi
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.