The Wonga Walk is spectacular, and easily one of our favourite trails in NSW. It was so captivating that the first kilometre took us half an hour to walk, and there were no hills involved! We just had to keep stopping to marvel at the incredible ancient rainforest. As well as the rainforest you’ll visit two jaw dropping waterfalls, including one that you can walk behind.
If you only have time for one walk in Dorrigo National Park, make it this one. And if you are lucky enough to be able to walk here on a misty day when the low cloud rolls into the forest, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Here’s what to expect on the trail.
The Wonga Walk
Why it’s so special
The Wonga Walk is the most popular trail in Dorrigo National Park, a very special place in New South Wales. This national park is small, but is known for its incredible Gondwana Rainforest - one of the oldest in the world. Not only this, but it is also home to all kinds of wildlife, that bring the whole area to life with the constant birdsong.
It’s also one of the major stops on the Waterfall Way, an area that should be on every Australian bucket list.
The trail stats
Distance: 6.1km
Elevation: 210m
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Type of trail: Circuit
The Wonga Walk has some small uphill and downhill sections, but on the whole this is an easy walk. We recommend allowing at least 2 hours though as this rainforest is just spectacular. You could power through in less than 1.5 hours, but when you have waterfalls and stunning forest all around you, what’s the rush?
Where to start the trail and direction to go in
You can start this track at two different locations, the Rainforest Centre, or the Glade Picnic Area. If you start at the Glade it’s a few hundred metres shorter. We’d recommend starting at the Rainforest Centre and checking out the fabulous Skywalk Lookout before you go.
In terms of walking clockwise or anticlockwise, we’d say it doesn’t make a huge amount of difference, but if you go anticlockwise you finish on a steeper part of the trail. We went clockwise and will describe the route in that direction.
Starting the trail from the Rainforest Centre
After checking out the Skywalk Lookout, you’ll head straight down a hill on the Lyrebird Link Track and into the forest. The whole trail is paved so you don’t need to worry about conditions - which is a blessing as this area can get very wet!
Without the paving I can only imagine how muddy it would get.
From the moment you set foot in the rainforest this walk is enchanting. The trees and foliage tower over you and the whole feeling is simply magical. You’ll be serenaded by various bird calls along the way and it’s a totally immersive experience.
After 350m you’ll see the signpost for the Wonga Track, and this is where you can choose whether to go clockwise or anticlockwise.
Starting the Wonga Walk
As you head left along the Wonga Trail you’ll go deeper and deeper into the rainforest. Initially we hadn’t planned to walk the trail the day we did as the forecast was for a lot of rain.
When we went to check out the short bird boardwalk we discovered that the rainforest canopy largely shields you from the worst of the weather and decided to go for it!
It turned out to be the best decision we could have made, because the low mist and cloud that swirled between the trees added a touch of magic to the whole scene.
As you walk there are little information boards with details on the plants and trees you are passing, which was a nice touch. The forest is alive with birdlife, including lots of birds that run across the trail in front of you - something we’ve only ever really encountered in New Zealand!
You’ll see a lot of bush turkeys, as well as plenty of colourful birds we couldn’t identify and lyrebirds if you’re lucky. The path is largely flat or downhill for much of the way.
Through the forest to Tristina Falls
As you walk through the forest to the sounds of the Wompoo Doves and the screeching of the Catbirds you’ll begin to notice more and more of the incredible plants and other little details.
There are dozens and dozens of tiny fluorescent orange mushrooms and masses of intricately entwined hanging vines.
It feels ancient and very special. It reminded me of walking in the Daintree, and you could really imagine a Cassowary jumping out from around the corner. The walk continues to be very leisurely, with no climbing to do.
After 2.6km you’ll arrive at a bridge beside Tristina Falls which thunder down the cliffside. It’s a stunning waterfall and would be worth a visit in its own right, but is largely not talked about because of its proximity to the famous Crystal Shower Falls.
The view opposite the falls is also magnificent with layers of mountains and low lying cloud which gave it the feeling of an active volcano.
Just over the bridge there is a little side trail to your right which offers a wonderful close up view of the top of the falls and is a nice spot for photos.
Onto the Hardwood Lookout
From the lookout at the top of Tristinia Falls the trail starts heading uphill before you reach a bench and the Hardwood Lookout. The view from here on a clear day will look out for miles across the mountains, but sadly the clouds closed up the view when we visited.
It’s still a nice place to stop and take a breather before carrying on the trail.
The track continues to climb after the lookout but it’s a lot shallower. After 600m you’ll arrive at the awe inspiring Crystal Shower Falls.
You can walk through the gate and then walk behind the falls themselves! It’s all metal boardwalk so it’s not the least bit slippery, but if it’s running powerfully you will get fairly wet from the spray!
After seeing the falls at ground level you climb up the staircase and onto the picturesque suspension bridge, which offers the best view of the falls surrounded by rainforest. It’s absolutely spectacular in every direction, as the tall rainforest trees towering over the bridge are also a mesmerising sight.
What you can’t tell during the day is that Crystal Shower Falls hides a secret. If you’re up for an adventure, head back to this spot at night for a truly magical glow worm dell. We detail everything you need to know about it in this post.
Completing the loop
You’ll head up from the falls along the gorgeous suspension bridge and back into the forest. After 250m you’ll come to another small waterfall which we hadn’t heard about so maybe it only runs after very heavy rain!
From here you’ll head uphill, passing a turn off on your left for the Glade Picnic area 900m after the small waterfall. You’ll want to continue straight on here.
It’s probably the steepest part of the track, but it’s not too bad and there’s plenty to stop and admire along the way.
Just beyond the turnoff there are two possible routes, both end up at the same point but we’d recommend following the path on the right, the bird boardwalk. This is a lovely birdwatching spot and there are lots of signs on what to look out for.
After 150m along the boardwalk you’ll turn right, back onto the paved path. You’ll now soak up the last of the incredible rainforest as you gradually make your way uphill towards the Rainforest Centre. It will be a bit busier around this section as you intersect with a lot of the shorter trails. People or no people, it’s a beautiful finish.
The Wonga Walk is one of those tracks that is absolutely spectacular from beginning to end, and a must do when exploring the Waterfall Way.
Essential information about the Wonga Walk
The entry fee
Entry to the Skywalk Lookout, rainforest centre and walking trails in this part of the park is by gold coin donation. There’s a donation box outside if you’re visiting after hours.
Getting to the trail
The Wonga Walk is located in Dorrigo National Park, around 4.5km from the little village of Dorrigo. It’s just under a 30 minute drive from Bellingen and 1 hour 30 from Armidale. The trail is just under 6 hours drive from Sydney, located along the Waterfall Way.
Packing suggestions for the walk
Having the right gear can make a huge difference. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Bushman Spray: Good for keeping off the mozzies and any other bugs. Check it out on Amazon.
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. This helps towards the costs of running our website. Thanks for your support!
