Driving Waterfall Way in NSW: constant attention is required

Waterfall Way in Northern New South Wales is a seriously gorgeous drive! Think rainforests, river valleys, and cascading waterfalls – you'll cruise through New England and Dorrigo National Parks, so keep your camera charged.

This 170km stretch of road winds its way from the New England Highway near Armidale to the Pacific Highway, just south of Coffs Harbour. You'll share the road with locals and tourists alike, with traffic varying from a few hundred cars a day in the quieter sections to over six thousand closer to the coast. Keep an eye out though – storms can sometimes wash away parts of the road, turning it into a single-lane affair.

It's fully paved, but it can be narrow and tricky, with some very steep and winding sections, especially west of Thora. Parts of the road are carved right into the mountainside, with stonework on the outer edges. Some curves are super sharp, so you'll need to pay attention. Overtaking can be tough, particularly on the Dorrigo Range, so be patient. Watch for wildlife, too!

It’s definitely worth it for the views, but it's known for being a bit accident-prone. So, drive carefully and stay alert!

Allow about 2.5 to 3 hours to drive the whole thing without stops. It's a fantastic detour off the Pacific Coast Drive, taking you from beaches to rainforest to wide-open plains. Be prepared for the occasional slow truck or caravan. If you're driving at night, watch out for kangaroos (and maybe even a spotted-tail quoll near Ebor if you're lucky!). Don't forget your insect repellent. And be aware that you might lose cell service in some areas.