EXPLORING THE MID NORTH COAST

People probably don’t associate waterfalls with the mid north coast of NSW.

BUT, because the Great Dividing Range is right on the doorstep of the coast, there is a stack of waterfalls just waiting to be discovered.

I’d like to share just some of my favourites in the mid coast area.

Mind you there are a host more and the ones I am about to share are just the tip of the iceberg to what you might find.

In short, it all happened around 30 million years ago when the east coast super volcanoes erupted, and the smaller Ebor one created what we have today.

Depending on which way the water flows from these peaks determines where the valleys and eventually where the waterfalls flow. 

Now some of these falls have designated names, others are still to this day unofficially named. Well as far as we know.

You don’t need a stonking big 4WD to explore these waterfalls, anyone with a soft roader can drive to these few in safety.

1. WAITUI FALLS

Midway between Port Macquarie and Taree in Coorabakh National Park flows the ever so beautiful Waitui Falls. 

With a wide rock face and a deep pool at the bottom it always seems to be flowing.

And all the while creating its own micro system where delicate ferns and moss grow. 

A relatively easy one to find by heading west from Johns River to Hannam Vale and onto the aptly named Waitui Road for 12km.

 

2. MOBONG FALLS

West of Coffs Harbour high up in the hinterland in the Nymboi-Binderay National Park is little known Mobong Falls.

Surprisingly this waterway spills sideways through a rock crevice and not straight over the edge.

Viewing it from the top doesn’t allow you to see the entire falls in all its glory, you need to scramble to the bottom to be in awe.

Head west from Coffs Harbour up to Ulong and onto Cascade, then head down Measuring Hut Road for about 15 km until you find Mobong Creek. 

Park up and listen for the falls.

 3. SWEET POTATO FALLS

This is the unofficial name for this stunning waterfall that is surrounded by broken ferns and has several different drop offs.

It’s another favourite as it seems to flow all year round as the water seeps out of a nearby swamp.

The views at the top are stunning with pools of water in the foreground and as you look westward towards the rugged Nymboida area.

You’ve also got the beautiful Glenreagh and Nana Glen areas which are in the valley below. 

4. SCOUTS FALLS

The increasingly popular Scouts Falls is a must do if chasing waterfalls.

It's not so much about the falls, but the walk to them.

Very easy to find along Sherwood Creek Road between Glenreagh and the highway.

Park up at the sign and then the adventure begins with a 1km walk upstream to the falls.

Most people will find the walk and rock hopping pretty easy.

It is ever so attractive walking through the stunning sandstone and wildflower small gorge to the end.

It's another one that always seems to have a constant flow of some kind.

But when it flows hard it really pumps over two sections giving an intense wide flow. 

5. BANGALORE FALLS

Now Bangalore Falls are usually high on everybody’s list when they head up in the hinterland near Ulong.

Either head up into the stunning Orara Valley then to Dairyville and up the easy 4WD trail named Pine Road.

Alternatively head to Ulong and out along Corfs Road.

Sign posted to a beautiful picnic area surrounded by tall Hoop Pines and stands of Coachwood Trees.

It's a stunning area, and often you’ll see a Lyrebird darting across the road.

Bangalore Falls is an easy stroll from the picnic area along the dedicated path to a viewing deck.

The walk down to the falls meanders past old growth cedar trees and amazingly tall tree ferns with the ground covered in iridescent green moss.

The falls tumble down after the water gathers in a large pool at the top, showering the rocks below in different areas.

When there’s been some good rain anywhere in the hinterland, these falls crank and you’ll hear them from the car park.

It is very spectacular indeed.

6. MAGIC POOLS

Now these deserve an honourable mention and are definitely a go to place in the heat of summer.

The Magic Pools are tucked up the back of the Friday Creek area in the Orara State Forest; these falls are fun for the whole family.

Head up deep into the Orara Valley and up Dingo fire trail, and right onto Carmadies Trail to the falls.

Known to the locals also as the Rock Slide, it's a fun adventure exploring this water way.

The keen can slide down where the water flows into the deep and often cold pool, yet the little ones can splash around in the side pools.

 

Written and photographed by North Storm® Ambassador Kev Smith of Woolgoolga Offroad