ON THE PLATEAU
A little while back during a hectic work week I received a message from Tommo of Coffs Coast 4x4 Bush Adventures.
He was letting me know about a cool spot he found an hour or so from Coffs Harbour that he thought looked awesome.
Tommo suggested we should head there on the weekend to check it out.
A quick message back to lock it in and it was sorted.
I FORGET THE POLES AND ROPES
Tommo and the crew (Laura, Matt, Brooke and Liam) headed up on Friday night.
My youngest Koby and I followed early on Saturday morning.
It’s an hour's drive up the mountain from Coffs Harbour to Dorrigo via Bellingen.
It’s a scenic drive in itself that I’ve done hundreds of times and this time I was towing the trusty camper trailer.
The trailer was loaded with hardwood timber off cuts from a mate of mine ready for the campfire.
The only thing I forgot to do was to put the awning poles and ropes in, bugger…
The run up the mountain to Dorrigo passes some beautiful waterfalls, the first one being Newell Falls.
The second being Sherrard Falls.
PLATEAU VIEWS
Once the endless bends straighten out and the mountain views change to plateau views you pass the turn off at Dome Road for the World Heritage Listed rainforest.
If you’re keen for a walk in nature take the Wonga Walk.
This will take you to Crystal Shower Falls and just a stone’s throw from there is Tristania Falls.
I haven’t been back here since I was a young bloke, but I really do need to get back and re-explore this area.
THE RAG TAG RAILWAY
Just a few minutes past there, takes you through the quiet town of Dorrigo.
Then head out past the old Railway Station and the vast collection of old steam train carriages, locomotives and onto Bossberries.
Also, for those that are interested, I found a great historical documentary about the Glenreagh to Dorrigo Railway line by the ABC.
The documentary is ‘The Rag Tag Railway’ on YouTube. (You can find the link at the bottom of this blog).
There is a larger private collection of old steam trains on private property that you can see from Tallowood Street.
THE HILTON SITE
When I arrived at the main Bossberries building, I immediately gave Tommo a call.
He gave me directions to the riverside camp spot which was just magic.
We stayed at the Hilton Site which was just huge!
It has a massive shelter perfect for entertaining and hanging out and cooking.
The site is nestled right on the river banks.
We had plenty of fun swimming and paddling in the kayaks.
There may have been some ‘solo man’ antics floating down the upper rapids.
The lower ones were looking a bit too intense to take on.
With a lot of water flowing after some decent rainfalls earlier in the week.
BLUEBERRIES, BASS AND SILVER PERCH
On the Sunday just prior to our departure.
We were lucky enough to be taken on a tour of the property to show us what else it had to offer.
A lot of work has gone into getting the farm stay to where it is today and it is simply amazing!
If you love Blueberries, there’s acres of them planted where for a fee you can pick a bucket full.
You can also enquire about fishing in the dam that is stocked with Bass and Silver Perch.
You are almost guaranteed to catch something unless you fish like me.
WHERE TO BOOK
There are a total of only 4 campsites on the property so it is never overcrowded which is great.
You will also get a long drop with glorious mountain views.
If you want to flash it up there is also the AirBnB which is spectacular.
The location and bookings can be found here: HIPCAMP or search Bossberries Camping and Accomodation on Facebook.
LEAVING BOSSBERRIES AT DORRIGO
Sunday afternoon arrived and we headed home along Coramba Road.
This road takes you past the spectacular and popular swimming spot - ‘Dangar Falls’.
(I have better photo’s somewhere but I can’t find them.)
Further along the road you crisscross the old railway line several times.
When you cross over from Megan to Brooklana the road changes to Eastern Dorrigo Way.
OTHER HISTORICAL THINGS
As I was getting some coordinates of certain locations, I spotted some memorial trees planted for Jack Feeney and Ken Corfe.
But we need to keep moving, so I will go back and have a look next time I’m out that way.
You will also see some big cast iron bridges along the old train line there.
You can do a couple of detours to go check them out if you're headed out that way.
Just make sure you don’t venture onto private property.
Also have a look at one of North Storm’s Ambassadors Kev Smith @woolgoolgaoffroad‘s blog that has so much historical information on the area.
Places such as Cascade, Bobo and Ulong to name a few.
LAST STOP
Pulling into Coramba in the afternoon we stopped off at the local watering hole to wash the dust out of our throats.
This was before heading home to unload and get ready for the work week.
Here are some more snapshots from our perfect weekend getaway with a great crew.
Words: Jereme Lindsell and some borrowed from Tommo Chivers - Coffscoast4x4andbushadventures
Pictures: Trickydevil Offroad