Things to do
in Urunga & the Bellingen Shire
Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, to wine and dine, shop, or time spent in nature, Urunga in the Bellingen Shire has it all.
Explore Beautiful Urunga
The coastal town of Urunga on the NSW Mid North Coast "where the rivers meet the sea" is renowned for its picturesque lagoon to ocean boardwalk, amazing surfing beaches, fabulous river fishing and its impressive mountain vista.
Urunga is the ideal destination for those wanting to enjoy all the coast and rivers have to offer, as well as for exploring the stunning Waterfall Way as it meanders through lush green valleys to the Gondwana sub-tropical rainforest of the Dorrigo National Park and its numerous waterfalls.
Situated amidst the popular holiday hub of Coffs Harbour with its numerous tourist activities and attractions, the artisan villages of Bellingen and Dorrigo, and the coastal beauty of Nambucca Heads, the Bellingen Shire and the town of Urunga have something to offer everyone, whether you are chasing relaxation or adventure.
Boardwalk, Lido & Wetlands
A 2km return walk, the famous accessible Urunga ocean Boardwalk provides spectacular views from the tidal lagoon to the ocean, and mountain views on the return. As you pass the saltwater swimming pool of the Lido, the sand flats in low tide will reveal thousands of soldier crabs busy foraging for food and you may encounter a ray or two on a lucky day, the usual schools of fish, mangroves, pelicans, Eastern water dragons, and so many more incredible species that call the species rich estuary and rivers of Urunga their home. The boardwalk leads to Urunga's long white sand beaches that stretches all the way past Hungry Head to Wenonah Headland in the south, and for the perfect photo, we recommend a visit at dawn or dusk to capture it in all its glory.
The Lido is the best spot in town for a swim, and the kids will love the accessible jetty and pontoon, and ramps and Mobi-Mats allow access for those with beach wheelchairs or restricted mobility. The foreshore also has a children's playground, BBQ, and bathroom facilities, making this a great place to spend the entire day.
The Urunga Wetlands are another must visit. Located on Hillside Drive near Giinagay Way, the site was once an old antinomy processing plant. The once polluted soils and waters have been regenerated creating a sanctuary for native species. The short walk includes an accessible boardwalk that takes you over the wetland's waters, with gravel track taking you through native bushland.
Spectacular Surf Beaches
For those who live for the ocean, the picture-perfect long sand beaches of Urunga make the ideal spot for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, or simply soaking in the sun.
The surf breaks along the NSW North Coast are some of the best in the country, with many towns in between Newcastle and Byron Bay having bred international surfing champions.
For the best surfing spots around Urunga we recommend heading to Hungry Head five minutes to the south of town, or North Beach in Mylestom, and both beaches are patrolled by Surf Life Saving in holiday periods so are excellent for all members of the family. Wenonah Headland is also a popular spot for those in the know, but access is via gravel road and the beach is unpatrolled so we only recommend this spot to more advanced surfers.
There are plenty more nearby noteworthy spots if you are keen to venture a little further, in the north head to Sawtell and Coffs Harbour and Valla Beach, Nambucca & Scotts Head to the south.
If you or the kids would like to learn how to surf, Waves to Wilderness operate individual or group lessons in Coffs Harbour.
Cruise the Rivers
Urunga is a town surrounded by the waters of the Kalang and Bellinger Rivers, as well as the South Pacific Ocean, so it is no surprise that spending time on the water is the favourite way to pass the time for visitors and locals alike.
The Kalang River across from Riverside Holiday Resort is the perfect spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. The calm waters make a great environment to get the kids out outside, and you will get to appreciate the incredible scenery as you coast along our beautiful rivers full of native wildlife,
Kayak & paddleboard hire is available to guests from Riverside Holiday Resort for $10.00 per craft which includes lifejackets and any other equipment needed. Resort staff can provide a detailed map of the area and assist with planning your trip.
If you would prefer joining a kayak tour, Bellingen Canoe Adventures operate a range of daytime and evening tours along the Bellinger River from nearby Fernmount, only a ten-minute drive from the resort.
For those that enjoy sailing, Sailurunga run learn to sail courses and pleasure sails, and depart from the first boat ramp when turning onto Atherton Drive from Bellingen Street.
Boating and watersport enthusiasts will also be in their element. Whether you are heading out on the water for a spot of fishing or to have fun on a jet ski, there are a multitude of options for where you can go. There are two boat ramps at the top end of Atherton Drive near Anchors Wharf Cafe with parking, or check for other nearby boat ramps using the NSW boat ramps site.
Gumbaynggirr Country
Riverside Holiday Resort is located on the lands of Gumbaynggirr Country, and in the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Gumbaynggirr Traditional Custodians past, present and future, and their connections to land, sea, and community.
To learn and discover some of the language and culture of the local Urunga Gumbaynggirr Saltwater Peoples, we have erected some beautiful signage around our resort featuring the art and stories of local Elder Lisa Kelly. This signage is very dear to our hearts here at Riverside, and we hope that it helps us all to respect, learn and connect with local culture.
View the Riverside Cultural signage.
If you want to discover more whilst exploring some spaces around town, take a walk up Morgo Street to Urunga's Flagstaff Hill and along the Boardwalk, as well as along he Mylestom reserve, and peruse the informative historical signage, or take a visit to the Urunga and Bellingen Museums and speak directly to one of the local historians for more information on the local history of our First Nation Peoples.
Sacred Sites
There are many local Gumbaynggirr special sites in and around Urunga that are sacred to our First Nations peoples.
In Urunga, there were camps that existed, including on Urunga Headland and the hill where you will now find the C.ex Golf Club next to the resort.
Urunga Island, which you can see across the Kalang waters outside the resort, was where the local Gumbaynggirr were relocated after Europeans arrived to the area to log red cedar from up the valley and the town of Urunga was established until it flooded and the people were moved to Yellow Rock in the town's north.
Wenonah Headland to the south of Hungry Head is Native Title lands and it is imperative that visitors respect the area when visiting as it is also an area of great historical importance.
If you look towards the south you will see a triangular shaped mountain in Valla which is the Nunguu Mirral Aboriginal Area commonly referred to as Picket Hill.
The mountains in the west show the majestic looming mountain profile of Old Man Dreaming. Legend tells the story of warrior Ngali, responsible for the protection of the women who came to the valley to give birth, but after falling asleep on the job, Ngali was punished and turned to stone.
Cultural Experiences
There are a range of Gumbaynggirr businesses running tours nearby that can experience in order to learn more about language, bushtucker, local totems, and Gumbaynggirr customs.
The award-winning Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan - 2 Path Strong holds their Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience at their brand new Dance Amphitheatre at Sealy Lookout in the Orara East State Forest where they engage attendees in Gumbaynggirr culture and Country through language, dance, storytelling and damper making. Make sure you grab a delicious coffee from Nyanggan Gapi ‘Perfect Coffee’ Cafe while you are there.
For those you love paddleboarding, Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours blend nature, adventure, and education with their standup paddleboard tours in picturesque and highly culturally significant marine park settings in and around Coffs Harbour.
In Valla Beach you can join Uncle Micklo Jarrett's Gumbaynggirr Dreamtime Tour and learn about local culture and bushtucker, and immerse yourself in his stories.
Slightly further to the south, Unkya Cultural Eco Tours offer two experiences. Their Gaagal Yuludarla (Ocean Dreaming) Tour operates daily, and their Gaagal Wanggaan (Beach South) Tour on Thursdays and Saturdays in Scotts Head.
Renown Gumbaynggirr artists Miimi & Jiinda reside in the nearby Nambucca Valley and you can grab one of their spectacular art pieces online.
For the Thrill Seekers
If adventure is what you are seeking, then the Coffs Coast is where you will find it in bucket loads.
If you have a bit of a competitive streak, then challenging the family to a Go-Kart race at Raleigh Raceway. Located near the Bongil Bongil National Park, the 1.1km course borders forest and includes some hilly sections that require an aggressive driving style to get out in front. Prices start at $60 for 10 laps with single Kart drivers from 12yrs+ (min height 1.3m), double Kart passengers 3-12yrs (min height 1m) and double Kart driver 16yrs+ with racing suits and helmets supplied.
For the ultimate adrenaline fuelled adventure that you will be certain to remember forever, but without a doubt is only for those who aren't faint of heart, then you can't beat a sky dive over Coffs Harbour where the best views of the region are gained from dizzying heights.
The are a range of challenging rock climbs in the area for experienced rock climbers at Glenreigh, Nymboida Gorge and Sawtell, or on rainy days, head into Bellingen and take the kids for an indoor rock climb at The Bellingen Youth Hub.
Tour the Countryside
With some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country, ranging from incredible long surf beaches, pristine rivers, lush valleys, Gondwana rainforest of the Dorrigo escarpment, and the waterfalls in which Waterfall Way takes its name, you will want to get out and explore it all.
If you enjoy cycling or mountain biking, there are some great trails that take you along the scenic coast, through the magical Bellingen Valley, Coffs Harbour and Nambucca, Bowraville and Macksville, as well as some great fire trails suitable for the whole family through nearby Bongil Bongil National Park. If you didn't bring your own bike, you can simply hire one or join a bike tour.
Discover off-road trails via 4WD or dirt bike along through the surrounding forests of Bellingen, the Nambucca Valley and Coffs Harbour. There is some beach access for 4WDs around Urunga, but please make sure that you take extra care to protect the dunes.
The optimum way to see the lush countryside is to lounge back and let it all soak in whilst a local takes the helm and shows you the incredible attractions of the region. Coffs Harbour Trike Tours (based in Urunga) can take you out on their Boom Mustang Trike to wherever you would like to go, and for as long as you like, and they can pick you up from the resort. Or if the budget allows, head to the skies for a birdseye view of the region with a scenic helicopter tour for the ultimate lavish experience.
Play in the Ocean
The Coffs Coast and its protected Solitary Islands Marine Park is a haven for marine life, and with warm ocean temperatures for much of the year, it makes the perfect place for a swim, snorkel, or dive, and to discover the rich and diverse ocean environment.
If you are visiting in the whale watching season from May to November, then you need just head to any one of the nearby headlands for magnificent views of breaching whales as they pass by. In Urunga, Hungry Head is a prime spot, or head down to Nambucca Heads or up to Coff's Mutton Bird Island.
If you are looking for an up close and personal experience, then there are whale watching tours operating in Coffs Harbour. Whale Watching Experience, and Jetty Dive both operate Whale Watching cruises and Jetty Dive also run whale swimming experiences where you can snorkel up close with the passing humpbacks during their annual migration through the months of August and September.
If you are lucky, you may spot a dolphin or two in the Bellinger and Nambucca river estuaries.
For those wanting to join a snorkel tour or dive within the Solitary Island Marine Park, Jetty Dive can take out groups and also hold learn to dive and advanced courses for diving enthusiasts.
Big Bananas to Dolphins
Coffs Harbour is bursting with family fun activities, and the Big Banana Fun Park provides a jam-packed day (and then some!) of excitement for the big and little kids alike with a range of attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy, and not only this, it is also home to the iconic Big Banana so a token instagramable snap out the front is an essential element to this visit for first timers.
Through September to April, make sure you take your swimmers as the water park has a range of large water slides plus a Kids Aqua play area for the younger ones, however there are year round attractions including a toboggan ride, giant slide, mini golf, ice skating, laser tag, reptile park and so much more, and with a cafe onsite, it is easy to make a big day out of it.
The Dolphin Marine Conservation Park offers interactive experiences for the budding conservationists, as well as private experiences such as meeting your favourite marine creature, to becoming an animal trainer for the day.
The Coffs Harbour Butterfly House in Bonville is another great place to check out with the kids, and also have a dinosaur show, maze as well as their butterfly enclosure.
With limited capacity during school holidays, we suggest buying your tickets online before you visit to avoid disappointment.
Tree Top Adventures & Sealy Lookout
Tree Tops Adventure Park Coffs Harbour is located to the north of town amongst the Orara East State Forest and next to spectacular Sealy Lookout and is a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful bush surroundings whilst challenging yourself through the elevated obstacles and spending quality bonding time with the family.
There are a variety of 8 tree ropes courses to choose from, with 110 challenges and 20 ziplines all up. Younger children aged 3 years and over can participate with adult supervision from the ground, with more advanced courses for big kids and adults, and they are open every day during school holidays and on weekends.
While you are up at at Niigi Niigi/ Sealy Lookout, make sure you check out the Forest Sky Pier and the incredible sweeping views of Coffs Harbour and surrounds, and grab a coffee from Nyanggan Gapi Cafe operated by the not-for-profit Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation, or take one of the surrounding bushwalks through the Bruxner Flora Reserve and Orara East State Forest, or the nearby Ulidarra National Park.
Discover the Bellingen Valleys
For those that love their horse-riding or have always wanted to try it, then the place to head to is Valery Trails Horse Riding.
Just north of Bellingen. you can spend a day with the family riding in the stunning valleys and hills or lush rainforests of the Bellingen hinterland. There is also the option to head up to Coffs to enjoy one of their two-hour Boambee beach rides where you get to soak in the pristine coastline from horse back.
Valery Trails are RDA NSW accredited, and run Riding for the Disabled, and Horse Friends programs. They also offer 30min led pony rides for small children aged 3 and up. Bookings are essential.
After you have finished your ride in the Bellingen countryside, head to the clear waters of Gleniffer's Never Never for an unforgettable refreshing dip in what is undoubtedly paradise. But please ensure you take all your belongings and rubbish with you, and keep in mind that there are no bathroom facilities.
Discover Paradise
The Bellingen Shire literally has it all. Mountains, valleys and coastline with vegetation that ranges from Gondwana subtropical rainforest, lush fertile valleys, coastal forest, scrubland and coastal wetlands.
The crystal clear waters flow from the escarpment's numerous waterfalls and streams and into the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers where they converge at Urunga before flowing into the South Pacific Ocean.
The majesty and beauty of the landscape, whether it be the river and mountain views from the coast, or the views towards the ocean from the plateau in Dorrigo, will remain with you for a long time to come. It is no coincidence that Bellingen is where you will find a place named the Promised Lands,
With over 53% of the Bellingen Shire comprising National Park and State Forest area, there are a range of amazing bushwalks and nature trails waiting for you to explore, and if you enjoy a dip, the best places to swim include the natural pool at the base of magnificent Dangar Falls just outside of Dorrigo, the Bellinger River at Lavenders Bridge in town in Bellingen, the Bellinger River tidal pool in Mylestom, Urunga Lido or Hungry Head Beach.
Dorrigo National Park
A day trip not to be missed, the Dorrigo National Park is a 45-minute drive from Urunga on the coast along the stunning Waterfall Way through bohemian Bellingen, and then meandering up past rainforest and waterfalls to the top of the escarpment and the park's Rainforest Centre with giftshop and cafe.
There are a range of walking tracks to suit all abilities, including the accessible Skywalk Lookout at the Rainforest Centre that looks down over the valley to the coast, and the 0.56km Walk With the Birds boardwalk at The Glade Picnic Area which travels amongst the treetops for the best bird spotting in the region with over 150 species of birds that call the rainforest their home.
For a slight challenge, the higher grade 4.4km Crystal Shower Falls Walk is the most popular walk in the park taking you to the suspension bridge at the falls and a track that takes you to the cavern behind them, and for a slightly longer walk, combine with the looped Wonga Walk track where you will also pass Tristania Falls.
Advanced bushwalkers can also head to the Never Never picnic area and enjoy a number of high grade tracks including the 8km Red Cedar Falls walking track that travels down the mountain to the base of the largest falls in the National Park. For your safety, we suggest filling out the online intention form before you head out.
Whether you are visiting to enjoy the bird watching, connect with nature, appreciate the wonder of being surrounded by ancient Gondwana forest with trees that are up to 600 years old, or purely there to get the heart pumping with an invigorating bush walk, a visit to the Dorrigo National Park is certainly one of those top-of-the-world bucket-list experiences.
Nature Based Tours
The best way to discover the region is to explore it with a passionate local who can share the local stories, and show you the best spots, many off the beaten path.
If you are headed up to the Dorrigo National Park in the school holidays, you may want to check if they are running their Gumbaynggirr culture rainforest tour before you go for an affordable, informative and enjoyable walk suitable for ages 5 and up.
The award-winning Waves to Wilderness offer full day Coastal Wildlife and Rainforest and Waterfall Tours that include morning tea and lunch, plus pick up and drop off from your accommodation, and the Rainforest Tour even features a visit to Raleigh Winery.
Bellingen Nature Tours offers a more intimate exploration of the Bellingen Shire. Run by local ecologist Mark Graham, you can choose to discover the mountaintops, lowlands and group numbers are capped at a maximum of five people.
Bellingen Canoe Adventures offer tours on the Bellinger River for something a little different. You will get to discover the local wildlife, and learn the history of the river and the surrounds in a family-friendly setting.
The Coffee Fix
You may not be in the city, but some of the best coffee and food in the country can be found in the Bellingen Valley, with Bellingen having become a hub for incredible quality eateries and cafes that are on par with the best inner urban haunts you may visit.
For those that need their morning coffee fix when staying in Urunga, there are a few options. For some delicious and strong Dark Arts coffee head to Liberty Providores at the old garage on Giinagay Way surrounded by bushland. They may not have the largest food selection, but what they have is fresh and yummy (try the slow cooked lamb or pulled pork rolls) and their smoothies are the best around. Back in town, you will find Pomegranate Cafe where they make everything from scratch in house from fresh, local produce, and occasionally they have tasty precooked meals that can be preordered to be heated up at home. The Boardwalk Cafe next to Spar is hands down the best place to get a burger and a great spot to grab your pre-boardwalk takeaway to enjoy at the Lido foreshore.
Just 15-minutes away in Bellingen you will be completely spoiled for choice as the town is home to some of the most sensational coffee and fresh, seasonal food in the state, however this artisan village is a tad more sleepy than its inner city contemporaries with a lot of establishments opening for brunch rather than breakfast. If you a craving a coffee fix or feed in the early morn though, your best bet is to head to Hyde Cafe who also have online ordering on their website if you want to avoid the queue. Hearthfire next to the Federal Hotel is open from 7, as is Kindred Coffee House at 23 Hyde St, or if you head to Church St, Fennel Seed and Bellingen Swiss Patisserie & Bakery both open their doors early.
Dine Out
There is no shortage of places to eat out in the area with options in Urunga, Bellingen, Raleigh, Mylestom, Valla and Sawtell and Coffs Harbour if you are ok with the short drive home.
If looking for somewhere to eat out near the Riverside Holiday Resort in Urunga, the Ocean View Hotel is open every day and is also a great spot to take the kids if you are travelling with the family as it has a fully enclosed beer garden with space for the kids to play, and they also have live music on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. For a finer dining experience visit Embers Bar and Restaurant in town dishes up Mediterranean and tapas style cuisine from the finest ingredients, or Anchors Wharf Cafe and Restaurant on the river for the best atmosphere in town (currently closed due to fire and set to reopen in 2022). Next to Riverside Holiday Resort, The Shank Inn at C.ex offers superb river views and pub fare for dinner Weds-Sat. The local Bowls Club has both a Chinese and Australian menu and is open seven nights a week.
Further afield in Bellingen you will find a large selection of cuisines to choose from, from pub fare, pizza, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Japanese and fine dining. Read more about our Urunga and Bellingen dining picks.
Fancy a Plonk?
For those that enjoy their wine tasting or sampling a boutique beer or two, then there are a couple of options to enjoy whilst holidaying in Urunga.
Less than a ten-minute drive from the resort you will find the award-winning Raleigh Winery. Open Tuesday to Sundays, 10am-5pm the winery is set across from the banks of the Bellinger River overlooking vineyards in one direction, and the water and the mountains in the other. With free tastings of their wines, including their Villard Blanc, Chambourcin, and famous Raleigh Creme, to a shared plate dining experience on their all weather deck with a cheese platter, locally cured meats or indulge in our decadent daily made desserts. Bookings are essential.
If a craft brew is more for you, then make sure to book a table on the weekend at the Bellingen Brewing Co., an artisan brewery and boutique bar nestled behind Church Street, Bellingen for some of their own beers and ferments, plus incredible pizza and live music on a Friday and Saturday evenings.
Day Spa Treatments
If your idea of the perfect holiday is spending some time being pampered, from well-deserved massages to help melt away any tension or stress, to indulgent beauty treatments to help you feel renewed, either way, then there are some great options to choose from in the area but we recommend booking in early.
If you are looking for something in Urunga, then located near The Art Space The Beauty Spot offers a range of massage and beauty treatments, as well as luxury packages to kick-start your holiday.
A little further afield in Bellingen, award-winning Alchemy offers an extensive range of wholistic natural therapies and beauty treatments under the one roof, with a large selection of practitioners to choose from. If you are looking for acupuncture, a variety of massage styles, or a chakra cleanse, this is the best place to go to. Skin Bliss in Bellingen also have a great range of massage and spa treatments, as do La Beaute Du Monde.
A search in Coffs Harbour will provide you with a good choice of alternate therapists if local providers are booked out.
For those that like to start their day with a spot of Yoga, Yoga in Urunga have classes three days a week, or join a yoga or meditation class at Bellingen Yoga Studio.
Taking it Easy
There is plenty of space around Urunga to simply sit back and take it easy. Not only is it a fantastic spot to visit if you have come for adventure and fun, the stunning natural surrounds also make the town a great place to visit when after a long year all you want is to do is not much at all as you reset and recharge for what lies ahead.
From the long stretches of sand on Urunga, Hungry Head and North Beach, to the grassed river foreshore parklands, both ideal spots to relax on a picnic blanket or towel, or simply lounge by the resort pool. Whatever takes your fancy, they all make great places to soak up the sun and curl up with your favourite book and enjoy the best temperate weather in the country whilst the kids play and make treasured holiday memories.
For leisurely walks, enjoy the sands of the long stretches of beach or the accessible paths along the Urunga foreshore that take you all the way to Hungry Head where you can sit at the Headland and take in the ocean views and spot a whale or two in the cooler months if you are lucky, or head out to Mylestom to stroll the accessible path along the Bellinger River and take a dip in the tidal pool.
Soulful Sporting
There are a range of activities you can do to unwind, or take it easy whilst being social, in and around Urunga, and with ample waterways and green spaces, it is no surprise that fishing, boating and golfing are common draw cards for visitors and locals when choosing how to spend their time.
If fishing soothes your soul, then Urunga is the perfect place for you. Whether you are a river or ocean fishing enthusiast, Urunga has both and the waterways are rich in bream, flathead, whiting, mulloway, trevally mangrove jack, and snapper. Cast a line from the coast in the early mornings or evenings, from the break-wall next to the boardwalk, anywhere along the river bank, Giinagay Way bridge over the Kalang, or by kayak or boat, and more serious fishers may want to enter the annual Urunga Sport Fishing Tournament generally held in November.
If a swing of golf is more your style, the Urunga C.ex Golf Course is located right next to Riverside Holiday Resort across from the river and holds social golf seven days a week, or head out to the golf clubs at nearby Bellingen, Nambucca Heads Island, or the renown course in Bonville for a hit.
Festivals and Events
The Bellingen Shire is a festival haven with a large range of renown arts and music events that are held throughout the year. Although Covid may have put a spanner in some of the regular events over recent years, but you can find the bigger events by visiting the ilovebelloshire site, or by picking up the local Bellingen Street Press, Bellbottom, or visiting the Bellingen and Coffs gig guide online.
Some of the bigger regular events include Camp Creative held in January, Screen Wave International Film Festival over April and May, the Bellingen Agricultural Show in May, the Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival in June, Bellingen Muse Fine Music Festival in September, the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival in October, River Sounds music festival, and Bello Winter Music just to name a few.
There are a range of live music venues that you can visit with regular performances held over the weekend including The Federal Hotel, The Brewery and 5 Church Street in Bellingen, and the Ocean View Hotel in Urunga, and sometimes you can find a community event held on the Urunga foreshore including their previous Annual Carols in the Park, Australia Day and Father's Day events.
Monthly Markets
The Bellingen Shire is bustling with plant fairs and community, artisan, and growers and producers markets. Pretty much any time you visit, there is bound to be a market on somewhere close by.
In Urunga, the Riverside Markets are on every 2nd Sunday, and are held on the foreshore near the boardwalk and Lido which can be accessed by entering via the Reflections Holiday Park entrance and heading towards the water.
The Bellingen Community Markets are held the 3rd Saturday of every month, and are one of the most diverse and longest running markets in the region attracting visitors to the town from all over. Bellingen is also home to the Bellingen Growers Market which are held weekly at the showgrounds, and the Farmers and Producers Markets on Wednesday afternoons. The popular Plant Fair and Artisan Markets are also held seasonally.
Up the hill in Dorrigo you will find the Dorrigo Community Markets that are held on the 1st Saturday of the month, and the artisan & produce Made in Dorrigo markets that are on three times a year.
Hub for the Arts
The Bellingen Shire is known for its eclectic mix of residents, from the bohemian to the farmers, so it is no surprise that it is a hub for the creative, with a vibrant art and music community.
There are a range of places to appreciate the creative flair of the town, from the arts focused festivals of Camp Creative, the Fine Music Festival, the Readers & Writers Festival, and the Screenwave International Film Festival.
There are also a number of local art galleries that visitors should check out. Urunga is home to The Art Space art gallery featuring a range of local artists from the area and open daily except for Mondays. Tree-O Furniture Gallery has a selection of locally crafted works including ceramics, jewellery, sculptures, paintings, furniture and more in nearby Raleigh.
In Bellingen, the Nexus Community Gallery is located at the Old Butter Factory in Bellingen and is set amidst the gardens next to the cafe and homewares store next to the golf course, the Bellingen Gallery and Framing Studio on Hyde Street is open Monday to Saturday, and if you headed up the mountain, the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre has an exhibition space showcasing local artists.
If you take a visit to Coffs Harbour, you will find a large selection of galleries in the Coffs Coast Culture Guide.
