Walk with the Birds boardwalk

Dorrigo National Park

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Overview

Wind through the trees on wheelchair-accessible Walk with the Birds boardwalk and spot some of the 150 bird species found in Dorrigo National Park.

Accessibility
Easy
Distance
0.56km loop
Time suggested
15 - 30min
Grade
Grade 2
Opening times
Walk with the Birds boardwalk is open 5am-10pm daily.
What to
bring
Drinking water, sunscreen, hat

Get high among the rainforest trees along the elevated Walk with the Birds boardwalk, in Dorrigo National Park. This fully-accessible walkway, elevated above the forest floor, offers unique forest views and close-up birdwatching opportunities, near Bellingen on the NSW North Coast.

Far below, you might see brush turkeys raking litter for their nests or a lyrebird searching for insects. Among the branches, you could spot the stunning paradise riflebird with its glossy black and iridescent blue plumage, as well as fruit doves and green catbirds. Look for the information panels to learn more about the rainforest locals.

As night falls, listen for the ‘mo-poke’ call of the southern boobook owl or watch for ringtail possums emerging from their nests.

This route starts from The Glade picnic area, and follows Satinbird stroll around 200m to the boardwalk, before looping back to the picnic area. If you’re feeling energetic, you can also reach the boardwalk from Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, around 1km along Lyrebird Link and Wonga walk.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • The Glade picnic area, Dorrigo National Park. Photo © Rob Cleary

    The Glade picnic area

    The Glade picnic area is part of Dorrigo National Park near Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast. This pretty rainforest clearing offers a great spot for a picnic or barbecue and lots of rainforest walks.

  • Satinbird stroll, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary © OEH

    Satinbird stroll

    Satinbird stroll is an easy access trail through Dorrigo’s World Heritage rainforest, ideal for all the family, and offers birdwatching and a great place to picnic.

  • The view from behind the waterfall towards the suspension bridge at Crystal Shower Falls walk in Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary © OEH

    Crystal Shower Falls walk

    Walk through lush rainforest to reach Crystal Shower Falls in Dorrigo National Park near Coffs Harbour. Enjoy spectacular views from the rocky cavern behind the waterfall.

  • Wonga walk in Dorrigo National Park. Photo credit: Owen Mowle © DPIE

    Wonga walk

    Take a walk amongst subtropical rainforest and 600-year-old trees along the Wonga walk in Dorrigo National Park, home to the Tristania and Crystal Falls.

Map


Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/walk-with-the-birds-boardwalk/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Walk with the Birds boardwalk.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

0.56km loop

Time

15 - 30min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Flat

Steps

No steps

Quality of path

Formed track: The walk is a 2m-wide and mostly bitumen seal, with a 200m elevated section of fibre-reinforced plastic boardwalk.

Getting there and parking

Walk with the Birds boardwalk is near The Glade picnic area in Dorrigo National Park. To get there:

  • Follow the signs to Dorrigo National Park and Dorrigo Rainforest Centre from Waterfall Way (1km south of Dorrigo).
  • From Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, follow the signs to The Glade picnic area.

Parking

Parking is available in a bitumen carpark at The Glade picnic area, including 1 accessible parking spot.

Best times to visit

The weather at Dorrigo National Park can vary from warm to mild to cool, depending on the time of year you visit. The summer months usually have the highest rainfall.

Spring

The rainforest is alive with birdlife - walk the Lyrebird Link for a close up view.

Summer

Escape the summer heat along one of the waterfall tracks and feel the coolness envelope you.

Facilities

Seats and resting points

There are seats at 2 rest points along the walk:

  • The first rest point is a large, roofed area with a 10m-long wooden slat bench seat. Information panels highlight the birds that may be seen here.
  • The second rest point is uncovered and with a smaller bench seat.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - easy

  • From The Glade picnic area the track follows a sealed path around 200m along Satinbird Stroll to reach the timber boardwalk, before looping back to the picnic area.
  • There are gentle slopes, no steps, and places to rest, making this route easily accessible for wheelchairs, prams, and visitors with limited mobility.
  • An accessible parking space and a wheelchair-accessible toilet with a ramp is available at The Glade picnic area.
  • If starting from Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, assistance will be required along Lyrebird Link and Wonga walk around 1km to the boardwalk.

Prohibited

Drones

Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

Commercial filming and photography

Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Visitor centre

Learn more

Walk with the Birds boardwalk is in Dorrigo National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A wide range of animals

The eastern yellow robin at its nest, with dappled sunlight highlighting its yellow body and grey and yellow wings. Credit: Andrew Turbill © the photographer

Dorrigo National Park plays home to many different animals, including 30 types of mammals, more than 128 kinds of birds and 44 species of amphibians and reptiles. The dense forest is the ideal hiding place for reptiles, so you'll need to be very quiet and patient in order to catch a glimpse. Look for the southern angle-headed dragon clinging to the trunks of trees along the Wonga walk and the red-necked pademelon on the lawn by the Rainforest Centre.

  • 14-day coastal tours from Sydney to Cairns Unleash your spirit of adventure on a sweeping East Coast tour with Via Travel Australia. Let each new day bring more enchanting sites to discover and enjoy, from Gondwana Rainforests to cascading waterfalls and sublime surf beaches.
  • Dorrigo rainforest Aboriginal cultural tour Bring the family on this tour in Dorrigo National Park, near Coffs Harbour. Meet a Gumbaynggirr Ranger who will share language and culture as they guide you through the rainforest.
  • Dorrigo Rainforest birds revealed self-guided audio tour Go on a self-guided audio tour through Dorrigo Rainforest and discover some of the interesting birds that call this place home. As you follow the track, you'll learn about the quirky habits, colourful personalities and unique calls of some of the park’s most prominent birds.
  • Dorrigo rainforest ranger-guided tour Experience the rainforest like never before, on a ranger-guided walk through World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. It's only 1hr from Coffs Harbour, but you'll feel worlds away.
  • Junior ranger: Dorrigo Rainforest kids nature play Looking for something for the kids to do these school holidays? Join us for a fun tour in Dorrigo National Park, near Coffs Harbour. Kids aged 5 to 12 years can reconnect with nature through play.
  • Lyrebird Link track Lyrebird link is an easy walking track in Dorrigo National Park near Coffs Harbour. It is a great spot for birdwatching and there are picnic and barbecue areas nearby.
  • Satinbird stroll Satinbird stroll is an easy access trail through Dorrigo’s World Heritage rainforest, ideal for all the family, and offers birdwatching and a great place to picnic.
  • Sensing the rainforest at Dorrigo National Park Join us and explore the rainforest in this Stage 3 (Years 5-6) Geography excursion in Dorrigo National Park. Students will experience the diverse features and characteristics of this subtropical Gondwana Rainforest of Australia.
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Dramatic waterfalls

Walk with the Birds boardwalk, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

The area is renowned for its dramatic waterfalls; so much that part of the park was first reserved in 1901 to protect the Sherrard and Newell Falls along the Waterfall Way. Today, there are a number of great rainforest walks in the park, try the Crystal Shower Falls walk for a journey behind the falls, or the longer Casuarina Falls circuit that offers views of Dorrigo Mountain and Rosewood River Valley.

  • Volunteer at Dorrigo Rainforest Centre Join a fun and passionate team of people when you become a volunteer at Dorrigo Rainforest Centre shop. Help show off Dorrigo National Park to visitors from around world. Explain the park’s activities and offer information about the nearby town of Dorrigo.

Rich Aboriginal heritage

Blackbutt track, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

Dorrigo National Park aims to manage Aboriginal sites, many of which are associated with natural features in the landscape. Involving local Aboriginal custodians in managing their traditional homelands, and continuing their connection to country, is a priority in Dorrigo National Park.

  • Dorrigo rainforest Aboriginal cultural tour Bring the family on this tour in Dorrigo National Park, near Coffs Harbour. Meet a Gumbaynggirr Ranger who will share language and culture as they guide you through the rainforest.

World Heritage rainforests

The Skywalk, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

The rainforests in Dorrigo National Park are part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area; the most extensive strip of diverse rainforest anywhere on earth. The World Heritage Area is a direct window into the past and the future, providing a link to the ancient pre-human world and a stunning and irreplaceable record of life on our planet. You can explore the rainforest on one of the many walking tracks, like the Lyrebird Link that leaves from the Rainforest Centre.

  • 14-day coastal tours from Sydney to Cairns Unleash your spirit of adventure on a sweeping East Coast tour with Via Travel Australia. Let each new day bring more enchanting sites to discover and enjoy, from Gondwana Rainforests to cascading waterfalls and sublime surf beaches.
  • 8-day NSW North Coast and Tablelands walking tour Join ParkTours for an 8-day walking holiday and discover the spectacular sights of the NSW North Coast and Northern Tablelands. Explore country towns, see stunning landscapes and go wildlife spotting.
  • Dorrigo rainforest Aboriginal cultural tour Bring the family on this tour in Dorrigo National Park, near Coffs Harbour. Meet a Gumbaynggirr Ranger who will share language and culture as they guide you through the rainforest.
  • Dorrigo rainforest ranger-guided tour Experience the rainforest like never before, on a ranger-guided walk through World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. It's only 1hr from Coffs Harbour, but you'll feel worlds away.
  • Junior ranger: Dorrigo Rainforest kids nature play Looking for something for the kids to do these school holidays? Join us for a fun tour in Dorrigo National Park, near Coffs Harbour. Kids aged 5 to 12 years can reconnect with nature through play.
  • Lyrebird Link track Lyrebird link is an easy walking track in Dorrigo National Park near Coffs Harbour. It is a great spot for birdwatching and there are picnic and barbecue areas nearby.
  • Sensing the Rainforest Sensing the rainforest is a Stage 1 (Years 1-2) school excursion in Dorrigo National Park, focusing on Geography. Students will explore the wonders of Dorrigo Rainforest - observing, listening, touching, smelling and searching to discover this special environment. It is a fun program for all ages, adults included.
  • Wonga walk Take a walk amongst subtropical rainforest and 600-year-old trees along the Wonga walk in Dorrigo National Park, home to the Tristania and Crystal Falls.
Show more

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  • A male satin bowerbird with black plumage and blue eyes stands in a bower made of brown twigs. Photo: Peter Sherratt © Peter Sherratt

    Satin bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus)

    With vibrant blue-violet eyes and curious antics, the satin bowerbird is a favourite for bird watching and easy to spot as it forages for food in open forest. Relatively common across eastern Australia, in NSW they’re found in coastal rainforests and adjacent woodlands and mountain ranges.

  • Australian brush turkey, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

    Australian brush turkey (Alectura lathami)

    The Australian brush turkey, also known as bush or scrub turkey, can be found in rainforests along eastern NSW. With a striking red head, blue-black plumage and booming call, these distinctive Australian birds are easy to spot while bird watching in several NSW national parks.

  •  Superb lyrebird, Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    Superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae)

    With a complex mimicking call and an elaborate courtship dance to match, the superb lyrebird is one of the most spectacular Australian animals. A bird watching must-see, the superb lyrebird can be found in rainforests and wet woodlands across eastern NSW and Victoria.

  • Eastern common ringtail possum. Photo: Ken Stepnell

    Common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)

    Commonly found in forests, woodlands and leafy gardens across eastern NSW, the Australian ringtail possum is a tree-dwelling marsupial. With a powerful tail perfectly adapted to grasp objects, it forages in trees for eucalypt leaves, flowers and fruit.

  • Profile view of a wompoo fruit-dove on a tree branch with red berries. Photo: John Turbill © John Turbill

    Wompoo fruit-dove (Ptilinopus magnificus)

    The wompoo fruit-dove is a marvellously multi-coloured pigeon that makes its home in rainforest along coastal ranges from mid-north NSW to southern Queensland. It’s protected as a vulnerable species in NSW.

Plants

  • Coachwood flower. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

    Coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum)

    Coachwood trees are Australian native plants that grow in warm temperate rainforests along coastal NSW. Also known as scented satinwood, the mottled grey bark of the coachwood has horizontal markings and a delicate fragrance.

Environments in this park

Education resources (1)

School excursions (6)