Absolutely Gorgeous

IT MIGHT NOT BE THOUSANDS OF MILES FROM CIVILISATION, BUT YOU WILL STILL FEEL REMOTE AND ISOLATED WHEN TRAVELLING THROUGH THE SPECTACULAR FORESTS AND GORGES OF NYMBOIBINDERAY NATIONAL PARK

-  KEV SMITH

IT WAS around 30 million years ago when an ancient volcano located just near Dorrigo gave an almighty push from the realms of our great earth, and because of this we have some fantastic four-wheel drive destinations to explore on the NSW north coast.

A favourite with the locals is the Nymboi-Binderay National Park, located 60km west of Coffs Harbour. As well as great tracks, this national park is full of history, activities and some spectacular camping spots. Although it isn’t 4000km out the back of whoop-whoop, it should still be considered as a remote area, as there is no phone service and very limited traffic in this seriously deep gorge country.

From Coffs Harbour head west through Coramba, where this sleepy old town dates back to the turn of the century when gold was the talk of the area. As you pass through Coramba take the left turn that’s signposted Eastern Dorrigo Way. This 15km sealed road starts to wind its way up onto the top of the Great Dividing Range, through stands of massive old ghost gums, stunning rainforest pockets, and tree ferns that line the road looking for sunlight.

It’s a slow drive, so wind down a window and listen to the whipbirds and smell the fresh, crisp air as you pass under the forest canopy. Keep an eye out for a couple of spots where you can stop and admire the view back towards the coast, and down into some steep timbered country where gold was found more than 100 years ago.