A new multi-day walk and a spectacular new visitor centre are proposed as part of a $56.4 million investment in Dorrigo National Park.
The centrepiece of proposed upgrades to Dorrigo National Park is a brand-new Arc Rainforest Centre, which will feature a spectacular elevated walkway and lookout to offer accessible and exceptional experiences for visitors.
The visitor centre will offer a place for people to learn and connect with the culture of the traditional custodians, the Gumbaynggirr People, and a new way to experience the ancient plants and animals from which life on Earth evolved.
The Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre will be a unique starting point for the stunning new 46-km multi-day walk along the rugged escarpment within Dorrigo and Bindarri national parks, including hiker camps, pedestrian bridges and lookouts.
The Arc Rainforest Centre and the new multi-day walk proposals balance conserving the parks’ significant values with future visitation demands, by creating inspiring visitor experiences that connect people with nature and culture in a sustainable way.
Have your say – environmental assessment
The draft review of environmental factors for the Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre is available for public comment until 16 June 2025.
The review aims to determine the overall impact of the proposal and to ensure that it does not have impacts that will affect the integrity of the parks' conservation objectives.
For more information see the Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre draft review of environmental factors
The draft review of environmental factors for the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk was available for public comment from 24 January to 24 February 2025.
For more information see Dorrigo Escarpment great walk draft review of environmental factors.
Next steps
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will collate and consider the submissions received during public exhibition of both reviews of environmental factors. We will then determine whether the proposals should proceed as proposed or be modified. If the proposals are determined to proceed, we will publish the final reviews of environmental factors and the decision statements and keep the community informed about the projects' delivery.
Public exhibition of the draft master plans
The Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk project proposes 2 main components:
- Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre
- Dorrigo Escarpment great walk.
The draft master plans were on public exhibition from 13 October 2023 to 15 January 2024 at the same time as new Dorrigo National Park, Bindarri National Park and Bindarri State Conservation Area draft plans of management. Public consultation provided an important opportunity for the community to have a say on the new visitor facility proposals and to help refine the concept designs in advance of the detailed design and final approval stages.
A summary of the community feedback received during the public exhibition and how the feedback has been considered is provided in the submissions report.
We have responded to the key themes raised in the report. The master plans may be adjusted in response to issues raised during the exhibition, environmental and cultural assessment outcomes and local design issues, and must still meet the requirements of the adopted plan of management for the parks.
We will continue to engage with Aboriginal groups, key stakeholders and local communities to help realise the range of environmental, social and economic benefits of the project.
Funding and timeframe
The NSW Government announced this $56.4 million project in June 2022. The project is due for completion in 2027. We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.
Timeline for the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk project
2019
Initial planning and consultation
June 2022
Funding announced
Late 2022
Concept design planning and form project team
2023
Commence Aboriginal heritage and environmental assessments
2023-24
Public exhibition of draft master plans and adoption of plan of management
2024-25
Finalise environmental approvals and design procurement
2025
Detailed design and initial construction stages commence
2025-27
Staged construction of multi-day walk and rainforest centre
Why we are doing this and who benefits
The video below is a compelling explanation of the significance of this project. As Andrew Turbill explains, our overarching ambition is to improve and expand the opportunities we offer for people to experience nature in ways that are positive and meaningful to them.
At Dorrigo National Park, we want to attract more visitors and entice them to stay longer, learn, connect and, ultimately, care more.
A Case For Change: Dorrigo National Park Visitor Experience
Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk Map
A map is available of the proposed route of the 4-day walk showing existing, new and historical sections. 'Historical' refers to old logging and snig tracks which have been identified using LiDAR (light detection and ranging) mapping. The historic logging tracks generally have existing benching to provide a level surface on sloping ground, with only minor vegetation works required to create the walk.
Download the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk Map (PDF 3.5MB)
Protecting park values
Our national parks are managed to protect their unique values and provide for sustainable visitor use and enjoyment.
All visitor infrastructure improvements in the parks are subject to independent environmental and Aboriginal heritage assessments and rigorous planning approvals to ensure compliance with relevant environmental and heritage management plans under state and Commonwealth legislation. This includes working with Aboriginal custodians to assess Aboriginal places of significance and seek advice on spiritual and cultural values associated with Country and how best to respect these values.
The current draft concept plans and planned walk alignment are subject to change or strict conditions to mitigate any potential impacts on natural and cultural values.
The Arc Rainforest Centre and Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk will provide a platform to promote the importance of protecting the natural and cultural values of Dorrigo and Bindarri national parks. And, by creating accessible, engaging and immersive experiences for visitors that reflect the aspirations of local communities, we can help to build a strong legacy of support and advocacy for conservation.
Reflecting a sense of place
Education and interpretation will remain the primary purpose of the revitalised rainforest centre. Compelling guided experiences, school excursions and contemporary interpretive elements will continue to be a catalyst for visitors to form emotional and intellectual connections with the parks.
Interpretation through innovative storytelling is one of the most effective ways to achieve an 'experience of a lifetime' for visitors. Developing rich and engaging face-to-face interpretation, including opportunities for local Aboriginal guided experiences, will be a key focus to immerse visitors in the natural and cultural landscape, creating a strong sense of place.
Dorrigo Great Walk provides views from the rugged escarpment over Dorrigo National Park. 
Dorrigo Great Walk features tall waterfalls. 
Looking north over the Bellinger Valley towards Coffs Harbour and the track finish point. 
Example of hut accommodation (from Overland Track Tasmania). 
Example of camping platforms (from Three Capes Track Tasmania). 
The Walk finishes at Bindarray picnic area on the Urumbilum River in Bindarri National Park. 
View from Dorrigo Rainforest Centre 
Artistic render of draft plan for the proposed Arc Rainforest Centre. 
Artistic render of main entry to proposed visitor centre. 
Artistic render of proposed Arc Rainforest Centre with elevated lookout platform.
Updates
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