ADVERTISING FEATURE: Creative Bellingen Shire open for visitors

THE Bellingen Shire is known for its creativity, natural beauty and strong community spirit.

While the region navigates temporary road disruptions, its towns and businesses remain open and ready to welcome locals and visitors alike.

Dorrigo remains accessible via the west and from Coffs Harbour via Coramba Road and Eastern Dorrigo Way, which are fully open and provide a longer scenic drive through small villages.
A section of Waterfall Way is currently closed west of Bellingen, between Thora and Boggy Creek.

Visitors travelling between Bellingen and Dorrigo should check current road conditions on the detour routes before departure.

Urunga, Mylestom, Raleigh and Bellingen remain accessible from the Pacific Highway with business operating as normal.

Visitors to these towns can enjoy the cafés, restaurants, farmers’ markets, boutique and op shopping, and of course the vibrant arts and culture scene the Shire is known for, from performances to exhibitions.

Wherever you are travelling from, the best way to experience the Bellingen Shire right now is to slow down and immerse yourself in one area at a time.

Whether you are exploring Bellingen, Urunga, Dorrigo or one of our coastal villages, consider staying a little longer and take the time to explore pristine waterways and estuaries, rainforest walks and experiences nearby.

A longer stay and a slower pace helps local cafés, shops, markets and tourism operators, and every visit – whether for a meal, a weekend stay, or a day exploring – helps support the local economy and community during a challenging time.

To find out what’s on, places to visit, stay and eat, check out Visit Bellingen Shire, Council’s tourism website.