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.
Public exhibition of the draft master plans
The Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk project proposes 2 main components which are described in these documents:
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.
What we heard
A summary of the community feedback received during the public exhibition and how the feedback has been considered is provided in the submissions report.
Over 1,000 copies of the draft master plans were downloaded from the webpage during the exhibition period, resulting in 167 submissions and survey responses. The combined feedback showed there was strong support for the multi-day walk and broad support for the Arc Rainforest Centre concept designs. Respondents were enthusiastic about improved disability access and enhanced Aboriginal cultural experiences.
The main concerns raised in the feedback were about the scale of the new visitor centre and the environmental impacts of the proposals. Beyond the concept designs, some respondents raised concerns about impacts of increasing visitation on local infrastructure and some indicated a preference for funds to be spent on conservation action.
NPWS has 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.
NPWS 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.
Next steps
The next opportunity to provide feedback is the public exhibition of the review of environmental factors – the environmental assessment for activities proposed on land reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. The review aims to determine the overall impact of the project and to ensure that the proposals do not have impacts that will affect the integrity of the parks' conservation objectives.
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
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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