Autumn Alternative Chill-Out
Feeling beached out and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the east coast backpacker track? Then beautiful Bellingen is the place for you. Situated halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and just 12km from the Pacific Highway, beautiful Bellingen on the river is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and forests.
Chill-out options? Sipping smoothies in the town’s cafes, swinging in a hammock at the hostel with a good book, feeding the kookaburras or strolling through lush subtropical rainforest in the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park.
Canoeing is a great way to meet the river’s resident platypus, or take a refreshing wallow yourself in the crystal-clear swimming holes of Never Never Creek.
Action seekers can raft one of Australia’s most scenic grade 4 rivers, horseride through the forest, learn Aboriginal dancing and spear throwing or go mountain-bike-riding to the Promised Land.
Bellingen YHA Backpackers is a perfect place to catch your breath. The huge balcony overlooks a rainforest island of jacaranda trees that come alive at dusk with the stirrings of flying foxes. For info and bookings call (02) 6655 1116.
