Casuarina Falls Track
North Coast NSW
Dorrigo National Park
A pleasant walk along Sassafras Creek to a beautiful waterfall and tranquil natural swimming holes.
This lightly trafficked walk starts from the Never Never Picnic Area, at the end of Dome Road in Dorrigo.
There are three trailheads at the picnic area – two at the rear of the picnic area (right-hand side for the Blackbutt Trail, left-hand side for the Rosewood Creek Circuit) and one on the left-hand side of the road as you enter the picnic area (the end of the Rosewood Creek Circuit).
Start along the Blackbutt Track, following Sassafras Creek (on your right).
There are a few opportunities to hop into the creek and get a closer inspection of the cascades and natural rock pools on the way to the falls.
At the junction about 1.3 kms in, continue straight for a steady descent to Casuarina Falls.
On the way to the falls, the creek moves further from the track, but there are plenty of sneaky views to a number of beautiful waterfalls and rock pools in the gorge below.
Casuarina Falls is massive (approximately 50m tall), however you only get obscured views of the main drop.
That said, just upstream from the top of the falls is a beautiful set of cascades which flow about 20 metres down a series of large rockfaces into a deep natural pool.
The views south from the top of the falls are magnificent, gazing over the valley to the surrounding ranges, including Dorrigo Mountain and McGraths Hump.
From the top of the falls, retrace your steps to the previous junction via a steady ascent up switchbacks. Be careful not to continue along the Blackbutt Track from the top of the falls.
Back at the junction, turn right along the Rosewood Creek Circuit. Soon after, at the next junction, head left back through the rainforest to the picnic area.
For more experienced walkers, or those wanting to see all the Never Never section of Dorrigo National Park has to offer, the combined walks of the Rosewood Creek Circuit, with Casuarina Falls and Red Cedar Falls side-trails, is strongly recommended.
There are toilets, picnic tables and BBQs at the picnic area.
Dorrigo National Park can be visited as part of the 185 km Waterfall Way scenic drive from Coffs Harbour to Armidale.
Track: The track involves a well-maintained graded path, with some rock steps. The track is well-signed and relatively easy to follow.
Difficulty: The track has a relatively gentle elevation profile, with the exception of a steeper section to and from the falls following the junction. It is suitable for most walkers, with sufficient time.
If exploring around the falls, cascades or numerous rock pools more closely, be careful of slippery rocks and sheer edges, especially downstream of Casuarina Falls.
Direction: This is a loop track, with an out-and-back side-track to the falls. While it can be done in either direction, it is recommended to complete the walk in an anti-clockwise direction.
getting there
The trail starts from behind the Never Never Picnic Area, at the end of Dome Road in Dorrigo, approximately 5 hours drive south of Brisbane, 1.5 hours drive east of Armidale, 1 hour drive west of Coffs Harbour or 6 hours drive north of Sydney.
The last 7 kms of road to the picnic area is unsealed, however a regular 2WD vehicle should be fine in good conditions.
Parking is ample for however trafficked the walks are at this location.
best time to go
The walk can be completed year-round.
Like any walk involving waterfalls, it is best done after recent rain. However, if completing after recent rain, be sure to check the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service website for updates regarding flooding and track closures.
Note that there are park fees associated with entering many national parks in New South Wales. Check the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service website for more information.
Remember, whenever venturing into the outdoors, practice the Leave No Trace principles and be considerate of others. This means: dispose of your waste properly, don't remove things or move things from their natural position and respect all wildlife. Also be sure to plan ahead and adequately prepare for any adventure.
I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which all activities listed on this website are found, as well as Elders past, present and emerging. I strive to not promote sites where requests have been made for people not to explore due to the cultural significance of the site to Indigenous peoples, or note how to respectfully visit a site. If I have a promoted a site with cultural significance, please send me a message and let me know.