Crystal Shower Falls and the Wonga Walk in Dorrigo National Park

Last updated: April 9, 2022

Crystal Shower Falls is a scenic rainforest waterfall, located in Dorrigo National Park, an hour away from Coffs Harbour and 580 kilometres north of Sydney.

The fun and exciting Wonga Walk, starting from the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, passes this very pretty waterfall.

If you complete the Wonga Walk as a circuit walking track, you will also get to see Tristania Falls, another pretty waterfall in the Dorrigo area.

Crystal Shower Falls

Dorrigo National Park is famous for its World Heritage listed rainforests, exciting walking tracks and beautiful waterfalls.

Crystal Shower Falls is one of these waterfalls.

Crystal Shower Falls in Dorrigo National Park
Crystal Shower Falls

It is one of the many pretty sights along the Waterfall Way, a 185 km scenic drive between Coffs harbour and Armidale, passing through New England and Dorrigo national parks.

There are two ways to get to Crystal Shower falls; an easy way, and a slightly more challenging way:

1. Wonga Walk

The challenging way is via the 6 km Wonga Walk which starts and ends at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. The first section of the track is called the Lyrebird Link which flows into the Wonga Walk. The Dorrigo Rainforest Centre has a large parking area where you can park your car, even on busy days.

See this map for the exact location of the starting point of the Wonga Walk.

2. Satinbird Stroll

The easier way is via the Glade Picnic Area, located about 1 km south of the Rainforest Centre. A short hiking trail named the Satinbird Stroll starts at this picnic area and joins the Wonga Walk. From there it’s only a short walk to the Crystal Shower Falls.

See this map for the exact location of the Glade Picnic Area.

Wonga Walk

The Wonga Walk is a paved 6 km rainforest loop trail that starts and ends at the Rainforest Centre in Dorrigo.

Wonga Walk in Dorrigo
Wonga Walk

It’s a moderately challenging bush walk on a well maintained walking path. If you do decide to do the full loop, make sure to bring a bottle of water and a pair of good hiking shoes.

The below map shows the route of this walk with the two waterfalls and the two parking areas marked (at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and at the Glade Picnic Area):

  1. Crystal Shower Falls
  2. Tristania Falls

Map of the Wonga Walk

Crystal Shower Falls is located just before the halfway mark of the circuit walk.

A suspension bridge brings you very close to the top of the waterfall, while a short side track takes you down to the base where you can stand right behind the water.

Standing behind the waterfall is actually a really cool experience, but be prepared to get a little bit wet!

Behind Crystal Shower Falls
Behind Crystal Shower Falls

From Crystal Shower Falls, you can choose to return to the Rainforest Centre via the same way or you can continue on the circuit walking trail.

If you do decide to continue the Wonga Walk as a circuit walking track, you will get to see Tristania Falls, a very pretty waterfall that is very much worth the extra effort.

Wonga Circuit Walk
Distance: 6 km (circuit)
Time: 2 hours (depending on stops)
Grade: Moderate

Tristania Falls

Continuing the Wonga circuit walk will take you to the even more impressive Tristania Falls, a cascade waterfall that all too often gets overlooked by visitors to Dorrigo.

If you have enough time and energy to do the whole loop, it’s definitely worth doing this, as the second part of the Wonga loop is actually a bit more enjoyable than the first section.

Tristania Falls in Dorrigo National Park
Tristania Falls

The return trip via Tristania Falls feels more like a true bushwalk, whereas the first part to Crystal Shower Falls is a more family-friendly affair, with boardwalks and paved sections.

As mentioned above though, the full Wonga circuit walk is a bit challenging. It’s quite a long track with some steep sections which for young children may be a bit too much, especially when you still have a long day ahead of you.

If you enjoyed Crystal Shower Falls and Tristania Falls, be sure to also visit nearby Dangar Falls on the Bielsdown River, a stunning waterfall that is one of the absolute highlights along the Waterfall Way.
 

Crystal Shower Falls in Dorrigo National Park

 
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