Dorrigo
NSW 2453 • Rest of NSW
About Dorrigo
Dorrigo is a picturesque rural town situated on the Dorrigo Plateau in the New South Wales Mid North Coast hinterland, approximately 560 kilometres north of Sydney. With a population of around 1,200, it sits at an elevation of roughly 750 metres above sea level within the Bellingen Shire. The town is known for its cool mountain climate, heritage streetscape, and proximity to Dorrigo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest.
The town centre features a charming collection of cafés, galleries, and local shops along Hickory Street, making it a popular stop for tourists exploring the Waterfall Way. Dorrigo attracts retirees, tree-changers, and creative types drawn to the peaceful lifestyle and stunning natural surroundings. The weekly Dorrigo Farmers Market and the nearby Dangar Falls are local highlights, and the area is well-regarded for its beef cattle farming and agriculture.
Dorrigo falls under postcode 2453 and is governed by Bellingen Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Oxley electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- 363 — Dorrigo to Coffs Harbour via Bellingen 75 min
Commute to Coffs Harbour
🛣️ No rail service; bus or car via Waterfall Way to Bellingen then Pacific Highway
The compact town centre is walkable, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs and travel to larger centres.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Dorrigo High School ICSEA 951Waterfall Way
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Dorrigo Public School ICSEA 9486657 2097 Hickory St
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Hernani Public School ICSEA 10496657 6155 Armidale-Grafton Rd
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Karabin Street
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Dundurrabin Public School ICSEA 8796657 8133 70 Mount St
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Ebor Public School ICSEA 8266775 9136 Waterfall Way
Heritage-Listed Places
There are 2 heritage-listed places in or near Dorrigo, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Crime Statistics
NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Dorrigo by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Dorrigo Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Dorrigo" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
9 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 57
- 2. New Zealand 16
- 3. Germany 14
- 4. South Africa 8
- 5. Wales 8
- 6. Malaysia 6
- 7. Philippines 6
- 8. United States 6
- 9. Ireland 5
- 10. China 4
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)