Dangar Falls with Kids
Visiting Dangar Falls with Kids
A stunning waterfall right next to a carpark yet completely hidden in nature? The incredible Dangar Falls just barely outside of Dorrigo (not to be confused with Dangars Falls near Armidale) is almost too good to be true for families with kids. Honestly, I can’t believe more people haven’t been raving about this place. Here’s why.
It took less than ten minutes and an easy walk to get from the carpark to the bottom of the waterfall. I know it seems impossible from the top, but it’s really true. You would be completely missing out if you didn’t go down for a look.
There are shallow creeks with rocks. What kid wouldn’t be entertained?
You can swim in the deep swimming hole at the bottom of the waterfall, and even go underneath and behind the waterfall. Obviously, this is only when the water isn’t too strong – don’t go after rain. (We waited to watch a few other people do it safely first, just to be sure!)
There’s a barbeque and picnic area at the top, near the carpark, as well as a nice little playground.
There is also a lovely labyrinth path for the kids to check out along the path to the waterfall.
A few things to be aware of when visiting dangar falls with kids:
The waterhole has very slippery rocks. We made our kids wear rock shoes (the type you can wear in water when exploring rockpools). It’s difficult for younger kids to navigate without a sturdier hand to hold onto.
There are stairs, so don’t take a pram. It’s not that easy.
The water is seriously cold. Even in summer. At least we all thought so, and I wished I’d packed the kids’ wetsuits.
The ground is super muddy where it gets wet, so pack a change of clothes for the kids and leave it at the top in the dry car for when you get back! I am glad I took a few extra towels so I could sit on something.
It gets very deep, and the waterfall creates a current, so I wouldn’t take kids out past where they can walk unless they are very strong swimmers.
If your one incentive to get your kids to hike Dorrigo Rainforest is to see the waterfalls, do not do this waterfall first. It is so good, the Dorrigo ones would be a massive disappointment! Not that they aren’t beautiful too, but this has all the wow factors without any of the work. Dangar Falls is an eight minute drive from Dorrigo Rainforest Centre (yes, you read that correctly, it’s that close), so do it afterwards, once everyone has earned a decent rest and swim after a big walk!
If you and the kids have ever wanted to see a waterfall, and swim near one, I honestly can’t imagine it could get any easier than this.
Related Articles
Visiting Dorrigo Rainforest with your Family
Best Family Activities in Coffs Harbour