Dorrigo National Park’s Skywalk offers a scenic hike that balances immersive forest exploration with panoramic views over Coffs Harbour’s lush backdrop. The main trail to the Skywalk is a manageable 1.2 kilometers return, with a gentle elevation gain of around 50 meters. The path winds through rainforest floor dappled with sunlight, where ferns and towering eucalyptus trees engage you in quiet conversation.

Launching onto the Skywalk itself—a cantilevered boardwalk suspended high above the treetops—the forest breathes beneath your feet. This platform extends 60 meters over the gorge’s edge, inviting you to scan the horizon where rolling hills dare you to explore further. The breeze pushes softly, urging you to pause and take in a 360-degree view that includes waterfalls, valleys, and the distant Pacific Ocean.

The terrain is well-maintained but uneven in patches, with moist soil that may feel soft underfoot, especially after rain. Good, sturdy hiking shoes are recommended, and walking poles can help steady your stride on inclines.

Timing your visit matters: arriving early to mid-morning lets you avoid afternoon crowds and experience the forest at its freshest, as birds and insects hum their morning chorus. Bring enough water to stay hydrated, particularly in warmer months, and pack a light rain jacket—Dorrigo’s climate is known to shift swiftly.

Safety is straightforward but never to be taken for granted. Stick to marked trails, respect wildlife, and understand that while the Skywalk’s guardrails are secure, the height commands respect and steady footing.

By choosing this hike, you take on an active conversation with the forest—a force that resists confinement, yet offers sanctuary and spectacle when approached with awareness. The Skywalk does not just show you the forest; it positions you within it, at an altitude and intimacy few other settings deliver. This blend of adventure, accessibility, and clear logistical ease makes it ideal for groups ranging from families seeking nature’s embrace to solo hikers aiming to recharge.

Whether you linger on the platform savoring the vastness or move steadily through the canopy and back, the hike through Dorrigo National Park’s Skywalk leaves you with more than views—it extends an invitation to engage with the land’s fierce, fragile breath.