Rosewood Creek Circuit
North Coast NSW
Dorrigo National Park
An enchanting walk through lush forest past beautiful waterfalls 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.
At the junction about 1.3 kms in, head left to continue on the Rosewood Creek Circuit. Heading right takes you to along the Blackbutt Track to Casuarina Falls.
Soon after at another junction, continue right (following signs to Red Cedar Falls). Heading left takes you back to the picnic area via the return leg of Casuarina Falls Track.
From here, the trail begins to trace the ridgeline of the Dorrigo plateau, through lush rainforest.
At the next junction, continue straight. The sharp right takes you down a steep and challenging trail to Red Cedar Falls.
Continue through beautiful forest, including blackbutt, tallowwood, coachwood, crabapple and sassafras trees, as the famous Dorrigo waratah. Giant stumps are a reminder of the logging history in the area.
On the way back to the picnic area, short side-tracks lead to base of Coachwood Falls, as well as multiple rock pools, most of which are steep and slippery and require care and attention.
Coachwood Falls may be relatively small, but it is beautiful. Watch as Rosewood River cascades through a narrow gap in the rock face, first into a small pool halfway up the falls, and then gently into a bigger, tranquil pool at the base.
The falls can be seen from both the base, as well as from the top, however care is required at the top of the falls on the slippery rocks.
There are tranquil swimming holes at both the base, surrounded by behemoth boulders, as well as upstream of the falls.
On the final leg of the trail, the creek should remain on your right-hand side, with the track finishing at trail head off the road at the entrance 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 and is well-signed and relatively easy to follow.
Difficulty: The track has a relatively gentle elevation profile and is suitable for most walkers.
If exploring around the falls, cascades or numerous rock pools more closely, be careful of slippery rocks and sheer edges, especially at the top of Coachwood Falls.
Direction: This is a loop track. 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.