Port to Dorrigo Run
16 September 2015 / Words - Greg Cox; Photos - Keiran Rodgers
It was a perfect Mid North Coast Spring morning as 5 cars assembled at the Port Macquarie Service Centre for our annual weekend run to Dorrigo.
We started our drive west through the old timber town of Wauchope, and then climbed the winding Oxley highway into the mountains, where a recent resurfacing of the road further improved the enjoyment of driving this twisty stretch of bitumen.
Our first stop was at Gingers Creek Roadhouse for morning tea, which for some including Carol, consisted of a moreish Banana Smoothie, while listening to a caged Cocky trying to talk over the roar of superbikes passing in the background.
Feeling refreshed, we then continued north west along the Oxley highway through to Walcha, passing through picturesque merino sheep and cattle properties, to our lunch stop at historic Uralla.
We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the Coachwood Hotel, before heading north on the New England highway passing through Armidale and Guyra on our way to the small village of Ebor, stopping briefly to view the 100 metre water fall in the Guy Fawkes National Park.
A further 40K drive brought us to our destination for the night at the Heritage Hotel in Dorrigo.
Heritage listed, and still owned by the original family that built the property in 1925, it offers comfortable accommodation and great food at a reasonable price.
We were joined here by Nambucca Heads member Mike Walkden-‐ Brown, who was unable to join the run at Port Macquarie.
During dinner that night, it was decided that rather than taking our usual return route home on Sunday, we should drive further North along the “Corkscrew” road to Nymboida, then down the mountain range to Coffs Harbour and South along the coast road home.
Next morning, after a hearty breakfast, and for some a brief visit to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk lookout, our now 6 car contingent drove North along the amazing and twisty “Corkscrew” up to Nymboida, with a brief rest stop enroute.
We then travelled down the mountain range to Coffs Harbour encountering a few of the World Rally Championship cars on their way to compete in the Australian round outside Coffs Harbour.
The freeway drive south was uninspiring but unavoidable as there are no alternatives in this area.
Our next and final stop was at Macksville for lunch at the Star Hotel, before saying our goodbyes and agreeing that this is one of our favourite runs for the year, and all looking forward to next time.
Our thanks to Mike Walkden ‐ Brown for organizing the run, and Peter and Keiran Rogers for leading us on the 750 km round trip.
