I am looking at doing Waterfall Way from Urunga to Armidale or visa versa. Have read differing reports about towing a caravan through it. Has anyone here done it and if so how was it for towing a van. Also is it better to go one way or the other.
Thanks
Bicyclecamper said
05:21 PM Jan 3, 2025
It is okay to tow a caravan thru it, just in two locations on the mountain near the waterfalls it narrows to one lane , but you have giveway signs. At one of the locations near the waterfall is a parking area big enough for vans, so you can view the w.fall, and the view out to the coast, one of the most beautiful views you will see.
Are We Lost said
06:53 PM Jan 3, 2025
The road between Dorrigo and Thora has a 10+km stretch that is one of the steepest in NSW.
Coming from the west means a steep descent. Fortunately there are numerous places you can pull over to let your brakes or auto cool down. These also give you an opportunity to pull over and sample the view. Just ensure the rig is well set up, you manage the gears and take care to avoid overheating the brakes. Quite doable with large rigs.
Coming from the east means a steep climb. Virtually all the clearings are on the other side of the road, which may make accessing them difficult. With the coast behind you, you may not be aware of the fantastic views if you do stop. If the day is hot, watch temperatures, including the auto (can you monitor ATF temperature?), and be prepared to cross over into one of those clearings if needed. That does mean crossing to the other side of the road, though.
So, on the basis of a better vista with easier opportunities to stop, I would recommend crossing from west to east. If steep descents trouble you, then go the other way. At Thora, right at the foot of the steep section there is a nice park where can camp overnight for a donation. A small store right there.
Here is a Youtube video of the drive you may find useful (not mine). The steep section begins at about 29:45.
Bow said
07:43 PM Jan 3, 2025
My preference is the Oxley Highway or Thunderbolt way, beware Thunderbolt way has a serious hill north of Gloucester.
I am looking at doing Waterfall Way from Urunga to Armidale or visa versa. Have read differing reports about towing a caravan through it. Has anyone here done it and if so how was it for towing a van. Also is it better to go one way or the other.
Thanks
The road between Dorrigo and Thora has a 10+km stretch that is one of the steepest in NSW.
Coming from the west means a steep descent. Fortunately there are numerous places you can pull over to let your brakes or auto cool down. These also give you an opportunity to pull over and sample the view. Just ensure the rig is well set up, you manage the gears and take care to avoid overheating the brakes. Quite doable with large rigs.
Coming from the east means a steep climb. Virtually all the clearings are on the other side of the road, which may make accessing them difficult. With the coast behind you, you may not be aware of the fantastic views if you do stop. If the day is hot, watch temperatures, including the auto (can you monitor ATF temperature?), and be prepared to cross over into one of those clearings if needed. That does mean crossing to the other side of the road, though.
So, on the basis of a better vista with easier opportunities to stop, I would recommend crossing from west to east. If steep descents trouble you, then go the other way. At Thora, right at the foot of the steep section there is a nice park where can camp overnight for a donation. A small store right there.
Here is a Youtube video of the drive you may find useful (not mine). The steep section begins at about 29:45.
My preference is the Oxley Highway or Thunderbolt way, beware Thunderbolt way has a serious hill north of Gloucester.