'''Bellingen''' [http://www.bellingermagic.com/] is a pretty town in a green valley on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales.
Understand
Bellingen is slightly alternative lifestyle, with more than its share of arts, crafts and markets. It caters well for travellers. Although typically mild climate, it can really rain when it chooses to, and the low level bridge across the Bellinger river in central Bellingen is subject to flooding.
Get in
By car
Bellingen is located on '''Waterfall Way''', which links the Pacific Highway with the New England Highway at Armidale in the New England region.
Get around
See
Historic buildings
Do
Swim in '''Bellinger River'''
Tours to '''Dorrigo National Park'''. The tours can be arranged in the Bellingen YHA, but only on 3 days a week (Mondays, Wednesday and Friday). Cost: AUD$35 per person.
Buy
The Old Butter Factory. Doepel Street. ttp://www.bellingen.com/butterfactory/. Arrays of arts, crafts and lifestyle gift ware, with much of the work produced on site.
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The Yellow Shed. Hyde Street. 02) 6655 1189 . ttp://www.coffsharbour.com.au/theyellowshed/. Displays of crafts, artworks, jewellery, perfume, gifts for all ages and over 3,000 selected book titles.
Eat
Federal Hotel. 7 Hyde Street. aterfall Way. 2 6655 1003. ttp://www.federalhotel.com.au/. AHA award winner: Best Bistro Brasserie in Australia, 2007.
Drink
Federal Hotel. 7 Hyde Street. aterfall Way. 2 6655 1003. ttp://www.federalhotel.com.au/. This hotel has a great range of draught beers on tap, a good wine list and bottled beers from around the world.
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Sleep
Bellingen YHA Hostel . Short Street, . ellingen. 61-2-6655-1116. ttp://www.bellingenyha.com.au/. Fax: +61-2-6655-1358, email: backpack@bellingenyha.com.au
Bellinger Valley Motor Inn. 381 Waterfall Way. 02) 6655 1599. ttp://www.bellingen.com/motorinn/. The Bellinger Valley Motor Inn offers 27 large, comfortable rooms. All rooms have air-conditioning and are at ground level. Outdoor facilities include a pool, recliners, BBQ area and heated spa.
Get out
Take a drive or ride along '''Waterfall Way''' to visit the World Heritage listed Dorrigo National Park and '''Oxley Wild Rivers National Park'''.
The coastal centre of Coffs Harbour is an hour's drive to the east.