The Location
Bellingen is a small town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, approximately halfway between Sydney and Brisbane.
The lush Bellinger Valley provides a stunning backdrop to our springtime Carnival. The clear waters of the Bellingen River run through the town and past the Carnival site, providing the perfect place to cool off for a mid-Carnival swim.
Bellingen town is known for its picturesque main street, rich with architectural heritage, and thriving cosmopolitan culture. Beautifully restored heritage buildings line the streets, providing great ambient spaces for the eclectic range of shops.
For more information on Bellingen, visit Tourism Bellingen
Travelling to Bellingen
Fly
Coffs Harbour (30mins drive from Bellingen) has the largest regional airport in NSW.
Qantas, Brindabella and Virgin Blue operate regular flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
There are also convenient connections to all capital cities.
To get to Bellingen from the Airport you will need to either catch a bus, hire a car or catch a taxi (not a cheap option).
Shuttle Bus
We also now have a partnership with Xcede Airport Transfer – they are offering 30% off shuttle prices from Coffs Harbour to the Carnival and vice versa.
Please phone 02 6654 4476 between 7am & 7pm, to book your seat, for each days travel. It is $40 return each day.
The Shuttle will be departing at 11am on Friday/Saturday/Sunday from the Coach Terminal next to Coffs Harbour Visitor Information Centre to Bellingen Showground.
The shuttle will depart from Bellingen Showground at 12 midnight & return to Coffs Harbour Coach Terminal. Taxis can be arranged to meet Shuttle upon arrival back in Coffs.
Drive
Sydney to Coffs Harbour is approximately a 6.5hr drive or 516kms. Brisbane to Coffs Harbour is approximately a 5.5hr drive or 431kms.
Coming from the west? Travel via New England along the scenic Waterfall Way.
On the Pacific Highway watch for Urunga, 20km south of Coffs Harbour. The Waterfall Way State Highway (just north of Urunga) takes you to Bellingen in 10 minutes. From the New England Highway, turn east onto the Waterfall Way at Armidale and follow signs to Dorrigo/Coffs Harbour.
Want to Car Pool?
If you need to a lift to or from the Carnival or can offer someone a lift, go to our Facebook page and post on our Car Pooling Discussion the location you are coming from or going to, how many spaces are needed or available and your contact details.
Rail
Countrylink runs multiple rail services daily from Sydney and Brisbane to Urunga (15 min drive from Bellingen).
To get to Bellingen from the Urunga Train Station you will need to either catch a bus, hire a car or catch a taxi.
Coach
Greyhound Pioneer and Premier both run services daily from Sydney and Brisbane to Urunga (15 min drive from Bellingen).
To get to Bellingen from the Urunga Coach Stop you will need to either catch a bus, hire a car or catch a taxi.
Buses
Local bus operators Busways run regular daily services throughout the region. Timetables are available online.
Busways runs Route 359 to Bellingen from Nambucca Heads (south) five times a day Monday to Friday and twice on a Saturday, but there is no service on a Sunday.
From the north you can catch Route 361 from Coffs Harbour to Bellingen. The 361 departs three times a day Monday to Friday but has no weekend services.
Busways Urunga to Bellingen
Urunga Town (five min walk from the train station)
- Friday: 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:35 pm, 2:40 pm, 3:40 pm, 4:40 pm,
- Saturday: 8:55 am, 10:35 am, 1:55 pm, 3.35 pm
Urunga Information Centre (Greyhound and Premier buses stop here or on other side of highway)
- Friday: 8:33 am, 10:03 am, 12:03 pm, 1:38 pm, 2:43 pm, 3:43 pm, 4:43 pm
- Saturday: 8:58 am, 10:38 am, 1:58 pm, 3.38 pm
Bellingen Backpackers Shuttle Bus
Bellingen Backpackers have very kindly offered the use of their shuttle bus from the coach stop and train station @ Urunga.
Call them to book – the cost is $5 if they are picking up guests anyway, and $10 if they are not (and there is more than one person and their bus is available).
You can call them on 6655 1116
What fab local support!
Taxis
- Coffs Harbour 13 10 08 or 02 6658 9999
- Nambucca Heads 02 6568 6855
- Bellingen Taxis 02 6658 8881
- Urunga Radio Cabs 02 6655 6206
Car Hire
Local car rental companies include:
