This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Bellingen.
Bellingen is set just a short distance inland from the coast, on what was the highest navigable point of the Bellinger River on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Founded around the logging of red cedar timber, this old historic town has retained many of its old buildings and with the influx of alternative lifestylers, continues to have great character.
Like most Australian country towns, it is not very large and so your options for Bellingen hostels are extremely limited, though there is a range of other accommodation mostly in the guesthouse and bed-and-breakfast styles (few, if any, are in the budget category of a hostel, so ensure you book a hostel if budget is what you need). There are sufficient shops and small eateries, so you needn't take provisions with you, and a couple of pubs and clubs where you can get a cold beer and a meal.
For most people, Bellingen will warrant just a single day's visit, but if you're interested in chilling out; doing some photography hill walking, canoeing (ask at your Bellingen hostel), fishing (don't forget to get a license,) or picnicking on the grassy banks of the river; eating at a local specialty restaurant/bistro; or visiting local crafts shops, it's just the place. You might also check out local history at the library.
Public transport is not great but you can get buses from various coastal towns -- don't forget to check if the buses run on weekends, if that's when you will be there!
Written by local enthusiast for Bellingen hostels
OldNomad