Local Attractions

"Crystal clear rivers, rainforests and waterfalls are just some of the many faces of this unique area which enjoys what is arguably the best weather in Australia comprising sub-tropical summers and mild, dry winters."  (Holiday Coast Tourism)

    Monticello Countryhouse is a truly beautiful place - somewhere to relax and regenerate. Located in historic Bellingen, Monticello offers access to many beautiful National Parks, beaches, waterfalls and scenery.

[Surrounds] [Galleries] [Health & Exercise]

SURROUNDS

Drive the Waterfall Way Tourist Route (From Bellingen through to Armidale, approximately 2 hours)
    Aptly named, the Waterfall Way takes you from Bellingen to the Dorrigo Plateau and on to Armidale - passing spectacular waterfalls en route. Call in at Dorrigo National Park, Cathedral Rock National Park or Point Lookout National Park to break your trip.

Sawtell First Avenue Cinema (30 minutes drive from Monticello)
    Treat yourself to a movie in the refurbished Sawtell Cinema. The cinema is a beautifully restored deco-styled building, complete with original seating, organ pit and light fittings. The Sawtell Cinema shows an eclectic mix of the Hollywood first releases and art house cinema. Bellinger Valley Cinema holds monthly movie weekends.

Walk in the National Parks (30 minutes drive from Monticello)
    Take a trip to Dorrigo for an exhilarating introduction to rainforest. Venture out on the 'Skywalk', 'Walk with the Birds' on raised boardwalks or follow the sealed path to Crystal Falls. The boardwalks are suitable for wheelchairs. Picnic with the brush turkeys at the Glade. Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Canopy Cafe are open every day.

Woolpack Rocks

Bellingen Markets
    Bellingen Community Markets draws people all over Australia to its picturesque, tree studded surroundings in Bellingen Park on the 3rd Saturday of each month. The market offers visitors and locals alike a diverse cultural and retail experience.

GALLERIES & RETAIL OUTLETS

The Dervish Gallery
   Recently established on the top floor of the historic Hammond and Wheatley building, The Dervish Gallery sells beautiful contemporary jewellery. Mostly manufactured locally, but with some pieces imported from Isreal, The Dervish Gallery offers an unique and original product.

The Yellow Shed
   The long-established Yellow Shed retails local crafts and pots and plants, and is an excellent location for gift buying. A large yellow sign announces the Yellow Shed on the eastern entrance of Bellingen.

The Old Church
    Located on Church Street, The Old Church now serves as a homewares store and nursery showcasing an eclectic mix of artifacts from Asia and the near east.

Hammond & Wheatley Homewares
    Not your average homewares store featuring an exclusive range of soft furnishings and giftware with innovation and fine design.  An interior design service is also offered.

Kakadu Clothing & Emporium Bellingen
    Sharing the ground floor of the Hammond and Wheatley Emporium, you will find a select and casual range of men's and women's clothing, shoes and accessories.  

St Moritz Antiques
    Found in the Butter Factory Complex, St Moritz Antiques has a range of late 19th Century and early 20th Century furniture, china and other collectables.   There is also a large selection of estate jewellery.

Bellinger Book Nook & Hillcrest Gifts and Secondhand Books
    If you like to fossick for out-of-print books or just get a bargain for that holiday read, while away some time in these two treasure troves of the printed word.  Both are found in the main street of Bellingen.

The Old Butter Factory
   This arts and craft collective housed in an old dairy factory complex, offers a pleasant location for browsing local art and crafts products. The Old Butter factory is noted for it's leather work, ceramics, woodwork, antiques and country crafts.

HEALTH & EXERCISE

Massage
    Bellingen has many masseurs. You can choose between, Swedish, Reiki or Remedial massage and Maryanne will make a booking for you. Prices range from $40 to $50.

Yoga
    Classes are held on Tuesday between 6:15pm - 7:15pm, and on Saturday mornings between 9:30am - 11:30am at Dawn Song, North Bellingen. A casual visitor pays $10 for an hour and a half relaxed exercise.

Gym
   Bellingen is also home to The Bellingen Health and Fitness Centre - a fully equipped gymnasium. Run by pleasant, helpful staff the gym offers a relaxed area for aerobic and weights training. The gym also features a steam room. A casual visit to the gym costs $6.

Golf Course
   Located a stone's throw from Bellingen's Post Office, the RSL and Country Club offers a well-maintained, pleasant 9 hole golf course to members and visitors alike. Play 9 holes for $10 or 18 holes for $14.

Horse Riding & Canoeing
    There are two excellent outfits close by either for short horserides through beautiful country or overnight trips.

    In the warmer months you may wish to take canoe on the Bellinger River. There are half day or day tours taking you through pristine waterways. Not to be missed if you feel so inclined.