Responsible visitor tips

Tips for being a Sustainable Visitor 

Leave no Trace 

• Plan your trip – consider visiting during quieter times of the year, prepare reusable containers and reduce packaging 

• Use official camp sites and stay on hiking tracks 

• Pack out your waste, including food waste, which is bad for our wildlife, and take your pet's waste. Remember to also go before you go at one of our townships 

• Leave it how you found it – respect Aboriginal sites and other culturally significant or historic areas by observing quietly and stick to paths 

• Help to avoid spreading diseases or invasive species by cleaning your gear before and after use 

• Respect wildlife – feeding or touching native animals can make them sick and impact their natural behaviours 

Protect our Rivers 

• Stick to designated tracks 

• Use parking bays to help prevent erosion 

• Never drive on our riverbanks or sand dunes 

• To reduce chemical residue in our waterways, wear zinc/mineral based sunscreens 

• Pick up after your pets and go before you go 

• Rinse items between swim holes to prevent the spread of viruses to our critically endangered turtles 

Support Local 

You can support our local food producers and a creative community of artists and makers at the Bellingen Growers Market (every Saturday except the 3rd Saturday), Bellingen Farmers and Producers Market (Weds afternoons), Bellingen Community Markets (3rd Saturday of the month), the Made in Dorrigo Markets (three times a year) and the Urunga Riverside Markets (once a month). 

Reduce Energy 

Minimise the use of air-conditioning, turn off lights, unplug your charger, take shorter showers and use a clothesline instead of a dryer. 

Conserve Water 

Take short showers, re-use towels and adhere to guidelines of your accommodation. 

Support our Circular Economy 

• Take your own drink bottle and coffee cup 

• Borrow picnic items through your accommodation provider or Councils Zero Waste Tableware Library 

• Check out our many great op-shops 

• Visit the Bowerhouse Community Reuse Shop 

• Return your containers via Return and Earn located at the entrance to the Bellingen Pool 

• Ask your accommodation provider about using their FOGO bin or onsite compost for food waste 

Carpool and Active Transport 

The Bellingen, Urunga and Dorrigo CBD’s are fairly small and easy to walk around. We strongly recommend car-pooling when driving to our natural icons. 

Volunteer on a Local Project 

Drop in or phone our Visitor Information Centres to find out how you can give back via local community and environmental projects. 

Strive for Sustainability 

Look for businesses that show a commitment to sustainable practices that reflect the Shire’s Eco Certification.

Share What You’ve Learned 

• Share our sustainability messages alongside your photos of the area 

• Avoid specific geotags. Use the general area you’re in and let people explore for themselves 

Camping in National Parks  

Camping is a fun way to discover the beauty of our national parks. National Parks camping and overnight stays are usually restricted to within the boundaries of a campground. You need to book in advance if you plan to stay at a NSW National Parks campground or campsite.