Welcome to your new
Eastern Dorrigo home!
Whether you're visiting, renting or have made the exiting decision to purchase property on The Eastern Dorrigo Plateau, we hope you're starting to feel at home. Our community is built on connection, support and shared experiences - and now you're part of it.
If this is your first time living rural, you may have already noticed that things work a bit differently up here. To help you settle in, we've put together some practical information to help you find your feet.
Take a look around the website - it's been created by locals to share helpful tips, resources and the local knowledge that makes life on the plateau a little easier.
Driving on Rural Roads
Part of the magic of living on the plateau is the scenic drive, but our rural roads definitely come with their own unique conditions. To keep things safe and stress-free for everyone, we find a little extra care goes a long way.
Our roads can be narrow, winding, or unsealed, with limited visibility around corners, so it’s best to drive at a speed that feels right for you and the conditions. You never know what’s around the next bend—maybe a patch of gravel, a fallen branch, or a local wallaby!
You’ll also be sharing the way with farmers, cyclists, and the occasional wandering cow. A friendly wave is the local way to say hello, and slowing down as you pass others is always a lovely gesture.
If you notice a few vehicles gathering behind you, don't feel rushed—just pull over safely when you can to let them pass. It keeps the traffic flowing nicely and lets you enjoy the drive without any pressure.
A couple of local tips:
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At Night: Our wildlife is very active! High beams are a huge help for spotting animals early (just remember to dip them for neighbors heading the other way).
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After Rain: Roads can get a bit muddy and slippery, bridges can flood and conditions can change quickly, so it’s worth allowing extra time for your trip.
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Alternate Routes: There are several alternate routes off the mountain and we encourage you to take the time to explore them so you’re familiar with your options if needed in an emergency. These include Pine Road down to Dairyville, the 1260 Forest Road through to Glenreagh, Eastern Dorrigo Way via Brooklana to Dorrigo, and Lower Bobo Road through Cascade to Dorrigo.
Ultimately, looking out for one another is what makes our community so special. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and arrive safely!
Waste Disposal
If you live in Lowanna or Ulong village, kerbside bins are collected early Friday mornings, so it’s best to put yours out on Thursday evening. Red and yellow bins are collected on alternate weeks—if you aren’t sure which one it is, a quick look at your neighbour’s bins usually does the trick.
For those living outside the villages, you’ll need to manage your own waste. The Lowanna Transfer Station on Lowanna Road is open Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 4pm. While there is a fee for general waste, recycling—including metal, glass, paper, and cardboard—is free.
For larger loads or specialised recycling, the England’s Road facility in Coffs Harbour is the main site. If you're ever stuck on how to get rid of something specific, the City of Coffs Harbour council can provide guidance.
We all value the plateau's natural environment, so please note that illegal dumping isn't tolerated and should be reported to the council. Also, keep in mind that backyard burning of household waste is prohibited and can lead to fines from the Council or Fire & Rescue NSW.
Postal & Courier Services
Australia Post
Mail might take an extra day or two to reach us up here, but Australia Post delivers to the plateau every weekday.
Collecting your mail: If you live in Ulong or Lowanna, there is no home delivery within the village limits. Instead, mail is collected from the local stores:
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Ulong: Local Post Office (inside the Ulong General Store).
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Lowanna: Community Postal Agency (inside the Lowanna General Store).
If you’re on a property outside the villages, you may have delivery to a mailbox at your front gate. If you aren't sure how it works for your specific spot, just drop into one of the stores for a chat—the staff are local and can point you in the right direction.
Sending mail:
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Post Boxes: You can find red post boxes outside both General Stores if you already have your stamps sorted.
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Full Services: If you need to buy stamps, satchels, or access full Australia Post services, the Ulong Local Post Office is the place to go.
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PO Boxes: These are available for rent at both locations if you prefer a private box.
Couriers & Large Deliveries
While major couriers service the plateau from their Coffs Harbour depots, deliveries often run on a local schedule, rather than daily, or utilise local drop-off points.
For very bulky items, some residents find it easiest to arrange a "depot pick-up" in Coffs Harbour. When ordering online, adding a brief description of your gate or a nearby landmark in the delivery notes can go a long way in helping drivers find you on our winding roads.
Emergencies - CALL 000
Fire
The Lowanna and Ulong Rural Fire Brigades are run entirely by dedicated local volunteers. They handle everything from bushfires and grass fires to house fires and traffic incidents. They’re always looking for new members and provide all the training you need—it’s a great way to meet people and help keep the mountain safe.
Neighbourhood Safer Places
In the event of a bushfire, leaving early is always the safest option. However, it’s important to know your places of last resort if your primary plan is no longer possible.
On the plateau, our identified NSPs are:
• Ulong Community Hall
• Lowanna Community Hall
Note: These spots are for heat protection in an emergency; they are not evacuation centres with food or beds. We encourage everyone to visit the RFS website to create a Bushfire Survival Plan specific to your property.
Medical
Since the nearest ambulance stations in Coffs Harbour and Dorrigo are almost an hour away, we have a dedicated team of Community First Responders (CFRs) living right here on the plateau.
• How it works: When you call 000, these local volunteers are automatically dispatched to provide advanced first aid until the paramedics arrive. (The CFR team is always looking for new volunteers to help ensure fast support for our neighbours. Anyone can join, all training is provided)
• Community Defibrillators (AEDs): There are nine accessible AEDs across our region. These units provide clear voice prompts and can be used by anyone—no training required. Familiarise yourself with the one closest to you on the map below. Read more about our AED project here.
Non-Urgent health care:
We are fortunate to have a visiting GP from Coffs Harbour who runs a monthly clinic at the Mountain Health Hub. This is a popular service; check the directory for booking details and dates.
Police
Officers are dispatched from Coffs Harbour or Dorrigo when needed. Keeping the community safe is a group effort—if you see anything suspicious or anti-social, reporting it helps keep our plateau peaceful for everyone.
Non-Urgent:
Police Assistance Line (131 444) or Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000)
Community Defibrilator Locations:
