The Creative Edge of Bellingen

The people of the Bellinger live in one of the most picturesque valleys in Australia and the inspiration is apparent in the creativity of the locals. Over the years, a horde of artists and alternative lifestylers have left the cities for Bellingen & Dorrigo, bringing an element of bohemian character to everyday life.

Every week you can catch great live entertainment and a vibrant festival program ensures highlights in all seasons. Take a stroll around Bellingen or Dorrigo to unearth gifted artists in one of the great range of galleries, emporiums and craft shops.

Holiday Entertainment

Bellingen has developed a reputation as the biggest little festival town in NSW. From the highly-acclaimed world music of Global Carnival in spring, to the swinging highlights of August's Bellingen Jazz & Blues Festival, the town swells as thousands flock to revel in the atmosphere. These events are complemented by  Camp Creative' s week of workshops in January, Bellingen Art Prize & the bi-annual, mid-winter colour in motion at Flamenco Festival. In October, the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival gets the plateau jumping, while Urunga turns it on for the Urunga Food & Wine Festival every Father's Day.

You might think this festival program would keep the locals busy but they still find time to organise regular sessions showing off the talents of the many jazz, blues, folk & rock musicians from around the area.  Click here to search the monthly events calendar...

Markets are a great place to measure the community spirit and you need go no further than Bellingen Community Markets, on the 3rd Saturday of every month to see the life of this thriving region. On the first and fourth Saturday, you can taste organic and regional produce at the Bellingen Produce Markets.

Bellingen, Dorrigo, Urunga - Annual Festivals

Global Carnival	Bellingen Jazz & Blues Festival	Bellingen Community Markets
Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival	Camp Creative	Bellingen Art Prize

 Shops & Galleries

 If you're keen on a bit of holiday retail therapy, you won't be disappointed in the Bellinger. With everything from stylish clothes to homegrown arts and craft - the artists may be reclusive but they're certainly busy. The Old Butter Factory craft complex houses a range of shops and galleries including the local community arts co-op, leather workers, and an opal cutting artist. In Bellingen, take a long walk to explore an amazing range of eclectic shops with a few good eco-friendly options. Dorrigo has a crafty feel and along with the galleries and craft shops hosts regularly hosts workshops on everything from quilting to woodworking.

 

Shops & Galleries

Nexus Community Gallery	Awl Leather
Gecoz	Misty Threads
The Old Church	Hungry Head Pottery & Retreat
Butter Factory Woodcraft Gallery	Bellingen Emporium

Artists

If you find yourself in Bellingen in the October school holidays, be sure to take a peek at the Bellingen Art Prize. What you find will undoubtedly be the highest tally of artworks per capita in any Australian country town. Memorial Hall fills to the rafters with testaments to the creativity of local population.

Any day you can see the stunning mosiacs of Guy Crosley bringing walls to life at Mylestom, Thora or Dorrigo. Visit artists in their studios at Hungry Head Pottery or at Celtic Harps on Waterfall Way.

Bellingen has attracted the likes of pianist David Helfgott, writers Peter Carey & Colin Thompson and other celebrities including George Negus & Kirsty Cockburn. Take a bit of time to explore the fruits of the Bellinger and you might feel like calling this home as well!