Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is a rugged wilderness of deep gorges, cascading waterfalls and ancient forests in the New England region of New South Wales. This World Heritage-listed park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and offers spectacular escarpment views, challenging hikes and cool swimming holes. It's a paradise for nature lovers and adventurous travellers seeking solitude and raw beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Apsley Falls – One of Australia's most dramatic waterfalls, plunging 65 metres into a sheer gorge. The lookout offers a breathtaking perspective of the chasm and the falls, especially after rain.
• Wollomombi Falls – At 220 metres, it's one of the highest waterfalls in Australia. The lookout provides sweeping views of the gorge and the surrounding wilderness.
• Gorges and Lookouts – The park is defined by the Macleay, Apsley and Chandler River gorges. Key lookouts include Bakers Lookout, Gara Gorge and Riamukka Lookout.
• Bushwalking Trails – From short walks to multi-day treks, the park has options for all abilities. The Oxley Wild Rivers Walk is a challenging 5-day hike along the escarpment, while the Falls Trail is a shorter loop.
• Wildlife and Birdwatching – Spot eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and over 150 bird species, including peregrine falcons and glossy black-cockatoos.
• Swimming and Picnicking – Cool off in the clear pools at Gara Gorge or Wollomombi Picnic Area. Always check conditions before swimming.

Suggested Time to Spend

To fully experience the park's highlights, plan for at least two days. Spend the first day exploring Apsley Falls and the northern lookouts, and the second day tackling the Wollomombi area and a longer hike. If you're short on time, a full day allows you to see the main falls and take a short walk. For serious hikers, three to five days opens up the remote gorges and overnight treks. The park is most pleasant in spring and autumn when temperatures are mild.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Armidale – The nearest city, with a vibrant café scene, galleries and the New England Regional Art Museum. It's an ideal base for supplies and accommodation.
• Dorrigo National Park – Another Gondwana rainforest park with spectacular waterfalls, walking trails and the Skywalk lookout.
• New England National Park – Offers high-altitude forests, panoramic views from Point Lookout and excellent birdwatching.
• Waterfall Way – A scenic drive connecting several national parks and waterfalls, including Ebor Falls and Dangar Falls.
• Guy Fawkes River National Park – A remote wilderness area with deep gorges, wild horses and challenging bushwalking.

Please check official sources for current details.