Wollomombi Falls

Plunging into a dramatic gorge in the New England region of New South Wales, Wollomombi Falls is one of Australia’s highest waterfalls, cascading more than 200 metres in two tiers. The viewing platforms offer a mesmerising perspective of the falls and the vast, rugged Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. It’s a place where the sheer scale of the escarpment and the roar of water create a truly humbling experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Main Lookout – A short, easy walk from the car park delivers a stunning panorama of the falls and the gorge. Best in the morning for dramatic lighting.
• Chandler River Lookout – A slightly longer walk (about 1 km return) offers a different angle, looking upstream and down the gorge.
• Wollomombi Gorge Walk – For keen walkers, a steep trail descends into the gorge (4 km return, 2–3 hours) with rewarding views and a chance to see the falls from below.
• Picnic Area – Well-maintained facilities with tables and a grassy area, perfect for a lunch stop amid the bush.
• Birdwatching – Keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons soaring along the cliffs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at the falls, which is enough for the lookouts and a picnic. If you plan to do the gorge walk, allow half a day. The site is best visited as a morning or late-afternoon stop, when the light is softer and the colours of the rock and water are most vivid.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park – The falls are within this vast park; explore other lookouts and waterfalls like Dangars Falls and Apsley Falls.
• Armidale – The nearest city (about 30 minutes east), with excellent cafes, the New England Regional Art Museum, and the historic Saumarez Homestead.
• Waterfall Way – A scenic drive connecting several waterfalls, including Ebor Falls and Dorrigo National Park, stretching east to the coast.
• New England National Park – About an hour east, with rainforest walks, the Point Lookout summit (views over the escarpment), and diverse birdlife.

Please check official sources for current details.