Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, a World Heritage-listed wilderness on the NSW mid-north coast, is a dramatic landscape of deep gorges, thundering waterfalls, and ancient rainforest. This rugged park offers some of the most spectacular canyon scenery in Australia, with the Macleay River carving through the tablelands to create a series of breathtaking lookouts and swimming holes. It's a paradise for hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a genuine off-the-beaten-track adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Wollomombi Falls – one of Australia's highest waterfalls, plunging 220 metres into the gorge; the lookout offers a heart-stopping view.
• Gara Gorge – a peaceful spot for a swim in crystal-clear pools, with picnic facilities and short walks along the river.
• Riverside Walking Track – a moderate 8 km return walk through dry eucalypt forest to the Macleay River, with opportunities to spot platypus.
• Budds Mare Campground – a remote bush campsite near the edge of the escarpment, ideal for stargazing and waking to birdsong.
• Kunderang Brook Walking Track – a challenging 6 km hike through rainforest and past cascades, leading to a historic homestead site.
• Oxley Wild Rivers Lookout – a short walk from the car park to a panoramic view over the rugged wilderness of the park.

Suggested Time to Spend

To fully appreciate Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, plan for at least a full day. This allows time to visit the main lookouts, tackle one of the short walks, and enjoy a picnic by the river. For keen hikers, an overnight camping trip is recommended to explore the deeper gorges and experience the park's solitude. If you're short on time, a half-day stop at Wollomombi Falls and Gara Gorge still delivers the park's essence.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kosciuszko National Park – Australia's highest peak, with alpine walks and ski fields, a few hours' drive south-west.
• Dorrigo National Park – a World Heritage rainforest with the famous Skywalk and stunning waterfalls, about an hour's drive north.
• New England National Park – dramatic escarpment views and ancient Antarctic beech forests, less than two hours away.
• Armidale – a charming university town with heritage architecture, museums, and excellent cafés, a great base for exploring the parks.
• Waterfall Way – a scenic drive linking several national parks and waterfalls, perfect for a multi-day road trip.

Please check official sources for current details.