Photo: Brian W. Schaller / FAL
Plunging into a vast, ancient gorge within the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Wollomombi Falls is one of Australia's tallest waterfalls and a breathtaking sight after rain. The escarpment views stretch for miles over the rugged wilderness, and the sound of water echoing off the cliffs is pure magic.
Highlights & What to See
- Wollomombi Falls Lookout – An easy, wheelchair-accessible walk leads to a platform with panoramic views of the 220-metre drop and the gorge below. It's a stunning photo spot, especially in late afternoon light.
- Wollomombi Gorge Walk – For the more adventurous, a steep 4 km return trail descends into the gorge, offering close-up views of the waterfall and the chance to spot platypus in the pools at the base.
- Oxley Wild Rivers National Park – The park is a World Heritage-listed wilderness of deep gorges, eucalypt forests, and diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for wallabies, lyrebirds, and wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead.
- Camping at Wollomombi Falls Campground – Pitch a tent at the basic campground near the lookout, with picnic tables and fire pits. Waking up to the sound of the falls is an unforgettable experience.
- Stargazing – Away from city lights, the night sky here is spectacular. The campground and lookout area are perfect for spotting the Milky Way on a clear night.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at the main lookout and short walks. If you're keen on the gorge descent or camping, allocate a full day or an overnight stay. The walk down and back up takes about 2–3 hours, so start early to avoid the midday heat. For a relaxed visit, combine the falls with a picnic and a short exploration of the national park.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Armidale – A charming university town 30 minutes east, with excellent cafes, the New England Regional Art Museum, and the historic Saumarez Homestead.
- Dangars Gorge & Falls – Just 20 minutes south, this sister gorge offers equally dramatic views and a shorter walk to a waterfall plunge pool.
- Waterfall Way – The scenic drive from Armidale to Coffs Harbour passes numerous waterfalls, rainforests, and national parks – perfect for a multi-day road trip.
- New England National Park – About an hour east, this park features ancient Antarctic beech forests, walking trails, and the dramatic Point Lookout with 360-degree views.
- Ebor Falls – On the Waterfall Way, these tiered falls drop into a deep gorge and have a well-maintained lookout and picnic area.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Armidale — Terry Cooke / CC BY 2.0
- Dangars Gorge — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Oxley Wild Rivers National Park — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Waterfall Way — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Ebor Falls — Amos T Fairchild / CC BY-SA 3.0
- New England National Park — Shiftchange ( talk ) / Public domain