Wollomombi Falls

Plunging into a chasm of ancient sandstone, Wollomombi Falls is one of New South Wales' most dramatic waterfalls, especially after rain. Located within the stunning Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, this two-tiered cascade drops an impressive 220 metres into the Wollomombi Gorge. The viewing platforms offer vertiginous views across the rugged wilderness, and the surrounding escarpment walks provide a true sense of the region's untamed beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Wollomombi Gorge Lookout – The main platform delivers a head-on view of the falls and the vast gorge. On clear days, you can see for miles across the national park.
• Wollomombi Falls Walking Track – A 2.5 km return walk that takes you to several lookout points along the rim, each offering a different perspective of the falls and the chasm below.
• Chandler River Gorge – A short drive away, this lookout peers into a parallel gorge where the Chandler River meets the Wollomombi. It's a quieter spot with equally impressive views.
• Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, wedge-tailed eagles, and wallabies along the escarpment edges. The park is also home to the endangered brush-tailed rock-wallaby.
• Water views – The falls are at their most spectacular after heavy rain, when the entire cliff face becomes a thundering curtain of water. In drier months, the flow reduces to a series of delicate streams.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least 1–2 hours to take in the main lookouts and do the short Wollomombi Falls walk. If you're keen on a longer hike, consider the 8 km Wollomombi Gorge Loop, which descends into the gorge and takes about 3–4 hours. The site is ideal for a morning or afternoon stop, and you can easily combine it with a day trip from Armidale (about 40 minutes away) or as part of a self-drive itinerary through the New England region.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Armidale – A charming university city with excellent museums, galleries, and cafes. It's the gateway to the national parks and a good base for exploring the waterfalls.
• Dangars Falls – Another spectacular waterfall in the same national park, about 30 minutes south. The lookout offers a close-up view of the 120-metre drop.
• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park – The park itself is a highlight, with numerous lookouts, walking trails, and picnic spots along the escarpment.
• Ebor Falls – About an hour's drive east, this tiered waterfall on the Guy Fawkes River is a popular stop on the Waterfall Way scenic drive.
• New England National Park – A bit further afield (about 1.5 hours), this park features ancient Antarctic beech forests, walking trails, and the stunning Point Lookout.

Please check official sources for current details.