Kwiambal National Park

On the north-western slopes of New South Wales, where the Macintyre and Severn rivers merge, Kwiambal National Park is a rugged slice of wilderness that feels a world away from the coast. This is a place of dramatic river gorges, cascading waterfalls and ancient granite outcrops, all cloaked in dry eucalypt forest. It’s a paradise for hikers, anglers and anyone who craves solitude in a landscape that has barely changed for millennia.

Highlights & What to See

• Kwiambal Falls: The park’s centrepiece – a powerful cascade where the Severn River plunges into a deep gorge. Follow the short track to a lookout for classic photo angles, then scramble down to the rock pools for a refreshing dip in summer.
• Macintyre Falls: A quieter but equally impressive waterfall just upstream, reached via a gentle 1 km walk. The layered rock formations and swirling plunge pool are mesmerising.
• Granite boulders and Balancing Rock: Scattered across the park, these surreal rock formations – including the precariously perched Balancing Rock – are remnants of an ancient volcanic landscape. They’re perfect for a picnic or a spot of bouldering.
• Riverside walking tracks: The 5 km Macintyre River Walk traces the riverbank through river oaks and casuarinas, offering birdwatching (look for kingfishers and wedge-tailed eagles) and quiet swimming holes.
• Camping under the stars: The basic campground at Kwiambal is wonderfully remote – no power, no shops, just the sound of the river and the crackle of a campfire (firewood provided). Book ahead.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find a full day sufficient to explore the main falls and a couple of short walks, but if you can, camp overnight. This gives you time to hike deeper into the gorge, fish for Murray cod in the Macintyre River (a licence is required), and watch the sunset paint the granite boulders gold. Two days and one night is the sweet spot.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Warrabah National Park: About an hour south, this lesser-known park offers more river gorges, swimming holes and the Namoi River – great for canoeing and camping.
• Inverell: A historic sapphire-mining town 45 minutes east, where you can try your luck fossicking for gems at the Inverell Fossicking Area, or browse the local museums.
• Ashford: A tiny village 20 minutes north, with a pub serving cold beer and a general store for last-minute supplies before you head into the park.
• The Gwydir River: A popular spot for kayaking and trout fishing, about 40 minutes south-west of the park, near the town of Bingara.

Please check official sources for current details.