Wollomombi Falls

Thundering into a deep gorge on the New England Tableland, Wollomombi Falls is one of Australia's tallest waterfalls and a breathtaking sight after rain. The falls drop in two stages, with the main plunge cascading over 200 metres into the Wollomombi River below. This remote gem feels wonderfully wild and untamed – a perfect stop for hikers, nature lovers and anyone seeking a powerful dose of raw landscape. The viewing platforms give you vertiginous perspectives, and the surrounding Oxley Wild Rivers National Park offers superb bushwalking through eucalypt forests and ancient granite outcrops.

Highlights & What to See

• Main Lookout: A short, easy walk from the carpark leads to a fenced platform with sweeping views of the falls and the gorge. On clear days you can see for kilometres across the tableland.
• Wollomombi Gorge Walking Track: A 2.4 km return walk that follows the rim of the gorge, passing several vantage points and offering dramatic views of the waterfall from different angles.
• Chandler River Lookout: A longer 5 km return walk from the carpark takes you to a lookout over the Chandler River, with excellent birdwatching and wildflowers in spring.
• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park: The falls are part of this World Heritage-listed park, which protects deep gorges, waterfalls and rare dry rainforest pockets. Keep an eye out for wallabies, lyrebirds and peregrine falcons.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at Wollomombi Falls, which is enough for the main lookout and a short walk along the gorge rim. If you plan to tackle the longer Chandler River track or explore other parts of the national park, allow half a day. The site is easily combined with a scenic drive through the New England region, so you can comfortably visit as a stopover between Armidale and the coast.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ebor Falls: A spectacular tiered waterfall about 45 minutes south, also in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, with easy walking tracks and picnic facilities.
• Armidale: A historic city 50 km west, known for its cathedral, museums, autumn colours and excellent cafés – a good base for exploring the tableland.
• Point Lookout: A scenic viewpoint in New England National Park, about 1.5 hours east, offering panoramic views over the escarpment and rainforest walks.
• Dorrigo National Park: A Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage site with Skywalk and waterfall walks, roughly 1.5 hours north-east.
• Kempsey: A historic river town on the Macleay River, about 1.5 hours south-east, with heritage buildings and access to the coast.

Please check official sources for current details.