Apsley Falls

Thundering into a deep, wooded gorge on the edge of the New England Tablelands, Apsley Falls is one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on the Waterfall Way. The twin cascades plunge over 60 metres into a sheer-walled canyon, and the viewing platforms put you right at the heart of the action. This is a place where you feel the power of water and rock—a classic stop for self-drivers exploring the hinterland between Port Macquarie and Armidale.

Highlights & What to See

• Upper & Lower Lookouts: The main platform offers a head-on view of the falls, while the lower lookout (reached by a short, steep walk) gives you a sense of the scale of the gorge. On a sunny day, rainbows often dance in the mist.
• Oxley Walk: A 1.5 km loop that follows the rim of the gorge, passing through lush rainforest and over a suspension bridge. It’s an easy, family-friendly stroll with excellent birdwatching.
• Picnic Area & Camping: The grassy picnic spot near the carpark is a perfect lunch break. Basic camping is available nearby (check with NPWS for details).
• Geology & Wildflowers: The gorge is carved into ancient sedimentary rock, and in spring the surrounding bush is dotted with wildflowers. Keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles riding the thermals above the cliffs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours exploring the lookouts and the Oxley Walk. If you’re combining it with a longer day on the Waterfall Way, allow 2–3 hours to really soak in the views and have a relaxed picnic. The falls are impressive year-round, but they’re at their most powerful after rain (late summer to early autumn).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Oxley Wild Rivers National Park: The falls sit within this vast wilderness area, which also contains the stunning Wollomombi Gorge and other waterfalls.
• Walcha: A charming country town 30 minutes west, known for its public art (bronze sculptures of bush characters) and the Apsley Macleay Gorges.
• Waterfall Way: The scenic drive from Port Macquarie to Armidale passes several other falls, including Ellenborough Falls and Dangar Falls—perfect for a day trip.
• Port Macquarie: The coastal hub 90 minutes east offers beaches, the Koala Hospital, and great seafood. Use it as a base for a multi-day loop.

Please check official sources for current details.