Photo: Mokgen at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
Kwiambal National Park is a rugged, off-the-beaten-track gem in northern NSW, where the Macintyre and Severn rivers converge to form dramatic gorges and waterfalls. This park offers a true wilderness experience, with excellent bushwalking, swimming holes, and birdwatching. It's a perfect detour for those exploring the New England region or driving between Sydney and Brisbane.
Highlights & What to See
- Kwiambal Waterfall – A stunning 40-metre waterfall plunging into a deep pool, best after rain. A short walking track leads to lookout platforms.
- Macintyre River Gorge – Spectacular views from the Gorge Walk, with opportunities to spot platypus in the river below.
- Swimming at Dangar Falls – A popular spot for a refreshing dip, with picnic facilities nearby.
- Birdwatching – Keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles, peregrine falcons, and a variety of woodland birds.
- Bushwalking – Trails like the 6km Kwiambal Walk take you through diverse landscapes of granite outcrops, eucalypt forests, and riverbanks.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend a day exploring the park's main attractions, but if you're keen on longer walks or camping, allocate two days. The park is small enough to see the highlights in half a day, but the peaceful atmosphere invites you to linger. Combine with a visit to nearby Ashford or Inverell for a full weekend trip.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Inverell – Known for sapphire fossicking and the Macintyre River, about 30 minutes north.
- Ashford – A charming historic town with a great pub and access to the Severn River.
- Boonoo Boonoo National Park – Another scenic park with a beautiful waterfall, about an hour's drive east.
- Glen Innes – Explore the Australian Standing Stones and Celtic heritage, about an hour south.
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
- Port Stephens — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Tomaree National Park — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Stockton Beach — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Inverell — Chris Olszewski / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Glen Innes — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 3.0