Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Picnics and barbecues

Apsley Falls campground

Activities: walking, birdwatching, picnics and barbecues

Location:  shown on Apsley Falls map

Getting there: Apsley Falls campground is in the Apsley Falls precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there follow the signs from Walcha on the Oxley Highway.

Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, wood barbecues (firewood supplied), flush toilets, gas/electric barbecues (free), carpark, lookout, trackhead/access point

Camping fees: $5 per adult per night. $3 per child per night.

Bookings: Bookings are not required for Apsley Falls campground.

Contact: Walcha, Phone: 02 6777 4700

Apsley Falls picnic area

Apsley Falls picnic area is perched on the edge of the Great Escarpment, with impressive views of upper Apsley Gorge. It’s just off the Oxley Highway, making it an ideal pit stop on a road trip.

As you pile out of the car, breathe in that clean mountain air and inhale the scent of the eucalypts. Apsley Gorge is spectacular after heavy rains as water cascades over the steep cliffs filling the air with mist.

The gorge country is the traditional lands of the Dunghutti people and their history is as dramatic as the rugged landscape around you.

Picnic under the snow gums and stringybarks, then if you’re feeling like a walk, there’s Apsley Gorge Rim walking track or the Oxley walking track to chose from. If you want to explore more, you can always stay overnight at the Apsley Falls campground.

Activities: walking, birdwatching, picnics and barbecues

Getting there: Apsley Falls picnic area is in the Apsley River precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there, follow the Oxley Highway from either Walcha or Port Macquarie and follow the signs.

Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues, wood barbecues (firewood supplied), carpark, lookout, flush toilets, trackhead/access point

Blue Hole picnic area

When it’s time for a day with the family in the great outdoors, pack up the car and head to Blue Hole picnic area for a relaxing day out in the bush. Locals from nearby towns, including Armidale, have been coming to this spot for years and when you pull up, you’ll know why.

Pack your swimmers and head towards the weir. Blue Hole is a popular swimming spot that the locals have been coming to for years. Check out the nearby historic hydro-electric scheme on the Threlfall walking track.

Don’t forget to bring your favourite barbecue food and a cool refreshing drink, as you cook up a feast in the cool shade of the redgums and blackbutts. You’ll be serenaded by the sounds of the bush as you settle back for a relaxing meal in the great outdoors.

Activities: picnics and barbecues, birdwatching, swimming

Location:  shown on Gara Gorge map

Getting there: Blue Hole picnic area is in the Gara Gorge precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there:

• Drive from Armidale along Waterfall Way for approximately 2km
• Turn left into Castledoyle Road and drive for approximately 20km
• At Gara Gorge, follow the signs to Blue Hole picnic area.

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues, flush toilets, drinking water, carpark

Budds Mare campground

Budds Mare campground is a great place to escape for an evening or two of rugged bush camping in a World Heritage listed landscape. The campground is right on the edge of the tablelands, with a spectacular lookout over the Apsley River Gorge.

Once you’ve set up your campsite, it’s time to explore. The Budds Mare to Riverside walk leaves from the campground, taking you down to Riverside campground and picnic area along a 7km track. It is a strenuous walk that is suitable for experienced bushwalkers. You’ll be rewarded at Riverside though, with picnic tables, barbecues and great fishing spots right by the Apsley River.

There are some facilities at this campground, including wood barbecues that are great for roasting marshmallows, but it’s a good idea to arrive well prepared for your weekend getaway.

From the lookout, a walking track leads down the ridge to Riverside Visitor Area on the Apsley River.

Activities: walking, camping, picnics and barbecues, fishing

Location:  shown on Budds Mare map

Getting there: Budds Mare campground is located in the Budds Mare precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there, take Moona Plains Road from Walcha.

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 4WD only.

Facilities: picnic tables, wood barbecues (firewood supplied), non-flush toilets, lookout

Contact: Walcha, Phone: 02 6777 4700

Dangars Falls picnic area

A perfect bush setting on the Northern Tablelands, the Dangars Falls picnic area has dramatic views over the deep ravines and gorges of the northern edge of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

In spring, the cliff top heathlands come alive with wildflowers, and the scent will hit you as you tumble out from the car. After a downpour the mighty falls are spectacular as crystal clear mountain water plunges over the 120m ravine, filling it with mist and rainbows.

After a lazy picnic lunch or barbecue, spend a relaxing afternoon by the river where the kids can dip their toes and watch the fish. Or if you’re feeling like stretching your legs, try the Salisbury Waters walking track.

Activities: walking, birdwatching, picnics and barbecues

Getting there: Dangars Falls picnic area is in the Dangars Falls precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there from Armidale:

• Follow Dangar Street towards Sydney
• Turn left into Kentucky Street and drive for 1km, follow signs to Dangar Falls
• Turn right into Dangarsleigh Road and continue for approximately 5km
• Turn left at the sign to Dangars Falls and follow the unsealed road for 15km

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues (free), carpark, drinking water, lookout, non-flush toilets, trackhead/access point

Dangars Gorge campground

Wheelchair access: hard

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty.

Dangars Gorge campground is a fabulous bush base for experiencing the rugged beauty of this World Heritage-listed falls country. You’ll be camping beside one of the most impressive waterfalls in NSW, on the edge of the Great Escarpment on the western edge of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

Once you’ve set up camp, check out the scenic waterfall lookout, spectacular sight after heavy rain as water cascades over a 120m drop shrouding everything in mist and creating beautiful rainbows. There’s a range of walks like the McDirtys walking track, so after a picnic lunch, pull on your walking boots and get ready to explore.

When the sun starts to go down, its time to barbecue up a feast before settling in round the campfire with a glass of your favourite drop and a night of stargazing.

Activities: walking, birdwatching, picnics and barbecues

Location:  shown on Dangars Gorge map

Getting there: Dangars Gorge campground is in the Dangars Falls precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there from Armidale:

• Follow Dangar Street towards Sydney
• Turn left into Kentucky Steet, signposted to Dangar Falls, and drive approximately 1km.
• Turn right into Dangarsleigh Road and continue for approximately 5km
• Turn left at sign to Dangars Gorge and follow unsealed road for 15km

Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, wood barbecues (bring your own firewood), non-flush toilets, drinking water, carpark, lookout, trackhead/access point

Bookings: There are no bookings needed for this campsite.

Contact: Armidale (local office), Phone: (02) 6738 9100

Gara Gorge lookout

If you like to combine an easy walk with a spectacular view then it’s time to pack the car and head to Gara Gorge lookout, accessed along Threlfall walking track, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across the New England wilderness.

From the lookout, you’ll see gum-lined valleys and steep ravines that continue to the coast. Look for brush-tailed rock wallabies sunning themselves on the outlying stone as you breathe in clean, crisp mountain air. Bring your binoculars for birdwaching as peregrine falcons and wedge-tailed eagles can sometimes be seen in the skies above.

After all that fresh air and scenery, you’ll be ready for lunch, so head back to either Threlfall picnic area or the popular Blue Hole picnic area for a bush picnic or barbecue.

Activities: walking, birdwatching, picnics and barbecues, swimming, fishing

Location:  shown on Gara Gorge map

Getting there: Gara Gorge lookout is accessed via Threlfall walking track in the Gara Gorge precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there:

• Drive from Armidale along Waterfall Way for approximately 2km
• Turn left into Castledoyle Road and drive for approximately 20km
• At Gara Gorge, follow the signs to Threlfall picnic area and walk along Threlfall walking track.

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, lookout, carpark, trackhead/access point

Lions Picnic area

Location:  shown on Apsley Falls map

Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues, non-flush toilets

Long Point

Carpark, shelter shed with fireplace, picnic tables with small wood barbecues, tank water, pit toilets, an information display and bush camping.

Facilities: picnic tables

Long Point campground and picnic area

Pull up at this tranquil bush setting and you’ll immediately know you’ve arrived somewhere special. A little off the beaten track, Long Point campground and picnic area is a great base for exploring the high country of New England without the crowds.

As you enter the idyllic forest clearing, you may see eastern grey kangaroos relaxing in the shade of the apple box and blackbutt. While waiting for the billy to boil, you’re likely to catch the aroma of the lemon scented tea tree or native mint that grows nearby. An ideal spot for birdwatching, look for the crimson rosellas and vibrant king parrots in surrounding trees. Lyrebirds are known to forage for snacks in these parts.

After a relaxing picnic lunch, if you’re ready for some walking, there’s a choice of tracks ranging from a relaxing stroll to a challenging adventure.

Activities: camping, picnics and barbecues, birdwatching

Location:  shown on Long Point map

Getting there: Long Point campground and picnic area is in the northern precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there:

• Drive 32km east of Armidale on Waterfall Way
• Take the turn off to Hillgrove
• Head south from Hillgrove for 17km

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, wood barbecues (firewood supplied), non-flush toilets, drinking water, gas/electric barbecues (free), carpark, trackhead/access point

Contact: Armidale (local office), Phone: (02) 6738 9100

Riverside campground

There’s nothing like rustic camping to remind you what’s really important in life. Remote and unspoilt, the Riverside campground, on the Apsley River in the spectacular Macleay gorges area, puts the wild back into wilderness.

Once you’ve set up camp under the fuzzy box trees, inhale some crisp clean air and feel the city melt away. You’ll be pitching your tent beside one of the cleanest rivers in NSW, surrounded by rugged mountains and dramatic rocky outcrops. The only stress will be choosing between fishing, swimming, canoeing or walking the Budds Mare Riverside track.

With barbecues and campfires at this campsite, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy an outdoor dining experience, all the while getting to know the park’s inhabitants - bandicoots, wallabies and sugar gliders. Snuggle up in your sleeping bag and be soothed to sleep by the gentle sounds of the river.

Activities: walking, motor vehicle use, paddling, liloing, swimming, fishing, astronomy and star gazing, birdwatching, picnics and barbecues

Location:  shown on Budds Mare map

Getting there: Riverside campground is in the Macleay Gorges precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there follow Moona Plains Road from Walcha for 50kms.

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 4WD only. Dry weather only.

Facilities: picnic tables, wood barbecues (firewood supplied), gas/electric barbecues (free), non-flush toilets, carpark, trackhead/access point

Water supply: Drinking water not supplied.

Vehicle entry fee: $25 per vehicle per day. $15 for pensioners or annual pass holders. Only applies to day visitors (ie. not applicable if you are paying camping fees).

Camping fees:

• First night: $40 per vehicle ($20 for pensioners or annual pass holders).
• Additional nights: $20 per vehicle per night ($10 for pensioners or annual pass holders).

Bookings: Contact Apsley Motors on 02 6777 2755 or the NPWS Walcha office on (02) 6777 4700.

Contact: Walcha, Phone: 02 6777 4700

Riverside picnic area

For a wilderness adventure, load up the 4WD and head for the remote tranquillity of Riverside picnic area. An unsealed road will test your driving skills and lead you through some of the most unspoilt landscape deep in the heart of the Macleay Wilderness area.

Once you’ve arrived at this bush setting, it’s time for action. The crystal clear mountain waters of Apsley River are perfect for swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Try your hand at catching bass or laze about listening to the sounds of the bush.

When the family is ready for lunch, unpack the picnic basket and cook up your catch of the day on the barbecue. Suitably recharged, head off for more adventure or relax in the shade of the whispering she-oaks.

Activities: picnics and barbecues, paddling, liloing, swimming, fishing, birdwatching

Getting there: Riverside campground is in the Macleay Gorges precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there, follow Moona Plains Road from Walcha for 50kms.

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 4WD only.

Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues, wood barbecues, carpark, drinking water, non-flush toilets, trackhead/access point

The Falls lookout and picnic area

Location:  shown on Wollomombi map

Facilities: picnic tables, non-flush toilets, drinking water

Threlfall picnic area

If you like the idea of a leisurely lunch beside a clear mountain river, then Threlfall picnic area will have you packing the sandwiches. Just off Waterfall Way near Armidale, this peaceful lunch spot is on the northern edge of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

Unroll the picnic blanket beside the crystal clear Gara River and let the rest of the world look after itself. It’s perfect day trip from Armidale, or bush lunch break on a touring holiday.

A short walk down river, there’s a popular swimming spot where you can swim with care in the wonderful waters. After a relaxing lunch, you can kick back in the shade of the redgums. If you want to go walking, try the nearby Threlfall walking track.

Activities: picnics and barbecues, birdwatching, swimming

Location:  shown on Gara Gorge map

Getting there: Threlfall picnic area is in the Gara Gorge precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there:

• Drive from Armidale along Waterfall Way for approximately 2km
• Turn left into Castledoyle Road and drive for approximately 20km
• At Gara Gorge, follow the signs to Threlfall picnic area.

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues (free), non-flush toilets, drinking water, wood barbecues (bring your own firewood), carpark, trackhead/access point

Tia Falls campground

A small and picturesque campground, Tia Falls campground is set amongst quiet woodland. It’s not far off the Oxley Highway, and a choice of free campsites for cars, caravans and trailers make it a great place for a family camping weekend.

There's plenty to keep park explorers busy of a daytime, including the easy Falls walk that offers scenic views from Tia Falls lookout, and the longer Tiara walking track. Evenings offer a chance to relax under the stars, cook up a barbecue feast for dinner, reflect on your day in the park and plan your next adventure.

Activities: walking, camping, picnics and barbecues, astronomy and star gazing

Location:  shown on Tia Falls map

Getting there: Tia Falls campground is in the Tia Falls precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there:

• Take Oxley Highway from Walcha and look for the turn off to Tia Falls, 19km past the Apsley Gorge turn-off.
• Follow this unsealed road/trail for 7km to Tia Falls campground

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, trackhead/access point, wood barbecues (firewood supplied), non-flush toilets, lookout

Tia Falls lookout and picnic area

A picturesque picnic spot, just off Oxley Highway, makes Tia Falls lookout and picnic area an ideal stop over on a long drive. Located on the south western edge of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, it’s a great introduction to the rugged wilderness of the gorge country.

Check out the beautiful scenic view from Tia Falls lookout. The kids will love the waterfall, especially after big rains, which is when you might see rainbows. Unroll the picnic blanket or spark up the barbecue for a lunch under the trees. If you feel like stretching your legs, there are plenty of options to suit all the family, including the easy Tia Falls walk, which offers a closer view of the falls, or the longer Tiara walking track.

Activities: sightseeing, photography, picnics and barbecues

Location:  shown on Tia Falls map

Getting there: Tia Falls lookout and picnic area is in the Tia Falls precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there:

• Take Oxley Highway from Walcha and look for the turn-off to Tia Falls, 19km past the Apsley Gorge turn-off.
• Follow this unsealed road/trail for 7km to Tia Falls lookout and picnic area

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, lookout, gas/electric barbecues (free), wood barbecues (bring your own firewood), carpark

Wollomombi campground

Wheelchair access: hard

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty.

Wollomombi campground is perfect for an overnight bush stop while exploring the falls country of New England by campervan. You might be tempted to stay a couple of days to admire the spectacular gorges and waterfalls of the World Heritage-listed Oxley Rivers National Park.

Pull up in this peaceful campsite and you’ll suddenly be in the bush. There’s the accessible Edgars lookout as well as short walks with majestic views over the Wollomombi Falls. Brilliant after heavy rain, the moist air creates dazzling rainbows.

Bring some binoculars for a spot of birdwatching. In the skies above, you might glimpse a wedge tailed eagle or the rare peregrine falcon. A little closer to ground the lyrebird will impress you with a flamboyant display.

Activities: walking, birdwatching, picnics and barbecues

Location:  shown on Wollomombi map

Getting there: Wollomombi campground is in the Wollomombi Falls precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there follow Waterfall Way from Armidale or Dorrigo and follow the signs for Wollomombi Falls.

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, wood barbecues (firewood supplied), gas/electric barbecues (free), non-flush toilets, drinking water, carpark, trackhead/access point

Camping fees: $5 per adult per night. $3 per child per night.

Bookings: Bookings are not required. Site availability is subject to demand upon arrival.

Contact: Armidale (local office), Phone: (02) 6738 9100

Wollomombi Gorge and Falls picnic area

Wheelchair access: hard

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty.

If you love the thunderous sound of water plunging over a ravine, then a visit to Wollomombi Gorge and Falls picnic area in New England is your idea of heaven. After heavy rain the waterfall cascades 220m over the dramatic cliffs to the valley below and a great way to introduce the kids to the might of the natural elements.

Make your way to the nearby lookout and gaze over the highest waterfall in NSW. If it’s been raining, you’ll soak up more than just the scenic views as the massive gorge fills with mist and the occasional rainbow.

When the force of nature gives way to hunger, unpack the picnic basket and barbecue up a feast under the shade of the red gum and yellow box. If you’re after action, there’s a range of walks that show off the rugged beauty of this beautiful area.

Activities: walking, birdwatching, picnics and barbecues

Getting there: Wollomombi Gorge and Falls picnic area is in the Wollomombi Falls precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there follow the signs on Waterfall Way between Armidale and Dorrigo.

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues (free), carpark, drinking water, lookout, non-flush toilets, trackhead/access point

Youdales campground

Hardy adventure seekers will love the remote rugged beauty of the riverside Youdales campground. This pretty campground on Kunderang Brook is nestled between two unspoilt world class wilderness areas.

Pitch your tent beside the creek, and take stock of the spectacular gorge country surrounding you. Be sure to have your binoculars handy for a spot of birdwatching, too.

This back-to-basics campground will also give you a taste of history - it’s on the site of an old grazing property which was run by the Youdale family and grazed for 150 years. So be sure not to miss out on a visit to the historic Youdales Hut.

At night, after toasting your marshmallows on the fire, grab a torch and see who else is out there. You might spot glossy black cockatoos, or even hear the call of a dingo.

You can also visit the historic Youdales Hut.

Activities: walking, motor vehicle use, paddling, swimming, fishing, astronomy and star gazing, birdwatching, picnics and barbecues

Location:  shown on park map

Getting there: Youdales campground is in the Kunderang Brook precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there:

• Turn off the Oxley Highway just east of Yarrowitch onto Kangaroo Flat Road
• Follow Kangaroo Flat road for approximately 20km, onto Mooraback Road into Werrikimbe National Park, then the Racecourse Trail into Oxley Wild Rivers National Park and follow the signs.

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 4WD only. Dry weather only.

Facilities: picnic tables, wood barbecues (firewood supplied), non-flush toilets, trackhead/access point

Water supply: Drinking water not supplied.

Vehicle entry fee: $15 per vehicle per day. $10 for pensioners or annual pass holders. Only applies to day visitors (ie. not applicable if you are paying camping fees).

Camping fees:

• First night: $25 per vehicle ($15 for pensioners or annual pass holders).
• Additional nights: $10 per vehicle per night ($5 for pensioners or annual pass holders).

Bookings: Contact Apsley Motors on (02) 6777 2755 or the NPWS Walcha office on (02) 6777 4700 to make a booking.

Contact: Walcha, Phone: 02 6777 4700