Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Walking

Walking tracks

Michaeliana walk

This walk is closed until further notice.

Location:  shown on Long Point map

Tia Falls walk

Tia Falls walk offers the easiest and best views of beautiful Tia Falls and Tia Gorge. It’s a short and easy walk, so a good one for walking with children.

Tia Falls walk starts from Tia Falls lookout and picnic area, a good place to enjoy a picnic before or after your walk.

Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands

Location:  shown on Tia Falls map

Apsley Gorge Rim walking track

Wheelchair access: hard

Approximately 600m of the Apsley Gorge Rim Circuit is accessible to wheelchairs, including two lookout platforms.

The Apsley Gorge Rim walking track packs a lot of scenic views into one short walk. With waterfalls and rugged ravines, you’ll be spoilt for scenic views of this dramatic falls country in the Northern Tablelands.

Perfect for wildlife and birdwatching, look for brush-tailed rock wallabies as you gaze across upper Apsley Gorge. Circling above, you may be lucky and see a wedge-tailed eagle cruising the thermals or even a peregrine falcon nesting on the distant rocky outcrops.

Head back for lunch at the Apsley Falls picnic area, before getting back on the road. If you’re in no hurry, you can stay overnight at the Apsley Falls campground.

Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands

Location:  shown on Apsley Falls map

Chandler walking track

For a scenic short walk to take in the spectacular gorge country, try Chandler walking track at Wollomombi Falls, near Armidale. The easy track doesn’t lead to Chandler River any more, due to erosion, however the brilliant views from Checks lookout are not to be missed.

From Wollomombi lookout, gaze across the spectacular waterfall where water plunges dramatically into the ravine below. From here, the track leads through woodlands of stringybarks and blackbutts. Another lookout lets you gaze across the maze of gorges and valleys.

It's great for birdwatching, so look out for honey eaters and lorikeets. Wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons often surf the thermals rising off the steep cliffs.

Plant communities: rainforests, dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands

Location:  shown on Wollomombi map

Cassinia walking track

You’ll get the best of all worlds on Cassinia walking track from Longpoint picnic area on the edge of the Great Escarpment, in Oxley Rivers National Park. Perfect for the kids, this short and easy track takes in rare rainforests, gums, and grassy heathlands, making it excellent for wildlife and birdwatching.

Passing through dry rainforest, look for vines and orchids hanging from the trunks of the rose wood and flame trees. Listen for the soft call of the wonga pigeon and the iconic eastern whipbird.

You’ll also be rewarded with unending views over the acclaimed wilderness area of Macleay Gorge. Gaze over the river gouged ravines and tree-lined valleys. Stop here for a picnic or head back to Long Point campground and picnic area for a well-earned barbecue.

Plant communities: rainforests, dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands

Location:  shown on Long Point map

Wollomombi walking track

It’s all waterfalls and wilderness on this easy walk around the rim of the Wollomombi Gorge high in the falls country of the Northern Tablelands, near Armidale. A great way to reacquaint yourself with the great outdoors, this scenic walk offers great wildlife spotting and birdwatching.

Passing the Falls lookout, keep your eyes out for the colourful spotted pardalote, with its call, that sounds like ‘sleep maybe’. Wedge tailed eagles are often seen here, surfing the thermals that rise off the gorge.

The track crosses the Wollomombi River where you might see a platypus paddling by or an eastern grey kangaroo lying in the shade, before you arrive at the picturesque Chandlers waterfall.

After all that exercise and fresh mountain air you’ll be ready for lunch, so head back for a barbecue at Wollomombi Gorge and Falls picnic area.

Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands

Location:  shown on Wollomombi map

Threlfall walking track

When it’s time to embrace the great outdoors, Threlfall walking track in Gara Gorge in the northern section of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, is the breath of fresh air you crave. This medium length track traces the gorge ridge and combines an historic walk with jaw-dropping views.

Gara Gorge follows the route of the historic 1894 hydro-electric scheme, along old embankments and through ancient cuttings of granite. At Gara Gorge lookout high above Gara River, with a backdrop of majestic blackbutt and spotted gums, gaze across the rugged New England wilderness.

There's great birdwatching along this easy walk, so keep an eye out for rosellas, lyrebirds, and king parrots. You might even strike it lucky and see a koala having a snack in a gum tree. Ready for lunch? head back to either Threlfall picnic area or nearby Blue Hole picnic area.

Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands

Location:  shown on Gara Gorge map

Tiara walking track

For spectacular views to clear the head and energise the senses, Tiara walking track will get your heart pumping. Setting out from Tia Falls lookout and picnic area, it’s an excellent introduction to the fascinating natural worlds within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

While crossing Tia River, look for platypus paddling by in the crystal clear waters. Following the western ridge, the medium track passes through grassy woodlands and dry gum forests. You might be lucky and glimpse a koala in the branches of a nearby gum. Brush-tailed rock wallabies can sometimes be seen, hanging out in the rocky outcrops.

In the dry rainforest, rock orchids cling to trunks of scentless rosewood and native olive trees. There’s an optional detour to Tiara View lookout with a panoramic vista across the river gouged valleys. Continuing along the track to Tiara lookout, take a moment to soak in the spectacular views over the gorge country.

Plant communities: rainforests, dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands

Location:  shown on Tia Falls map

Apsley Falls: Oxley Walk

Oxley Walk starts from the River Walk track, crosses the river on a footbridge, then continues around the northern side of the gorge. A lookout offers fine views of the main falls (650 m) and the track continues past another three lookouts, where you can view a second waterfall and the dramatic cliffs of the chasm.

Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands

Oxley walking track

If you love scenic views and wildlife, the easy Oxley walking track traces the northern rim of the Apsley gorge. With waterfall views from every angle, it makes a perfect day outing or a great spot for a break on a road trip.

You’ll wander through cliff top woodlands of snow gums and New England stringybark before crossing the Apsley River; look for platypus paddling past or water dragons sunning themselves on the rocks.

Gazing over the dramatic gorge country from one of the four lookouts, keep your eyes peeled for brush-tailed rock wallabies, with their distinct white cheek stripe.

The view from Lower Falls lookout is not to be missed and a great spot for a break. When you’re ready for lunch there are great facilities at the Apsley Gorge picnic area.

Location:  shown on Apsley Falls map

Chandler View circuit walk

Accessed from Long View campground and picnic area, moderately challenging Chandler View circuit walk offers the chance to get up close to and experience the unique dry rainforest that has put Oxley Wild Rivers National Park on the map.

The medium length track leads through dry rainforest where you might see the delicate rock orchids and felt ferns that only grow in these conditions. The track opens out, following gorge ridges dotted with yellow box and silvertop stringybark.

Take a break at Chandlers lookout and take in the scenic views over the river. Bring your binoculars for wildlife and birdwatching. Brush-tailed rock wallabies and peregrine falcons live in the nearby rocky outcrops and wedge tailed eagles often cruise the thermals above the ridges.

Plant communities: rainforests, dry eucalypt forests

Location:  shown on Long Point map

McDirtys walking track

If you like to combine wildlife, waterfalls and birdwatching with an energetic trek, then try the McDirtys walking track. Following the gorge ridge, you can see impressive views of falls country of the northern section of the World Heritage-listed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park from a number of lookouts.

At the lookout directly above Dangar Falls, you’ll be spritzed by crystal clear mist after a heavy downpour. Passing heathlands and dry gums, look for eastern grey kangaroos relaxing in the shade, as well as scrub wrens, treecreepers and crimson rosellas.

From the spectacular Rock Wallaby lookout, you’ll see unending scenic views of the deep river gouged ravines. Keep your eye out for the rare gorge wattle that clings to the steep cliffs.

Soak up the big open spaces over a packed lunch at any of the lookouts or head back to Dangar Falls picnic area.

Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands

Location:  shown on Dangars Gorge map

Budds Mare to Riverside walking track

This is great for those wanting a challenging hike through the heart of the World Heritage-listed Macleay wilderness. Don’t forget your binoculars as Budds Mare to Riverside walking track offers wildlife spotting and birdwatching in unspoilt bushland.

Following the track through heathlands and tall gums, keep an eye out for crimson rosellas and brush turkeys. As the walk descends, the forest closes in and eucalypts give way to a shaded canopy of sassafrass and coachwood. In the moist cool of the ancient rainforest, you might see the vibrant wompoo fruit dove or noisy pitta. Look for the beautiful rock orchids and coloured funghi as you clamber down the mossy rocks.

At Riverside campground, cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal waters of Apsley River. Take a break under the shade of the she-oaks or if you’re hungry for more bushwalking, return the same way.

Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands

Budds Mare: Budds Mare to Riverside

A great walk for those looking for a challenging hike through the heart of the World Heritage-listed Macleay wilderness. Don’t forget your binoculars as Budds Mare to Riverside walking track offers a rare opportunity for wildlife spotting and birdwatching in unspoilt bushland.

Following the track through heathlands and tall gums, keep an eye out for crimson rosellas and brush turkeys. Descending steeply the forest closes in and eucalypts give way to a shaded canopy of sassafrass and coachwood. In the moist cool of the ancient rainforest, you might see the vibrant wompoo fruit dove or noisy pitta. Look for the beautiful rock orchids and coloured funghis as you clamber down the mossy rocks.

At Riverside campground, cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal waters of Apsley River. Take a break under the shade of the she-oaks while you wait for your pickup or, if you’re hungry for more bushwalking, return the same way.

Plant communities: rainforests, dry eucalypt forests, heathlands

Location:  shown on Budds Mare map

Salisbury Waters walking track

If you’re ready for a walk that combines excellent views with a challenging workout, put on your hiking boots and head for the Salisbury Waters walking track.  An excellent introduction to gorge bushwalking, this long trek is brilliant for wildlife and birdwatching with the option of overnight camping in the bush.

Veering off the McDirtys walking track, there’s optional detours to Mihi Falls and Sarum lookout, making perfect backdrops for a picnic lunch. Look for the scrub wrens and white throated tree creepers amongst the dry gums and heath.

The last leg of this journey involves a steep descent, where you’ll get the chance to see the unique dry rainforest up close. Cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal clear pool while you take in the breathtaking views of the gorges from the ground up.

Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands

Location:  shown on Dangars Gorge map

Long Point to Wollomombi overnight bushwalk

Wheelchair access: hard
This track has wheelchair-accessible lookout platforms with views of gorge and waterfalls. There is a 1km path with one steep section – assistance will be needed.

This is an adventurous 2-3 day walk along an unmarked route in the north of the park. The walk starts from the Michaeliana Walk at Long Point, descends the ridge, and follows the Chandler River upstream, exiting the gorge along the steep Chandler Track to the Wollomombi visitor area (33 kilometres). Vehicle drop-off and pick-up and suitable equipment is needed. Basic track notes are available from the NPWS Armidale office.

Plant communities: rainforests, dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands

The Green Gully track

Walking: events and activities