After this, it was another wild climb ever-upwards. The half dozen or so campsites are large and most have fire pits and a wooden table. To get to Long Point in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, head out of Armidale on the Waterfall Way and turn off and head towards to Hillgrove. There are 6 ways to get from Sydney to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park by plane, car, bus or train. These state forest roads can close without warning, so have a backup plan in case they’re closed (as they were when we were there). At one stage you’ll be over 1,150 metres above sea level at Kemp’s Pinnacle and it’s nothing to drop several hundred metres in one descent. There’s no camping allowed at Ellenborough Falls. They’re not in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. For day visitors, please avoid busy parks between 11am and 2pm on weekends and during school holidays to avoid congestion. The roads clings tenaciously to ridgelines, with massive drops either side at narrow saddles joining the mountain ridges. The Oxley Wild Rivers National Park gives you several opportunities to see this rugged country up close. All access roads are tarred, including at the campsite. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. There are 3 areas in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park where you'll need day use vehicle permits : Halls Peak campground and picnic area, Riverside campground and picnic area, and Youdales Hut campground and picnic area. Or you can take another short walk down to a viewing platform, above the point where Ellenborough River disappears into the abyss. Apsley Falls is about 20km east of Walcha and less than a kilometre off the road. Youdales Campground is on Kunderang Brook. It sweeps around the edge of the gorge in a big left hand arc, giving you amazing views of Tia Falls in several places. However if you’re in the region, then they’re well worth the effort. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park – What to See and Where to Camp, Welford National Park - Remote Camping On The Barcoo River, Judbarra / Gregory National Park | Exploring The 4WD Tracks, The Top 10 Outback Road Trips You Need To Do Before It’s Too Late, Sandover Highway | Taking The Road Less Travelled To The Red Centre. You’ll see a sign to Werrikimbe NP. With its high annual rainfall and rugged terrain, this region is home to the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. And this northern end is where you’ll see some truly breath-taking views. Both flow into the Macleay River which, after flowing a great distance, reaches the ocean at South West Rocks. You’re effectively on a point, with the falls to your left and the gorge running in front then turning sharply to your right. Day use vehicle permits can be bought online or by calling the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757. Crisp, cool and clear days are good for a brisk half day bushwalk. Wollomombi Falls, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park: Our first stop on day 2 was the Wollomombi Falls at the northern tip of Oxley Wild Rivers NP. The Oxley Wild Rivers National Park sits on the New England Plateau in north-east New South Wales. There are a number of excellent camping areas, and places for day trips, such as Wollomombi Falls and Dangars Falls, but also try venturing further into the park. Ellenborough Falls are in the Manning Valley and quite a diversion off the Oxley Highway. To get there follow Moona Plains Road from Walcha for 50kms. Casey Oakley added a new photo — at Oxley Wild Rivers National Park . Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. This video is of Apsley Falls in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Despite this, it’s still an excellent experience. Tia River’s headwaters are in the cool, wet forest country to the south. To keep visitors safe ALL camping in NSW national parks now requires a booking. Please note: GPS Co-Ordinates are approximate and provided in most cases to get you as close to the camp site as possible, or to the National Park entrance. Check out the Bicycle Information for NSW website for more information. The track winds around the sheer gorge to a viewing platform directly opposite the waterfall. Bring your own water and take all rubbish with you. Unfortunately it was temporarily closed for routine maintenance, so we didn’t get to give our calf muscles a workout! Not a good idea though… the gorge walls are treacherous. They had all the resources they needed and could move into the tablelands in the warmer months, then retreat to the coast in the cooler months. This makes Tia River one of the most reliable water sources in the region, and a vital feeder river for the Macleay River which sustains farming and towns like South-West Rocks on the coast. Looking for more great articles on NSW National Parks? You turn off the Highway about 35km east of Walcha, then take a dirt road for about 7km through cleared grazing country. You’ll need to book these campgrounds online before you arrive. Follow the signs to Long Point (turning left whilst in the village). Enjoy helicopter flights, 4WD tours and fishing, as well as guided bushwalks in some of Australia's most rugged terrain. Looking down into the maze of jagged rock reefs, it’s sometimes difficult to figure out exactly what you’re looking at. The Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is on Biripi and Dainggatti Country. Dorrigo is a serene country town and the gateway to Dorrigo National Park. We took our binoculars along and saw several beautiful pools way below us. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000). Admire the colourful wildflowers which are beautiful in the spring. The Finke to Alice Springs Track, Survival of the Fittest! One short walk takes you to Ellenborough River, a few hundred metres upstream from the cliff edge. The dry falls that we saw yesterday at Wollomombi are on the Chandler River. The Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is a protected national park that is located in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales, Australia. Check the National Parks website when you’re about to take this journey for updated information on this campground. It gave us a rare glimpse of the dense rainforest canopy you’d normally see in the more protected gullies and valleys. Expect gorges, rainforests, waterfalls and wilderness. 7 day weather forecast for Oxley Park including radar, satellite, min, max and current temperatures, cloud and rainfall predictions Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park (OWRNP) is 445 km (by road) north of Sydney and 20 km east of Walcha.It is one of the largest national parks in NSW, is listed a World Heritage Area by UNESCO and forms part of the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia.Most of the … Veer right onto Mooraback Road. The fire had burnt through pretty much the entire way along this drive. The track mostly clings to the side of near-vertical mountainsides or snakes along the top of ridgelines. Eventually you’ll reach the tiny village of Elands. Less than a kilometre in from the highway, you be rewarded with magnificent views of the sheer slate cliffs plunging to the gorge way below. Youdales Hut is located in spectacular gorge country surrounding Kunderang Brook in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.It was built in about 1941 by grazier Alan Youdale and Patrick (Paddy) Hogno. The Park is part of the Hastings-Macleay Group of the World Heritage Site Gondwana Rainforests of Australia inscribed in … The Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is a protected national park that is located in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales, Australia in the Port Macquarie-Hastings City Council and Walcha Shire councils. The views to the distance are fantastic… classic Australian bush scenery. However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. There are 3 ways to get from Stanthorpe to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park by taxi, bus or car. National Parks also provide firewood. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. Tia River’s headwaters are in the cool, wet forest country to the south. Follow the signs along this dirt road for about 7km to the campsite and day use area. Here, the track narrows and is less used. Go to the Comments below or join us on Facebook or Instagram.Any errors or omissions are mine alone. Tiara walking track starts at Tia Falls lookout and picnic area in the Tia Falls precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Once you’ve digested the information on the interpretive signage shelter, check out the view from the viewing platform… it’s breath-taking. As you’re marvelling at the scenery, imagine how attractive this region must have been to the First Nations people. The highway follows the magnificent Macleay River Valley then leaves this coastal hinterland, pushing into the steep and rugged mountains of the Great Dividing Range. Riverside campground is in the Macleay Gorges precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. A great time to explore one of the longer bushwalks in the area and take in the scenic river views. This publication collates archival material and oral information relating to Youdales Hut, including its historical and social significance. There are 3 areas in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park where you'll need day use vehicle permits: Halls Peak campground and picnic area, Riverside campground and picnic area, and Youdales Hut campground and picnic area. Note: This article contains an affiliate link to Camera House. There are 3 areas in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park where you'll need day use vehicle permits : Halls Peak campground and picnic area, Riverside campground and picnic area, and Youdales Hut campground and picnic area. Be aware, it has over 600 steps so you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness. It plunges over a cliff into a deep rainforest gorge, free-falling 200 metres. We passed through a year or so after the region was devastated by massive bushfires. As you exit Oxley Wild Rivers National Park at the northern end, you’ll merge onto Carrai Road coming in from your left. Through the trees, you’ll see a massive gorge perpetually doused in a blue haze. Racecourse Track continues straight on, but you need to hook a very sharp left onto Coachwood Road. It’s the perfect bush stop on a driving holiday and a great base for walking and birdwatching. The massive gorge opens up before you, covered in thick rainforest. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is in the New England region of New South Wales, Australia.. And keep your eye out for brush-tailed rock wallabies… they’re very cute. You’ll spend the whole time either climbing steeply or descending. And if you are in a hurry, this is the walk to do. Its close to the edge of the escarpment above the Bellingen Valley. National Park supply firewood, but bring your own just in case. Ellenborough Falls is the second highest waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. The road continues on, becoming Racecourse Track. Both are return walks. Confusingly, this region is home to three adjoining national parks… Oxley Wild Rivers, Werrikimbe and Willi Willi. Apsley Falls are about 20km west of Walcha. Oxley Wild Rivers NP is a massive area, and many of these reviews only focus on a few small parts of the park. The actual walk meanders through the bush, however it was recovering from massive bushfires when we were there. The campground has about a dozen sites, well separated from each other. Enjoy a drive along the Waterfall Way, stopping at waterfalls and craggy gorges in the rugged countryside. There are two campgrounds and fantastic hiking trails, perfect for an overnight stay with friends. The landscape is incredibly rugged. … and a whole lot more at our FREE RESOURCES Page! When you take the Oxley Highway from the coast to the New England plateau, you’re in for a wild ride! If you’re driving east on the Oxley Highway, turn right at Knodingbul Road. Getting there. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. There’s drop toilets, picnic tables and fire pits. You’ll need to pre-book on the National Parks website. I explore some of what Oxely Wild Rivers National Park has to offer while camping at Youdales hut. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information. The majority of the park is inscribed on the World Heritage List. Any questions or comments? If you’re patient, you might see a platypus late afternoon or early morning. You’ll pass huge tallowwood and box trees, reaching straight up towards the sky. The locked gate prevents unsuspecting day trippers venturing down the track, then getting stuck. From the Oxley Highway driving west, turn left at the signs to Comboyne and Elands. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000). For more information about public transport options, visit the Transport NSW website. So the walk itself wasn’t particularly inspiring, although it was interesting to see the thousands of gum and wattle tree suckers pushing their way out of the ground. The fires had somehow left this small valley untouched. Tia Falls is in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park (OWRNP), covering in excess of 142,000 hectares, protects an area of international and national significance for its biological and landscape values and of regional signifi cance for cultural heritage and recreation. There are 3 areas in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park where you'll need day use vehicle permits : Halls Peak campground and picnic area, Riverside campground and picnic area, and Youdales Hut campground and picnic area. The Oxley Walk also gives you great views of Apsley Falls. Rocky ridge lines intersect at all angles, throwing deceptive shadows and confusing the brain. So the flow over the falls is minimal, even in a good season. Another walking track crosses Apsley River to your left, then follows the other side of the gorge around to some high points. Here are some of the highlights. You can camp here. To get there follow Waterfall Way from Armidale or Dorrigo and follow the signs for Wollomombi Falls. This makes Tia River one of the most reliable water sources in the region, and a vital feeder river for the Macleay River which sustains farming and towns like South-West Rocks on the coast. There’s a campground nearby. A World Heritage park with dramatic gorges and waterfalls, extensive wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, dry rainforest and many rare plants and animals. This unique bush site, in northern NSW, is a world away from the city crowds. There’s also a pit toilet. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park factsheet, take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care, Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, Department of Planning, Industry & Environment, Become a Parks Eco Pass licensed tour operator. Tia Falls. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park: Breath taking - See 55 traveller reviews, 33 candid photos, and great deals for Armidale, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Follow the tourist drive signs. From Walcha and Armidale there are numerous turnoffs along the Waterfall Way and Oxley Highway. Mooraback Campground has grassy campsites and is accessible by 2WD vehicles. The Tiara Walk takes you along the top of the gorge on the north-western side. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. Here you can easily access lookouts which give you great views of the falls and the stunning gorge. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area features rare dry rainforest, dramatic gorges and waterfalls, extensive wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers and an amazing array of wildlife. The turnoff is about 87km east of Walcha. Just after Kemp’s Pinnacle you drop way down into a beautiful narrow valley, into cool rainforest. After about 20km, you’ll come to a fork in the road. The views of the gorge are something else though. Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. From the south, turn off the Pacific Highway at the signs to Wingham. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Access is low range 4WD only, via a steep track. The national park includes spectacular waterfalls and deep gorges. This takes you through lush green farming country, then the road turns to dirt and winds up a mountain range. The Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is a protected national park that is located in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales, Australia in the Port Macquarie-Hastings City Council and Walcha Shire councils. Then you’ll see some bush, the campground and day use parking. This fairly easy walk is well shaded under the beautiful rainforest canopy. Apsley Falls are a short distance to the east from Walcha in New South Wales (Australia), just off the Oxley Highway. The car park is at the top of the waterfall, giving you beautiful views of the gorge way down below. The campground drops away to the river and the gorge below. So we decided to have a look for ourselves. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Enmore, New South Wales, Australia. Apsley Falls campground, on the western edge of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, is your ticket to serenity. Apsley Falls are in the Oxley Wild Rivers National park and are on the Apsley River. The falls crash over the rocks and change direction midway down, before landing in the gorge floor. Again, this tarred road turns to dirt until you arrive at Elands. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is in New South Wales, Australia, 445 kilometres north of Sydney and is named in memory of the Australian explorer John Oxley, who passed through the area in 1818.The park covers 145,000 ha, being one of the largest national parks in NSW. When you book online, you’ll get a code for a locked access gate. The first lookout gives you a commanding view of the falls, while the second one gives you a sense of how huge this gorge is. The next important turnoff is when you meet Coachwood Road. 8 likes. It’s a slow, winding dirt road with some steep sections, but you could do it in a high clearance all-wheel drive. After a drive through a pretty valley, you’ll cross the Macleay River then hit the old Armidale-Kempsey Road. Watch out for on-coming traffic, especially logging trucks. Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. A walk from the day use area takes you around the edge of the gorge, which wraps around you from left to right. It’s pretty impressive! The park is managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Fortunately, the understory had started to grow back and many trees were sprouting shoots up their trunks, as gum trees do! Long Point, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Armidale . National Parks supply some firewood, but bring your own to be certain. The falls descend into an enormous gorge, which joins downstream with the Tia Falls gorge. Leading from both the campground and day use area are two walking tracks, the 5km return Tiara Walk and the 800m Tia Falls Lookout Walk. If you’re looking for a spectacular drive through Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, you can cut through from the Oxley Highway north to the old Armidale-Kempsey Road. The road’s a seemingly endless series of chicanes and hairpin bends, clinging precariously to the sides of seriously steep mountains. What we did notice was the almost complete absence of life… very few birds, no reptiles and a lone wallaby. It’s actually in Carrai State Forest on the northern side of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Whether you’re riding motorbike or driving a car or 4WD, you can see at least some of the delights this park has to offer. Please enable javascript to access the full functionality of this site. While water is available in the creek, it’s probably wise to bring your own. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park: Wild Rivers - See 55 traveler reviews, 33 candid photos, and great deals for Armidale, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Cathedral Rock National Park is located 125km (two hours) from Coffs Harbour. Walcha is the gateway to some of the best adventure experiences in Australia. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is about a 445km drive from Sydney. Two are short, while the other two are quite a bit longer. Dirt roads take you through the Bulga State Forest and you’ll arrive at Ellenborough Falls from the north. Understand []. Armidale Tourism; Armidale Hotels; Armidale Bed and Breakfast; Armidale Vacation Rentals; Armidale Vacation Packages; Flights to Armidale; Armidale Restaurants The understory is alive with all manner of lush ferns, those scruffling noises of creatures unseen, and the ever-present rainforest smell of decomposing plant matter. Here, you can see the lower falls way below. Whether you choose to camp at the waterfalls or take the drive through the park, Oxley Wild Rivers is incredibly beautiful country. There are 3 areas in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park where you'll need day use vehicle permits : Halls Peak campground and picnic area, Riverside campground and picnic area, and Youdales Hut campground and picnic area. 4 Year Review: Living in a Wedgetail Slide On Camper, Review: GME Fold-Down Antenna Mounting Bracket, Model MB042. You look straight across at the mountains on the other side of the deep gullies and concentrate hard on trying not to look straight down! The pristine rock pools way below tantalise you on a hot day, inviting you for a swim. Wollomombi Gorge Campground Wollomombi Falls Rd - End Oxley Wild Rivers National Park NSW 2350 P: 02 67760000 GPS:-30.5317,152.03367 GPS:S30 31 … You might get occasional phone reception, depending on your carrier. About 35km east of [Walcha], you’ll see the turnoff to the right. - See 55 traveller reviews, 33 candid photos, and great deals for Armidale, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The Tia Falls Lookout Walk is much shorter and quite a bit easier. This campground sits at the edge of Kunderang Brook and is a peaceful bush camp in the wild gorge country. One leads you about 700 metres around to the right, to the Knoll. By all accounts, this walk is well worth the effort. Youdales Hut is about 96km from Walcha, but the 700m descent is slow going due to the many steep switchbacks. It's best explored as a scenic drive along the Waterfall Way. Ellenborough Falls is a couple of kilometres further on. Hike up to the summit of Cathedral Rock with your camera for sunset. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park: No water! Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. This is called the Oxley Walk (named after explorer John Oxley) and is 2.7km return on a bitumen path. If camping, permit fees are included in the campground fee. There’s drop toilets, picnic tables and fire pits. Waterfalls galore, glorious ancient forests circa Gondwana period, the hills, gorges and valleys of New South Wales are a repository of Australian flora and fauna. There are lots of great things waiting for you in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. From Tia Falls, going via Armidale, at a distance of 146kms is the first of the six waterfalls on Waterfall Way. About 55km east of Walcha, turn off onto Kangaroo Flat road just east of Yarrowitch. Your walking efforts are rewarded with two excellent lookouts. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. Look for road signs to visitor sites within the park. To your left, the waterfall tumbles to the valley floor, pounding the huge basalt rocks at the bottom. The steep terrain along this drive means you’ll be in and out of mobile reception, depending on your carrier. The Oxley Highway finally opens up once you reach the New England plateau. 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