Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is located in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. It lies approximately 40 km east of the city of Armidale and is close to the towns of Walcha and Uralla. Covering over 145,000 hectares, the park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Established in 1986, the park is rich in cultural and natural history. It protects a significant portion of Australia’s escarpment environments, including ancient rainforests, dramatic gorges, and spectacular waterfalls. Aboriginal cultural heritage is also preserved here, with rock art and ceremonial sites found throughout the park. Parking facilities are well-distributed across several access points, such as Wollomombi Falls, Dangars Falls, and Apsley Falls. Most areas offer free parking, though some locations may request donations to support park maintenance. Basic amenities like picnic tables and toilets are available near the car parks. The park is home to diverse wildlife. Iconic species include the brush-tailed rock-wallaby, eastern grey kangaroo, and the endangered spotted-tailed quoll. Bird enthusiasts can spot peregrine falcons, wedge-tailed eagles, and lyrebirds. The region’s unique ecosystems support a range of reptiles, including skinks and geckos. The flora in Oxley Wild Rivers is equally diverse, with dry eucalypt woodlands, wet sclerophyll forests, and patches of ancient rainforest. Common plant species include the mountain gum, ribbon gum, and tree ferns. The park is known for its stunning natural landmarks, such as Wollomombi Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Australia, and the deep Apsley and Macleay River gorges. Visitors can explore a network of walking trails leading to lookout points and scenic vistas. Public transport to Oxley Wild Rivers is limited, so private vehicles are the most practical way to visit. Some tour operators offer guided trips from Armidale.