Dunghutti Country
Just 2.5 hours southeast of Armidale, you will find the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, home to the Macleay Gorges, one of Australia’s largest gorge systems.
The national park’s stunning scenery and rare native plants and animals change with the seasons. Any time of the year is a good time to visit, whether swimming in the river in Summer, bushwalking in Autumn or enjoying the wildflowers in Spring.
Among the many waterfalls is Wollomombi Falls, the highest waterfall in NSW – nature's sheer beauty and force will take your breath away.
Credit: Robert Cleary, Department of Planning & Environment
From Wollomombi Falls, you can head out on the Wollomombi walking track, a 4 kilometre return trail where you might be lucky enough to spot kangaroos, parrots and platypuses. Bring your binoculars for a spot of bird watching: wedge-tailed eagles, peregrine falcons and more!
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park incorporates long and short bushwalks to accommodate everyone. The 1.5 kilometre Tia Falls walk is a fairly easy walk, with short steep sections offering spectacular views of Tia Falls and Tia Gorge. Like many walks in the park, a picnic area at Tia Falls is just waiting for you to refuel before heading home.
Credit: Leah Pippos
If a hard day walk is up your alley, try the Budds Mare to Riverside walking track, a steep 14 kilometre return walk leading to the spectacular views of Budds Mare lookout. Gaze across the Apsley River to Paradise Rocks before returning.
For another adventure, try the 65 kilometre Green Gully track – a fantastic multi-day hike available for a fee. You’ll be immersed in nature as you journey into the Apsley-Macleay Gorges, and you won’t need your tent - restored heritage huts will serve as a home base. Bookings are required for this unique experience.
Always aim to stay safe when hiking in the bush, and make sure you prepare food, water, and a first aid kit and tell a friend of your walking plans.
Credit: Shane Ruming