Oxley walking track

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

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Overview

This medium walk combines lookouts and scenic waterfall views with great wildlife and birdwatching. It’s a great day trip in the New England area, just off the Oxley Highway.

Accessibility
Medium
Distance
2.8km return
Time suggested
1hr - 1hr 30min
Grade
Grade 3
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
Please note
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch.

If you love scenic views and wildlife, you'll enjoy Oxley walking track as it 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 Falls picnic area.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

On the way

  • View of a powerfall waterfall plunging into a deep chasm in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Photo © Jessica Stokes

    Apsley Chasm lookout

    Apsley Chasm lookout is in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park along Oxley walking track. One of several lookouts on the walk, it offers spectacular views of the lower falls and deep gorges.

  • A giant plume of water cascades into a deep chasm in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Photo © Leah Pippos

    Apsley Lower Falls lookout

    Apsley Lower Falls lookout is in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park along Oxley walking track. It’s a great vantage point for viewing the spectacular lower falls.

  • A river cascades in steps past a steep and dark slate canyon wall in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Photo © Jessica Stokes

    Apsley Slate Walls lookout

    Apsley Slate Walls lookout is in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park at the end of Oxley walking track. It’s a great spot to view the lower waterfall and impressive slate walls of the surrounding gorge.

  • View of multiple cascades of water dropping off the top of a ridge and plummeting in steps down a cliff face.  Photo © Jessica Stokes

    Oxley lookout

    Oxley lookout is in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park along Oxley walking track. It’s a great place to view the rock amphitheatre of the upper falls.

Map


Map legend

Map legend

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/oxley-walking-track/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

  • in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions
  • Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • 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. Day use vehicle permits can be bought online or by calling the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757. If camping, permit fees are included in the campground fee.

    Contact us for permits (/about-npws/contact-us).
See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Oxley walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

2.8km return

Time

1hr - 1hr 30min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

No steps

Quality of path

Formed track: The walk is a 1.2m-wide bitumen track.

Getting there and parking

Oxley walking track 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.

Parking

Parking is available at Apsley Falls picnic area, including 1 accessible parking space.

It can be a busy place on weekends, so parking may be limited.

Facilities

Accessible toilets and picnic facilities are located at Apsley Falls picnic area where this walk begins.

Seats and resting points

There are 3 benches along the walk.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

Oxley walking track is a 1.2m-wide bitumen track. There are no steps along this walk, but there are some short, steep slopes where assistance may be required.

There are 3 benches at points along the walk for resting, and accessible toilets at Apsley Falls picnic area where this walk begins.

The carpark at Apsley Falls picnic area has 1 accessible parking space.

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Learn more

Oxley walking track is in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A national first

Gara Gorge, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

John Oxley was the first European to visit the New England region, passing through the area that is now Oxley Wild Rivers National Park in September 1818. Following Oxley, cedar-getters penetrated the remote and inaccessible gorges followed by pioneer cattle grazers who braved the remote wilderness for a hundred years. Between 1893 and 1894 the first commercial hydro-electric scheme was constructed to power the town and gold mines of nearby Hillgrove. Today you can visit the remains of this historical site when you take a walk along the Threlfall Historic walk.

  • Threlfall walking track Threlfall walking track in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park takes in the spectacular Gara Gorge wilderness area, with scenic views and a chance to see the historic hydro-electric scheme.

Abundant wildlife

two brush tailed rock wallabies sitting on a rock. Photo: Piers Thomas/OEH

The varied plant communities of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park provide a home for over 350 animal species, including the largest confirmed population of brush-tailed rock wallabies. Even though there are roughly 10,000 of this endangered species in the park, you'll have to keep your eyes open to catch a glimpse of their bushy tail. The park also boasts over 173 bird species, including the majestic wedge-tailed eagle, peregrine falcon, square-tailed kite and sea eagle.

  • Dangars Falls walking track Dangars Falls walking track is a great introduction to the waterfalls, rivers and gorges of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, near Armidale. A short and easy stroll, it delivers you right into the heart of this vast World Heritage Area.
  • The Green Gully track Make a booking to experience fern-lined gullies, high elevation forests and wildlife along the Green Gully Track. Stay in heritage huts each of the 5 nights along this challenging multi-day hike.
  • Threlfall walking track Threlfall walking track in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park takes in the spectacular Gara Gorge wilderness area, with scenic views and a chance to see the historic hydro-electric scheme.

Ancient lands

Chandler view circuit walk, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The park contains some of the best examples of dry rainforest communities in Australia. When you are out exploring the wet and dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands and heathlands of the park, look for native olives, lacebarks, shiny-leaved and giant stinging trees, shatterwoods, scentless rosewoods and red kamalas.

  • Oxley Wild Rivers guided hiking adventures Explore one of Australia’s largest gorge systems on this multi-day guided trek with Primal Adventures. Experience lush gullies, waterfalls and stunning forests in World Heritage surrounds, near Armidale.

Jaw-dropping scenery

Wollomombi walk, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

With dramatic ridges and gorges, towering rock outcrops and beautiful rivers and waterfalls, there is something new around every corner and you'll be constantly amazed by the views. The sight of a majestic wedge-tailed eagle soaring high above the gorges looking for food is a truly spectacular sight to behold. Don't forget your camera, give yourself plenty of time and keep your eyes open.

  • Budds Mare lookout Enjoy a picnic lunch at Budds Mare lookout surrounded by World Heritage listed rainforest and looking out to spectacular views across the Apsley River.
  • Dangars Falls walking track Dangars Falls walking track is a great introduction to the waterfalls, rivers and gorges of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, near Armidale. A short and easy stroll, it delivers you right into the heart of this vast World Heritage Area.
  • The Green Gully track Make a booking to experience fern-lined gullies, high elevation forests and wildlife along the Green Gully Track. Stay in heritage huts each of the 5 nights along this challenging multi-day hike.
  • Tia Falls walk Tia Falls walk in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is great for children. A short, easy walk, it offers spectacular views of Tia Falls and Gorge.

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  • Swamp wallaby in Murramarang National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    Swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor)

    The swamp wallaby, also known as the black wallaby or black pademelon, lives in the dense understorey of rainforests, woodlands and dry sclerophyll forest along eastern Australia. This unique Australian macropod has a dark black-grey coat with a distinctive light-coloured cheek stripe.

  • Eastern water dragon. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    Eastern water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii)

    The eastern water dragon is a subaquatic lizard found in healthy waterways along eastern NSW, from Nowra to halfway up the Cape York Pensinsula. It’s believed to be one of the oldest of Australian reptiles, remaining virtually unchanged for over 20 million years.

  • Southern boobook. Photo: David Cook

    Southern boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae)

    The southern boobook, also known as the mopoke, is the smallest and most common native owl in Australia. With a musical 'boo-book' call that echoes through forests and woodlands, the southern boobook is a great one to look out for while bird watching.

  • Tawny frogmouth. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    Tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)

    Found throughout Australia, the tawny frogmouth is often mistaken for an owl due to its wide, powerful beak, large head and nocturnal hunting habits. The ‘oom oom oom’ call of this native bird can be heard echoing throughout a range of habitats including heath, woodlands and urban areas.

  • Peron's tree frog. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    Peron's tree frog (Litoria peroni)

    Peron’s tree frog is found right across NSW. These tree-climbing and ground-dwelling Australian animals can quickly change colour, ranging from pale green-grey by day, to a reddish brown with emerald green flecks at night. The male frog has a drill-like call, which has been described as a 'maniacal cackle’.

  • A spotted-tailed quoll walks across a moss-covered forest floor at night. Photo: Lachlan Hall © Lachlan Hall

    Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)

    The spotted-tailed quoll is the largest remaining carnivorous marsupial on the Australian mainland. It’s protected as a vulnerable species in NSW.

Environments in this park

Education resources (1)