Unleashing Adventure in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Trip #11
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is a protected area in New South Wales, Australia, covering over 3,500 square kilometres of rugged wilderness.The park features stunning waterfalls and gorges, including Apsley Falls, Wollomombi Falls, and the deep gorges of the Macleay River, offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.
In Easter 2023, we journeyed to Dangar Gorge campground and surrounds. Coffee, trout hatchery, farmers market, campfire, stars; the perfect start to an incredible adventure.
Dangar Gorge Falls
Sarum Hill and the storm
Metz, Gara, Threfall Trail and Armidale Farmers Market
Gas refill and swim
Uralla
Apsley Falls
Tia Falls
Starry Skys
Swim at Wauchope and Lunch at Nambucca
Home again
Dangars Gorge is located near Armidale, New South Wales, and includes several waterfalls, including Dangars Gorge Falls, which is approximately 120 meters (393 feet) tall. The falls offer breathtaking views of the gorge and the surrounding landscape and are a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and photography. I took so many great photos, but I’ve had to limit myself to just one for this post.
Dangars Gorge Falls 260m
We started our day with a cup of stovetop espresso before heading out on the relatively flat trail around Dangars Gorge Falls to reach Sarum Hill Lookout. The aroma of the espresso blended with the fresh air and added to the lovely ambiance of the outdoors. The cool breeze was refreshing and calming, making our hike more enjoyable.
We noticed the lack of birdsong during our hike, which was unsettling. Despite this, we continued on our trek and appreciated the beauty of the scenery around us.
Upon reaching the Sarum Hill Lookout, we were amazed by the panoramic views. The vastness of the surrounding landscape left us in awe, and we paused to hydrate before continuing to admire the stunning scenery. The warmth of the sun and the coolness of the water refreshed and energized us for the remainder of our adventure. This experience was truly unforgettable.
Sarum Hill Lookout is behind the far end of the ridge on the right hand side.
The lookout seat at Sarum Hill
We returned to the Wotpod amidst a still, quiet and dark atmosphere, only to be greeted by sudden lightning strikes, gusts of wind at 90 kmph, heavy rain for two hours, and cold air. We took shelter and stayed dry inside, passing the time reading.
The following day was sunny and clear, albeit cold. We decided to take a drive out to Metz Gorge to admire the stunning views. From the top, we could see the old goldmine and hydro power station which supplied the mining town of Hillgrove on the other side of the gorge. Unfortunately, there were no easily accessible trails for us to explore, so we made our way back towards Armidale. On our way back, we stopped at Gara Gorge to take in the breathtaking scenery.
Metz Gorge
Gara Gorge Trailhead
Gara Gorge from Threfall Track
Rain from the previous evening
The sword and belt of Orion setting in the western sky. My first attempt at the stars.
We then visited the Armidale farmers’ market, where we stocked up on delicious cheese, fresh tomatoes, and crisp new-season apples to bring back to our campsite. That evening, we savoured our tasty finds while stargazing under the clear night sky.
Just above freezing, but plenty warm inside the wotpod.
As the sun set, we huddled around the fire for warmth, but as darkness fell, the chill in the air became less bearable. Reluctantly, we abandoned our outdoor chairs and sought refuge in the warmth of our pod. After a restful night’s sleep, we woke up early and prepared to leave the campsite, excited for the next leg of our journey. Our destination was the Apsley Falls campground downrange.
the Alternate Root, Uralla
The next morning, we drove back to Armidale to exchange our gas bottle for a full one. After that, we decided to freshen up by taking a refreshing swim at the UNE swimming pool and indulged in a long shower. Once we were clean and refreshed, we changed into fresh clothes and hit the road again. Our next stop was Uralla, where we grabbed some coffee at “The Alternate Root“. After our coffee break, we continued on to Walcha to purchase some supplies before making our way to Apsley Falls, where we set up our campsite. We then laid out our solar blanket to soak up the sunlight and recharge our battery.
Uralla
Charge battery when the sun is out.
Magnificent Apsley Falls winding down through the gorge. Not to be missed.
Apsley Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, located about 60 km southeast of Armidale in New South Wales, Australia. It drops about 65 meters over two levels, and visitors can enjoy several lookout points to admire the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. The national park also offers activities such as camping, bushwalking, and wildlife watching, and is home to several rare species. Apsley Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a serene natural environment.
Noisy, thunderous roar.
Looking away from Aspley falls, down the gorge.
The experience at Apsley was nothing short of spectacular. The sight of massive cliffs and the roaring sound of a big waterfall are truly mesmerizing. Moreover, the nice graded walk made it easy for us to explore the beauty of the place. And to top it all off, the weather was just perfect. We couldn’t have asked for a better day to soak in the natural wonders of Apsley. As we walked along the trail, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and appreciation for the raw beauty of nature that surrounded us. Every step we took revealed a new breathtaking view, and we were grateful for the opportunity to witness such a stunning display of natural splendour.
The beginning of the Tiara walk at Tia falls.
On the following day, we set out to explore Tia Falls, and while it may not have been as breathtaking as Apsley, it certainly was a pleasant and enjoyable walk. The surroundings were lush with greenery, and the air was refreshingly crisp and pure, making the entire experience all the more rejuvenating. The views along the way were nothing short of stunning, with picturesque scenes unfolding at every turn. However, it must be said that the falls at Tia, while beautiful in their own right, didn’t quite match up to the grandeur and magnificence of Apsley. Nevertheless, the journey to Tia Falls was a memorable one, and we cherished every moment of it. The experience served as a reminder of the boundless beauty that exists in nature, and we were grateful for the opportunity to witness it firsthand.
Close view of one of the many steps down into Tia Gorge.
Colourful new growth on young eucalyptus.
Final night in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Not as cold as the previous night.
Next morning we embarked on the slow and winding two-hour journey down the Oxley Highway, descending from the range to reach the town of Walcha.
On a warm and bustling holiday morning in Walcha, we took in the town’s charms. The streets overflowed with locals and visitors, eager to bask in the good weather. The shops brimmed with handmade wares, and the townsfolk exuded a geniality that was hard to ignore.
We invigorated ourselves with some exercise by taking a refreshing dip in the town’s pristine public pool to beat the heat. The scene was lively, with families and children frolicking in the water, soaking up the sun’s rays.
Afterwards, we sauntered into a local café, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. The patrons chattered cheerfully, the café alive with energy. As we sipped our coffee, we savored the simple pleasures of a warm and busy holiday morning in this charming town.
After a ninety-minute drive north to Nambucca Heads, we enjoyed a delicious meal overlooking the river at “The V Wall,” a pub/restaurant. The food was exquisite, and the view was breathtaking, making the journey well worth it. Finally, we returned home, exhausted but content, to unpack, tidy up, and prepare ourselves for the next adventure in the Little White Wotpod.
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