Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
National Park in New South Wales
Written by Claire Ashworth· Updated Apr 2026Quick Actions
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World Heritage Status
- Status
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
About Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is the largest national park on the NSW tablelands, encompassing the spectacular gorge systems of the Macleay and Apsley Rivers as they cut through the New England Plateau. The park contains some of the most impressive escarpment and gorge country in eastern Australia, with the Wollomombi and Chandler Falls among the highest in the continent. It forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area.
About
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is the largest national park on the NSW tablelands, encompassing the spectacular gorge systems of the Macleay and Apsley Rivers as they cut through the New England Plateau. The park contains some of the most impressive escarpment and gorge country in eastern Australia, with the Wollomombi and Chandler Falls among the highest in the continent. It forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area.
History & Significance
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park was established to protect the spectacular gorge systems carved by the Macleay and Apsley Rivers through the New England Plateau. The park forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, recognised for its geological significance and pristine wilderness. The gorges showcase some of eastern Australia's most dramatic escarpment country, with waterfalls among the continent's highest.
Sources & References
Warnings
Getting There
The park is accessed from Armidale (570 km north of Sydney). Wollomombi Falls is 24 km east on Waterfall Way. Apsley Falls is 65 km south on Waterfall Way.
Parking
Free parking at Wollomombi Falls carpark and Dangars Gorge picnic area. Limited facilities; some campground access roads require 4WD. Capacity varies by location — arrive early during weekends and school holidays. Accessibility limited to designated carparks and short walks; most gorge viewing requires hiking.
Visitor Tips
- •Combine Wollomombi Falls and Dangars Gorge with Apsley Falls for a spectacular gorge-country day tour from Armidale.
Cultural Significance
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park was established to protect the spectacular gorge systems carved by the Macleay and Apsley Rivers through the New England Plateau. The park forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, recognised for its geological significance and pristine wilderness. The gorges showcase some of eastern Australia's most dramatic escarpment country, with waterfalls among the continent's highest.
Sources & References
Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Site
- Significance
- World Heritage
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Free
- Duration
- 1–3 days
- Best Time
- April–October (mild temperatures, good waterfall flow)
Location
- Region
- New England / Northern Tablelands
- State
- New South Wales
Good to Know
Highlights
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- All ages for short walks and carpark viewing; older children and adults for extended hiking and gorge walking
- Shade/Cover
- Moderate shade
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
No cafés or restaurants in park; bring supplies. Picnic areas at Dangars Gorge and near carparks.
Features
Facilities
Nearby
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