Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
National Park Gorge-filled national park protecting waterfalls and rainforest
National park on the New England Tablelands featuring deep gorges, waterfalls and river valleys; popular for hiking, camping, 4WD tracks and scenic lookouts.
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is a protected area in New South Wales that conserves a network of deeply incised river gorges and upland tablelands. The park is managed for conservation, recreation and the protection of riverine landscapes.
Key attractions are the steep gorges and cliffline lookouts that provide panoramic views over river valleys, along with a number of waterfalls and walking tracks of varying length. The park is used for bushwalking, canyon viewing, birdwatching and short scenic drives.
The area encompasses river systems that have carved deep gorges into sandstone and other rock types over geological time; management focuses on protecting these landforms and the remnant native vegetation. Visitor infrastructure is concentrated at several established lookout points and trackheads.
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park sits in the northern tablelands of New South Wales, occupying rugged terrain between higher plateaus and lower river valleys. Access is by regional roads from nearby towns and the park is a significant natural landmark in the state’s inland area.
- Terrain and access: Contains extensive rugged gorges and escarpments formed by the Macleay and Apsley river systems, with multiple walking tracks and lookouts for canyon views.
What to See #
- Gorges and lookouts: Wollomombi and Apsley gorges - major river gorges carved into the tablelands, popular for viewpoints and walking tracks.
- Waterfalls: Waterfalls and cascades - several notable falls occur on tributary rivers within the park and are focal points for short walks and viewpoints.
How to Get to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park #
Oxley Wild Rivers NP is accessed from Armidale, Walcha and other New England towns. Major access roads include the Waterfall Way and Oxley Highway; driving is the most practical way to explore the park and reach dispersed lookouts and trailheads. Some park roads are unsealed-check National Parks NSW advisories before travel.
Tips for Visiting Oxley Wild Rivers National Park #
- If planning to drive, parts of the park's roads are unsealed-check vehicle requirements and seasonal closures.
- Bring binoculars for spotting birds and gorge features along walking trails.
- Start at the Apsley Falls visitor center for maps and up-to-date track conditions.
Best Time to Visit Oxley Wild Rivers National Park #
Best from autumn through spring for accessible tracks and comfortable hiking conditions; summer delivers big waterfalls but variable access.
Weather & Climate near Oxley Wild Rivers National Park #
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1025 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (156 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.