Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
- A look at the past
- Aboriginal culture
- Natural features
- Native plants
- Wildlife
- NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
- NPWS Armidale (02) 6776 0000
- NPWS Walcha (02) 6777 4700
- CANOE on one of the pristine rivers
- ENJOY the views of Apsley River at Budds Mare
- SEE the spectacular 240-metre drop of Wollomombi Falls
Introduction
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, much of it World Heritage-listed, is a stunning environment of majestic gorges, deeply incised river valleys and powerful waterfalls plunging over formidable escarpments on the eastern side of the Great Divide. The park encompasses two wilderness areas: Macleay Gorges Wilderness (1996) and Kunderang Wilderness (1998).
Fact file
Access
From Armidale via Waterfall Way to Wollomombi; from Armidale access roads to south-east lead to several gorges; from Walcha via Moona Plains Rd; from Walcha via Oxley Hwy then Kangaroo Flat Rd (walking access only); also other unpaved roads but some are 4WD onl
Best Season
All year
Location
560 km from Sydney; 44 km east of Walcha; 16–40 km south-east of Armidale
Park Information
Permits
Permits required for access to
Youdales Hut and Riverside:
(02) 6777 2755 or (02) 6777 4700
Size
119 789 ha
Where to Stay
Armidale/Walcha 1800 627 736
www.tourismnewengland.com
A look at the past
Explorer John Oxley was the fi rst European to traverse the area when he passed through in 1818 while looking for a route from the tablelands to the coast. The fi rst half of the 19th century saw the park subjected to logging by cedar-getters but graziers took over later in the 1800s. The park’s European heritage includes relics of grazing and quarrying; the remnants of Australia’s fi rst commercial hydro-electricity scheme along the Styx River and at Gara Gorge; and the isolated and historic homestead at Kunderang. Alan Youdale leased land along Kunderang Brook in 1930 and built the humble stringybark and messmate dwelling that now bears his name.
Aboriginal culture
The park covers an area once occupied by the Dunghutti (Dainggatti) people. Their lands centred on the food sources of the Macleay River, the swamps, rainforests and valley woodlands, and there were seasonal movements only between the tablelands and the coast. Archaeological research suggests occupation dating back 4200 years. Along the creeks and on the tablelands there are artefact scatters, scarred trees and axe-grinding grooves. Archaeological sites include burial sites at East Kunderang; mythological sites include the landscape of the upper Apsley Gorge; and contact sites encompass the rugged falls country where Aboriginal people staged their fi nal fi ght against white settlers, as well as sites along Kunderang Brook where brutal massacres took place.
Natural features
Located in the New England Tablelands, the park encompasses the catchment of the Macleay River and large tracts of virgin bushland. The Great Dividing Range, which runs through the park, slopes gently to the west, while the steep, eastern escarpment is dissected by streams, spilling over the side. Waterfalls are a prominent feature, with the most impressive – and one of the country’s highest – the 240-metre drop of Wollomombi Falls. Not so high but still impressive, Tia Falls and Apsley Falls plummet into the gorges below after rain.
Native plants
The national park was given World Heritage status for its dry rainforest, a particularly rare vegetation type existing only in shaded gullies sheltered from fi re. The biodiversity created by this dry rainforest provides a refuge for more than 180 plant species, including the rare gorge wattle (Acacia diphylla). Elsewhere in the park there are pockets of subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate rainforests, and eucalypt woodlands on the valley fl oors. The eucalypt forests are dominated by species such as New England stringybark and blackbutt, along with the threatened Hillgrove spotted gum (Eucalyptus michaeliana). Heathland plants grow on the cliffs where soil is sparse and another rare species, Acacia ingramii, is found here.
Wildlife
The national park is a haven for native fauna and mammals include brushtail possums, swamp and red-necked wallabies and brush-tailed rock-wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, red-legged pademelons, sugar and greater gliders and spotted-tailed quolls. There are also innumerable species of bats including the chocolate wattled bat, the lesser long-eared bat, the little forest bat, and the large forest bat. The large forest bat, with its particularly long fur, has adapted to cool climates and is able to hunt during winter nights when other species are hibernating.Platypus swim in the clear waters as do 14 native fi sh species. Frogs seek refuge near the rocky streams:common species are Lesueur’s frog, the common eastern froglet, and the red-backed toadlet, easily recognisable by its brilliant red back. Birdlife is also prolifi c with 170 species sighted, including rainforest species such as the green catbird with its strange, cat-like call, and the white-headed pigeon. Thornbills are numerous – the brown, buff-rumped and the striated thornbill in particular – and white-browed scrubwrens, glossy black-cockatoos and white-throated treecreepers are regular sights in the bush.
Featured Activities in the National Park
Introduction
Oxley Wild Rivers is extensive but with a range of relatively easily accessible areas and there are memorable lookouts and peaceful picnic spots. Swimming and fi shing (fi shing licence required and size and bag limits apply) are possible at East Kunderang and Riverside on the Macleay River. Four-wheel-driving skills can be tested if you opt for staying at Youdales Hut, Riverside or East Kunderang Homestead – access roads are 4WD only (permit and key required).
Bushwalking
There are short walks, as well as challenging trails leading into quiet gullies and along pristine waterways, where native wildlife is plentiful. From East Kunderang Homestead there are easy, 15-minute walks to the river or a pioneer grave site. Apsley Gorge Rim Walk (1-km loop, 30 minutes, easy) takes in some spectacular lookouts, and Oxley Walk (2.7 km, 1½ hours, easy) is a longer option, offering dramatic views of the gorge. More challenging walks extend between Budds Mare and Riverside, with one track (14 km return, 6 hours, diffi cult) passing through rainforests and heathlands and offering a steep climb on the return to Riverside.
Canoeing and boating
Access is limited but canoeing is possible on the Macleay River. The best launching points are at Kunderang West (4WD access only), Riverside (permit required) and East Kunderang Homestead (house guests only).
Cycling
Cyclists can use most park roads and management trails (permission from landowners is required in some cases), but not the walking tracks.
Horse riding
he Bicentennial National Trail passes through the park. Tours are available: call (02) 6778 1264 for details.
Campsites
Dangars Falls and Gorge camping area
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