Nature in Armidale & surrounds

Rugged wilderness

The region is home to four spectacular national parks that are all part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.

Pedestrian suspension bridge located in Oxley Rivers National Park, Walcha in Armidale, Country NSW

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Walcha

In the Oxley Wild Rivers, follow the walking track to find Wollomombi Falls, where water plunges 220m into Wollomombi Gorge below – the highest waterfall in NSW and second-highest in Australia. The picturesque Chandler Falls are also close by. There’s a peaceful campground near the falls, perfect for an overnight bush stop.

Wollomombi Falls lookout at Wollomombi in Armidale, Country NSW

Wollomombi Falls lookout, Armidale - Credit: Barbara Webster/DPE

Waterfall Way is an unforgettable scenic drive between Armidale and Coffs Harbour, winding through five national parks, including the Oxley Wild Rivers. This route includes the majestic Ebor Falls in the Guy Fawkes River National Park. Take a scenic helicopter flight for an aerial panorama of stunning gorge country.

Ebor Falls, Armidale - Credit: Barbara Webster/DPE

Outdoor adventures

Sign up for your own outdoor wilderness adventure and choose from bushwalking, rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, biking, or birdwatching. In Oxley Wild Rivers, stretch your legs on the scenic Apsley Gorge Rim and Oxley walking tracks with views of Apsley Falls, and keep an eye out for brush-tailed rock wallabies.

Apsley Gorge Oxley Walk at Walcha in Armidale, Country NSW

Apsley Gorge Oxley Walk, Walcha - Credit: Robert Cleary/DPE

The Lyrebird Walking Track in the New England National Park has brooks, waterfalls and hundreds of bird species. On the nearby Eagles Nest Walking Track marvel at huge moss-covered Antarctic beech trees.

Lyrebird Dell Walking Track at the New England National Park in Armidale, Country NSW

Lyrebird Dell Walking Track, Armidale - Credit: Stephen Alton/DPE

There are also other magnificent state forests and national parks to explore in the region such as Cathedral Rock National Park with its giant granite boulders and panoramic views. Birdwatching and camping are also popular in Cathedral Rock, where you’ll find enormous wedge-tailed eagles.

Cathedral Rock National Park in Armidale, Country NSW

Cathedral Rock National Park, Armidale- photo credit: Barbara Webster/DPE

Another top birdwatching site is the Mother of Ducks Lagoon Nature Reserve, which sits in a silted volcanic crater. It’s a rare breeding place for several freshwater wetland bird species, and a resting place for migratory birds. Look out for the renowned Japanese Snipe that flies here from Japan each August to April.