Set off early in the morning with my roommate for Apsley Falls. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Tamworth. The waterfall does look pretty impressive in person, and the mountains shaped by time and nature are quite unique. Of course, there’s also that classic Aussie bush scenery. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth making a special trip just for it — but if you’re passing by, it’s definitely worth a quick stop. On the way there and back, we passed through a small town called Walcha. It’s really tiny, but the scenery is actually quite nice.
Apsley Gorge (NSW)
2 photos
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
110m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Apsley Gorge (NSW)
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Apsley Gorge (NSW) famous?
Apsley Falls and Gorge are famous for their dramatic two-tiered drop into a deep basalt gorge within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, one of NSW's largest wilderness areas. The falls are a popular destination for their scenic beauty and excellent swimming holes.
Can you swim at Apsley Gorge (NSW)?
Yes. Swimming is popular in the natural pools at the base of the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Apsley Gorge (NSW)?
Dogs are not permitted in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Apsley Gorge (NSW) free? Do you need a permit?
Free entry to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park at this location. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Apsley Gorge (NSW)?
There is a small parking area at the Apsley Falls day-use area. Parking is free. The falls viewpoint is a short walk from the car park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Apsley Gorge (NSW)?
About 600 metres return from the car park to the gorge rim lookout and falls viewpoint. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Apsley Gorge (NSW) hike difficulty
Easy to Moderate. The walk to the lookout is short but involves steep steps down to the gorge floor if accessing the swimming area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Apsley Gorge (NSW)?
Spring and early summer (September–December) for good water flow and warm weather for swimming. Water levels can vary significantly with rainfall. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Apsley Gorge (NSW)
From the parking area, follow the marked walking track to the gorge rim lookout for views of the falls. To access the swimming holes at the base, descend via steep steps and rocky sections. The track can be slippery when wet.
Apsley Gorge (NSW) official website
Attractions near Apsley Gorge (NSW)
- •Wollomombi Falls — one of Australia's highest waterfalls at 220m, about 30km south
- •Dangars Gorge — dramatic gorge with lookouts and walking tracks, near Armidale
- •Tia Falls — picturesque waterfall in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
- •Walcha — historic country town known for outdoor sculptures and murals, 25km west
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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