New England NSW - Armidale

Quick Links: Oxley Wild Rivers NP - Mt Yarrowyck Nature Reserve -
Cathedral Rock National Park - Hazards - Low Impact Bushwalking

Bushwalking in the Armidale area

Remember you take personal responsibility for the use of any information on this website.

Within a one hour radius of Armidale you will find a walker's paradise in this part of the New England. There are links below which will take you to 3 of these special areas, Oxley Wild Rivers and Cathedral Rock National Parks and Mt Yarrowyck Nature Reserve with approximate timings in getting there The walks can all be done in one day or less.

Make sure you read the Hazards section. For more information see the Contact and References page.

Walks in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Name of area	Approx time distance from Armidale
Gara Gorge - Blue Hole area including Threlfall Walk	25 mins
Wollomombi Gorge - Chandler River	30 mins
Dangars Gorge and Falls area	30 mins
Long Point	40 mins

Walks in Mt Yarrowyck Nature Reserve

Name of area	Approx time distance from Armidale
Mt Yarrowyck Rock Art circuit	30 mins (west)

Walks in Cathedral Rock National Park

Name of area	Approx time distance from Armidale
Native Dog Rest Area	1 hr (north-east)
Barokee Rest Area	50 mins (north-east)

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Hazards

• Most of the roads in the national parks and Styx River State Forest are dirt. Modify your speed to suit the road conditions. After heavy rain, roads can be slippery, so take care! On the way out to Long Point there is a small causeway that can flash flood. There are several foot bridges over creeks and rivers. Do not cross if water is over the bridge.

• Check the condition of the gates on the way out to Long Point. Always leave gates the same way as you find them.

• Take extreme care when crossing creeks or around waterfalls after heavy rain.

• Take care with fallen trees on the road, especially during strong winds or storms. Trees can fall and block the road for short periods of time.

• Take care not to collide with animals especially between dusk and early morning. There are large numbers of kangaroos and wallabies in the parks.You will also encounter the occasional tortoise, echidna and dragon lizards.

• Most of the New England plateau is +1000m. Hypothermia (the body loses its ability to keep warm) is caused from wet/windy/cold conditions. In the cooler months make sure you carry sensible clothing on day walks, especially for children or very thin people. Take woollen or thermal clothing, including hats and gloves, and wind/waterproof jackets. Avoid heavy cotton garments like jeans and sloppy joes which do not keep the body warm when wet. Nights in winter often fall below zero and very occasionally it snows. Make sure you have enough warm clothes and appropriate camping equipment.

• Sunburn in the warmer months is one of the major hazards of walking in this area. Wear sunglasses, long sleeves and pants, hat and 30+ sunscreen liberally applied. This will also protect against any prickly shrubs or grasses.

• Wear supportive shoes/boots.Tracks can be slippery. Some of the walks are very close to cliffs, deep gorges and high drop-offs near waterfalls, some without fencing. Take particular care with children.

• Focus on where you place your feet and hands. Snakes are common around wet areas and long grass. You may want to consider wearing gaiters if you are doing off track walks.

• Carry at least 2 litres of water per person, especially in summer.

•Take great care with fire in summer. Use a fuel stove or gas BBQ's provided in picnic grounds. If in an area where open fires are permitted, keep them small and use any fireplaces provided.Always extinguish fires before going to bed or leaving the area.Watch for flying embers in windy weather.

Low Impact and Responsible Bushwalking

Take all rubbish home with you
Do not stress animals by chasing or approaching too closely, particularly nesting birds. Replace smaller creatures or any rocks or logs you have turned over. Remember that all native plants, animals, cultural and historic features are protected.
Fresh drinking water is precious - do not pollute by washing, urinating or defecating within 100 metres of a water source. Others have to drink what you may be polluting!
Leave all your details with someone responsible and include intended route and timings. ALWAYS USE A MAP AND KNOW HOW TO READ IT!
Ensure you have an EPIRB or other emergency communication device. Mobile phones do not always work in this area.
Open fires are often prohibited in National Parks. Use a fuel stove or gas BBQ's provided in picnic grounds if allowed.