Wollomombi and Chandler Walking Tracks, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park NSW
Spectacular gorge scenery on these two shortish walks along the edge of Wollomombi Gorge in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Two shortish walks here that are filled with spectacular gorge scenery. The scenery is quite different from the valleys around Sydney, and one of my Instagram followers thought it reminiscent of the Italian Alps. I’ve never been, although I see plenty of the Dolomites on Instagram, and I think she was referring to the preponderance of steep rocky slopes. There are big waterfalls here as well, and in fact Wollomombi Falls is the third tallest in Australia, however we didn’t see a single falls with water in them on our trip, due to dry conditions. Definitely worth the visit nevertheless.
This view was a short side trip from Checks Lookout, to a spot where they used to have the lookout. It requires a bit more care to get down there, but was worth it. Where Wollomombi Falls should have been I think Wollomombi Falls are usually on the left. Not much water around when we visited. Sophia resting at the turnaround point of the Chandler walking track. A panorama from the end point of the Chandler walking track. The Wollomombi Gorge from the end of the Chandler Walking Track. Sophia looking yonder. Lots of rock. Looking deeper into the gorge. The Chandler walking track ends part way along the spur to the right. This view was just a little off track as we returned back to the start of the Chandler walking track. This is roughly the view from the main falls lookout, only that was closed for repairs, so I went into the bush just a little to find a gap in the trees.
Wollomombi walking track
We crossed over Wollomombi River.
The beginnings of Wollomombi Gorge.
Edgars Lookout
This view was actually from Edgars Lookout, which is a very short drive from the main car park.
Track Notes
On marked tracks. I’m writing this caption up some years later and I seem to remember going on a bit further from the end of the Chandler Track. But my red line is what is marked on the NPWS website.
There’s information on these walks on the NPWS website: here are links to the Chandler Walking Track and Wollomombi Walking Track. The Chandler walk is quite short but the end bit is steep. The track used to go down all the way to the river but has been closed due to erosion, and now ends at a good viewpoint back up the Wollomombi Gorge. The Wollombombi Walking Track is a little longer but quite level, and goes upstream to visit the beginning of the gorge.
2 thoughts on “Wollomombi and Chandler Walking Tracks, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park NSW”
Hi Edward, thanks for your post. If you had time for only one of the walks to get some of the best views that this gorge has to offer, which would you choose?
Hi Melissa. Well, I consulted with my wife Sophia and we think the Chandler Walking Track is the one to choose. It’s steeper, but the drop down to the ridge is fun, and I think the views from the end were the best of the day. I suspect it will also be quieter than the Wollomombi Track. (And you can actually continue past the end of the track for more views.) You won’t been disappointed with either though. One thing to note is that there was almost no water at all when we visited, so I’m not sure what water would do to enhance the views.
Hi Edward, thanks for your post. If you had time for only one of the walks to get some of the best views that this gorge has to offer, which would you choose?
Hi Melissa. Well, I consulted with my wife Sophia and we think the Chandler Walking Track is the one to choose. It’s steeper, but the drop down to the ridge is fun, and I think the views from the end were the best of the day. I suspect it will also be quieter than the Wollomombi Track. (And you can actually continue past the end of the track for more views.) You won’t been disappointed with either though. One thing to note is that there was almost no water at all when we visited, so I’m not sure what water would do to enhance the views.