Wollomombi is a unique little village with a rich history located between the Wollomombi and Chandler rivers. If you love the raw power and beauty of rugged wilderness, then a visit to Wollomombi Falls picnic area in New England is your idea of heaven.
Wollomombi Falls
The Wollomombi Falls are one of the highest falls in Australia. The spectacular single fall from the undulating plateau country around Wollomombi to the floor of the Wollomombi Gorge often gives visitors a truly superb view. The views, though sometimes shrouded in mist, are most spectacular after heavy rain in the area.
Wollomombi Falls are located less than one kilometre south of the village of Wollomombi and approximately two and a half kilometres by road. The access turn off is one and a half kilometres from Wollomombi on the Waterfall Way towards Armidale.
Wollomombi Falls are located in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Wind along the picturesque Waterfall Way and through World Heritage listed national parks to the most spectacular gorges, waterfalls, crystal clear streams and views in the region.
Tourist Drive 17 is named the Best of New England for good reason. From Armidale, the route takes you along the picturesque Waterfall Way (itself rated second only to the Great Ocean Road in Australia’s top drives) and through World Heritage-listed national parks to the most spectacular gorges, waterfalls, crystal clear streams and views in the region.
Highlights of this trip include Gara Gorge and Wollomombi Falls in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Point Lookout in the New England National Park, massive boulders in the Cathedral Rock National Park and Ebor Falls.
You also pass through the once thriving mining towns of Hillgrove and Metz, visit a trout hatchery and stop by the calm waters of Malpas Dam.
Whilst the village has changed from a flourishing settlement to serve the needs of the district to a quiet residential village, The Wollomombi Store is the perfect base to set up camp, and purchase some supplies to explore the magnificent Wollomombi Gorge located a short 5 minute drive from the village. After heavy rain the waterfall cascades 220m over the dramatic cliffs to the valley below and a great way to introduce the kids to the might of the natural elements
The Wollomombi Gorge (a World Heritage Area), the deepest in NSW, contains two waterfalls – the Wollomombi Falls of 220 m (100 m single drop) and the nearby Chandler Falls. The name Wollomombi, and its various spellings, is derived from the Aboriginal words for meeting of the waters.
Wollomombi and Chandler Falls
Make your way to the nearby lookout and gaze over the highest waterfall in NSW. If it’s been raining, you’ll soak up more than just the scenic views as the massive gorge fills with mist and the occasional rainbow. If bushwalking is on the agenda you could try Chandler walking track or Wollomombi walking track as both tracks start from the picnic area.
When the force of nature gives way to hunger, unpack the picnic basket and barbecue up a feast under the shade of the red gum and yellow box. If you’re after action, there’s a range of walks that show off the rugged beauty of this beautiful area. And if you’d like to spend more time here you could pitch your tent at Wollomombi campground.
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Wollomombi Falls – Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
East of Armidale, Wollomombi Falls is one of the country’s largest waterfalls. You can often see torrents of water cascading from the grassy New England tableland into the vast and wild gorge system beneath it. The name Wollomombi derives from an Aboriginal word meaning the meeting of two waters, but a lot of local elders simply refer to it as the place of the lyrebird. Tracing the Wollomombi gorge rim, this trail takes in four breathtaking lookouts and two incredible waterfalls. It offers a rare glimpse into the ecology, colonial history, and the traditional stories embedded in this ancient landscape. Armidale elder Steve Widders guides walkers along the trail, as we hear the lyrebird Dreaming story, the poetry of Judith Wright, and how this place opens a window into the evolution of life on earth since the time of the Gondwana supercontinent.
Before venturing out check the NPWS website for the latest park information.
This Soundtrail is an Australian Government Bushfire Recovery Initiative, brought to you by New England High Country tourism group in partnership with Soundtrails. Credits and Contributors.
