Wollomombi: Waterfalls and Gorges

Wollomombi Falls plunges 220 metres into Wollomombi Gorge in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. The waterfall is considered Australia’s second-highest. This combination of waterfall and gorge shapes Wollomombi’s natural character. When planning your trip, it’s worth distinguishing the lookouts and tracks by their respective destinations: their names are similar, but they lead to different views and experiences.

Waterfalls from different viewpoints

The Wollomombi Falls picnic area is in the Wollomombi Falls precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. The grounds are flat and step-free; paved paths lead from the car park to the facilities and a nearby lookout. The Wollomombi Main Falls lookout is accessible from the picnic area via a 200-metre path. From there, you can see waterfalls plunging into the gorge below. The path’s length gives you a specific point of reference for this lookout, helping distinguish it from the track experiences.

The Checks lookout offers another perspective: the Chandler walking track provides opportunities for birdwatching and scenic views. From the lookout, you can see waterfalls and gorges along the Chandler River. Bird and wildlife sightings are possible, though actual sightings vary. This track combines views across the landscape with opportunities to look out for nature along the way.

Tracks with different destinations

The Chandler walking track starts at the Wollomombi Falls picnic area. Its birdwatching opportunities and the views from the Checks lookout offer a different focus from the Wollomombi walking track. The latter crosses the Wollomombi River, follows the edge of Wollomombi Gorge and leads to Chandlers waterfall. The Chandler Falls lookout is at the end of the track. From there, you can see the Chandler River plunging through the gorge below; there are also opportunities to spot wildlife and birds along this track.

When choosing, the specific destinations are therefore more useful than simply treating the similarly named routes as the same: the Wollomombi Main Falls lookout is accessible via the 200-metre path from the picnic area; the Wollomombi walking track crosses the river to the waterfall and ends at the Chandler Falls lookout. By contrast, birdwatching and the views from the Checks lookout are the main focus of the Chandler walking track. Water levels and track conditions can vary. Erosion or safety work can affect access to tracks; weather or park closures can also affect paths.

Another lookout in the area

Edgars lookout is near the Wollomombi campground. Its cantilevered viewing platform offers views of gorges. This lookout is a distinct point of reference in the area and should not be confused with the lookouts on the two tracks described above. Together, they offer different ways to take in waterfalls and gorges, from a short path to the Main Falls lookout to track destinations along the river and gorge.

When planning your visit, you can first decide whether a specific lookout, bird and wildlife watching, or a route with a river crossing and waterfall destination matters most to you. Check the latest information about the tracks and the Wollomombi Falls precinct before setting out: the regulations there can change. Visibility and wildlife sightings also depend on the conditions.

Discover more destinations: Vincentia, Toongabbie, Moore Park, Worrowing Heights, Villawood, Telegraph Point, Nashdale, Ewingsdale

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.