OXLEY WILD
RIVERS NP
Grade: Moderately
challenging.
Best time of year: All year,
but winter can be chilly.
More info: For the latest on
track conditions, camping
(and vehicle) fees, access
keys (Riverside and Youdales
campgrounds are gated)
and park notices, see: http://www.
nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
visit-a-park/parks/oxley-wild-
rivers-national-park
For the latest on track
access and other park notices,
see: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.
gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/
deua-national-parkareas, so there’s plenty of wildlife here
- keep an eye out for birds, goannas,
wallabies and dingoes. The following
morning, it’s worth taking a wander on
foot (or on bikes) along the Bicentennial
National Trail before driving back up and
out of the valley.
Accommodation at Oxley Wild Rivers
NP isn’t limited to its nine excellent
campgrounds; for larger groups of tourers,
the fully restored historic East Kunderang
Homestead provides a unique doss-down
option. It’s accessible from the park’s
eastern side via Kempsey – follow the road
all the way to Georges Junction on the
border of Cunnawarra NP, and then track
south to the locked access gate.
The cedar-slab homestead was restored
in 1992 and has five bedrooms (a
maximum of 14 guests), lounge and dining
room, two bathrooms, kitchen, toilets,
barbecue facilities, picnic tables and an
awesome large verandah. It’s the perfect
weekend escape for extended families,
but it ain’t cheap. Rates start at $1200 for
a three-night weekend, while a four-night
stay during the week is the same price.
However, if you can get the numbers and
split costs, it makes for damn cool digs.
Plus, the location is sublime. The
Macleay River runs right by, so there’s
ample opportunity for fishing, swimming
and canoeing, and there are a few walking
tracks nearby. Of course, nothing would
beat sitting on that huge verandah with a
coldie watching the sun go down.
Oxley Wild Rivers NP is probably at
the limit of a three-day escape from the
city, however, when it offers big mountain
scenery, 14 waterfalls, great camping,
canoeing, fishing and swimming in the
wild rivers, and the chance to check out
some Aussie pioneering history, we reckon
it’s time well spent.http://www.4X4australia.com.auomau 1191111119With epic views and 14
waterfalls, Oxley Wild
Rivers NP is worth it.