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Apsley, Stoney Creek and Tia FallsLast modified: September 9, 2004 - 12:25 AM
Apsley Falls
The Apsley Falls are the first falls in a succession of dramatic drops that are the start of the Oxley Wild Rivers Gorge system. These falls and surrounding areas were the meeting place of the Thungutti mob of Aboriginals that frequented the tablelands in their extensive routes from the New England Tablelands to the coast in a seasonal migration. There are many sites that the local Amaroo Lands Council have dedicated as culturally relative points of interest and are now in the supervision of National Parks and Wildlife Service, who are helping as caretakers of these important sites. The Apsley Falls in the Oxley Wild rivers National Parks feature the Apsley River that meanders its way through what is now productive sheep and cattle producing country. The Apsley River is a tranquil stream of deep water holes until its dramatic fall into the Apsley Gorge, a deep narrow canyon that grows in depth and breadth on its way through the Macleay River Valley towards its entry point into the Pacific Ocean at South West Rocks. Where: From Walcha take the Oxley Highway east towards Port Macquarie. At 19km take the turn off to the left through the park entrance and continue on through the day use area until you come to the mainfalls viewing platforms. Activities: Scenic views from 9 lookouts to view this magnificent gorge, photography, bird watching, picnicking, walking, camping and general relaxation. Features: Apart from Aboriginal significance, the Apsley falls were sighted and the river named by John Oxley in 1818 who wrote in his journal that he was "lost in astonishment at the sight of this wonderful natural sublimity". There are a number of short walks that can be taken from the car parks and these are highlighted in the information shelter erected in the Day use area along with toilet facilities. One of the walks takes you over the Apsley river (where if your lucky you may sight some Platypus) to the Oxley Walk (2 km return) which meanders around to four spectacular viewing platforms and lets you discover the lower falls and some awesome cliff faces. Look out for the wedge Tail Eagles that are commonly seen soaring on the thermals over the second waterfall. Facilities: Interpretation displays, picnic tables, free gas barbeques, water, clean toilets, wheelchair access, lookout platforms, constructed walking tracks, and camping grounds with more amenities. Unfortunately, Dogs and other domestic pets are not allowed. Stoney Creek Falls Stoney Creek Falls are a very spectacular set of waterfalls with a mini gorge system of their own that drop into the ravine 2.5 km from Apsley Falls. Where: Another 2.5 km East of the Apsley Falls turnoff (21.5 km along the Oxley Highway east of Walcha). The gate is on the western side the overpass (1 km) that crosses Stoney Creek on the northern side of the road. There is a gate that goes through to "Travelling Stock Reserve" (TSR), which must remain closed at all times. This will take you along a paddock road to a fence with a small wooden gate. There is legal access through this gate and a short walk will take you to the view of Stoney Creek Falls.
Features: Apart from the views of the gorge opening up and the falls themselves, the drive into the small wooden gate through travelling stock reserve is a pleasant short drive. There are no viewing platforms at these waterfalls so extreme care must be taken when near the gorge edge. Keep away from the edge and it is not advisable to view these falls when the ground is wet. The mini gorge that comes away from the gorge edge can be accessed and explored upstream.
Facilities: None
Tia Falls
Tia River is a tributary river that dumps its water over one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the New England area. These waters run into the Apsley River after negotiating a long narrow mini ravine that can be viewed from the many platforms that the National Parks and Wildlife Service have recently upgraded. This is still part of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Where: From Walcha take the Oxley Highway east towards Port Macquarie. At 37 km take the turn to the left, 1.5 km beyond the roadside rest area on the right just beyond the bridge of Tia River. It is approx 7 km along a gravel road to Tia Falls.
Activities: Scenic views, picnicking, walking, bird watching, camping and swimming.
Features: There are two walks that meander around the edge of the escarpment enabling the visitor to take in the many viewing areas of the Tia Gorge. The shorter Falls Walk takes you to the eastern side of the falls (1.5 km return). The Tiarra Walk crosses a bridge above the falls on the western side and takes you to some incredible views of the gorge from Tiara Lookout, (5 km return).
Facilities: Information Shelter, picnic tables, free barbeques, clean toilets, constructed walking tracks and camping areas.
Click here to go to the Walcha Tourism Website Contact details |
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