Apsley Falls campground

Apsley Falls campground sits on the western edge of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, a short walk from the rim of the dramatic Apsley Gorge and its multi-tiered waterfall. It's a quiet, well-kept bush camp of 14 large, well-separated sites with fire pits and free firewood — an easy overnight base for walking the gorge rim and one of the most accessible big-waterfall camps on the Northern Tablelands.

Getting there#

Apsley Falls is just off the Oxley Highway about 20 minutes east of Walcha — follow the signed turn-off; the access road into the campground is sealed and suitable for all vehicles, including caravans and camper trailers.

• From Walcha (~20 km, 20 minutes) — east on the Oxley Highway to the signed Apsley Falls turn-off.
• From Tamworth (~110 km, ~1.5 hours) and Port Macquarie (~190 km, ~2.5 hours via the Oxley Highway) — Walcha is the last town for a proper shop and fuel.

Nearest town: Walcha, for fuel, supermarket and supplies.

Sites and facilities#

14 marked sites, large and well-spaced in a tidy layout, suitable for tents, camper trailers, caravans and campervans.

On site:

• Flush toilets (campers consistently note they're clean)
• Fire pits, with a limited supply of free firewood provided by NPWS
• Picnic tables and hot plates for cooking
• Wood barbecue facilities
• Carpark

Bring with you:

• A way to treat your water — the campground's water is untreated, so boil it for at least 10 minutes before drinking, or bring your own
• A gas stove as backup for fire-ban days
• Extra firewood if you want a fire every night; the free supply is limited

There are no showers. Bookings are required through NSW National Parks; the campground is managed from the NPWS Walcha office.

Camping fees#

A small per-person camping fee plus the standard NSW Parks booking fee applies — the exact rate isn't published on the park page, so confirm it in the NSW National Parks booking system when you book. A park entry fee may apply.

Fees are subject to change.

Best time to visit#

Apsley Falls sits at altitude on the Northern Tablelands near Walcha, so it runs cold in winter and mild in summer.

• Autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) are the most comfortable — mild days, cool nights and good walking weather.
• Summer (December–February) brings warm days and the best chance of the falls running hard after rain, but afternoon storms are common.
• Winter (June–August) is cold with heavy frosts and the odd cold snap; pack a warm sleeping bag. It's quiet, clear and good for stargazing.

The falls are most spectacular after rain, when the Apsley River is running high.

Things to do#

• Apsley Gorge Rim walking track — a short loop from the campground with lookouts over the rugged gorge and the main falls.
• Oxley walking track — traces the northern rim of the gorge for views of both the main and lower falls.
• Waterfall viewing — the Apsley Falls lookouts are a short drive or 10-minute walk from camp.
• Birdwatching and wildlife — the gorge country is rich in birdlife; wallabies and wallaroos are common around camp.
• Photography — the gorge and falls are the highlight, best in good light early or late.

Tips from campers#

• Sites are large and private — good for a relaxed setup, but bring your own shade for hot days.
• Treat or boil the on-site water before drinking; it's untreated.
• The free firewood runs out — bring your own if you want a fire each evening.
• Take care near the gorge rim and lookouts; the cliffs are sheer and unfenced in places.

Pets#

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted at Apsley Falls or anywhere in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

Nearby alternatives#

Other campgrounds in and around Oxley Wild Rivers National Park:

• Tia Falls campground — another waterfall camp further south on the Oxley Highway.
• Budds Mare campground — gorge-country camping with views.
• Riverside campground — riverside sites within the park.
• New Country Swamp campground — remote bush camping.

Can't get a booking?#

Apsley Falls can fill up during school holidays and long weekends, but cancellations come up regularly.

Set up a free CampWatch alert and we'll text you the moment an Apsley Falls site opens up. No app, no account — just your phone number.