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Blue Hole picnic area

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Blue Hole picnic area.

Getting there and parking

Blue Hole picnic area is in the Gara Gorge precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there:

  • Drive from Armidale along Waterfall Way for approximately 2km
  • Turn right into Castledoyle Road and drive for approximately 15km. The last 2km of road is unsealed.

Road quality

  • Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Blue Hole picnic area.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

A great time to tackle the Green Gully track when the days are not too hot and the nights not too cold.

Spring

The heathlands are a riot of colour when the flowers are out.

Summer

The waterfalls are likely to be at their most impressive after the summer rains.

Winter

Crisp, cool and clear days are good for a brisk half day bushwalk.

Facilities

Toilets

  • Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Carpark

Drinking water

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Permitted

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Blue Hole picnic area

Operated by

Park info

  • in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions

  • Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • There are 3 areas in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park where you'll need day use vehicle permits: Halls Peak campground and picnic area, Riverside campground and picnic area, and Youdales Hut campground and picnic area. Day use vehicle permits can be bought online or by calling the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757. If camping, permit fees are included in the campground fee.

    Contact us for permits