Dangars Gorge reopening celebration
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Affected by closures, check current alerts
Overview
This July, join us to celebrate the official reopening of the Dangars Gorge precinct in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. It’s one of the New England region’s most spectacular natural attractions, near Armidale.
- When
Saturday 4 July 2026, 11am to 2pm.
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Time suggested
- 3hrs
- Grade
- Medium. Suitable for adults and children 5 years and over. Access to the bridge is approx. 200m return. Access to Dangar Falls lookdown includes approx. 50 moderately steep stairs.
- Meeting point
- Dangars Falls picnic area
- What to
bring - Drinking water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, hat, snacks
- Bookings
- Registration is required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
- Please note
Shuttle buses will run from the parking area. Please arrive 15 to 30 mins early to allow for transfers.
Don’t miss the chance to be there when the Dangars Gorge precinct reopens after major infrastructure works to improve visitors’ access, safety and enjoyment of this awe-inspiring destination.
The upgrades include an improved bridge over Salisbury Waters. Visitors will now have year-round safe access to over 90% of the Dangars Gorge walking track network (10.5 km) and 4 scenic lookouts, even during high river flow periods. Dangars Gorge campground has also been refreshed, with improvements for campers throughout.
The program for the day includes:
- 11am: Smoking ceremony
- 11.30am: Official speeches and cutting of the ribbon
- 11.40am to 12.30pm: Guided tours of the upgraded precinct
- 12.30pm: A free barbecue lunch and hot drinks will be available, with a coffee van on site
- 2pm: Event ends.
Dangars Gorge is renowned for its dramatic waterfalls, scenic walking tracks and breathtaking views. These upgrades will ensure visitors can safely enjoy this location for years to come.
Come along and explore the upgrades, enjoy the views and celebrate this iconic place with the community.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/events/dangars-gorge-reopening-celebration/local-alerts
Operated by
- NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
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.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Dangars Gorge reopening celebration.
Getting there and parking
Dangars Gorge picnic area is in the Dangars Gorge precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there from Armidale Post Office:
- Follow Faulkner Street to the south
- Turn left onto Kentucky Street and drive for 1km
- Turn right onto Dangarsleigh Road and continue for approximately 8km
- Turn left onto Dangars Falls Road and follow the unsealed road for 10km to Dangars Gorge.
Road quality
- Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available outside of Oxley Falls National Park on a local property. NPWS staff will direct you, and a shuttle bus will be provided. Please arrive 15 to 30 mins early to allow for transfers.
Accessible parking available.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
- Wheelchair-users can access this area with assistance.
- Access is via steps or a steep slope, or you'll have to move across a rough surface with obstacles such as potholes, tree roots, and rocks.
- Paths are sealed but there are some gradual slopes and uneven ground.
- Accessible toilets are available
Learn more
Dangars Gorge reopening celebration is in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A national first
John Oxley was the first European to visit the New England region, passing through the area that is now Oxley Wild Rivers National Park in September 1818. Following Oxley, cedar-getters penetrated the remote and inaccessible gorges followed by pioneer cattle grazers who braved the remote wilderness for a hundred years. Between 1893 and 1894 the first commercial hydro-electric scheme was constructed to power the town and gold mines of nearby Hillgrove. Today you can visit the remains of this historical site when you take a walk along the Threlfall Historic walk.
- Dangars Gorge reopening celebration This July, join us to celebrate the official reopening of the Dangars Gorge precinct in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. It’s one of the New England region’s most spectacular natural attractions, near Armidale.
- Dangars Gorge reopening celebration This July, join us to celebrate the official reopening of the Dangars Gorge precinct in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. It’s one of the New England region’s most spectacular natural attractions, near Armidale.
- Threlfall walking track Threlfall walking track in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park takes in the spectacular Gara Gorge wilderness area, with scenic views and a chance to see the historic hydro-electric scheme.
Abundant wildlife
The varied plant communities of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park provide a home for over 350 animal species, including the largest confirmed population of brush-tailed rock wallabies. Even though there are roughly 10,000 of this endangered species in the park, you'll have to keep your eyes open to catch a glimpse of their bushy tail. The park also boasts over 173 bird species, including the majestic wedge-tailed eagle, peregrine falcon, square-tailed kite and sea eagle.
- Dangars Falls walking track Dangars Falls walking track is a great introduction to the waterfalls, rivers and gorges of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, near Armidale. A short and easy stroll, it delivers you right into the heart of this vast World Heritage Area.
- Dangars Gorge reopening celebration This July, join us to celebrate the official reopening of the Dangars Gorge precinct in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. It’s one of the New England region’s most spectacular natural attractions, near Armidale.
- Dangars Gorge reopening celebration This July, join us to celebrate the official reopening of the Dangars Gorge precinct in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. It’s one of the New England region’s most spectacular natural attractions, near Armidale.
- The Green Gully Track Experienced bushwalkers will enjoy rising to the challenges offered by The Green Gully Track in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, near Walcha. Bookings are necessary to secure your experience on this 65km hike over 4 days through declared wilderness areas and dramatic gorges.
- Threlfall walking track Threlfall walking track in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park takes in the spectacular Gara Gorge wilderness area, with scenic views and a chance to see the historic hydro-electric scheme.
Ancient lands
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The park contains some of the best examples of dry rainforest communities in Australia. When you are out exploring the wet and dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands and heathlands of the park, look for native olives, lacebarks, shiny-leaved and giant stinging trees, shatterwoods, scentless rosewoods and red kamalas.
- The Green Gully Track Experienced bushwalkers will enjoy rising to the challenges offered by The Green Gully Track in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, near Walcha. Bookings are necessary to secure your experience on this 65km hike over 4 days through declared wilderness areas and dramatic gorges.
Jaw-dropping scenery
With dramatic ridges and gorges, towering rock outcrops and beautiful rivers and waterfalls, there is something new around every corner and you'll be constantly amazed by the views. The sight of a majestic wedge-tailed eagle soaring high above the gorges looking for food is a truly spectacular sight to behold. Don't forget your camera, give yourself plenty of time and keep your eyes open.
- Budds Mare lookout Enjoy a picnic lunch at Budds Mare lookout surrounded by World Heritage listed rainforest and looking out to spectacular views across the Apsley River.
- Dangars Falls walking track Dangars Falls walking track is a great introduction to the waterfalls, rivers and gorges of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, near Armidale. A short and easy stroll, it delivers you right into the heart of this vast World Heritage Area.
- Dangars Gorge reopening celebration This July, join us to celebrate the official reopening of the Dangars Gorge precinct in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. It’s one of the New England region’s most spectacular natural attractions, near Armidale.
- Dangars Gorge reopening celebration This July, join us to celebrate the official reopening of the Dangars Gorge precinct in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. It’s one of the New England region’s most spectacular natural attractions, near Armidale.
- The Green Gully Track Experienced bushwalkers will enjoy rising to the challenges offered by The Green Gully Track in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, near Walcha. Bookings are necessary to secure your experience on this 65km hike over 4 days through declared wilderness areas and dramatic gorges.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
-
Swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor)
The swamp wallaby, also known as the black wallaby or black pademelon, lives in the dense understorey of rainforests, woodlands and dry sclerophyll forest along eastern Australia. This unique Australian macropod has a dark black-grey coat with a distinctive light-coloured cheek stripe.
-
Eastern water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii)
The eastern water dragon is a subaquatic lizard found in healthy waterways along eastern NSW, from Nowra to halfway up the Cape York Pensinsula. It’s believed to be one of the oldest of Australian reptiles, remaining virtually unchanged for over 20 million years.
-
Southern boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae)
The southern boobook, also known as the mopoke, is the smallest and most common native owl in Australia. With a musical 'boo-book' call that echoes through forests and woodlands, the southern boobook is a great one to look out for while bird watching.
-
Tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)
Found throughout Australia, the tawny frogmouth is often mistaken for an owl due to its wide, powerful beak, large head and nocturnal hunting habits. The ‘oom oom oom’ call of this native bird can be heard echoing throughout a range of habitats including heath, woodlands and urban areas.
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Peron's tree frog (Litoria peroni)
Peron’s tree frog is found right across NSW. These tree-climbing and ground-dwelling Australian animals can quickly change colour, ranging from pale green-grey by day, to a reddish brown with emerald green flecks at night. The male frog has a drill-like call, which has been described as a 'maniacal cackle’.
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Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)
The spotted-tailed quoll is the largest remaining carnivorous marsupial on the Australian mainland. It’s protected as a vulnerable species in NSW.
Environments in this park
Operated by
- NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
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
What's nearby:
Things to do (25)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (5)
- Fishing (1)
- Historic heritage (2)
- Picnics and barbecues (6)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (1)
- Sightseeing (21)
- Swimming (4)
- Walking (7)
- Waterfalls (15)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (1)