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 in a bitumen carpark, including 1 accessible parking space.
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
Step-free access
There's step-free access From the carpark to the picnic area along a flat concrete path, which leads to both the large picnic shelter and the toilets.
- Step-free outdoor pathways
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Blue Hole picnic area is mostly flat and step-free with the following accessible features:
- A concrete path that leads directly from the carpark to the large picnic shelter, toilets and taps for handwashing.
- Accessible picnic tables in the large picnic shelter with provisions at each end and in the middle for wheelchairs.
- A toilet with enough space for a wheelchair and a timber handrail fixed to the wall for support.
- One accessible parking space in the carpark. The carpark surface is bitumen, but may be gravelly in parts.
Access to the river is sloped and not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. People with reduced mobility may need assistance in this area.
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.
Operated by
- Armidale office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.
- 02 6738 9100
- npws.nea@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 145 Miller Street, Armidale NSW 2350
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.
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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