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30 Nov 2025
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Armidale to Outback NSW Hikes & Adventure (2 weeks)

Armidale to Outback NSW — 2-Week Hikes & Adventure

Embark on a varied two-week loop from Armidale that blends highland rainforests, dramatic gorges, rugged outback plains and remote wilderness. Start with alpine-like walks and Antarctic Beech groves in New England National Park, then follow Waterfall Way to sample a string of falls and lookouts. Explore the Oxley Wild Rivers region—Wollomombi Falls, Sawn Rocks and Salisbury Waters—for cliff-top vistas and river gorges, and push farther west to Bundarra and Macintyre Falls for accessible photo spots.

Venture north to Werrikimbe and Guy Fawkes River National Parks for multi-day hikes, river crossings and wilderness camping, and detour to the granite landscapes and cultural sites of Glen Innes. For a true outback contrast, head southwest toward Narrabri and Wee Waa to camp under dark skies—perfect for stargazing—then return to Armidale via scenic highland stops like Halls Peak and Point Lookout. The route offers a mix of day hikes, overnight backpacking, easy walks, photography opportunities and restful campsites, with flexible pacing to suit adventurous hikers and nature lovers.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    New England National Park — hiking, waterfalls, Antarctic Beech forest

    Ancient high-altitude rainforest with cool-climate walks, towering Antarctic Beech groves and multiple waterfalls; offers varied trails from short boardwalks to multi-kilometre hikes, excellent birdwatching, and dramatic escarpment views that showcase the region’s unique alpine-like ecology.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Halls Peak and Point Lookout (Northern Tablelands vistas)

    Iconic viewpoints providing sweeping panoramas over the Northern Tablelands and deep gorges; ideal for sunrise/sunset photography, short scenic walks and as a gateway to longer hikes — the elevation gives clear air and expansive outlooks that highlight the area’s rugged landscape.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Oxley Wild Rivers National Park - Wollomombi Falls & Gorge Lookouts

    Home to some of Australia’s most spectacular gorge country and one of the country’s tallest single-drop waterfalls; offers a network of lookouts and walking tracks that traverse dramatic escarpments, rare flora and fauna, and river valleys — perfect for hiking, canyon observation and experiencing remote wilderness scenery.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Sawn Rocks Lookout & Salisbury Waters (Oxley Wild Rivers area)

    Offers dramatic cliff-edge views of columnar basalt formations and deep river gorges; the area features short walks to viewpoints, opportunities for photography, and remote picnic spots beside clear mountain streams—great for experiencing geological features and peaceful wilderness.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Waterfall Way — scenic drive & trailheads (includes Ebor Falls)

    A spectacular scenic corridor linking Armidale with the coast, punctuated by numerous waterfalls, lookout points and trailheads; perfect for a self-guided driving itinerary combining short walks, waterfall swims, rainforest walks and access to several national parks without long detours.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Guy Fawkes River National Park — deep gorges, river crossings, bushwalking

    Characterised by rugged gorges carved by the Guy Fawkes River, the park offers challenging multi-day hikes, scenic river crossings, secluded campsites and outstanding river canyon scenery; it's ideal for adventurous hikers seeking solitude, diverse habitats and dramatic landscapes.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Bundarra Bridge & Macintyre Falls access (outdoor/photography)

    Historic Bundarra Bridge and nearby Macintyre Falls provide photogenic riverine scenery and dramatic cascades set against rugged gorge country; easy access to vantage points makes this ideal for landscape photography, short walks, picnics and observing river wildlife in a tranquil rural setting.
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    Castle Rock Loop Track (near Guyra)

    Scenic ridge-top hike with unique granite formations and wildflower displays in spring
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Werrikimbe National Park — remote trails & wilderness camping

    A World Heritage-listed wilderness area with ancient rainforests, remote walking tracks and dispersed camping spots; visit for true solitude, extended backcountry hikes, spotting rare birds and mammals, and experiencing pristine high-rainfall forest and deep gorges far from crowds.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Severn River Reserve (near Deepwater)

    Remote river valley with canyon walks, swimming holes and wilderness camping opportunities
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  • Trip Point Pin11

    Bald Rock National Park

    Largest exposed granite rock in Australia with cliff-top walks and panoramic views — great for hiking and sunrise/sunset
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  • Trip Point Pin12

    Glen Innes Highlands — Granite Belt walks and Aboriginal cultural sites

    Offers granite tors, heathland walks and panoramic summits unique to the highlands, plus accessible Aboriginal cultural sites and interpretive experiences; combine short scenic hikes, seasonal wildflowers, local cultural history and panoramic views for a varied, culturally rich outdoor experience.
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  • Trip Point Pin13

    Narrabri Plantation Forest Trails

    Network of walking and mountain-bike trails close to Narrabri offering varied terrain and birdwatching
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  • Trip Point Pin14

    Narrabri/Wee Waa Outback access for camping and star gazing

    Wide open skies, low light pollution and flat outback landscapes make this area excellent for astrophotography and stargazing; nearby campgrounds and free camping spots provide easy access to dark sites, while daytime options include riverine walks, birdwatching and exploring saltbush plains for a true remote NSW outback experience.
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  • Trip Point Pin15

    Mulgildie/Enmore State Conservation Areas (via Tamworth routes)

    Less-crowded conservation areas with rugged bushwalking, Aboriginal heritage sites and excellent night skies for stargazing
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    The Emporium Cafe & Bar (Armidale)

    4.1

    The Emporium Cafe & Bar (Armidale)

    Well-regarded local spot for hearty breakfasts, wood-fired pizzas and regional produce—good launch point before heading into national parks.
    4.1
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  • Restaurant Icon

    Green Gate Bakery & Cafe (Armidale)

    4.7
    $$$$

    Green Gate Bakery & Cafe (Armidale)

    Popular bakery with excellent pastries, sandwiches and coffee—convenient for packed lunches and fuel before hikes.
    4.7
    $$$$
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  • Restaurant Icon

    The Three Little Pigs (Glen Innes)

    4.9

    The Three Little Pigs (Glen Innes)

    Local favourite serving comfort meals and pub-style dishes using local ingredients—great for relaxed dinner after exploring the highlands.
    4.9
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    Narrabri Hotel Bistro (Narrabri)

    4.4

    Narrabri Hotel Bistro (Narrabri)

    Reliable country bistro offering hearty mains, local produce and a casual atmosphere—good stop for dinner returning from outback camping.
    4.4
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    The Old Bank Cafe (Inverell)

    4.4
    $$$$

    The Old Bank Cafe (Inverell)

    Charming cafe in a historic building, known for seasonal dishes and quality coffee—nice midday stop on routes between national parks.
    4.4
    $$$$
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Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Quality Hotel Powerhouse Armidale

    4.2

    Quality Hotel Powerhouse Armidale

    Centrally located in Armidale with comfortable rooms and good access to local eateries and trip departure points; convenient base for exploring New England National Park and Waterfall Way.
    4.2
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  • Hotel Icon

    Glen Innes Motel & Serviced Apartments

    4.6

    Glen Innes Motel & Serviced Apartments

    Comfortable motel accommodation in Glen Innes ideal for exploring the Granite Belt walks and local cultural sites; offers family rooms and easy access to nearby attractions.
    4.6
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  • Hotel Icon

    Narrabri Caravan Park (Cabins & Powered Sites)

    4.2

    Narrabri Caravan Park (Cabins & Powered Sites)

    Practical option for stays near Narrabri offering cabins and powered camping sites—good base for outback stargazing, Narrabri forest trails and day trips to nearby attractions.
    4.2
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  • Hotel Icon

    Uralla Guesthouse

    5

    Uralla Guesthouse

    Charming country guesthouse in Uralla offering a quieter stay en route between Armidale and Oxley Wild Rivers; handy for exploring Wollomombi Falls and nearby walking trails.
    5
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    Walcha Cottages & Motel

    4.5

    Walcha Cottages & Motel

    Comfortable accommodation in Walcha providing easy access to New England highlands, Halls Peak viewpoints and local walks; suitable for families and hikers needing a restful stopover.
    4.5
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Local Events & Happenings


Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Blunt Greenhood (Pterostylis curta) at Wollomombi Falls, NSW.

    Wollomombi Falls Trail - NSW, Australia. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

    Blunt Greenhood (Pterostylis curta) at Wollomombi Falls, NSW.

    /r/hiking
  • Reddit Icon

    You could always drive along Waterfall way between Armidale and Coffs. Go to Dangar falls, Ebror and Wollomombi falls.

    Seeking advice for Australia trip in May

    You could always drive along Waterfall way between Armidale and Coffs. Go to Dangar falls, Ebror and Wollomombi falls.

    /r/AustraliaTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    One of my favourite tours is Armidale to Newcastle. Head east from Armidale to Wollomombi, then turn right onto Kempsey Road & over Styx river to Willawarrin & up to Kookaburr...

    First bike tour! Solo from Sydney to Gravesend NSW, AUS in 9 days. 885km / 6500m

    One of my favourite tours is Armidale to Newcastle. Head east from Armidale to Wollomombi, then turn right onto Kempsey Road & over Styx river to Willawarrin & up to Kookaburr...

    /r/bicycletouring
  • Reddit Icon

    Hey guys, I really need some advice on hiking nutrition. Doing the hike stated in the title and used this calculator for calorie estimate, it spat

    FOOD - Green Gully Track, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, NSW, Australia

    Hey guys, I really need some advice on hiking nutrition. Doing the hike stated in the title and used this calculator for calorie estimate, it spat

    /r/hiking

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    John Williamson - Home Among the Gumtrees

    John Williamson - Home Among the Gumtrees

    Laid-back, quintessentially Australian tune that evokes wide open landscapes and a sense of easy country living — great for driving through rural NSW.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Big Country - In A Big Country

    Big Country - In A Big Country

    Anthemic rock with expansive guitar lines that match sweeping vistas and long highway stretches.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Into My Arms

    Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Into My Arms

    A quiet, reflective piano ballad ideal for sunset stops or contemplative moments at lookouts.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Billy Joel - The River of Dreams

    Billy Joel - The River of Dreams

    Uplifting, rhythmic song with a wanderlust feel suited to exploring rivers, gorges and moving water.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Boney M. - Rivers of Babylon

    Boney M. - Rivers of Babylon

    Laid-back, melodic track that pairs well with river scenery and relaxed camping evenings.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    The Triffids - Wide Open Road

    The Triffids - Wide Open Road

    Evokes the solitude and freedom of long drives across the Australian outback.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Bon Iver - Holocene

    Bon Iver - Holocene

    Ambient, introspective indie-folk that complements quiet wilderness moments and stargazing nights.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Röyksopp - Running To The Sea

    Röyksopp - Running To The Sea

    Melancholic yet soaring, good for evocative stretches through canyons and dramatic landscapes.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    Comforting, sing-along classic that celebrates country roads and the joy of traveling familiar landscapes.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    U2 - Where The Streets Have No Name - Remastered

    U2 - Where The Streets Have No Name - Remastered

    Epic, uplifting rock track that builds to a cathartic release — fitting for reaching a dramatic lookout or summit.
    Listen on Spotify
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