Trail Fast Facts
Budds Mare to Riverside walking track is a 6km, grade 5 hike in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 4 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Budds Mare to Riverside walking track in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park offers a challenging 6km (grade 5) adventure through the heart of the World Heritage-listed Macleay wilderness. This track is perfect for those seeking a thrilling journey that takes roughly 4 hours to complete.
The trail begins with heathlands and tall gums, offering glimpses of vibrant crimson rosellas and elusive brush turkeys. As you descend steeply, the landscape transforms. Eucalypts give way to a cool, shaded canopy formed by sassafras and coachwood trees. This transition marks your entrance into the ancient rainforest, a haven for diverse wildlife.
The moist and cool environment of the rainforest is teeming with life. Keep your eyes peeled for the brightly colored wompoo fruit dove or the distinctive call of the noisy pitta. Watch your step as you clamber down mossy rocks, taking a moment to admire the beautiful rock orchids and colorful fungi clinging to the trees.
Upon reaching your destination, Riverside campground, reward yourself with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Apsley River. Relax under the shade of the she-oaks as you contemplate your adventure. Here, you have two choices: either take a break and wait for pickup, or, if you're still yearning for a challenge, return the same way you came.
Track Grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Tips
- If organising a car pick up from Riverside picnic area, access is for high clearance, low range 4WD vehicles (no SUVs). There's a gate at the park entrance which can be unlocked by an access code. Access codes will be provided in your booking confirmation email.
- Book online or call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757.
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 957 m
Min elevation: 260 m
Total climbing: 88 m
Total descent: -781 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Riverside Campground is in Macleay Gorge precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To get there follow Moona Plains Road from Walcha for 50kms. Road quality Check the weather before you set out as the road to Budds Mare campground can become boggy when it rains. Parking Parking is available at Budds Mare campground.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Immerse Yourself in Wild Beauty: Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, a World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest sanctuary near Armidale, stuns visitors with its dramatic gorges, magnificent waterfalls, and rare dry rainforests. Explore scenic drives along the Waterfall Way, or delve deeper with multi-day hikes like the Green Gully walk, offering overnight stays in heritage-listed stockman's huts. For a touch of luxury, stay at East Kunderang Homestead.
Camping, walking, paddling, picnicking, cycling, horse riding – Oxley Wild Rivers National Park caters to every outdoor enthusiast. Hike through diverse landscapes – wet and dry eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands, and heathlands. Keep an eye out for native flora like olive trees, lacebarks, and towering stinging trees.
Dramatic ridges, towering rock formations, and cascading waterfalls create a breathtaking backdrop for your exploration. Gaze upon the majestic Wollomombi Falls, the highest in New South Wales, or spot a wedge-tailed eagle soaring on the thermals.
Make the most of your Oxley Wild Rivers National Park adventure by checking the park website for current conditions, permits, and specific activity details.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.