The Cassinia walk, in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, New South Wales, is a perfect choice for families or those seeking a leisurely stroll. This easy 1.5km (grade 3) hike takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and offers a delightful variety of landscapes.
Starting from the Long Point picnic area, perched on the edge of the Great Escarpment, the Cassinia walking track introduces you to a diverse range of ecosystems. Immerse yourself in the beauty of dry rainforest with its unique flora. Look for vines and orchids clinging to the trunks of rose wood and flame trees. Keep your ears peeled for the soft call of the wonga pigeon or the unmistakable song of the eastern whipbird.
The highlight of the Cassinia walk is undoubtedly the breathtaking panorama of the Macleay Gorge wilderness area, a World Heritage Site. Take in the grandeur of the river-carved ravines and the lush, tree-lined valleys. This scenic lookout is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty. If you prefer a more developed setting, you can return to the Long Point campground and picnic area to unwind and enjoy a barbecue after your refreshing walk.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 1476 m
Max elevation: 1037 m
Min elevation: 980 m
Total climbing: 67 m
Total descent: -67 m
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Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
The Cassinia Walk is nestled within the northern precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. It conveniently starts and ends at the Long Point campground and picnic area. If you’re driving from Armidale, navigate east on Waterfall Way for roughly 32 kilometers. Be sure to watch for the turnoff to Hillgrove along the way. Once you’ve arrived in Hillgrove, continue south for another 17 kilometers. This will lead you directly to the Long Point campground, which serves as the starting point for the Cassinia Walk.
Remember, weather conditions can significantly impact the road leading to the trailhead. Heavy rain can make the road boggy, so checking the forecast before your trip is highly recommended.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Armidale, Bendemeer, Dorrigo, Ebor, Gloucester, Guyra, Tamworth, Uralla, Walcha
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Oxley Wild Rivers National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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