Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Take on the exhilarating Chandler walking track near Armidale, a challenging 3.5km hike in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. This Grade 5 trail rewards bushwalkers with panoramic vistas from Wollomombi Falls and Checks Lookout, and takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete. Traverse through lush woodland, keep an eye out for vibrant birdlife and marvel at the stunning gorges and valleys. Just remember, due to erosion, the track no longer reaches Chandler River.

Length:

3.5km

Duration:

1.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 957m

Min elevation: 701m

Total Ascent: 385m

Start: Wollomombi Falls Picnic Area

End: Wollomombi Falls Picnic Area

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Hillgrove

From state capital: 514km

Latitude: -30.531326007831986

Longitude: 152.0333951711655

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Hike overview

The Chandler walking track, located near Armidale in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, offers a rewarding challenge for hikers. This 3.5km grade 5 track takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete and provides stunning panoramic views from multiple lookouts.

Your journey begins at the Wollomombi Falls picnic area. From the Main Falls Lookout, witness the power and beauty of Wollomombi Falls cascading down into the gorge. The track winds through woodlands teeming with stringybarks and blackbutts, eventually leading to Checks Lookout. Here, be captivated by the breathtaking maze of gorges and valleys that unfolds before you.

Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of birdlife throughout your hike. The area is a haven for colorful honeyeaters and lorikeets. Soar alongside the majestic wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons as they effortlessly ride the thermals rising from the cliffs.

Important Note: Due to erosion, the track no longer reaches the Chandler River. However, the awe-inspiring views from Checks Lookout make this hike well worth your time.

Tips

Due to erosion, the track no longer reaches the Chandler River. However, the awe-inspiring views from Checks Lookout make this hike well worth your time.
The park is always open but may close due to weather.
Day use vehicle permits are required in specific areas.
Purchase online or by phone at 1300 072 757. Camping fees include permits.
The park protects some of Australia's best dry rainforest ecosystems.

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Chandler Walking Track (3.5km)

Total distance: 3451 m
Max elevation: 957 m
Min elevation: 701 m
Total climbing: 385 m
Total descent: -385 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

Located in the Wollomombi Falls precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, the Chandler walking track is easily accessible. Follow the signs from Waterfall Way between Armidale and Dorrigo. Ample parking is available at the Wollomombi Gorge and Falls picnic area, where your hike begins.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Armidale, Bendemeer, Dorrigo, Ebor, Gloucester, Guyra, Tamworth, Uralla, Walcha

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

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.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Oxley Wild Rivers National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Reviews
Chandler Walking Track (3.5km)

9 Reviews on “Chandler Walking Track (3.5km)”

Overall rating

Awildland

Such a spectacular spot. 🙌

29/05/2024, 07:06

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Trail Hiking Australia

This is a shortened version of the original track as it no longer reaches the Chandler River due to erosion.

27/05/2024, 09:46

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Acknowledgement of Country

Chandler walking track (3. 5km) trail hiking australia

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Chandler Walking Track (3.5km)