The Salisbury Waters walking track in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park offers a rewarding 16km (grade 4) challenge for those seeking breathtaking scenery and a taste of gorge bushwalking. This long day trek, taking roughly 7 hours to complete, is a fantastic way to explore the park's heart.
The track begins and ends at Dangars Falls picnic area. Prepare for a challenging yet scenic journey, rewarded with stunning lookouts showcasing the dramatic gorge country. Keep your eyes peeled for diverse wildlife and birdlife along the way. Look out for scrub wrens and white-throated tree creepers flitting amongst the dry gums and heath.
Optional detours from the McDirtys walking track lead to Mihi Falls and Sarum Lookout, offering picture-perfect backdrops for a well-deserved picnic lunch. As you descend, be awestruck by the unique dry rainforest blanketing the lower slopes. Finally, reach the refreshing reward – a crystal-clear pool nestled within the gorge, perfect for a cool swim after your trek. Soak in the breathtaking views from below before tackling the challenging 8km ascent back to Dangars Falls picnic area.
- Planning is crucial for this remote hike with no mobile reception.
- Allow ample time, factoring in the 8km descent, any detours, and the strenuous climb back up.
- Remember, safety is paramount. Be prepared and enjoy the adventure.
Total distance: 17320 m
Max elevation: 1002 m
Min elevation: 511 m
Total climbing: 1008 m
Total descent: -1008 m
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The Salisbury Waters walking track is located within the Dangars Gorge precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. This scenic location makes it a perfect destination for exploring the park's diverse landscapes.
For those driving from Armidale Post Office, navigating to the trailhead is straightforward. Simply head south on Faulkner Street. After traveling for roughly 1 kilometer, turn left onto Kentucky Street. Continue on this road for approximately 8 kilometers. Be sure to watch for the turnoff onto Dangarsleigh Road.
Take a right turn onto Dangarsleigh Road and follow it for a short distance until you see the turnoff for Dangars Falls Road. Remember, this is an unsealed road, so be prepared for slower travel. Continue on Dangars Falls Road for roughly 10 kilometers until you reach Dangars Falls.
The Salisbury Waters walking track conveniently begins and ends at the Dangars Falls picnic area. This is also where you'll find parking available for your challenging hike. Remember, as the road leading to the trailhead is unsealed, checking the weather forecast before your trip is highly recommended.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
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
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.
3 Reviews on “Salisbury Waters Walking Track (17km)”
Great walk.