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.
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.
- 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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Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
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 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.
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.
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3 Reviews on “Salisbury Waters Walking Track (17km)”
Great walk.