Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1052m
Min elevation: 1019m
Total Ascent: 96m
Hike overview
Looking for a short and easy walk perfect for the whole family? Look no further than the Tia Falls walk in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. This 1.5km (grade 3) return trail offers breathtaking views of Tia Falls and Gorge, making it a delightful adventure for all ages. The walk should take approximately 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
The Tia Falls walk is specifically designed to be family-friendly. With only a few short, manageable inclines, it's ideal for families with young children. Starting from the carpark, the trail takes you along the eastern side of the gorge, passing through open stringybark forests.
As you progress along the trail, you'll be rewarded with two stunning viewpoints: Tia Falls lookout and Tia Gorge View lookout. These lookouts offer panoramic views of the cascading falls and the dramatic gorge itself, providing the perfect opportunity for a photo break and a chance to soak in the scenery.
Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. You might spot swamp wallabies, wallaroos, brightly colored crimson rosellas, or even the elusive jacky dragons basking in the sun. Remember, during the warmer months, it's important to be aware of brown and black snakes that may be basking on the trails.
The Tia Falls picnic area, located near the carpark, is a fantastic spot to enjoy a pre- or post-walk snack or lunch. This convenient location allows you to extend your visit and make a full day of exploring the beauty of Tia Falls.
Track grade
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.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1052 m
Min elevation: 1019 m
Total climbing: 96 m
Total descent: -95 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
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.
Planning checklists
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 there
Getting to the trailhead: Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
The Tia Falls walk is conveniently situated within the Tia Falls precinct of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. This makes it an easily accessible option for those traveling along the Oxley Highway.
If you’re driving from Walcha on the Oxley Highway, keep an eye out for the turn-off to Tia Falls, located approximately 19 kilometers past the Apsley Gorge turn-off. Once you see the sign, follow the unsealed road/trail for 7 kilometers until you reach the designated Tia Falls lookout and picnic area, which serves as the starting point for the walk.
Parking is readily available at the Tia Falls lookout and picnic area. This eliminates the hassle of searching for parking after your scenic drive and allows you to seamlessly begin your adventure on the Tia Falls walk.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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.
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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.





