Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
 
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park Oxley Wild Rivers National Park Oxley Wild Rivers National Park Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

The new England Region, and in particular Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, is famous for its waterfalls. Erosion over millions of years, when Australia lay further south in a much wetter climate, has produced spectacular gorges. The Apsley River Gorge cuts back into the tableland approximately 60km from the Macleay River junction. Different rock rypes found across this region resulted in the formation of diffferent shaped waterfalls. Waterfalls on the same rock type have a similiar appearance.
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park Oxley Wild Rivers National Park Oxley Wild Rivers National Park Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

The waterfalls are a spiritual place for aborigina. people. It is believed the 'rainbow serpent' created this dramatic gorge in the Dreamtime. A rainbow often appears in the mist generated when the falls are in flood.
On the 15th September 1818 the explorer John Oxley recorded the grandeur of the falls while trying to find a route from the tablelands to the coast. He named the river after Lord Apsley who was the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park Oxley Wild Rivers National Park Oxley Wild Rivers National Park Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

The sheer-sided walls of the gorge are made of slate which under immense pressure has split forming vertical cleavage planes. The upper falls are about 65m high. The spectacular lower falls can be viewed from the Oxley Walk accessed by crossing the footbridge upstream from here.
The Apsley River winds east then north draining the southern end of the rugged Macleay Gorges Wilderness Area. The Apsley River joins the Macleay River which enters the Pacific Ocean at South West Rocks.

Source: onsite information board