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 vistas 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.
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.
- 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.
Total distance: 3451 m
Max elevation: 957 m
Min elevation: 701 m
Total climbing: 385 m
Total descent: -385 m
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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.
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.
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.
2 Reviews on “Chandler Walking Track (3.5km)”
Such a spectacular spot. 🙌
This is a shortened version of the original track as it no longer reaches the Chandler River due to erosion.