Tia Falls Campground – Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Experience the raw, dramatic beauty of Australia’s gorge country with a stay at the magnificent Tia Falls campground. Located in the World Heritage-listed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, this beautiful and accessible campground places you on the edge of one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the New England region. The campground is a peaceful and spacious grassy area, set amongst a forest of stringybark and blackbutt trees, providing a serene base for families, hikers, and nature lovers. It’s suitable for all types of self-sufficient campers, from tents to caravans, and offers a wonderfully comfortable bush experience.

The main attraction is, without a doubt, the breathtaking Tia Falls. A short and easy walk from the campground leads to a series of viewing platforms that offer jaw-dropping views as the Tia River plunges over 80 metres into the immense gorge below. For the more adventurous, the Tia Falls walk is a challenging track that descends into the gorge, offering a different perspective of the falls and the rugged, ancient landscape. The campground itself is exceptionally well-facilitated for a national park setting, with clean non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and free gas barbecues, making for a very convenient stay. The area is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and a rich diversity of birdlife, including peregrine falcons, often spotted soaring above the gorge. For an unforgettable high-country adventure that combines easy access, fantastic facilities, and world-class scenery, Tia Falls campground is a top-tier destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -31.16024, 151.85349

Site Information

• Location: Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, east of Walcha.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally 2WD accessible with care.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: 10 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, gas/electric barbecues, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited at the campground, better at the lookouts.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Prohibited. Use of provided gas barbecues only.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 10 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Sturdy hiking shoes for the gorge walk.
• Binoculars for birdwatching and spotting wildlife in the gorge.
• Warm clothing, as the high altitude means nights are cold.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: A primary hiking destination with the Tia Falls walk and lookout tracks starting here.

Local Amenities (in Walcha)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Apsley Arms Hotel, Walcha (~40 km)
  • Walcha Royal Cafe & Accommodation (~40 km)
  • Commercial Hotel Walcha (~40 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A good selection of cafes, bakeries, and hotel restaurants in Walcha (~40 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The spectacular Apsley Falls (in the same National Park) (~20 km)
  • Walcha Open Air Gallery of Sculptures (~40 km)
  • The historic town of Walcha (~40 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Walcha Caravan Park (~40 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Woolloms Rest Area, Oxley Hwy (~30 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Walcha Showground (~41 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Walcha (~40 km). Arrive with a full tank.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Walcha. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Walcha (~40 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: New England High Country / Gorge Country

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot days with cool nights, often with afternoon thunderstorms. The falls are often at their best. Average temperatures from 15°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and crisp, cold nights. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 7°C to 22°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts and occasional snow. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 0°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cool to mild days that can be windy. The landscape is covered in wildflowers. Temperatures range from 6°C to 22°C.