NEW ENGLAND'S WILD HEART

MASSIVE GORGES, WILD RIVERS AND FORESTS ENSURE GONDWANA-REMNANT OXLEY WILD RIVERS NATIONAL PARK REMAINS A PRISTINE AND MAGNIFICENT NATURAL WORLD, IMMUNE TO MODERN DEVELOPMENT

- KEV SMITH

THE New England plateau was formed millions of years ago when there was a massive upheaval along the coast by mega volcanoes, including the nearby Ebor Volcano. In the process this created fertile farmlands, steep rugged valleys and separate micro systems. One area of particular interest is the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, which covers more than 145,000 hectares of some of the most beautiful yet inaccessible areas in NSW.

Situated 500km north of Sydney, it's a great place to explore and get back to basics, with simple camp options whether in a 4WD or 2WD. Today, it's a protected National Park that was heritage-listed in 2007 due to its significance with dry rainforest areas, its rich bio-diversity and for being part of the Gondwana Rainforest area of Australia that links it to other parts of the world.

Due to the area's ruggedness, there are a few ways into the park, with many special features for both four-wheel drivers and soft-roaders. For those in an AWD, you can skip around the park's outskirts, where there are waterfalls and easier areas to camp.

FAST FIVE FACTS

1 OXLEY WILD RIVERS NATIONAL PARK

Near Armidale in the NSW New England region you’ll find the awesome Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. This is a World Heritage-Listed region containing Gondwana rainforest, dramatic gorges and spectacular waterfalls. This largely untouched natural beauty offers walking trails, hiking, camping, bike or horse riding, and fishing. For more information, visit: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

FAST FIVE FACTS

2 CAMPING AND PICNICKING