Apsley Falls campground

When the modern world gets too much, you know it’s time to load up the campervan and head for the hills. Apsley Falls campground, on the western edge of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, is your ticket to serenity. This unique bush site, in northern NSW, is a world away from the city crowds. It’s the perfect bush stop on a driving holiday and a great base for walking and birdwatching.

Pitch your tent among a forest of stringybarks and white gums. As you settle in for your stay, keep an eye out for grey kangaroos and wallabies that often drop by for a visit. Make sure you bring your binoculars to spot some of the abundant birdlife in the area including crimson rosellas, red wattlebirds and thornbills.

Once you’ve set up camp, it’s time to explore the park. Take nearby Apsley Gorge Rim walking track, a short loop walk packed with scenic views of the rugged Apsley Gorge and main falls. If you’ve still got energy to burn, venture onto Oxley walking track, which traces the northern rim of the Apsley Gorge for spectacular views of both the main and lower falls.After a day of exploring, head back to the campsite for a barbecue feast. If you’re keen to see some wildlife after the sun sets, grab a torch; you may be lucky enough to see a platypus at dusk, or the elusive spotted-tailed quoll after night falls.