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Wood We Create, Woodturning Gallery in all its splendor during the night. — Image credit: Wood We Create

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Wood We Create

Wood We Create woodturning gallery contains work from resident artist, David Barden, and other local and Australian artists, capturing the story of the timber in the designs. Creating one off original wood turned items for the discerning collector, a giving piece of nature for the environmentally conscious or a functional item for any home maker. Like the wood from which they evolve, each piece is original and unique. Crafted on site using the craftsmanship and artistic abilities of the creator, each item highlights the natural beauty and versatility of wood - enhancing the many colours, textures and uses of timber. You have the opportunity to not only watch these creations being made, but you can purchase a piece to take home with you.

Walcha NSW

0.3 km away

National Australia Bank building — Image credit: Walcha Tourism

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Historic Buildings Walking Tour

Walcha's Walking Tour of Historic Buildings adds richness and intrigue to a leisurely stroll through this picturesque New England township. As the oldest town and settlement in the region—first noted in 1818 by explorer John Oxley—Walcha carries its history in every street. Along the way, you'll encounter an inspiring blend of architectural character: stately basalt-stone churches, warm sandstock brick crafted locally, and the charm of weatherboard and slab-built structures that echo an earlier era. You can download the Walking Tour of Historic Buildings brochure or simply drop into the Walcha Visitor Information Centre to pick up a copy and begin your journey through time.

Walcha NSW

0.4 km away

Walcha Open Air Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Walcha Open Air Gallery

Highly regarded and renowned within the global art community, as well as being immensely enjoyed by proud locals and bewildered visitors alike, the Walcha Open Air Gallery adds an original dimension to the streetscape of Walcha. It currently consists of 58 sculptures and artworks by local, national and international artists. A free brochure and self-guide tour map are available from the Walcha Visitor Information Centre or can be downloaded from the Walcha tourism website.

Walcha NSW

0.4 km away

Walcha Gallery of Art

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Walcha Gallery of Art

Walcha Gallery of Art is a space in the heart of Walcha that showcases a collection of works by local and non-local artists. The Gallery's philosophy is to establish a space dedicated to good design – a place for artists to exhibit in a contemporary setting and sell their works to local and travelling clientele. On display you will find oils on canvas and paper, charcoals, sculpture, ceramics, porcelains and jewellery. The Gallery invites everyone to enjoy the artist elements on offer. Upstairs from the Gallery and situated next door to Café Graze is the Walcha Guesthouse. Walcha is a haven for visitors combining the attraction of the renowned Open Air Gallery with over 58 outdoor sculptures and public works, along with the natural beauty of the surrounding national parks with their walking tracks and waterfalls. Visit the historic town of Walcha on the crossroads to the scenic Thunderbolts Way and Oxley Highway.

Walcha NSW

0.4 km away

The Big Black Building

Shopping and Markets

thebigblackbuilding

thebigblackbuilding is a large rambling store of wares and items (big and small) from makers, creators, collectors and smiths. This unique store is joyfully nostalgic to peruse and a hot spot for finding truly unique wares, gadgets, signs, clothes and all things collectible and vintage. Situated in one of Walcha's original garages at the intersection of Thunderbolt's Way and Oxley Highway, the building is an icon of Walcha and is ideally situated for you to spend hours browsing through the treasures within.

Walcha NSW

0.5 km away

It's Not a Train Set

Agritourism

It's Not a Train Set

This incredible creation is something else! It combines an abstract and semi-abstract environment with a working model railway. A fully immersive, walk-in work of art and the world's only abstract model railway. It represents, through the use of graphics, symbols, scale models and structures, the influences of artists, architects and the places of residence of the creator. It's Not a Train Set has to be seen to be believed! A unique attraction - it presents the viewer an enclosed environment that redefines expectations.

Walcha NSW

0.5 km away

Walcha Sculpture Soundtrail — Image credit: Mathew Makeham

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Walcha Sculpture Soundtrail

The Walcha Sculpture Soundtrail is an immersive, audio experience that allows you to discover the Open Air Gallery of sculptures and artworks through audio stories on your smartphone. It is a rich weave of memories, voices, myths and archival footage. With original compositions, local voices, and world-class production - the Walcha Sculpture Soundtrail truly brings the sculptures to life. All you have to do is download the Soundtrails app onto your smartphone or iPad, then select Walcha Sculpture Soundtrail from the New England group of Soundtrails. You will then see yourself on a GPS map on the screen and can walk freely in and out of sound fields to hear the stories. It is best done with headphones or a Bluetooth speaker. You can also listen to the stories from home or anywhere in the world, just touch the pin icons on the map. It is a wonderful way to see and hear about some of the Open Air Gallery sculptures and other interesting stories from Walcha.

Walcha NSW

0.7 km away

Apsley Gorge Rim Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Gerhard Koetner

Natural Attractions

Apsley Gorge Rim Walking Track

The Apsley Gorge Rim walking track packs a lot of scenic views into one short walk. With waterfalls and rugged ravines, you’ll be spoilt for scenic views of this dramatic falls country in the Northern Tablelands. Perfect for wildlife and birdwatching, look for brush-tailed rock wallabies as you gaze across upper Apsley Gorge. Circling above, you may be lucky and see a wedge-tailed eagle cruising the thermals or even a peregrine falcon nesting on the distant rocky outcrops. Head back for lunch at the Apsley Falls picnic area, before getting back on the road. If you’re in no hurry, you can stay overnight at the Apsley Falls campground.

Walcha NSW

18 km away

Oxley Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Gerhard Koertner

Natural Attractions

Oxley Walking Track

If you love scenic views and wildlife, the easy Oxley walking track traces the northern rim of the Apsley Gorge. With waterfall views from every angle, it makes a perfect day outing or a great spot for a break on a road trip. You’ll wander through cliff top woodlands of snow gums and New England stringybark before crossing the Apsley River; look for platypus paddling past or water dragons sunning themselves on the rocks. Gazing over the dramatic gorge country from one of the four lookouts, keep your eyes peeled for brush-tailed rock wallabies, with their distinct white cheek stripe. The view from Lower Falls lookout is not to be missed and a great spot for a break. When you’re ready for lunch there are great facilities at the Apsley Falls picnic area.

Walcha NSW

18 km away

Apsley Falls picnic area

Natural Attractions

Apsley Falls picnic area

Apsley Falls picnic area is perched on the edge of the Great Escarpment, with impressive views of upper Apsley Gorge. It’s just off the Oxley Highway, making it an ideal pit stop on a road trip. As you pile out of the car, breathe in that clean mountain air and inhale the scent of the eucalypts. Apsley Gorge is spectacular after heavy rains as water cascades over the steep cliffs filling the air with mist. The gorge country is the traditional lands of the Dunghutti people and their history is as dramatic as the rugged landscape around you. Picnic under the snow gums and stringybarks, then if you’re feeling like a walk, there’s Apsley Gorge Rim walking track or the Oxley walking track to chose from. If you want to explore more, you can always stay overnight at the Apsley Falls campground.

Walcha NSW

18 km away

Apsley Falls, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park — Image credit: Walcha Tourism

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Apsley Falls Soundtrail

Apsley Falls offers some of the most remarkable scenery in Eastern Australia, where untouched wilderness meets undulating farmland. The Apsley Falls Soundtrail is an immersive, audio experience that allows you to discover the local stories and historical, cultural and geographical significance of the area via your smartphone. Using GPS technology, the stories are delivered as you make your way along the trail via an interactive app, suitable for most mobile devices. The original compositions, local voices, and world class production truly bring places and their stories to life. Ensure you download the free Soundtrails app whilst in a good mobile service area. Take a walk along the Apsley gorge rim with scientists, artists, elders and rangers, as you journey beyond the breathtaking views of Apsley Falls and Gorge and into the deeper layers of meaning held in the rocks and waterways.

Walcha NSW

19 km away

Tia Falls Lookout and Picnic Area — Image credit: Photo: Gerhard Koertner

Natural Attractions

Tia Falls Lookout and Picnic Area

A picturesque picnic spot, just off Oxley Highway, makes Tia Falls lookout and picnic area an ideal stop over on a long drive. Located on the south western edge of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, it’s a great introduction to the rugged wilderness of the gorge country. Check out the beautiful scenic view from Tia Falls lookout. The kids will love the waterfall, especially after big rains, which is when you might see rainbows. Unroll the picnic blanket or spark up the barbecue for a lunch under the trees. If you feel like stretching your legs, there are plenty of options to suit all the family, including the easy Tia Falls walk, which offers a closer view of the falls, or the longer Tiara walking track.

Yarrowitch NSW

32 km away

Tia Falls picnic area

Natural Attractions

Tia Falls picnic area

A picturesque picnic spot, just off Oxley Highway, makes Tia Falls picnic area an ideal stop over on a long drive. Located on the south western edge of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, it's a great introduction to the rugged wilderness of the gorge country. Unroll the picnic blanket or spark up the barbecue for a lunch under the trees. Check out the beautiful scenic view from Tia Falls lookout nearby. The kids will love the waterfall, especially after big rains, which is when you might see rainbows. If you feel like stretching your legs, there are plenty of options to suit all the family, including the easy Tia Falls walk, which offers a closer view of the falls, or the longer Tiara walking track.

Walcha NSW

32 km away

Tia Falls Walk — Image credit: Photo: Gerhard Koertner

Natural Attractions

Tia Falls Walk

Tia Falls walk offers the easiest and best views of beautiful Tia Falls and Tia Gorge. It’s a short and easy walk, so a good one for walking with children. Tia Falls walk starts from Tia Falls lookout and picnic area, a good place to enjoy a picnic before or after your walk.

Yarrowitch NSW

32 km away

Tiara Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Gerhard Koertner/NSW Government.

Natural Attractions

Tiara Walking Track

For spectacular views to clear the head and energise the senses, Tiara walking track will get your heart pumping. Setting out from Tia Falls lookout and picnic area, it’s an excellent introduction to the fascinating natural worlds within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. While crossing Tia River, look for platypus paddling by in the crystal clear waters. Following the western ridge, the medium track passes through grassy woodlands and dry gum forests. You might be lucky and glimpse a koala in the branches of a nearby gum. Brush-tailed rock wallabies can sometimes be seen, hanging out in the rocky outcrops. In the dry rainforest, rock orchids cling to trunks of scentless rosewood and native olive trees. There’s an optional detour to Tiara View lookout with a panoramic vista across the river gouged valleys. Continuing along the track to Tiara lookout, take a moment to soak in the spectacular views over the gorge country.

Yarrowitch NSW

32 km away

Deeargee Woolshed

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Deeargee Woolshed

Originally part of Gostwyck Station, Deeargee Station and its unique octagonal woolshed gained their name from the old Gostwyck wool brand, DRG, which stood for "Dangar, Gostwyck". The woolshed was built in 1872 replacing an earlier shearing shed that had been destroyed by fire. Designed and erected by Alexander Mitchell, who also built McCrossin's Mill in Uralla, the woolshed is erected on brick pillars with successive roofs of galvanised iron. The side walls contain large amounts of glass. The woolshed has all facilities required for shearing, pressing, bailing, sorting and other operations. It even has a lightning conductor. The Deeargee Woolshed is still in use today and, although not open to visitors, it is easily viewed from the roadside. Today the Gostwyck and Deeargee properties are known for producing some of Australia's finest wool. Both are 11 kilometres from Uralla on the Gostwyck Road.

Uralla NSW

32 km away

Uralla Heritage Walk: Find Charm in Uralla

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Uralla Heritage Walk: Find Charm in Uralla

The Uralla Heritage Walk is a self-guided walking (or listening) tour which showcases more than fifty heritage buildings and historical features within the township. Highlights of the walk include McCrossin's Mill Museum, a three storey brick and granite flour mill built in 1870, which now houses a multi-award winning museum, and the "Heart Stone", a heart-shaped basalt rock embedded in a retaining wall as a memorial to the stonemason's beloved. The Heritage Walk takes one to two hours, depending on the level of interest. A printed Heritage Walk guide is available from the Visitor Information Centre, which includes a map of the walk and a short history of each building. The Heritage Guide can also be viewed online and accompanied by the Soundtrail which will guide you along.

Uralla NSW

32 km away

Thunderbolts Rock

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Thunderbolts Rock

Thunderbolt's Rock is a time-worn cluster of granite boulders located just six kilometres south of Uralla on the New England Highway. Originally known as Split Rock, the boulders afforded gentleman bushranger Frederick Wordsworth Ward, better known as Captain Thunderbolt, the perfect vantage point for monitoring the approach of unwary mail coaches. He first visited the site in 1863 when, after a daring escape from Sydney's notorious Cockatoo Island prison, he and fellow escapee, Fred Britten, used the rock as a hideout. They were surprised by passing troopers while lying in wait at the rock to bail up an approaching mailman. Thunderbolt was shot in the knee during the fiery exchange of gunshots that ensued. You can drive up and park at the 'Rock' and quickly understand the use of the cluster of boulders both to hide behind and for sighting mail coaches travelling along the highway, through what was then beautiful timbered country. Visible in the distance to the west is a line of trees marking the course of Kentucky Creek where Thunderbolt was shot and killed by Constable Alexander Walker in 1870.

Kentucky NSW

32 km away

Dangar's Lagoon and Racecourse Lagoon

National Parks and Reserves

Dangar's Lagoon and Racecourse Lagoon

Dangars Lagoon is situated approximately four kilometres south of Uralla along Thunderbolt's Way. During wet seasons, large numbers of water birds can be observed from the bird hide, located at the southern end of the lagoon. Although water levels at the lagoon vary dramatically from season to season, there are many varieties of birds that call the lagoon home. Racecourse Lagoon is located three kilometres south-west of Uralla and is accessible from Plane Avenue. The Aniwan people lived at Racecourse Lagoon as it provided a source of food and a place for religious ceremonies. It is a breeding, nesting, and feeding site for birds, and it provides a refuge for other animals in times of drought. The site is protected as Endangered Ecological Communities under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act. Racecourse Lagoon is a beautiful place for picnicking, walking, bird watching, nature study, and for photography.

Uralla NSW

35 km away

Budds Mare to Riverside Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Rob Cleary/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Budds Mare to Riverside Walking Track

A great walk for those looking for a challenging hike through the heart of the World Heritage-listed Macleay wilderness. Don’t forget your binoculars as Budds Mare to Riverside walking track offers a rare opportunity for wildlife spotting and birdwatching in unspoilt bushland. Following the track through heathlands and tall gums, keep an eye out for crimson rosellas and brush turkeys. Descending steeply the forest closes in and eucalypts give way to a shaded canopy of sassafrass and coachwood. In the moist cool of the ancient rainforest, you might see the vibrant wompoo fruit dove or noisy pitta. Look for the beautiful rock orchids and coloured funghis as you clamber down the mossy rocks. At Riverside campground, cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal waters of Apsley River. Take a break under the shade of the she-oaks while you wait for your pickup or, if you’re hungry for more bushwalking, return the same way.

Walcha NSW

36 km away

Budds Mare lookout

Natural Attractions

Budds Mare lookout

Budds Mare lookout is a well-equipped picnic area set in beautiful bushland above the Apsley River Valley. There are wonderful views from the lookout across the World Heritage-listed rainforest and over the Apsley River. You’ll be able to see across the gorge to Paradise Rocks, and further north to Round Mountain and Point Lookout. You can access the campground from here as well as the walking track down the ridge to the Riverside visitor area. The track is steep and this is considered a hard return walk of 14km, taking about three hours each way, so if you’re planning to walk the track set off early and prepare well with food, water and first aid supplies.

Walcha NSW

37 km away

Constellation Sculptures

Natural Attractions

The Glen and Constellations of the South Sculpture Park

Located at the northern entrance to Uralla, the Glen is a picturesque park providing a quiet, shady rest area for travellers. The Glen also boasts the Constellations of the South Sculpture Park - a set of eight astrological sculptures on giant monoliths representing several significant constellations evident in our southern night sky. These encircle the centralised figure of the Stargazer and the Spire, whose gaze aligns with the Southern celestial pole. With little interfering ambient light and open visibility, Uralla is a perfect location to be amazed by the wonders of the night skies. The Glen also hosts the Constellations of the South Park Run event each Saturday from 8.00am. Stay active and enjoy a social morning with locals and other visiting park runners before heading into the many cafe's and shops offering a very cosmopolitan weekend experience.

Uralla NSW

37 km away

McDirtys Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: J Lehmann

Natural Attractions

McDirtys Walking Track

If you like to combine wildlife, waterfalls and birdwatching with an energetic trek, then try the McDirtys walking track. Following the gorge ridge, you can see impressive views of falls country of the northern section of the World Heritage-listed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park from a number of lookouts. At the lookout directly above Dangar Falls, you’ll be spritzed by crystal clear mist after a heavy downpour. Passing heathlands and dry gums, look for eastern grey kangaroos relaxing in the shade, as well as scrub wrens, treecreepers and crimson rosellas. From the spectacular Rock Wallaby lookout, you’ll see unending scenic views of the deep river gouged ravines. Keep your eye out for the rare gorge wattle that clings to the steep cliffs. Soak up the big open spaces over a packed lunch at any of the lookouts or head back to Dangar Falls picnic area.

Dangarsleigh NSW

37 km away

Salisbury Waters Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Rob Cleary

Natural Attractions

Salisbury Waters Walking Track

If you’re ready for a walk that combines excellent views with a challenging workout, put on your hiking boots and head for the Salisbury Waters walking track. An excellent introduction to gorge bushwalking, this long trek is brilliant for wildlife and birdwatching with the option of overnight camping in the bush. Veering off the McDirtys walking track, there’s optional detours to Mihi Falls and Sarum lookout, making perfect backdrops for a picnic lunch. Look for the scrub wrens and white throated tree creepers amongst the dry gums and heath. The last leg of this journey involves a steep descent, where you’ll get the chance to see the unique dry rainforest up close. Cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal clear pool while you take in the breathtaking views of the gorges from the ground up.

Mihi NSW

37 km away

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