Where wild rivers run

Walcha Shire, south of Armidale, is one of the richest grazing areas in Australia, producing fat lambs, beef cattle and some of the finest wool in the world. Its timber industry is well entrenched in the history of the town with its hardwood and softwood plantations.

Walcha is the southern gateway to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. This World Heritage area is home to many natural wonders including Apsley Falls, Tia Falls, Stoney Creek Falls, Budds Mare and Riverside picnic and camping area. Most of these icons have free barbeques, viewing platforms, picnic and camping grounds and toilet facilities. All national parks are accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles except for Riverside, which is four-wheel drive, and is the only vehicular access into wilderness in NSW.

World Heritage Listed Werrikimbe National Park has Cobcroft rest area where visitors can experience a 1 hour round trip walking track, to view the majestic old-growth eucalyptus trees and rainforest. Mooraback rest area has camping facilities where platypus and large populations of kangaroos may be seen. Whilst visiting the park, be sure not to miss Youdales Hut. Both Youdales Hut and Riverside can only be accessed with a key from National Parks in Walcha (ph: 6777 1400) or Apsley Motors (ph: 6777 2755). Access to Youdales Hut is four-wheel drive.

Four-wheel drive enthusiasts can enjoy the huge area of state forests, with many kilometres of gravel roads winding between massive eucalypt trees. Watch for wombats, echidnas and koalas among other flora and fauna.

Aboriginal culture has been preserved and continues through the Amaroo Aboriginal Museum and Cultural Centre. Here you can see a unique display of indigenous artifacts and if you're interested in traditional design with contemporary flair, there is locally-designed clothing, homewares, jewellery, artworks and gifts. The museum is open Monday to Friday. The original police constable's cottage and a pioneer hut compose Walcha's Pioneer Cottage and Historical Museum. Presented as they would have appeared two centuries ago, a visit to the museum is like stepping back in time. The museum also features an Aboriginal carved tree trunk and a Tiger Moth aeroplane, the first used in Australia for aerial spreading of super phosphate.

Walcha is also renowned for the crystal clear trout fishing streams available to anglers. Both the Cobrabald and the MacDonald Rivers are stocked annually and it's from these rivers and tributaries that colourful rainbow and brown trout are lured to the hook in fishing season. Fishing permits are available at Apsley Motors and be sure to pick up a fishing brochure for contact names and phone numbers of private landholders for advice on where these elusive fish can be caught.

Walcha has numerous bed and breakfasts, tranquil farmstays, superb restaurants and historic country pubs. There is an 18-hole golf course, bowling and RSL club, two motels and a caravan park which offers all facilities. Walcha's warm country hospitality is the towns pride and joy.